Apology to turtle...

Cruz: Apology to McConnell 'ain't gonna happen'

By Eliza Collins

Ted Cruz won’t apologize to Mitch McConnell for calling him a liar, even if it loses him possible endorsements from his colleagues in Congress.

The Texas senator was told by CNN’s Dana Bash during an on-air interview on Thursday night that several Republican senators said they’d consider backing Cruz if he apologized to the Senate majority leader.

“You know what, Dana? This is why people are so frustrated with Washington. It's the inside battles back and forth. This isn't a game. This isn't about Washington power brokers. This isn't a smoke-filled room,” Cruz said. “If we want to turn the country around, let me tell you who should apologize: Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton should apologize to the American people.”

Bash pressed on, repeating her question and adding that an apology could help Cruz get more support from his party.

“That ain't going to happen. And if the Washington lobbyists want the see that happen, they can hold their breath a long, long time,” Cruz said.

Cruz did, however, have some kind words for McConnell — for his refusal to hold hearings on Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.

“I am happy to praise Mitch McConnell and praise him effusively for his stand, along with Chuck Grassley, saying we are not going to hold hearings on a replacement for Antonin Scalia,” Cruz said. “Mitch McConnell is doing the right thing. Chuck Grassley is doing the right thing. I'm proud to commend them.”