Endorse: “To make a public statement of your approval or support for something or someone.”
Although it is true that Ted Cruz reneged on his promise to endorse and support the Republican Party’s nominee, and failed to do so last evening, this was not a first in the history of the GOP. Misstatements were made as Cruz was booed off of the stage without endorsing Donald Trump, but there are two things the Republican Party despises; historical fact, and the truth.
In 1976, at the Republican Convention, Gerald Ford was the party’s nominee. Ronald Reagan was gracious in his speech, praising President Ford and First Lady, Betty Ford, for their kindness. Throughout his speech, Reagan never formerly endorsed Ford. At the end he called for party unity, but that was as close as he came.
Republicans demand loyalty. During the most disreputable and traitorous administration in history, not a single Republican voted against George W. Bush. This has proven to be both the strength and the Achilles Heel of the GOP.
Disagreement reveals personal strength and character. Personal attacks and vile criticism based on lies or half-truths displays weakness, and a lack of intellect.
Conservatives, who are now so extreme that they have become reactionaries, continue to lash out at Cruz. Once again, the most ridiculous comments come from the least intelligent members of the party, who are mostly has-beens in the political arena.
First was Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the House who was forced to resign by his own party for ethics violations. “To paraphrase Ted Cruz, if you want to protect the Constitution of the United States, the only possible candidate this fall is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket,” Gingrich said — stretching the meaning of the word “paraphrase” to the breaking point.
Sarah Palin, who has separated herself from the TEA Party, lashed out at Cruz, a man with whom she once shared extremist rhetoric and destructive ideas.
Palin stated that Cruz had ended his political career, implying that nothing like last night’s debacle had ever happened before.
“It’s commonplace for politicians to disbelieve their word is their bond…evidently thinking whilst on the convention stage, “At this point, what difference does it make?” We’ve been burned so horribly by that attitude that voters won’t reward politicians pulling that “what difference does it make” stunt again. Politicians will see — it makes all the difference in the world to us.”
The truth is that Palin is one of the reasons the American people despise all politicians. She’s not wrong, Cruz’ destructive and obstructionist efforts in the Senate have not gone unnoticed, but she cannot separate herself from Cruz that easily.
The real question which should be asked is ‘why wasn’t Palin a speaker at Trump’s convention?’ Several stories have surfaced, but the truth is more likely a past embarrassment for Trump.
When Palin endorsed Trump she said nothing but gibberish for more than 20 minutes. The expression on Trump’s face was mixed with irritation and embarrassment. He was likely fearful of a repeat of the ‘half-governor’s’ incoherent display.
I’m sure that the criticism of Cruz will continue in the same manner efforts to unite the fractured party will become more desperate. Trump has no record to rely upon. He cannot be called a successful businessman, having filed for bankruptcy four times.
If the American people choose such a vile and untalented man to be their president, it will become the greatest mistake in our nation’s history.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 