CLEVELAND — On a day that's supposed to focus on party unity, the talk at the Republican National Convention remains focused on Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and his decision not to endorse Donald Trump.
The Texas senator's comments were "most unfortunate," said U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn Thursday during a panel session on women in politics hosted by The Atlantic and streamed on CSPAN. Blackburn, who will address the entire convention Thursday evening, channeled her inner-country music fan to blast Cruz and those in the GOP not ready to back Trump.
"I thought the situation last night with Sen. Cruz; to ask to come, to get the invitation to come, and then not to endorse, I thought that was most unfortunate, in that it did not serve him well. I think as he lets time and space play its course, he will come back at that at some point in time and say 'why did I choose to do that?'" Blackburn said.
"Republican women will take a lead in reuniting our party, and encouraging these guys, as I've said several times this week, same thing I would tell my kids when they were growing up: Get over yourself. Or as Taylor Swift would say, 'shake it off!'"
The line drew laughter, and came among a broader discussion on the role of women in politics. Expect similar themes when Blackburn takes the stage for the "Make America One Again" themed-speech Thursday night.
"When we look at unity in the Republican party, we all do need to come together this week... I will tell you, I think that some of those who took that pledge, raised their hand, said they would support the ticket, and now are not coming forward to support that ticket, I think they do themselves a disservice. And they do their political careers and their legacies a disservice," Blackburn also said during the event.
Blackburn is one of the first speakers on the agenda. The speeches start at approximately 7:10 p.m. EST.
