Overflow crowds in Peoria greeted 2016 presidential candidate Ted Cruz on his third of five Monday rallies in Illinois the day before Tuesday’s pivotal primary elections.
Cruz commented that republican frontrunner Donald Trump “may be the one person on the face of the planet Hillary Clinton can beat in a general election” according to political reporter Rosie Gray.
Cruz mentioned Cook County politics, garnering boos from the crowd in reference to Chicago, Illinois. He slammed Trump over donations to politicians such as the disgraced and imprisoned Rod Blagojevich, the Cook County Democratic Party, and Rahm Emmanuel.
"Rod Blagojevich!…The Cook County Democratic Party!…Rahm Emanuel!" Ted Cruz is reminding Peoria, IL, voters of past Trump donations.
— Matt Flegenheimer (@mattfleg) March 14, 2016
Journal Star reporter Chris Kaergard recounted Cruz’s comments comparing himself to former President Ronald Reagan in telling the crowd how he will treat the military in contrast to President Obama, whom he compared to former President Jimmy Carter. Cruz’s key message, according to Kaergard, was that he is the only candidate that can beat Trump and then Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the fall. Cruz also hit on the three key issues of jobs, freedom, and security.
In dealing with one protester, Cruz said to be respectful. Texas Tribune reporter Patrick Svitek posted that the protester repeatedly told Cruz to go back to Canada and waved a Trump sign as he was escorted from the venue.
Cruz seized the opportunity to try to differentiate himself from Trump saying, according to this post:
Cruz says to heckler, "One difference between here and a Donald Trump rally is I'm not asking anyone to punch you in the face."
— Rosie Gray (@RosieGray) March 14, 2016
Rally attendee VK posted online of the Cruz crowd: “The crowd never sat down for 40 minutes.” As the rally came to a close, Huffington Post reporter Samantha-Jo Roth posted a similar message, as well as video of the packed cheering crowd.
.@tedcruz wraps up third stop in Peoria, Illinois & crowd goes crazy. pic.twitter.com/dQNaQ41xC9
— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) March 14, 2016
Many tweets remarked on and showed some of the crowd that showed up to see Cruz in Peoria:
The line into the Cruz rally is almost twice as long as the peoria civic center.
— Single, 27, Gainfully Employed (@HesNotTheStig) March 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/HannahHilyard/status/709472994830061568
In Peoria for the Ted Cruz rally and it is packed! #TedCruz #TedCruz2016
— Lily Blair (@LilyGraceBlair1) March 14, 2016
Peoria LOVES Cruz. Upper deck just opened!@ChuckNellis @SenFrankNiceley pic.twitter.com/aRoPgqcDYj
— VK (@vjeannek) March 14, 2016
Was just told the Peoria rally crowd is over than anticipated. #CruzPeoria
— Chris Kwiecinski (@OchoK_) March 14, 2016
Second balcony has people standing since the theatre is so full. #CruzPeoria
— Chris Kwiecinski (@OchoK_) March 14, 2016
They're starting to file in people behind the press… STILL people coming in, 25 minutes in. #CruzPeoria
— Chris Kwiecinski (@OchoK_) March 14, 2016
The attendees seemed particularly enthusiastic over Cruz comments that America will stand unapologetically with the nation of Israel:
The cheer for pledging "America will stand unapologetically with the nation of Israel" may be louder than on Obamacare repeal. #CruzPeoria
— Chris Kaergard (@ChrisKaergard) March 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/HannahHilyard/status/709490596151369728
Cruz’s father, pastor Rafael Cruz, visited East Peoria just four days ago. He heralded his son as someone who will not compromise on his principles in Washington, citing the senator’s conservative voting record, according to WMBD radio. Attendees told the outlet that they found the event informative and that they were looking for a change, and someone who will obey the Constitution.
Follow Michelle Moons on Twitter @MichelleDiana
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