Let’s start with an understatement. Donald Trump is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Some party luminaries have found him so unfit for the Republican presidential ticket that they vowed to stay away from the convention that would crown him as the party’s nominee. Others have endorsed him – some belatedly, and seemingly, begrudgingly, speaking less of his attributes than of the importance of defeating his rival, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
Then there’s Ted Cruz, who after losing – spectacularly – to Trump in a bid for the nomination, came to the convention hall on Wednesday night, took the stage, and defiantly refused to endorse the man of the hour.
Vote your conscience.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, to boos
It didn’t go well. This is how it played out on Twitter, abridged.
The epic snub riled Trump supporters and also stole the limelight from the night’s headliner: vice presidential nominee Mike Pence, who followed the Texas senator on stage.
As for Trump, he seemed to take the whole thing in stride, at least initially, tweeting: “Wow, Ted Cruz got booed off the stage, didn't honor the pledge! I saw his speech two hours early but let him speak anyway. No big deal!”
On Thursday, the convention comes to an end with Donald Trump accepting the party’s presidential nomination, while outside the hall, police will be keeping tabs on demonstrators. And tensions are increasing. What began as a loud, but civil anti-Trump demonstration and march on Monday turned more aggressive Wednesday night. One protester tried to burn a flag near the Quicken Loans Arena, the convention site. His pant leg caught fire instead.
The polls open nationally in 110 long, long days. It’s Thursday, July 21, the fourth and final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Here’s what’s up.
From the convention
▪ What can we expect from Trump when he takes the convention stage Thursday night? The party is hoping he shows his passion, but hides the bluster.
▪ On the final day, we also hear from Ivanka Trump. Here’s a look at what she’s likely to say, and what the crowd is likely to hear.
▪ Can you pray the gay away? Why this year’s Republican platform is making some people “mad as hell.”
▪ Lots of GOP insiders decided to sit this Republican National Convention out. Now millennials are taking over. | More convention coverage
Other good reads:
▪ Miss me yet? Obama’s approval ratings rise, as Americans take a close look at the alternatives.
▪ Here’s how Donald Trump chose Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate.