Following two days of heavy anti-Hillary Clinton rhetoric, the third day of the Republican National Convention, titled "Make America First Again," made it a point to attack Clinton’s record but touted an influx of positive Donald Trump sentiment.
The boosting of Trump’s plans however would be overshadowed by Ted Cruz’s steely jaw and teflon guts as he refused to endorse Trump during his primetime speech even as Trump entered the arena during the closing of Trump’s speech.
“If you love our country, and love our children as much as 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,” Cruz said.
It was then that it became apparent to many inside and outside Quicken Loans Arena, also known as "The Q," that Cruz was going to withhold an endorsement of Trump, who he sparred with many times throughout the primary season. As the moments for endorsement wafted away, convention goers in Freedom Plaza became orally and physically rattled and some began yelling for an endorsement by screaming “just say it Ted!”
Inside The Q, the convention floor began shouts of “We want Trump!” and booed Cruz.
“I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation,” Cruz said.
Hearing more people frustrated with Cruz. People upset saying he should've used his platform to endorse Trump. @thesnews
— Stephen Olschanski (@SOlschanski) July 21, 2016
Cruz had long been the ire of Trump throughout the primary season earning the nickname “Lyin' Ted” and was the scapegoat for many of Trump’s rants. Famously, Trump accused Cruz’s father of plotting to kill President Kennedy and even berated Cruz’s wife Heidi, calling her ugly.
Cruz’s speech overshadowed much of the night until Vice Presidential candidate Mike Pence took the stage to rave applause. His folksy manner settled with the crowd who laughed along with his multiple corny jokes.
“You know, he’s a man known for a larger personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma,” Pence said of Trump. “And so, I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket.”
The light-hearted speech trailed towards a more serious note that was still delivered in calm cadence, a contrast to many speakers who ramped up their intensity as they spoke about Clinton.
“Now, Hillary Clinton essentially offers a third Obama term,” Pence said. “And the role is perfect for her. She championed “Obamacare” because years earlier she had all but invented it. The national debt has nearly doubled in these eight years and her only answer is to keep borrowing and spending.”
Pence attacked Clinton primarily on record, delivering the usual lines about Benghazi but not by joining in the delegates’ “lock her up" chants.
“It was Hillary Clinton who instigated the president’s disastrous agreement with the radical mullahs in Iran,” Pence said. “And it was Hillary Clinton who left Americans in harm’s way in Benghazi and after four Americans fell said, 'what difference at this point does it make?'”
I captured that magic moment of the almost Trump kiss @thesnews pic.twitter.com/3fiVCPLqyJ
— Stephen Olschanski (@SOlschanski) July 21, 2016
The final night of the convention, "Make America One Again," begins at 7:10 p.m.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
