Posted on 04/15/2015 5:20:55 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Marco Rubio announced his candidacy for presidency of the United States at the Freedom Tower in Miami on Monday, highlighting his family’s hardscrabble immigrant roots, embracing traditional values but also vowing to usher in a “new American century.”
As a matter of political pragmatism, is there any convincing reason Rubio shouldn’t be the Republican to take on Hillary Clinton in 2016? Because when it comes to natural political talent, it unlikely the GOP can do better.
For starters, Rubio is the most compelling speaker in the Republican field.
Sen. Mike Lee says Rubio “can bring grown men to tears with emotion.” This is something voters value. And judging from yesterday’s performance, Rubio’s speeches can be infused with an emotional quality that much of the prefabricated rhetoric we hear does not have. Not only do you sense that his belief in American exceptionalism is genuine, but that his populist sensibilities will allow him to credibly broach the subject of inequality – mostly, because he has a captivating family story to lean on.
Let’s face it, even if Rubio is overrated, he’s probably the kind of consensus candidate GOP primary voters are going to have to settle on, anyway.
Other than his futile shot at immigration reform, Rubio has been reliably conservative. The Jeb Bush candidacy, driven by oodles of cash but little popular support, makes Rubio seem more palatable, while the Cruz candidacy, almost exclusively propelled by grassroots, makes him seem less severe. The money and votes will gravitate to whoever can win – if, that is, the person is somewhat ideologically acceptable to rank and file.
As Politico points out:
An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll last month reflected that upside among the rank-and-file. More Republicans, 56 percent, said they could back Rubio than any other candidate, including Bush (49 percent).
(Excerpt) Read more at thefederalist.com ...
Or at least a Constitutional Amendment to reinstate peerage after 229 years, so we don't beat around the bush and pretend we're a democracy any more.
If it's Baron Bush versus Baroness Clinton, I think I'll leave the country.
Yep, no mercy this time around.
They told me to set aside party purity in 1996 with Bob Dole.
Again, they told me to just set aside party purity in 2008 with McCain.
They told me Romney was a better alternative than Obama in 2012.
No more.
It’s a real conservative with GUTS and a SPINE or you will NOT get my vote — period. No Jeb, or any other squishy “let’s work together because I fear the NYTimes” types. No more crying Cheetos or fearful turtles!
This country is on the ropes, there is no margin for error anymore. Hillary most certainly can be beat, but I ain’t giving it up to Jeb, or Christie, or another one of Karl Rove’s GOP-e buddies.
NOT a “compelling speaker.”
I agree, he really screwed up big time with that whole incident, and that one thing took him from front runner to near the bottom of the list of those I could reluctantly see voting for.
But, people make mistakes. (Lord knows I have) and he if fesses up to the GIANT, MASSIVE mistake he made and seems sincere, I am willing to listen to what he has to say with an open mind.
By November of next year they won’t be illegal any more and probably won’t be aliens, either. Millions will be living and voting in southern and midwestern states.
Sorry, at this point he is disqualified IMO. He lied and tried to pander on immigration. This shows me he is lacking core values and is merely a politician seeking to hone his skills.
No thanks.
Then it will be war! A quote from Patrick Henry comes to mind.
When Rubio debates Jeb, what is he going to say to distinguish himself? He has used his time in Washington to become a Jeb Jr. I think Marco is getting into this to have a better chance of being Jeb’s VP choice, but he will have to compete with Hillary for that position.
“but if he admits his stupidity in regards to his past actions on immigration”
That is a long held position of Rubios. It isn’t just the Gang of 8. He was dowsed in it when he prevented bills against illegals while Florida Sec.of State. He blatantly looked people in the face and lied to them to get elected to the Senate. He lied repeatedly after exposure and continued to sanction amnesty.
He is a phony. The man has no credibility. Yea, he’s cute and charismatic. He gives good speeches. But he is aligned with the RINO camp. Do not trust anything he says.
And unlike Christie, he didn't bear hug Obama days before an election!
That’s my feeling, too. Very on point.
Rubio falls far below Walker and Cruz in this race. Both are much more polished and more tested. Walker has literally beat the machine three times. Cruz is unwavering and brilliant. Rubio’s only real test was a massive failure. I have overall liked Rubio a lot. I just don’t see any way he’s the most ready for the campaign or the presidency.
I still have US House, State House, State Senate, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, local bond & tax issues, County Council, etc. to vote on.
Rubio has never, ever begun to move me as a speaker.
His style to me is like Mister Rogers’—not a good look for a pol.
And the saccharine immigrant-roots story is the most transparent of political ploys. But it’s particularly obnoxious coming from a pro-amnesty agitator.
Cruz can keep him on the short list of VP candidates.
What if Jenna runs in 2040?
/johnny
[Let’s face it, even if Rubio is overrated, he’s probably the kind of consensus candidate GOP primary voters are going to have to settle on, anyway.]
No use to settling for second best when we have TED CRUZ the best!
TED CRUZ - Best of the best - 2016
http://www.tedcruz.org/
Amen. Cruz is my first and best preference. Rubio and Walker I would still vote for in the general election. Bush or Christie and I stay home. I'm not sure yet where I put Rand Paul but I don't like the fact he seems to take both sides on most issues.
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