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Republican convention live: Cruz speech sets up test for Trump on day four Republican convention live: Cruz speech sets up test for Trump on day four
(35 minutes later)
4.42pm BST
16:42
Hillary Clinton’s digital team has come up with a new tool to use during the campaign: #TrumpYourself.
By logging in through your Facebook account, the tool superimposes images and text of offensive statements Donald Trump has said in the past about certain groups, ranging from women and Muslims to “people who drink Diet Coke.”
A sample image from my own Facebook page:
4.23pm BST
16:23
Ben Jacobs
Ted Cruz pointedly and repeatedly refused to endorse Donald Trump this morning, saying that he was not “a servile puppy dog”.
Just hours after the Texas senator was loudly booed from the floor of the Republican convention when he did not embrace his party’s nominee, Cruz faced an impassioned audience as he took questions from his state’s delegation during a breakfast.
The runner-up in the Republican presidential primary expressed his wonderment that “rabid” Trump supporters would object to his statement that Americans should “vote their conscience”. The Texas senator insisted “in that speech last night I did not say a single negative word about Donald Trump and I’ll tell you this morning and going forward I don’t intend to say negative things about Donald Trump.”
Some Texas delegates disagreed. While Cruz received repeated standing ovations, he also was subject to constant heckles and one Texas delegate stood through the first few minutes of his speech by holding a hand-drawn sign saying “Clinton Cruz 2020”.
Cruz pushed back against audience members who brought the pledge that he and other Republican candidates had made to support the eventual GOP nominee, saying that that promise “was abrogated” when Trump attacked his family. “I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and my father,” he said.
“That pledge is not a blanket commitment [that] if you go slander and attack Heidi I am nonetheless going to come like a servile puppy dog and say ‘thank you very much for maligning my wife and maligning my father.’” The Texas senator added: “This is not politics … Right and wrong matters.”
During the primary, Trump had suggested that Cruz’s father Rafael was involved in the assassination of John F Kennedy and tweeted unflattering pictures of Cruz’s wife Heidi in the course of the campaign while also threatening to “spill the beans” on her.
While many in the room on Thursday supported Cruz’s stand, others were deeply disappointed. Bonnie Lugo of Houston thought that the Texas senator was “speaking in hurt, bitterness and disappointment.” She noted that although “things were said about his father and wife, he was in a campaign and that’s what campaign’s are about”.
Craig Harvey of Houston was even more angry. He felt Cruz gave “a wasted speech” in the convention hall Wednesday night and again Thursday morning. “The same ego trip, no clear answers,” Harvey said.
Cruz noted that he had specifically told Trump over the phone earlier this week that he would not endorse him and had submitted his speech for approval by the nominee’s campaign.
Cruz only criticized Trump directly once in the midst of his ongoing Q&A. “Let me point out by the way: can anyone imagine our nominee standing in front of voters and taking questions like this?”
Afterward, Cruz left quickly and the room erupted into chaos as those who agreed with Cruz’s stance argued fiercely with those who disagreed. Shouts and recriminations went back and forth as Texas Republicans called each other traitors and cowards.
As Cruz left the stage, top Trump adviser Paul Manafort took shots at the Texas senator in a press conference held in a hotel just across the street. “The party is definitely more unified – there are a number of Cruz delegates who were on the floor today … who disagree with what Mr Cruz said,” Manafort said.
“We think it became very clear to everybody that Donald Trump has been very magnanimous in his outreach program – he invited all the presidential candidates who ran” to speak, and “everyone did attend and, in his own way, endorse the ticket.”
“He was the only speech in the convention that was poorly received by the body in the hall,” Manafort said of Cruz. “That was Senator Cruz’s decision. As far as the contract [of party unity] was concerned, he was the one in violation, not anybody else.”
4.11pm BST4.11pm BST
16:1116:11
Cruz campaign manager: Chris Christie 'turned over his political testicles'Cruz campaign manager: Chris Christie 'turned over his political testicles'
Ted Cruz’s campaign manager dismissed criticism from New Jersey govenor Chris Christie over Cruz’s repudiation of Donald Trump on the main stage of the Republican National Convention, telling a Philadelphia radio station that the governor had “turned over his political testicles long ago.”Ted Cruz’s campaign manager dismissed criticism from New Jersey govenor Chris Christie over Cruz’s repudiation of Donald Trump on the main stage of the Republican National Convention, telling a Philadelphia radio station that the governor had “turned over his political testicles long ago.”
“That guy turned over his political testicles long ago,” Jeff Roe told the Chris Stigall Show. “So I don’t take what he has to say with any meaning. You know, he embarrassed himself pretty quickly in this.”“That guy turned over his political testicles long ago,” Jeff Roe told the Chris Stigall Show. “So I don’t take what he has to say with any meaning. You know, he embarrassed himself pretty quickly in this.”
Christie told CNN in the wake of Cruz’s speech that the senator’s actions were “selfish” and demonstrative of his poor reputation in the US Senate.Christie told CNN in the wake of Cruz’s speech that the senator’s actions were “selfish” and demonstrative of his poor reputation in the US Senate.
In the interview, Roe also said that Cruz’s speech - contrary to many predictions - was not a bid to set the stage for another presidential run four years from now.In the interview, Roe also said that Cruz’s speech - contrary to many predictions - was not a bid to set the stage for another presidential run four years from now.
“Ted Cruz is running for reelection in 2018,” Roe said. “If this was a 2020 power move by Ted Cruz, this would be the easiest speech to give, is to endorse. So this is, it shouldn’t be lost on any of your listeners that this is not in defiance. We’re not gonna speak ill of the nominee. That’s not what this is about. We’re not gonna rub anybody’s noses in it.”“Ted Cruz is running for reelection in 2018,” Roe said. “If this was a 2020 power move by Ted Cruz, this would be the easiest speech to give, is to endorse. So this is, it shouldn’t be lost on any of your listeners that this is not in defiance. We’re not gonna speak ill of the nominee. That’s not what this is about. We’re not gonna rub anybody’s noses in it.”
3.56pm BST3.56pm BST
15:5615:56
Donald Trump, for one, is celebrating the party unity fomented at the Republican National Convention this week.Donald Trump, for one, is celebrating the party unity fomented at the Republican National Convention this week.
Other than a small group of people who have suffered massive and embarrassing losses, the party is VERY united. Great love in the arena!Other than a small group of people who have suffered massive and embarrassing losses, the party is VERY united. Great love in the arena!
3.23pm BST3.23pm BST
15:2315:23
If you missed Laura Ingraham’s speech at the Republican National Convention last night:If you missed Laura Ingraham’s speech at the Republican National Convention last night:
#RNCinCLE in one GIF: pic.twitter.com/OlrqbnKUVd#RNCinCLE in one GIF: pic.twitter.com/OlrqbnKUVd
2.52pm BST2.52pm BST
14:5214:52
Trump campaign chair: Ted Cruz's speech 'poorly received'Trump campaign chair: Ted Cruz's speech 'poorly received'
A doleful Paul Manafort told reporters this morning that last night’s speeches at the Republican National Convention were a success, despite a blistering rebuke from Texas senator Ted Cruz, who refused to endorse Donald Trump as the party’s presidential nominee and instead urged conservatives to “vote your conscience.”A doleful Paul Manafort told reporters this morning that last night’s speeches at the Republican National Convention were a success, despite a blistering rebuke from Texas senator Ted Cruz, who refused to endorse Donald Trump as the party’s presidential nominee and instead urged conservatives to “vote your conscience.”
“The party is definitely more unified - there are a number of Cruz delegates who were on the floor today... who disagree with what Mr. Cruz said,” Manafort said. “We think it became very clear to everybody that Donald Trump has been a very magnanimous in his outreach program - he invited all the presidential candidates who ran” to speak, and “everyone did attend and, in his own way, endorse the ticket.”“The party is definitely more unified - there are a number of Cruz delegates who were on the floor today... who disagree with what Mr. Cruz said,” Manafort said. “We think it became very clear to everybody that Donald Trump has been a very magnanimous in his outreach program - he invited all the presidential candidates who ran” to speak, and “everyone did attend and, in his own way, endorse the ticket.”
“He was the only speech in the convention that was poorly received by the body in the hall. That was Senator Cruz’s decision,” Manafort continued. “As far as the contract [of party unity] was concerned, he was the one in violation, not anybody else.”“He was the only speech in the convention that was poorly received by the body in the hall. That was Senator Cruz’s decision,” Manafort continued. “As far as the contract [of party unity] was concerned, he was the one in violation, not anybody else.”
On the subject of Nato, certain treaties of which Trump suggested in an interview with the New York Times yesterday could be ignored by the US, Manafort declared that while he was not interested in getting into “a foreign policy speech,” he clarified Trump’s remarks to say that the presidential nominee thinks the treaty organization “needs to be modernized.”On the subject of Nato, certain treaties of which Trump suggested in an interview with the New York Times yesterday could be ignored by the US, Manafort declared that while he was not interested in getting into “a foreign policy speech,” he clarified Trump’s remarks to say that the presidential nominee thinks the treaty organization “needs to be modernized.”
When asked about the Melania Trump plagiarism scandal, Manafort defended his campaign’s statements following the Monday night address, insisting that statements that there was no plagiarism were truthful.When asked about the Melania Trump plagiarism scandal, Manafort defended his campaign’s statements following the Monday night address, insisting that statements that there was no plagiarism were truthful.
“None of us knew that Miss [Meredith McIver] was even involved with the process,” Manafort said of the Trump Organization staff writer who penned an open letter admitting to including sections of Michelle Obama’s 2008 speech in front of the Democratic National Convention in Melania Trump’s speech. “The speechwriters who have been involved with the speech that I was aware of, said that they didn’t do it,” and the campaign “immediately” released McIver’s statement once it became clear that the plagiarism accusations were true.“None of us knew that Miss [Meredith McIver] was even involved with the process,” Manafort said of the Trump Organization staff writer who penned an open letter admitting to including sections of Michelle Obama’s 2008 speech in front of the Democratic National Convention in Melania Trump’s speech. “The speechwriters who have been involved with the speech that I was aware of, said that they didn’t do it,” and the campaign “immediately” released McIver’s statement once it became clear that the plagiarism accusations were true.
McIver wrote in her letter than she informed the Trump campaign on Tuesday of the speech’s problems; the campaign did not release her statement until Wednesday afternoon.McIver wrote in her letter than she informed the Trump campaign on Tuesday of the speech’s problems; the campaign did not release her statement until Wednesday afternoon.
2.06pm BST2.06pm BST
14:0614:06
More on tonight’s theme...More on tonight’s theme...
Tonight’s theme acknowledges America’s serious challenges at home and the threats we face abroad. In order to turn our challenges into opportunities and keep America secure, we need leadership that will focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Donald Trump and Mike Pence will move our country beyond the divisive identity politics that have been holding us back by restoring leadership, building trust, and focusing on our shared love of country and our common goal of making America great again.Tonight’s theme acknowledges America’s serious challenges at home and the threats we face abroad. In order to turn our challenges into opportunities and keep America secure, we need leadership that will focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Donald Trump and Mike Pence will move our country beyond the divisive identity politics that have been holding us back by restoring leadership, building trust, and focusing on our shared love of country and our common goal of making America great again.
Thursday’s program will highlight the Republican Party’s vision for bringing Americans together and creating the conditions that will allow everyone – young people, working families, and entrepreneurs from all walks of life – to pursue their aspirations. Featured speakers include Reince Priebus, Peter Thiel, Tom Barrack, Ivanka Trump, and Donald Trump.Thursday’s program will highlight the Republican Party’s vision for bringing Americans together and creating the conditions that will allow everyone – young people, working families, and entrepreneurs from all walks of life – to pursue their aspirations. Featured speakers include Reince Priebus, Peter Thiel, Tom Barrack, Ivanka Trump, and Donald Trump.
2.01pm BST2.01pm BST
14:0114:01
At least one Republican is delighted with Ted Cruz’s remarks at the Republican National Convention last night: Former Cruz campaign operative Chris Wilson.At least one Republican is delighted with Ted Cruz’s remarks at the Republican National Convention last night: Former Cruz campaign operative Chris Wilson.
I have never been more proud to work for Ted Cruz that I was tonight. This speech will survive the test of time-historically courageous.I have never been more proud to work for Ted Cruz that I was tonight. This speech will survive the test of time-historically courageous.
12.39pm BST12.39pm BST
12:3912:39
Republican national convention: day fourRepublican national convention: day four
Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s campaign live blog, coming at you live from Cleveland, Ohio, the site of the long-anticipated Republican National Convention, now in its fourth and final day.Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s campaign live blog, coming at you live from Cleveland, Ohio, the site of the long-anticipated Republican National Convention, now in its fourth and final day.
The Trump campaign probably thought its biggest speech controversy was behind it after an in-house staff writer for the Trump Organization accepted responsibility for the “plagiarism” controversy over Melania Trump’s speech at the RNC.The Trump campaign probably thought its biggest speech controversy was behind it after an in-house staff writer for the Trump Organization accepted responsibility for the “plagiarism” controversy over Melania Trump’s speech at the RNC.
Then Texas senator Ted Cruz stepped on to the dais.Then Texas senator Ted Cruz stepped on to the dais.
In stunning remarks during the primetime TV hour apparently designed to lay the groundwork for a future bid for the presidency, Cruz refused to formally endorse Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.In stunning remarks during the primetime TV hour apparently designed to lay the groundwork for a future bid for the presidency, Cruz refused to formally endorse Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.
“Please, don’t stay home in November,” Cruz said. “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.”“Please, don’t stay home in November,” Cruz said. “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 apparent slap in the face to the Republican presidential nominee, probably the result of a bitter primary fight between the two – which included Trump attacking the physical appearance of Cruz’s wife Heidi, and implicating Cruz’s father in the assassination of John F Kennedy – ignited a cacophony of booing during Cruz’s remarks, echoed by the nominee himself:The apparent slap in the face to the Republican presidential nominee, probably the result of a bitter primary fight between the two – which included Trump attacking the physical appearance of Cruz’s wife Heidi, and implicating Cruz’s father in the assassination of John F Kennedy – ignited a cacophony of booing during Cruz’s remarks, echoed by the nominee himself:
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!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!
With the shadow of Cruz’s snub hanging over the final day of the convention, Trump’s primetime remarks tonight gain a new import. Not only will Trump have to unify a clearly fractured Republican party whose wounds from the primary have yet to heal – he will also have to deliver a speech unparalleled by any remarks he has made in his 13 months as a candidate to retake the news cycle. With nearly three days lost to the epic mismanagement of the Melania Trump speech scandal, and another to Cruz’s remarks, Trump has only one chance to wrest the narrative back under his control before the Democratic National Convention next week drowns him in negative coverage.With the shadow of Cruz’s snub hanging over the final day of the convention, Trump’s primetime remarks tonight gain a new import. Not only will Trump have to unify a clearly fractured Republican party whose wounds from the primary have yet to heal – he will also have to deliver a speech unparalleled by any remarks he has made in his 13 months as a candidate to retake the news cycle. With nearly three days lost to the epic mismanagement of the Melania Trump speech scandal, and another to Cruz’s remarks, Trump has only one chance to wrest the narrative back under his control before the Democratic National Convention next week drowns him in negative coverage.
That fresh start will probably dominate today’s RNC program. Today’s theme: “Make America One Again”, featuring a roster of speakers who will focus on the herculean task of unifying a divided nation. Beginning at 7:30pm EDT, tonight’s primetime roster of speakers includes billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel, real estate investor Tom Barrack, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump himself.That fresh start will probably dominate today’s RNC program. Today’s theme: “Make America One Again”, featuring a roster of speakers who will focus on the herculean task of unifying a divided nation. Beginning at 7:30pm EDT, tonight’s primetime roster of speakers includes billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel, real estate investor Tom Barrack, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump himself.
We’ll have more on the full roster of speakers as the day progresses, but first off: a presser from Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort.We’ll have more on the full roster of speakers as the day progresses, but first off: a presser from Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort.
On with the show!On with the show!
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.40pm BSTat 1.40pm BST