Trump: If Cruz Endorses Me, I Won't Accept

Despite Ted Cruz's refusal to endorse Donald Trump at the GOP convention, Trump thinks Cruz will eventually come around—but he has no intention of accepting any future thumbs-up, ABC News reports. "[Cruz will] come and endorse over the next little while," he told convention volunteers Friday in Cleveland, reports Fox News. "It's because he has no choice. But I don't want his endorsement. ... Ted, just stay home, relax, enjoy yourself." He said that Cruz's very public diss "may have ruined his [own] political career" and that he was "dishonorable" for going against the pledge GOP candidates took during the primaries to support the eventual nominee. Trump also noted he had seen Cruz's speech before Wednesday evening, except for one line that Cruz—whom the New York Times calls the convention's "Brutus"—threw in: "Vote your conscience."

"That's OK," Trump shrugged, adding for emphasis, "I like Ted, he's fine. Again, don't want his endorsement. If he gives it, I will not accept it, just so you understand." Other people he discussed in front of his supporters: Ted Cruz's father ("a lovely guy"), RNC head Reince Priebus ("a superstar"), and Ted's wife, Heidi, who he'd disparaged on Twitter with an unflattering retweet. "I think Heidi Cruz is a great person," he said, adding a backhanded swipe at Ted: "I think it's the best thing he's got going, and his kids, if you want to know the truth." Trump even mentioned he'd consider starting a super PAC against Cruz if he decided to run again for president, reports CNN. Someone else he didn't have a lot of praise for: Ohio Gov. John Kasich: "No matter how much you like, or dislike, no matter what your feelings ... you have no choice: You got to go for Trump." (More Donald Trump 2016 stories.)