Ted Cruz Endorses Donald Trump
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WASHINGTON (CBSMiami/AP) – Ted Cruz says he's voting for Donald Trump for president — a shocking about-face after he rocked the Republican convention by dramatically refusing to do so.
"This election is unlike any other in our nation's history. Like many other voters, I have struggled to determine the right course of action in this general election," Cruz wrote on the social media platform. "After many months of careful consideration, of prayer and searching my own conscience, I have decided that on Election Day, I will vote for the Republican nominee, Donald Trump."
The Texas senator says on Facebook that he made the decision for two reasons.
"First, last year, I promised to support the Republican nominee. And I intend to keep my word," he said, referring to a Republican loyalty pledge he signed during the GOP primaries.
His second reason: "Even though I have had areas of significant disagreement with our nominee, by any measure Hillary Clinton is wholly unacceptable," he said. Cruz said six policy issues informed his decision, including where Clinton would fall on the Supreme Court, health care, energy, immigration, national security, and internet freedom. Cruz cited Trump's recently released "very strong list of potential Supreme Court nominees" as a commitment that "matters" and "provides a serious reason for voters to choose to support Trump."
"Hillary Clinton is manifestly unfit to be president, and her policies would harm millions of Americans. And Donald Trump is the only thing standing in her way," Cruz wrote. "And if you don't want to see a Hillary Clinton presidency, I encourage you to vote for him."
The flip-flop was a stunner since the Texan was booed lustily during a floor speech at his party's convention for urging Republicans to "vote your conscience" without naming Trump.
Cruz finished second to Trump in a bitter primary and for months balked in offering support, despite his previous pledge to endorse the eventual Republican nominee.
Polls have since suggested that Cruz's popularity was slipping nationally and back home in Texas, where he could face a primary challenger for re-election in 2018.
For more on Campaign 2016, click here.
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