Posted on 08/14/2015 4:14:55 PM PDT by Isara
OKLAHOMA CITY — Hundreds of Oklahoma conservatives gave Texas Republican Ted Cruz a warm welcome, as his campaign bus stopped in the northeast part of the city Thursday.
The campaign stop was originally supposed to be a smaller affair, a “Boots and BBQ Lunch” at the COHBA Events Center, but an over-capacity crowd forced the action outside.
“I think it shows the strength of who he is and what he stands for,” said Rodney Barnes, a voter who says Cruz is near the top of his list. “I think he represents the values of Oklahomans. Our morals, our ethics, and our conservative beliefs.”
Cruz may be counting on support from Oklahoma’s conservative base to help him win the primary. Polls show that he is trailing several candidates.
“Oklahoma is going to play a critical role in the Republican presidential primary,” said Cruz. “Our role together is to ensure that the next Republican nominee for president is a real and genuine conservative.”
That’s how Cruz is branding himself. He made an entrance on a red and black bus, advertising “courageous conservatives.”
In his wide-ranging speech, Cruz said he will work to repeal the Affordable Care Act and Common Core, rebuild the military, secure the border, and “rip up” the controversial nuclear deal with Iran. If he were president, Cruz said he would rescind executive orders signed by President Obama and order a federal investigation into Planned Parenthood.
“At the end of the day, our focus is on uniting conservatives and getting us to stand together to turn this country around,” Cruz told reporters before his speech. “Our focus is building a grassroots army. We’re seeing incredible energy from the ground, from the grassroots. We’re seeing an incredible leadership team that’s coming together in Oklahoma.”
The Senator’s speech seemed to be well-received. Several times, the crowd punctuated Cruz’s points with applause, interjecting with affirmations that his priorities were theirs as well.
“He’s conservative,” said Judy, a Cruz supporter. “All of our counties were red. We don’t like the liberal stuff going on. He’s a shoo-in I think for Oklahomans I think.”
John Barnett came to the event not entirely sure who he would support. After hearing Cruz speak, there was no doubt in his mind who he’d be voting for.
“His values are a lot like the values of Oklahomans,” Barnett said. “We haven’t had a single county that voted for Obama in either of the two elections that Obama ran for. This man that was here today, he speaks our language.”
Oklahomans rally behind Ted Cruz (video)
Sounds good for Cruz. I have Gretta on and Trump was being played for the first 17 minutes of her show. I doubt she will mention Cruz during the remainder of her show. Cruz needs to find a way to change that.
or maybe two....
Did you notice, another dig about his standing in the Polls.
This must be the talking points for the MSM.
A newspaper in AR yesterday, and a TV station in OK today, and almost the same spot in the story.
Coincidence?
Ted’s got this grassroots thing down.
Go Cruz!!
LOL God Guns Grits and Gravy.
Chris Christie is probably chasing the Huckster around thinking its a church potluck.
Cruz is actually traveling in the bus.
Jim Bridenstein is a rising star
Clinton actually put that on their bus?
I can just picture Bill Clinton leaning over and whispering to Hillary. “And they thought you were the smart one”
Yep, he’s doing his version of a “Whistle Stop” tour of the SEC Primary states.
Something else I noticed he’s doing. You might think I’m crazy, but hear me out.
All of his events seem to involve food, good food. That is a smart psychological move.
I went to a Romney rally in 2012. You couldn’t even get water there, and by the time he spoke, everyone was hot, sweaty, and kind of miffed.
Having full bellies, and a bottle of water or pop will make the message, and memories stronger.
Actually going from town to town on the bus is important to me. It shows dedication and an investment of real time. Plus he’s been able to stop in a lot more little towns that are usually passed over.
None of that fly in and ride the bus the last mile stuff.
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