Ted Cruz’ Democratic challenger for his US Senate seat found himself in hot water this week; telling a room full of supporters there’s “nothing more American” than kneeling during the performance of the national anthem.

Liberal hopeful Beto O’Rourke was speaking at a local event when he was asked to comment on whether he believed NFL players “taking a knee” during the anthem was disrespectful to America’s military.

‘I can think of nothing more American.’ — Beto O'Rourke — the man taking on Ted Cruz — brilliantly explains why NFL players kneeling during the anthem is not disrespectful pic.twitter.com/bEqOAYpxEL — NowThis (@nowthisnews) August 21, 2018

“I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee for your rights anytime, anywhere, any place,” said O’Rourke.

“Comments like his are a slap in the face to every man and woman who has ever served our nation and put their lives on the line to defend American values,” Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey said Thursday.

Watch O’Rourke’s stunning comments above.