Sen. Ted Cruz thanked his supporters on Saturday for sticking by him through all the "slings and arrows" during his campaign. | AP Photo In Texas talk, Cruz doesn't mention Trump

It appears Ted Cruz isn't ready to have the talk with his supporters about Donald Trump.

In a nearly 25-minute speech at the Texas Republican Convention in Dallas, Cruz was poised to hit Trump at a venue full of supporters still reeling with the aftermath of his suspended campaign. Not only did Cruz not explicitly mention Trump on Saturday afternoon, but he hardly touched on the 2016 presidential race at all, deciding instead to take swipes at the media and President Barack Obama.


Cruz's first major set of remarks since halting his campaign May 3 featured many of his usual campaign talking points, relaying to the crowd what it means to be a common-sense conservative.His appearance was also marked by a chorus of thank yous for those who took "the slings and arrows" alongside him.

"Of course you're disappointed, but more than anything else, the overwhelming sense we have is gratitude," the Texas senator said to a room of Texas Republicans holding up newly minted signs reading "Thank you Ted!" alongside his campaign logo.

Cruz went on to make President Barack Obama the target of his remarks, referring to the "decree" the Education and Justice Departments issued to public school districts on Friday regarding transgender students.

"Yesterday, Barack Obama issued a decree," he said. "There is no decree clause in the Constitution."

The notice to public school districts explained Obama's interpretation that transgender students are protected under federal law, and gender-based discrimination violates those laws. The letter comes during a significant point in the conversation about public bathrooms and the equal access provided to transgender Americans.

The administration's position is at odds with those of social conservatives who find access based on gender identity wrong and offensive.

"We have entered the world of politically correct lunacy," Cruz said. "Nothing in the Constitution … gives him the power to be the bathroom police for this country."