The New York Daily News gave Ted Cruz “the finger” on Friday, giving the Republican presidential candidate a strong message on the front page of the tabloid.
The cover depicted the Statue of Liberty giving a middle finger to Cruz, and read, “Drop Dead, Ted!”
The paper followed that up by saying that Cruz, who was born in Calgary, should return to Canada.
“You don’t like N.Y. values? Why don’t you go back to Canada?” the paper declared.
The cover was in response to comments the Texas Senator made about ‘New York values’ during Thursday night’s Republican debate, where he suggested there were no conservatives in Manhattan.
WATCH: Ted Cruz ‘apologizes’ for comments made about New York values during GOP debate
Cruz suggested voters in the United States’ largest city are liberal, and support abortion and gay marriage – ideas which contrast the opinions of many Republican supporters.
“I think most people know exactly what New York values are,” Cruz said. “Everyone understands that the values in New York City are socially liberal.”
Donald Trump reacted to Cruz’s comments by defending the city from which he runs his multi-billion dollar empire. Trump, who is leading the GOP leadership race over Cruz, argued conservatives do live in Manhattan.
Trump also suggested Cruz’s comments, “insulted a lot of people.”
WATCH: Donald Trump defends Manhattan against Ted Cruz ‘New York values’ comments. Don Champion reports.
The response from Trump demonstrated a different side of the business magnate’s usual persona, as he reflected on how New Yorkers came together following the World Trade Centre attacks.
“We rebuilt downtown Manhattan and everybody in the world watched and everybody in the world loved New York and loved New Yorkers,” said Trump. “And I have to tell you, that was a very insulting statement that Ted made.”
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton sided with Trump, sending out a supportive tweet on Friday.
Just this once, Trump's right: New Yorkers value hard work, diversity, tolerance, resilience, and building better lives for our families. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 15, 2016New York mayor Bill de Blasio responded to the comments made by Cruz.
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I am disgusted at the insult that Ted Cruz threw at this city, and its people,” said de Blasio.
“The bottom line is he does not understand, in the least, New York values.”
WATCH: New York City mayor blasts Ted Cruz for ‘New York values’ comments
De Blasio sided with Trump, and demanded an apology from Cruz.
“I find myself, for once, in agreement with Donald Trump,” said de Blasio. “I think it was right for Donald Trump to defend New York City, and to talk about the heroic actions of the people of this city after 9/11. I think Ted Cruz owes the people of New York City an apology.”
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