http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/trump_wins_indiana_we_had_a_tremendous_victory_ton.htmlS.P. Sullivan
May 04, 2016 at 2:28 AM
Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump struck a much friendlier tone following his sweeping victory in the Indiana primary Tuesday night, offering praise for his former GOP rival and curbing criticisms of his likely Democratic opponent.
"We had a tremendous victory tonight," Trump told staff and supporters gathered at his New York City skyscraper, Trump Tower.
His comments came as his chief party rival, Ted Cruz, bowed out of the race only an hour earlier. Ohio Gov. John Kasich remains the only other contender in the GOP contest.
The competition between Trump and Cruz frequently took turns toward the personal in recent weeks, but shortly after Cruz conceded the race, Trump had nothing but praise for the former Texas senator.
"He is one hell of a competitor," Trump said of Cruz, whom he had dubbed "Lyin' Ted" in the race, suggesting at one point that Cruz's father had a hand in the assassination of John F. Kennedy. "He is a tough, smart guy, and he has got an amazing future."
Trump said Republicans will have to bring "unity" to the party ahead of November.
As he turned his attention to his main opponent, Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, his criticisms were decidedly policy focused — a contrast to his controversial statement a week earlier that Clinton was playing "the woman card."
"She will not be a great president," the billionaire businessman and former Atlantic City casino mogul said. "She will not be a good president. She will be a poor president."
Trump's only specific attack on Clinton was her husband, former President Bill Clinton's, support for the North American Free Trade Agreement, which he said was causing Americans to lose jobs.
Trump's nicer tone may signal a shift in attitude as the bombastic real estate mogul seeks a broader base for the general election.
"This is going to become one big, loving country," he told supporters.
