Ted Cruz at Liberty University: 'God Isn't Done With America Yet'

Veronica Elliot Monday, March 23, 2015

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) (C) delivers his remarks with members of the Christian Defense Coalition in front of the White House in Washington September 26, 2013. The event marked the one year anniversary of Saeed Abedini, an Iranian American pastor who is serving eight years in an Iranian prison. | (Photo: Reuters/Gary Cameron)

In his first public appearance since announcing his bid for the 2016 presidential campaign, Texas Senator Ted Cruz delivered a speech about God's plan for America at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia on Monday morning.

Cruz had announced his plans to run for president via Twitter just after midnight on Monday, and then delivered his first campaign speech at the Christian college, founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell. Several political pundits have noted Cruz's decision to speak at Liberty University first as an attempt to attract a younger generation of conservatives in preparation for the 2016 presidential election.

During his speech at Liberty University, Cruz suggested that God's plan for America is not completed yet.

"God has blessed America from the very beginning of this nation, and I believe God isn't done with America yet," he said.

Cruz discussed his views on politics and faith during his speech at the Christian college, saying that he owes his parents' marriage to Christianity, as his father turned toward the Christian faith during a rough time in his parents' relationship.

"There are people who wonder if faith is real," he said. "I can tell you in my family there is not a second of doubt, because were it not for the transformative love of Jesus Christ […] I would have been raised by a single mom without my father in the household."

Cruz follows in the footsteps of other prominent politicians, including former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and Arizona Sen. John McCain, in speaking at the prominent Christian university.

"We're honored that political candidates are now requesting to appear at Liberty," Liberty University president and son to the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, Jerry Falwell Jr., recently told the college's newspaper The Liberty Champion.

"We never had that happen years ago — we had to invite them. I think it's a testament to what Liberty students have accomplished and what they are accomplishing," Fawell Jr. added.