Washington, United States | AFP |
Newly minted Republican presumptive frontrunner Donald Trump predicted Tuesday he would win the 2016 presidential race against his Democratic challenger, likely to be Hillary Clinton.
“We’re going to win in November, and we’re going to win big and it’s going to be America first,” Trump said after he won the Indiana primary and his chief rival Senator Ted Cruz dropped out of the race.
Thank you Indiana! #Trump2016#MakeAmericaGreatAgain pic.twitter.com/G4JlShRA6I
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2016
Tuesday’s contest in the midwestern state was seen as a final firewall by the “stop Trump” movement seeking to prevent him from locking in the party nomination.
But as the race was called overwhelmingly in Trump’s favor, Cruz conceded to supporters in Indianapolis that he no longer had a viable path forwards.
“We left it all on the field in Indiana,” Cruz said. “We gave it everything we’ve got, but the voters chose another path.”
“And so with a heavy heart, but with boundless optimism for the long-term future of our nation, we are suspending our campaign.”
Wow, Lyin’ Ted Cruz really went wacko today. Made all sorts of crazy charges. Can’t function under pressure – not very presidential. Sad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2016
It was a stunning denouement for the arch-conservative Texas senator who had insisted he would press on to the final day of the Republican race.