New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has joined a number of politicians condemning Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz for attacking “New York values” in his criticism of Donald Trump.
“Everyone understands that the values in New York City are socially liberal or pro-abortion or pro-gay marriage,” Mr. Cruz said of the rival front-runner Thursday night at the Republican debate in South Carolina. “Not a lot of conservatives come out of Manhattan.”
Speaking to reporters outside his office Friday morning, Mr. de Blasio said the Texas senator owes New York an apology, Politico reported.
“I am disgusted at the insult that Ted Cruz threw at this city and its people, and the bottom line is he does not in the least understand New York and its values,” Mr. de Blasio said.
“I find myself for once in agreement with Donald Trump. I think it was right for Donald Trump to defend New York City and to talk about the heroic actions of the people of this city after 9/11. I think Ted Cruz owes the people of this city an apology. He owes the first responders an apology,” he said.
Mr. de Blasio also said it’s “very ironic” that Mr. Cruz has held fundraisers in New York and sought a loan from Goldman Sachs during his Senate bid in Texas, according to The New York Times.
“So he has no trouble taking money from New York City, but he’s quick to insult our people and our values, and I think it’s really going to backfire on him,” Mr. de Blasio said, adding, “I think people are really going to see right through this as hypocrisy of the highest order.”
Mr. Cruz’s attack on New York values prompted an angry response on social media, including from several top politicians.
“If @tedcruz had any class, he’d apologize to the people of New York, not that we need or want it,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo tweeted.
“Just this once, Trump’s right: New Yorkers value hard work, diversity, tolerance, resilience, and building better lives for our families. -H,” tweeted Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton.
“Trump right to defend NYC and did it beautifully and movingly. Let’s move beyond this now,” tweeted former GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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