During the Republican National Convention this week what was not said drew more ire from some than what was said. Ted Cruz might have been arranged by divine, tongue-in-cheek intervention.
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“He’s self-centered. It’s all about Ted Cruz”.
A man who’s gaining in the polls should also have more people saying they’re more likely to vote for him now than less likely, right?
At a press conference that was supposed to be an opportunity for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to thank convention organizers and staff, the newly-minted GOP standard bearer devoted much of his time talking about former campaign rival U.S. Sen.
The boos and chants for Cruz to endorse Trump may have started in front with the NY delegation, which Cruz broke off from his speech to taunt, but it was heard all over the hall. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever, I assume all want an honest, trustworthy president who will uphold the Constitution. “That is the standard we should expect, from everybody”. Emotions prevail, reason is suspended, judgment often clouded by biases, issues are eclipsed by personalities, and sound principles are trumped by identity politics.
As in: “And to those listening, please, don’t stay home in November”. This time it was all about the NY delegation’s booing the second-best vote-getting Republican primary candidate for asking citizens to “vote your conscience”.
Trump said he watched on television from NY as his oldest son Donald Jr., 38, cast the vote on Tuesday that officially granted him the Republican nomination, capping an unconventional campaign for the real-estate developer and former reality television show star.
While Cotton didn’t mention Trump’s name in his breakfast speech Monday, he railed against her. It was not to be.
By now, the delegates knew what was happening. His supporters erupted in a chorus of boos. According to his biography, Trumps’ VP candidate joined The Grace Catholic Church in 1995, and then has started to describe himself as a Christian, conservative, and republican figure.
No, Cruz didn’t have to; there are plenty of other people to do that. I could understand it. “We told him to get lost, to get out”, Erik Laykin, a delegate from Los Angeles, said. What Cruz said was justifiable and principled.
Cruz’s speech reflected the views of his mega-donors, who tend to be more libertarian than the conservative views of the average American. Before the convention, nearly two-thirds of Republicans had a positive image of him.
The Cruzites were angry, too.
Even though Trump promised a different and more entertaining convention this year, it was a lackluster event.
Also, this wasn’t Trump’s convention. “We’re going to walk away” from the presidential campaign, Coletto said. Donald Trump was a Democrat most of his life. Why is it okay for Trump to renege on his pledge because he wants to be president but not okay for Cruz because he wants to defend his values?
Lancaster County GOP chairman Dave Dumeyer, a delegate who cast his convention vote for Trump, said he thought drama was quick and a bit overblown. The party faithful don’t see it that way.
Maybe Cruz’s move was cynical, calculated to set him up to be a leader in rebuilding the party after Trump flames out in November – if Trump flames out in November.
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Many Republicans aren’t for Trump; they’re against Hillary. Whatever his motivation, Cruz managed to distinguish himself. He specializes in domestic policy, including energy, the environment, legal affairs and public health.
