CLEVELAND — Sen. Ted Cruz on Wednesday night avoided making an explicit endorsement for Donald Trump as president, prompting the GOP nominee’s supporters to boo the Texan as he exited the stage.
“I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night,” Cruz said. “And like each of you, I want to see the principles that our party believes prevail in November.”
Cruz did not go any further in offering an endorsement, instead speaking in broad strokes about constitutional conservative principles.
Toward the end of his speech, Cruz said, “And to those listening, please, don’t stay home in November. If you love your country and you love your children as much as I know that you do, stand and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution.”
His lack of a direct endorsement prompted delegates to offer a mix of boos, cheers, and chants of “We want Trump!” — reopening wounds from a primary fight that Republicans hoped his appearance would help heal.
Before moving on with his speech, Cruz sought to break up the tumult with a comment directed at the boisterous New York Republicans.
“I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation,” Cruz said.
During the campaign, Cruz initially had spent months on the campaign trail praising Trump, as it became clear the two would become top competitors in the GOP primary. After Trump hurled accusations at Cruz — including linking Cruz’s father to President Kennedy’s assassin — the relationship noticeably frayed.
