[Thur update below] During the primaries, Trump smeared Cruz’s wife and strongly suggested his father was involved in the assassination of Kennedy (PolitiFact gave this a “pants on fire”), and constantly called Cruz “Lyin’ Ted.” In return, Cruz identified Trump as “A narcissist at a level I don’t think this country has ever seen,” a “pathological liar” and “utterly amoral.”
Cruz had never endorsed Trump, but apparently Trump thought he didn’t have the guts to speak at his convention and not endorse. He was wrong. Cruz got this one right, as very few Republicans have. Toward the end of his 23-minute speech, Cruz said, “We deserve leaders who stand for principle, who unite us all behind shared values, who cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect from everybody.”
Then, making it clear Trump was no such leader, he said, “Vote for Trump your conscience.” That’s been the slogan of the GOP’s AnyoneButTrump movement (Free the Delegates) for the last couple of months. His message was crystal clear.
Trump dropped 3% in the British presidential betting market as soon as England got out of bed.
This drama followed negotiations between the two campaigns and Republican officials, as well as a phone call between the candidates themselves. The speaking slot was one element of an agreement that prevented Cruz’s name from being placed into nomination during the roll call of the states on Tuesday night. (Time)
The boos for the Texan rang long and loud. Two Trump sources told TIME the outburst was orchestrated by the campaign after they were tipped off that Cruz would withhold the endorsement.
Jason Johnson, Cruz’s chief strategist for his 2016 campaign, tweeted that Cruz gave Trump notice he wouldn’t be endorsing him. “Cruz told Trump directly two days ago,” he said.
Looks like Mr. Art-of-the-Deal made one heck of a stupid deal.
Thur, July 21, 2016. Cruz explains: “”I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father.” It’s also now being noted that Cruz clearly believes Trump will lose.
