The prime-time program for day three of the Republican National Convention begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
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Inside the convention arena, Cruz heard lots of boos when he finished his speech without explicitly endorsing Trump. “It was very disappointing”, said California delegate Marion Ashley.
Instead, Cruz said: “To those listening, don’t stay home in November”.
According to the source, by letting the Texas senator speak anyway it made Trump look like the “bigger man here” as Cruz reneged on the party pledge all candidates had signed to support the eventual GOP nominee.
Some marches continued Tuesday night, and Cleveland police chief Calvin Williams was one of several officers who helped disperse what he called an unlawful gathering blocking a city street.
The gulf between Pence’s hearty embrace of Trump and Cruz’s reluctance is emblematic of the turmoil still roiling the GOP.
Cruz is eager to be seen as the face of the modern conservative movement should there be an open GOP field in four years, and he said Wednesday afternoon he was unsure what the future would bring.
“He’s a man known for his large personality, his colorful style, and his charisma – and, well, I guess he was looking for someone to balance the ticket”, Pence said, laughing.
Cruz, who as a Tea Party conservative in the US Senate spearheaded tactics that led to a government shutdown over the federal budget, called the NY real estate developer a “serial philanderer” and a “narcissist” during the campaign. Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk one night who chose to go kill some Americans? He said his father is the one candidate for president “who does not need this job”.
Eighteen people were arrested as protesters tried to set fire to American flags, police said.
Cruz halted his campaign two months ago, having outlasted all but Trump in a field that once numbered 17 candidates.
Another Trump rival vanquished in the race for the party nomination, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, spoke by video and praised Trump for his commitments to safeguarding national security, lowering taxes and appointing conservative Supreme Court justices.
“After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting is over”, he said. “I’m convinced America is going to come back too”. “It’s time to win in November”.
After his opening remarks, Cruz launched into speech that sounded as much like it could be a speech for his own renewed White House effort in 2020 as an endorsement of the 2016 nominee.
In a statement issued by the campaign, McIver said Mrs. Trump had told her that she admired Mrs. Obama, and had read passages from Obama’s speech as an example of things she liked.
“Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience”, he said. “Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution”.
Earlier in the day, Cruz had signaled that he would not unify behind Trump just for the sake of Republican Party unity.
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Though not attributing the policies to Trump, Cruz said the United States deserves an immigration system that “puts America first. And yes, builds a wall to keep us safe”. Trump’s home state NY, where Cruz earned no friends by disparaging “New York values” during the campaign, chanted “endorse Trump!” toward the end of Cruz’s address, when it became clear the senator had no direct intention of doing so.
