Crowd boos Cruz for not endorsing Trump

Crowd boos Cruz for not endorsing Trump

Former Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz was met with loud boos at the Republican National Convention for a speech in which he didn't endorse Donald Trump.

Mr Cruz was the last one standing of a troupe of candidates to take on Mr Trump in a divisive, competitive and hostile primary race before eventually suspending his campaign.

During that primary campaign, Mr Trump and Mr Cruz were arch-rivals, with the 70-year-old businessman-turned-politician coined the nickname 'Lyin' Ted" for his opponent.

On Wednesday (New Zealand time), Mr Trump was officially announced as the party's candidate for the November election.

Centre-stage at the Republican Convention, Mr Cruz congratulated Mr Trump on his nomination, but didn't specifically back his campaign.

The cheers during the start of the speech turned to boos as the crowd realised Mr Crus wasn't going to endorse Mr Trump.

The crowd was heard shouting: "endorse Trump" over and over.

But that never came. Instead, he took what appeared to be a veiled snipe.

"We deserve leaders who stand for principle, who will unite us all behind shared values, who cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect from everybody.

"If you love our country, and love your children as much as I now you do, stand and speak and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to be defend our freedom and to be faithful to the constitution."  

But he did agree with one of Mr Trump's flagship policies, which was met with thunderous applause.

"Let's build a wall to keep America safe."

At the start of his speech, Mr Cruz used the Quicken Loans Arena venue  where last month the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first NBA title in 52 years  to score a few easy political points with the crowd.

"Heidi and I are so honoured to join you here in Cleveland where LeBron James just led an incredible comeback victory.

"And I am convinced America is going to come back too."

Newshub.