Video: Trump's Texas Allies Hammer Ted Cruz For Non-Endorsement
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Donald Trump's allies are pummeling Ted Cruz for refusing to endorse his former rival for the Republican presidential nomination.
Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort told reporters that Cruz is "in violation" of his pledge to support the nominee. Trump formally won that title on Tuesday. Manafort added that the delegates who booed the Texas senator offstage Wednesday night helped unify the party behind Trump.
Another ally, New York Congressman Chris Collins, said on Fox News that Cruz has "ended his own career" with his refusal to endorse, which Cruz repeated Thursday morning at an appearance before his home state delegation.
#GOPConvention: Senator Ted Cruz address #Texas delegation after refusing to endorse #DonaldTrump at #RNCinCLE last night.
Posted by CBS DFW on Thursday, July 21, 2016
At that event Thursday morning, when asked why he "broke his pledge" to endorse Trump, Cruz began by saying he raised his hand "enthusiastically" at the first GOP debate and said he would make that pledge. He said he had intended to support the nominee. Cruz went on to say, "The day that was abdicated was the day that this became personal." Cruz continued, "I am not in the habit of supporting people that attack my wife and my father."
More heckling ensued, but Cruz refused to yield, "like a servile puppy dog." Cruz cast his position as personal, a refusal based in part on Trump's insults of his father, Raphael and wife, Heidi.
Cruz has not ruled out another run for the presidency in 2020.
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