'It happens all the time.'Ĭampaign reporters we spoke with agreed with Cruz’s statement, and we came across several examples of Cruz interacting politely with people with dissenting views or at least addressing their policy concerns.Ĭruz made headlines in July 2015 when he debated anti-war activists for 24 minutes at the Stop the Iran Deal Rally in Washington.

'Admittedly, the press rarely writes about it, because it is common and generally a respectful exchange,' Phillips said. In fact, 'more than once' is an understatement, Cruz spokesman Brian Phillips argued. When we asked the Cruz campaign for examples, they pointed us to a recent event at the University of Maine and Cruz’s interaction with actress Ellen Page at the Iowa State Fair. Is it true that Ted Cruz, famed for his debating prowess, actually engages protesters? HELP US RAISE $15,000 TO HIRE AN EXTRA FACT-CHECKER More than once, I've actually had a conversation with the protesters on substance.' 'When I have protesters at my events, I endeavor to engage in them with civility and respect. But it's very different,' Cruz said March 13. You know, listen, I get protesters at my events. 'I think it is important that any political candidate demonstrate respect for the voters. Ted Cruz suggested that Trump should take a cue from Cruz himself.Ĭruz chided protesters for 'behaving abusively' and Trump for telling his supporters to punch protesters in the face on NBC’s Meet the Press. In light of protests in Chicago that led to the cancellation of Donald Trump’s rally in the city, Texas Sen.

Ted cruz ambushed by student