Donald Trump flyby interrupts Ted Cruz at RNC event

CLEVELAND — Donald Trump made another grand entrance here Wednesday, buzzing low over the downtown skyline, first in his private jet and then in his helicopter, as he arrived for day three of the Republican National Convention.

As the New York real estate mogul descended on the city, campaign aides positioned at a grassy landing spot in the shadow of the Cleveland Browns’ football stadium cued up opera and then the soundtrack of the film “Air Force One,” adding a touch of the surreal to a routine event held every four years to welcome the party nominee.

But Trump, who officially became the GOP nominee on Tuesday, has never been a traditional candidate. And in defying convention yet again, the former reality television star apparently trolled one of his fiercest rivals — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who was holding a rally nearby.

Cruz, who has yet to endorse Trump, was speaking to supporters about the events of the primary. “In an amazing campaign field of 17 talented, dynamic candidates, we beat 15 of those candidates. We just didn’t beat 16,” Cruz said, according to ABC News.

“Our party now has a nominee,” the Texas senator continued. He was then suddenly interrupted in mid-sentence by Trump’s plane flying low nearby. Cruz supporters in attendance broke out in boos, as the senator laughed.

Back at the welcome ceremony, Trump’s adult children and his new running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, stood with a few hundred supporters and dozens of reporters in the sweltering heat waiting for the GOP nominee. When Trump arrived, the candidate stepped off his helicopter with his spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. His wife, Melania, who has been embroiled in a plagiarism scandal over her Monday remarks at the RNC, was absent.

Trump, who is not known for being short on words, was notably restrained. Briefly taking the microphone, he pledged to win Ohio. “We’re going to win it all,” he said. And then he turned it over to Pence, who echoed his new partner.

“What begins in Cleveland will end in the White House,” Pence said.
_____

Related slideshows:

On the ground at the RNC Convention – A photo report >>>

Armed at the RNC >>>

Front pages cover Donald Trump’s final primary victory >>>

Melania Trump in the convention spotlight >>>

Convention floor erupts when no roll call taken to change rules to unbind delegates >>>

How newspapers covered the RNC’s fiery first day >>>

Demonstrators protest outside the RNC >>>

Donald Trump’s America >>>