Ted Cruz does his best Trump impression, calls fellow candidates 'stupid, fat, and ugly'

Ted Cruz took the Fox News Republican debate's first question about the "elephant not in the room" — Donald Trump.

First, Cruz thanked Iowans for the "incredible hospitality" they have showed him, and then abruptly changed his tone. "Let me say I'm a maniac, and everyone on this stage is stupid, fat, and ugly, and Ben [Carson] — you're a terrible surgeon. Now that we've gotten the Donald Trump portion out of the way, I want to thank everyone here for showing the men and women of Iowa the respect to show up and make the case why each of us believe we would make the best commander-in-chief." Cruz's Trump impersonation earned laughs from the audience, candidates, and moderators.

Cruz then stood by previous comments he made about being glad Trump is running, saying he's thrilled with the "enormous enthusiasm" Trump has produced. "Every Donald Trump voter or potential voter, I hope to earn your support," he said. "I know everyone else on this stage hopes to earn your support." Catherine Garcia

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