- The Washington Times - Thursday, July 21, 2016

CLEVELAND — Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Thursday that Sen. Ted Cruz damaged his brand with his refusal to endorse Donald Trump as the GOP presidential nominee.

“I think he did far more damage to himself than the party,” Mr. Huckabee told The Washington Times.

“I thought here was a guy who started out with a great speech, could have landed and had a wonderful accolade, and instead crashed it right in the middle of the airshow,” he said.

Mr. Trump chased Mr. Cruz out of the race following the Indiana primary in May.

The Texas Republican has since broke the pledge he made on the campaign trail to support the eventual GOP presidential nominee and was showered in boos Wednesday at the Republican National Convention for refusing to honor his pledge.

Mr. Huckabee said some of Mr. Cruz’s strongest supporters - including Richard Viguerie - have since said the Texan committed political suicide.

” They are embarrassed by him,” Mr. Huckabee said.

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.

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