Cruz shocks his supporters with a sudden exit

Moments before Ted Cruz publicly ended a campaign for president that had lasted more than a year, he stood backstage and thanked his closest friends, supporters and advisers for their help and support. When Cruz finished speaking, the group of about 50 people applauded — several of them wiping away tears — and Cruz’s campaign manager, Jeff Roe, walked away from them, looking down, and shook his head. Cruz’s speech to a group of a few hundred devoted followers from the main stage minutes later was met with disbelief and anguish.