Cruz began one of the longest speeches of the GOP convention like this:
"I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night. And like each of you, I want to see the principles that our party believes prevail in November."
Cruz discoursed on the Dallas shootings, liberty, states’ rights, and violence in America. Here’s how he teased the crowd at the end:
"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."
A restless arena crowd grew even more so. Cruz continued:
"And to those listening: Please, don't stay home in November. If you love our country and love your children as much as I know that you do, stand and speak and vote for your conscience. Vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the constitution."
Many of the delegates simply crossed their arms and remained silent. But most didn’t. They began shouting, “We want Trump!” (He had entered the hall as Cruz was speaking.)
Said Cruz: “I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation.” And he kept talking, staring straight into the camera, about his parents.
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