The speech took many in the audience by surprise, coming immediately after Cruz was warmly applauded by the audience of Jewish activists and donors.

"How many of you believe we lose elections because we're not hard-ass enough on immigration?" Graham asked.

A few people clapped.

"I believe we’re losing the Hispanic vote because they think we don’t like them.

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"I believe that it’s not about turning out evangelical Christians" — as Cruz had suggested — "but about repairing the damage done by incredibly hateful rhetoric driving a wall between us and the fastest growing demographic in America who should be Republicans."

More in the crowd began cheering for Graham.

"How are you going to bring us together if your whole career has been about dividing us?" Graham said.