The drama did not prevent Trump’s vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, from receiving a raucous welcome inside the convention hall.
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“Our party now has a nominee”, he told a group of supporters at an outdoor rally as Trump’s jet simultaneously flew by overhead, prompting extended boos from the crowd.
Sen. Ted Cruz avoided endorsing Donald Trump before telling RNC convention-goers: “We?re fighting, not for one particular candidate or one campaign, but because each of us wants to be able to tell our kids and grandkids…that we did our best for their future”.
Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, also referred to Israel and Jewish people in a speech warning at length about the dangers of a terror attack by weapons of mass destruction on an American city.
The incident, as well as an earlier unsuccessful effort by Cruz supporters, including former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, and others to unbind the delegates was evidence that Trump has yet to unify the party behind his candidacy. Trump tweeted, referring to the pledge all 17 Republican candidates took to endorse the eventual nominee, whoever he or she would be.
Had Cruz never mentioned voting at all, he likely would have finished up without provoking the response. Mr Trump, who was stone-faced and clearly angry, egged on the delegates by pumping his fist.
Trump himself declared Cruz’s move “no big deal!” in a late-night Twitter post Wednesday.
While Pence is expected to stress unity within the party amid the night’s theme to “Make America First Again”, Cruz made headlines before he even took the stage.
“I am deeply humbled by your confidence, and on behalf of my family here and gone, I accept your nomination to run and serve as Vice President of the United States of America”, Pence told the crowd.
Republicans vow that in a Trump administration, the USA will reclaim its historic role in the world.
Cruz stole the spotlight Wednesday night when he refused to endorse Trump during his prime-time speech.
Radio host Laura Ingraham and oil executive Harold Hamm also are scheduled to speak.
For a third straight night, the crowd repeatedly chanted, “Lock her up”. “If you want a president who will restore law and order to the country and give law enforcement the support and resources they deserve…If you want a president who will upend the status quo in Washington D.C. and appoint justices to the Supreme Court who will uphold the Constitution, we have but one choice: and that man is ready”.
Describing Donald Trump as an ‘incredible parent, ‘ Ivanka Trump complimented her dad’s sense of humor and his authenticity.
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Rubio spoke via video, focusing most of his time on attacking Clinton. Pence, officially nominated as the GOP Vice Presidential candidate Tuesday, accepted the nomination and says Donald Trump will bring strong leadership to the White House. Turns out, he’s just as fond of name-calling as Donald is. “Chip in now to make sure he never steps foot in the Oval Office”.
