Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) was booed lustily at the end of his speech Wednesday at the Republican National Convention when he never endorsed GOP nominee Donald Trump.
Cruz finished runner-up to Trump in the delegate count and had a fierce and sometimes ugly battle with him during the primary. Although he congratulated Trump at the outset of his remarks for winning the nomination, he never officially endorsed his candidacy.
"To those listening, please, don't stay home in November," Cruz said. "If you love our country and love your children as much as I know that 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."
The audience chanted "Endorse Trump!" but Cruz did not give them what they wanted. With a smile, he said he appreciated the New York delegation's enthusiasm.
As he concluded his remarks, saying Americans must fight for freedom and protect their God-given rights, the crowd jeered loudly. By the time he left the stage, the boos were nearly deafening.
