Ted Cruz says he won't 'go into the gutter' to criticize Donald Trump

Criticism of real estate mogul-turned-presidential candidate Donald Trump has been swift and boisterous of late, thanks to Trump's fiery statements labeling some Mexican immigrants as "rapists" and drug-runners.

Trump's latest target is Arizona Senator John McCain (R), a decorated veteran who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

After the billionaire businessman trampled McCain's service record Saturday, saying "He's not a war hero," and mocked McCain's time in captivity, the ensuing backlash was quick and sharp.

Current GOP presidential candidates and the Republican Party at large have summarily condemned Trump's attack, except for one candidate, Ted Cruz.

In a Bloomberg interview Saturday, Cruz said "I'm not going to go into the gutter with personal attacks"

Cruz hearkened back to his days in the Senate where he says "I haven't impugned the character of Republicans or Democrats and I don't intend to start today," Bloomberg reports.

Trump has doubled down on his unfiltered political rhetoric despite criticism coming from all sides, including Republican National Committee chairman, Reince Priebus.

News Corporation founder, Rupert Murdoch, tweeted Saturday that Trump is "embarrassing the country."

For better or worse,  Trump has not been shy about challenging anyone who opposes him — engaging critics on social media and in public.

In the few weeks since Trump launched his 2016 presidential campaign, Ted Cruz, who is also vying for the GOP nomination, has made a concerted effort to stay out of Trump's way.

Even as the repudiation of Donald Trump's views on immigration exploded, Cruz — who is of Cuban ancestry — backed away, even saying he "salutes" Trump for "focusing on the need to address illegal immigration."

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: People doing backflips on a two-inch wide strap is a real sport called slacklining