Ted Cruz was largely ignored while speaking at a GOP gala in New York City on Thursday, as he continued to shrug off his "New York values" comment made earlier in the campaign, reported
The Hill.
The U.S. senator from Texas was the third speaker at the gala, following GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trump and Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
NBC News said about 800 people attended the event.
"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," Cruz told the audience, per The Hill.
A video posted on Twitter showed people milling around and talking with each other while Cruz continued to give his speech. Others on social media described the speech's atmosphere.
"I mean, (Cruz) blew it when he did the New York Values thing – that was a bad point," said Ron Shindel, a gala attendee and New York Police Department's commanding officer of the World Trade Center, noted NBC News. "But this is Trumpville – this is Trump town. I imagined the overwhelming support of Trump."
New York Magazine said the "New York values" comment made while Cruz was in a heated caucus race in Iowa continues to sting native New Yorkers. Cruz has tried to say he was referring to liberals like New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
"Back in January, Ted Cruz made the mistake of assuming the rest of America still hates New York," the magazine said. "His dismissal of 'New York values' didn't endear him to the Empire State. …"
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