At a press conference that was supposed to be an opportunity for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to thank convention organizers and staff, the newly-minted GOP standard bearer devoted much of his time talking about former campaign rival U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
The now-infamous “vote your conscience” quote was not in the prepared transcript the Cruz campaign delivered to the Trump campaign, Trump said. It likewise wasn’t on the teleprompter, he added.
“He got up and he added a sentence, which could have been viewed as a nasty thing in terms of what he said because he was implying something which is wrong,” he said. “But that’s OK.”
Calling the move “dishonorable,” Trump said he fears Cruz seriously damaged his own political career as a result of the speech. He’s also decided he’s not interested in getting the senator’s endorsement, which he suspects Cruz will eventually want to give.
“If he gives it, I will not accept it,” he said. “I don’t want his endorsement. Just, Ted, stay home, relax, enjoy yourself.”
Trump said Cruz’ refusal to abide by his pledge to support the eventual GOP candidate was also dishonorable.
“I like Ted, he’s fine,” he added. “Again, don’t want his endorsement. If he gives it, I will not accept it, just so you understand.”
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