Cruz booed at Republican Convention for failing to endorse Trump

It was an enthusiastic welcome for Ted Cruz at the Republican National Convention.

The crowd waited for Cruz to endorse his former rival – putting aside their bitter primary race. Instead, this is what Cruz had to say.

“If you love our country and love our children as much as I know 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.”

.tedcruz says 'vote your conscience' in major snub to realDonaldTrump #RNCinCLE https://t.co/JwchWq77k9 pic.twitter.com/eARZPqcwaH

— HuffPostUK Politics (@HuffPostUKPol) July 21, 2016

That went down like a lead balloon. “We want Trump!” the crowd chanted. “Endorse Trump!” > .tedcruz met with boos after saying "vote your conscience" instead of saying Trump's name https://t.co/yTgdsGVcSx

And then, Trump himself appeared, stealing the show – as Texas Senator Cruz’s wife Heidi was jeered and escorted out of the hall for her own safety. > Reports: Ted Cruz, wife confronted by angry donors, delegates after RNC speech. https://t.co/9wfS8DfWTN pic.twitter.com/D8vXd1vl8O

— Slate (@Slate) July 21, 2016

Calming the crowd, ex- House Speaker Newt Gingrich put his own interpretation on Cruz’s comments. “I think you misunderstood one paragraph that Ted Cruz, who is a superb orator, said. I just want to point it out to you. Ted Cruz said you can vote your conscience for anyone who will uphold the constitution,” he said.

Well at least the drama turned attention away from the Melania Trump plagiarism row.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence accepted his vice-presidential running mate role.

It’s Donald Trump’s turn himself today to bring the Convention in Cleveland to a close, with November’s presidential showdown with Hillary Clinton in his sights.

Euronews