While the word "endorse" was not used by Reagan, FReepers should judge for themselves - by both reading and viewing the Reagan 1976 speech - whether or not Reagan's words and actions constituted an "endorsement" of Ford's election in the 1976 presidential election.
Below are links to the text and a complete video.
TEXTPlease note the following excerpts from the end of that speech:
"Will they look back with appreciation and say, "Thank God for those people in 1976 who headed off that loss of freedom, who kept us now 100 years later free, who kept our world from nuclear destruction"?"Reagan telling Republicans to 'go forth united for victory in 1976' is a hell of a lot more then Cruz telling them to 'vote their conscience' with no call for unity."We must go forth from here united, determined that what a great general said a few years ago is true: There is no substitute for victory, Mr. President {Ford}."
And also ask yourselves what message Reagan's actions, with Ford both before and after that speech, conveyed to Reagan supporters. Note that, at the end of his speech, Reagan even put his arm around Ford while they were shaking hands.
Cruz thought he would have his "Reagan Moment" with his 2016 convention speech, but I think his his weaselly egotism made it his "Swan Song."