Trump, Cruz and Kasich Praise New York at Pre-Primary GOP Gala in Manhattan

— -- The three Republican presidential hopefuls -- Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich -- headed to midtown Manhattan's Grand Hyatt hotel Thursday night for the New York State Republican Gala, ahead of the state's April 19 primary.

The three candidates’ remarks proved a study of their varying connections and reputations in New York.

Trump, who lives in Manhattan just 14 blocks north of the venue, portrayed himself as a hometown hero who had enhanced New York City through transformative construction projects and real estate deals.

He told detailed stories about specific buildings with which he had been involved, including the hotel that hosted the gala, pointed out tables of people he said he recognized, and gave a solid endorsement of “New York values,” a term Cruz has derided on the campaign trail.

“New York values were on display for all to see in the aftermath of 9/11, a strike at the heart of our city and our nation,” Trump said. “We showed the world the very, very best, in terms of bravery and heart and soul that we have in America.”

As the real estate magnate lavished praise on the Big Apple’s “energy," he also took a shot at his former rival for the Republican presidential nomination, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. "If Jeb Bush came here, he’d have much more energy than he has now,” Trump said to laughter.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s remarks stood in sharp contrast to Trump’s. Kasich praised New York, as well, but quickly pivoted to his standard, biographical stump speech, a sign he feels he still needs to introduce himself to voters late in the race.

While he refrained from attacking his opponents by name, he did argue that nominating someone with low favorability ratings -- as both Trump and Cruz have -- could threaten not just Republicans’ dash for the White House but also future Supreme Court nominations and control of the U.S. Senate. If Republicans were to nominate a candidate who would fare poorly in a general election match-up against Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton -- unlike him, he said -- "there’s a very good chance the Senate Majority Leader will be Senate Minority Leader.”

Cruz pitched a message of unity in his speech, which he began by referencing Trump’s remarks. "I will admit to you I haven’t built any buildings in New York City, but I have spent my entire life fighting to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” Cruz said, evoking laughter.

Cruz was the last of the candidates to speak, and much of the crowd seemed to not be listening to him as they ate dinner. The sound of plates, silverware and chatter at times nearly drowned out the Texas senator.

Cruz did not reference the debate over his criticism of "New York values,” but he did speak about what he called New York’s strength in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. “New York City is hallowed ground,” Cruz said. "It is the sight of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, and yet, in the 15 years since 9/11, many in Washington have forgotten that."