Informing delegates unfamiliar with him that he is a “Christian, conservative and Republican, in that order”, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence accepted the vice presidential nomination under Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention. When it became apparent that Cruz wasn’t going to endorse Trump – instead imploring the audience to “vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust” – the crowd became angry. In beginning his remarks today, he said, “I recognize there are some folks here and elsewhere at the convention who are not happy with me”. Mr Cruz did congratulate Mr Trump but urged delegates to “vote your conscience”, a slogan that has been associated with the Never Trump movement within the party.
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In an interview with the New York Times, Trump made it crystal clear: He is unsafe – to America, and to its allies.
As the arena was blowing up with chants, Trump himself entered the VIP session, provoking boisterous cheers – and stepping on the final lines of Cruz’s speech. Cruz barked back that while he will not trash-talk Trump, he won’t “sit down, shut up, support the team” or be a “servile puppy dog” to someone who launched personal attacks against his family during the primary season. [President] Reagan gave a powerful speech 40 years ago where he said the Republican Party is not a fraternal order. In 2008, Michelle said: “And Barack Obama and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generations”. “And like each of you, I want to see the principles that our party believes prevail in November”, he noted.
“I intend, like a voter, like all of us, just to listen and make the best judgment I can”, said Cruz.
While many in the room on Thursday supported Cruz’s stand, others were deeply disappointed.
As the unrest grew, Donald Trump suddenly appeared high above the convention floor, and the booing turned to cheering.
Cruz noted that he had specifically told Trump over the phone earlier this week that he would not endorse him and had submitted his speech for approval by the nominee’s campaign.
Cruz was one of three former Trump rivals for the nomination to address the convention on Wednesday.
Republicans will hear from their presidential nominee tonight.
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“I assume the Trump campaign wanted me to speak”, said Cruz.
