Ted Cruz blasts Beto O'Rourke's explanation of kneeling NFL players

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz speaks during a campaign rally at Cypress Trail Hideout. 25610 Hempstead Rd., Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Cypress. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz speaks during a campaign rally at Cypress Trail Hideout. 25610 Hempstead Rd., Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Cypress. Photo: Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Photo: Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Ted Cruz blasts Beto O'Rourke's explanation of kneeling NFL players 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A week after Beto O'Rourke created an online phenomenon with his statement about NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, U.S. Sen Ted Cruz is trying to use that same video against O'Rourke on the campaign trail and in new ads.

O'Rourke got an outpouring of support on social media from professional athletes, celebrities and his supporters. Cruz is banking that O'Rourke's answer will also help fire up Texas conservatives, in a different way.

In the O'Rourke video, which has been viewed more than 7 million times, he says he doesn't think it is disrespectful to kneel in protest during the anthem and then adds "I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee, for your rights, any time, anywhere, any place."

Cruz's digital ad plays that same clip, but then the narrator interrupts.

"Nothing More American? Liberal Hollywood was thrilled. But do Texans agree?" the voice asks.

It then cuts to a Vietnam Veteran from Texas who lost both his legs in battle.

"I gave two legs for this country. I'm not able to stand. But I sure expect you to stand for me when the national anthem is being played," veteran Tim Lee says in the video.

On Friday during a campaign stop in Central Texas, Cruz also called out O'Rourke for his support of the kneeling NFL players, casting it as a Hollywood-versus-Texas thing.

"I kinda think the people of Texas are not quite so in favor of disrespecting the flag and disrespecting our national anthem," Cruz said in Georgetown to a big round of applause.

Cruz added that he supports people exercising their First Amendment right to protest but says doing so during the national anthem isn't right.

"You can do it without disrespecting the flag and without disrespecting those who have fought and bled to defend it," Cruz said.

In-depth: Ted Cruz as peacemaker? Senator walks fine line in embracing Trump in race against Beto O'Rourke - Houston Chronicle

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