New Yorkers haven’t exactly taken to Ted Cruz. After precious few supporters (and a handful of protesters) attended his meet-and-greet in the Bronx, Cruz attempted to win the city over by bashing its mayor, but even bad-mouthing de Blasio wasn’t enough to win him any favors among the city’s constituents. This became apparent at the New York City GOP Gala Thursday night, where Cruz was ignored by a room of 800 Republicans.
All three GOP candidates were present at the event, and all three gave speeches in front of supporters who’d paid $1,000 per table to hear them. Kasich and Trump both spoke before Cruz, who began his speech by making a joke about his competition. “I haven’t built any buildings in New York City, but I have spent my entire life fighting to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” he told the room.
That’s about all anyone heard of his speech because, although Cruz kept talking, gala attendees suddenly decided they had much more important things to do than listen to him. Like, say, eat.
Or visit a neighboring table to chat up a friend.
Or record a video of themselves not paying attention.
Reporters on the scene said the atmosphere had been markedly different when Trump spoke. (Trump also happens to be heavily favored to win New York’s primary on Tuesday.)
Cruz has had a hard time capturing the hearts and minds of New Yorkers since his misguided “New York values” jab during an early Republican debate. His attempts to explain that comment were equally unsuccessful. But on Thursday night, he made sure at least one audience member got the message.
