In addition to the car dealer Braman who has promised as much as $10 million for a Rubio campaign in 2016 and has previously subsidized Rubio's private and public life, Rubio also has made update calls to Sheldon Adelson every two weeks.
Further, Rubio has praised Scalia for his "extraordinary mind". On the other hand, Hillary Clinton has promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who will not have Citizens United type decisions that corrupt elections, will not suppress or gut voting rights, and will not oppress women.
This matters far more than having a "million-dollar smile" (which is worth far more money to his billionaire donors).
Further, Rubio has praised Scalia for his "extraordinary mind". On the other hand, Hillary Clinton has promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who will not have Citizens United type decisions that corrupt elections, will not suppress or gut voting rights, and will not oppress women.
This matters far more than having a "million-dollar smile" (which is worth far more money to his billionaire donors).
6
If Rubio scares Democrats, Rubio-Cruz is going to throw them into abject panic. Two young, telegenic, articulate, and intelligent Hispanics will clean Hillary's clock.
5
I'm a democrat voter in FL and I will never ever never never never never never never never never ever vote for a filthy rich war monger ...We dems should be scared with the likes of Rand and Rubio...
Hillary won't be the next president and if us dems put our money in with her it will fail.She is falling apart already and we are not even in a election year.facts are facts.
Hillary won't be the next president and if us dems put our money in with her it will fail.She is falling apart already and we are not even in a election year.facts are facts.
6
I'd say, Hillary has just one advantage in any debate, the same one used often, ridicule. Rubio doesn't strike me as someone whom willnot rebutt this simple application of Smear.
Dems should be concerned as Rubio is 'in it to win' just as much as she is and carries far less baggage.
She may succeed with Smear, it is a very powerful tool, but as shown in the Obama election, don't go against someone better qualified in using Smear or the threat of Smear.
Dems should be concerned as Rubio is 'in it to win' just as much as she is and carries far less baggage.
She may succeed with Smear, it is a very powerful tool, but as shown in the Obama election, don't go against someone better qualified in using Smear or the threat of Smear.
5
Rubio is an accident waiting to happen. He trips on words, loses train of thought, and gets so nervous his mouth dries up. He's basically a GOP token minority, just as Florina is the token female.
5
Why, because he supports taking away American white collar jobs from Americans, importing H1B visa holders to take our jobs? See: Disney report.
Also, he's barely solvent according to the last report. /Clinton has nothing to fear. Also, dems and reps - there is no difference. They're politicians one and all.
Also, he's barely solvent according to the last report. /Clinton has nothing to fear. Also, dems and reps - there is no difference. They're politicians one and all.
1
Political journalism in this country, like commercial TV, relies way too much on stereotyping the electorate, trotting out tired cliches, memes and tropes about voter behavior and belief, and canned narratives designed to meet press deadlines and fill space or air time, not tell the often complicated truth about what's actually happening in a campaign. Compared to most of what passes for "campaign news", watching paint dry is interesting. Hispanics are very diverse, and Rubio is a weak, weak candidate: he looks and acts like a high school kid, and his politics are chillingly regressive. To suggest his Cuban background will be a magnet for Hispanics around the country insults the intelligence of most Hispanics, let alone ignores his right-wing rhetoric and Ted Cruz-Lite agenda. The Times should be ashamed for printing this tripe.
6
Rubio will be a VP candidate. I'm betting on Walker/Rubio emerging as the Republican choice. That actually would be a formidable challenge for the Dems, one I, as a Democrat do not relish.
5
What Democrats should really fear is a Walker/Rubio ticket, which would combine a governor who has turned his state economy around with an articulate Senator who knows foreign affairs very well.
Wisconsin and Florida are two battleground states that would practically block a Democrat victory, and the contrast with a stale, ethically challenged Hillary Clinton could be devastating.
Wisconsin and Florida are two battleground states that would practically block a Democrat victory, and the contrast with a stale, ethically challenged Hillary Clinton could be devastating.
6
Rubio is not POTUS material. But then again, neither is Hillary and neither is Obama. He has a chip on his shoulder but I wouldn't go so far as to call him arrogant. That's just the Cuban in him. I never thought he'd get this far but I would vote for him. People who are talking about immigration reform being a big issue are missing one important fact: most Hispanics in the USA are not American citizens and cannot vote. Clinton is no shoe-in here. I suspect that Florida will swing back red next year and that the Democrats will get clobbered just as happened in the mid terms.
Clinton is a media harlot who will do and say anything. She wants the presidency real bad. But the dark scandals from her past will come back at her big time. I'm expecting her to drop out when the pressure starts to win. She's a soul-less witch. I'd pick Rubio over her any day.
Clinton is a media harlot who will do and say anything. She wants the presidency real bad. But the dark scandals from her past will come back at her big time. I'm expecting her to drop out when the pressure starts to win. She's a soul-less witch. I'd pick Rubio over her any day.
6
Rubio is indeed someone to be feared. As a Hispanic, he can appeal to HIspanics on economic issues. Legal Hispanics are the only ones who can vote, and they are the most challenged by illegal immigrants. Both have language problems which handicap them, and the legals have the most to gain by getting rid of the illegals. Repeated polls show immigration as the 6-8th priority of Hispanics. They want jobs and will rally to one of their own. Republicans have been too stupid to play this, but it will work even better against a secretive crook who, as an advocate for the middle class, takes millions from sheiks, destroys evidence (the emails are part of a pattern going back to the Rose Law Firm) and charges a discounted $300,000 for a speech. This article may be moot, anyway, as I think she is at best unelectable and at worst paranoid. I am a Democrat and I am glad that I am not running downballot with her in 2016. I think there will be a consensus of self-preservation that eases her out later this year.
4
Pretty clear contrast. Young versus old for starters. Clinton would be in some sense the "conservative" as she's Washington establishment. Rubio is outside challenger, perhaps not as "outside" as Ben Carson, but still non-estabilishment. And he's much like Reagan in his charisma and speaking ability. Hillary Clinton's candidacy has much to fear from a Marco Rubio.
5
There is a huge difference between being among a dozen candidates crowding the Republican stage and finally, emerging as one of two people running for the Presidency. Come the election, the press and the American people will focus all their inquiries and judgment on Mr Rubio and he will not do well in that light. On stage against Hillary, he will be locked into well worn mantras because he knows nothing, has done nothing and has been nowhere. Mt Rubio looks like a child and, in the actual process of running for President rather than running to be the candidate, his clueless, unrealistic GOP talking points, which he will be incapable of expanding on, will illuminate only how immature and unprepared for world leadership he is in today's complex, global environment.
Like George Bush he will inevitably tell us his "advisors" have what he does not. We've all seen before what a dupe, clueless leaders without personal experience can be.
Like George Bush he will inevitably tell us his "advisors" have what he does not. We've all seen before what a dupe, clueless leaders without personal experience can be.
10
This is not about the Hispanic vote. This is about the prospect of electing another inexperienced junior Senator vs. a very experienced First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State to lead these United States. You will never get the perfect matchup or the candidate with all the attributes you want, but given inexperience vs. experience for the difficult job of POTUS, I believe the American electorate is smart enough to pick experience. Oh, BTW, I don't think they will vote for a NRA Convention keynote speaker either. I believe the majority of the electorate are very tired of seeing gruesome gun violence in the USA on the news every day and night with no end in sight.
12
Marco Rubio would be far better for the USA than Hillary Clinton. His head is screwed on straight and he does not lie. There is not a single progressive/communist/socialist bone in his body. He tells the truth and does not lie or avoid hard questions. Marco Rubio would make a fine president.
14
Oddly, the republicans don't like those up from nothing stories. Who was the last nominee in that category?
2
Sarah Palin. Some of the youngest congressmen and women to ever serve elected in the last election.
I think maybe you are projecting liberal/democrat values onto Republicans again.
I think maybe you are projecting liberal/democrat values onto Republicans again.
4
I don't really feel that the concern is that Hispanics will identify him as a fellow Hispanic and, suddenly, move in droves to to support Rubio over Hillary. I mean, what does it say about any group that, en masse, supports a candidate at nearly 100% just because he or she looks like them? No, I think the greater possibility is that he presents such a contrast to Hillary- young to old, nouveau politiq to establishmentarian, struggling middle class to uber rich, gifted orator to, well, someone who doesn't really shine in retail politics, etc., and, of course, that his story, one as the child of immigrants who worked as a bartender and maid to give their child a better life than they ever had, will resonate with voters of all stripes, but especially those with similar stories in the Hispanic community, to the point that he is able to whittle away at that 5% of Hispanics she will need to make up for every 1% of White voters she loses to the eventual GOP nominee.
Another scenario I see playing out is one similar to 2012, but in reverse. The GOP base was not particularly enamored with Romney and, as such, failed to really rally around him. This could happen with Hillary- she's not exciting. She's not the glamor candidate. Rubio could be the most exciting candidate in the race. That should be scary to Dems.
Another scenario I see playing out is one similar to 2012, but in reverse. The GOP base was not particularly enamored with Romney and, as such, failed to really rally around him. This could happen with Hillary- she's not exciting. She's not the glamor candidate. Rubio could be the most exciting candidate in the race. That should be scary to Dems.
9
Whatever you think of him, Marco Rubio welcomes questions from the media while Hillary Clinton acts like Evita on her rainbow tour.
18
Americans need to stop lumping Spanish-speaking individuals under the umbrella called Hispanic. Hispanic is not a race nor is it one culture. Are Americans all one culture and once race? Even those of Anglo descent?
Therefore, just because someone is Cuban with a Spanish name does not mean he is going to get the vote from those with Spanish surnames. Are all Europeans the same?
Americans need to stop insulting the linguistic group of Hispanics by assuming they are all the same and think the same way. Puerto Ricans for example, are not immigrants, but a people first colonized by Spain and now by the US. And not all Hispanics, that is, people that speak Spanish, share the same culture or race. Not all Spanish-speaking people eat tacos and burritos. And not all are going to vote the same, particularly for a Cuban with privileges immigrants from countries with Spanish as the official language are not entitled to get.
Moreover, Hispanics, or those who share the common language of Spanish, are not a cohesive group. They are divided into countries with different ethnic and historical backgrounds that do not share the same point of view, do not necessarily agree on the same issues, or get along with each other politically. Again, how can then uninformed Americans, regardless of race or culture, expect so called Hispanics to agree on a candidate just because of a name or a language?
Therefore, just because someone is Cuban with a Spanish name does not mean he is going to get the vote from those with Spanish surnames. Are all Europeans the same?
Americans need to stop insulting the linguistic group of Hispanics by assuming they are all the same and think the same way. Puerto Ricans for example, are not immigrants, but a people first colonized by Spain and now by the US. And not all Hispanics, that is, people that speak Spanish, share the same culture or race. Not all Spanish-speaking people eat tacos and burritos. And not all are going to vote the same, particularly for a Cuban with privileges immigrants from countries with Spanish as the official language are not entitled to get.
Moreover, Hispanics, or those who share the common language of Spanish, are not a cohesive group. They are divided into countries with different ethnic and historical backgrounds that do not share the same point of view, do not necessarily agree on the same issues, or get along with each other politically. Again, how can then uninformed Americans, regardless of race or culture, expect so called Hispanics to agree on a candidate just because of a name or a language?
10
What the Democrats that are being forced to support her are ignoring is the fact that Clinton just isn't very like able, and never will be. In a debate she cannot defend her actions, which is why she is in hiding. Not a week goes by there isn't a new devious tidbit. No she cannot debate a guy like Rubio. at this point Bernie Sanders will make her look foolish.
11
This is a very suspect premise. There is no way any Republican candidate is going to be able to outflank Clinton on the left over immigration reform. She's already made her move on this issue in favor of reform with a full path to citizenship while Rubio after doing a U turn on reform has spent the last few months dodging the issue. Clinton will almost certainly secure about the same share of the Hispanic vote as Obama.
6
Hate to break the bubble for you folks but this is not like 2008. Hispanics don't vote for Hispanics, they vote for the candidate that will improve their living conditions.
Perhaps if it was a candidate of Mexican origin then maybe 70% of Hispanics would vote for a Hispanic. Even then it would not be because the candidate had Mexican roots but because the background of the candidate would resonate with the plight of the group of Americans with similar roots. Many Americans of voting age were born to parents who are or were illegal at some point.
When Cubans get to the U.S. they are automatically given access to many opportunities and assistance, which has had a noticeable impact on their communities.
Mexican Illegals however have to put food on the table by working under the table, unless you are naive enough to think illegals actually qualify for any assistance. Even to access a food pantry they need ID. This is the reason why Rubio so easily changed his mind on immigration, he does not hold the issue as dear as an American with Mexican roots would.
Perhaps if it was a candidate of Mexican origin then maybe 70% of Hispanics would vote for a Hispanic. Even then it would not be because the candidate had Mexican roots but because the background of the candidate would resonate with the plight of the group of Americans with similar roots. Many Americans of voting age were born to parents who are or were illegal at some point.
When Cubans get to the U.S. they are automatically given access to many opportunities and assistance, which has had a noticeable impact on their communities.
Mexican Illegals however have to put food on the table by working under the table, unless you are naive enough to think illegals actually qualify for any assistance. Even to access a food pantry they need ID. This is the reason why Rubio so easily changed his mind on immigration, he does not hold the issue as dear as an American with Mexican roots would.
11
Marco Rubio is not ready for prime time. Maybe in the next presidential election he will be a threat, but I do not fear Rubio. Once he gets into the spotlight, he will be exposed. He had a very hard time just last week in answering the Iraq question. Many of the statements he made on this subject were completely erroneous.
He has flip-flopped on major issues (immigration) and does not believe in climate change which precludes him in my opinion from becoming president. He does not look or act presidential and seems willing to say anything to win. Rubio’s best chance in the 2016 presidential election is for another Pub running to select him as their vice president to fill out their ticket, being Cuban and from the south.
I believe the dark horse in this race on the Pub side is Scott Walker. He seems very slippery and capable of shaking off any questionable deeds in his past. Plus the Pubs seem to favor their governors over their Senators.
He has flip-flopped on major issues (immigration) and does not believe in climate change which precludes him in my opinion from becoming president. He does not look or act presidential and seems willing to say anything to win. Rubio’s best chance in the 2016 presidential election is for another Pub running to select him as their vice president to fill out their ticket, being Cuban and from the south.
I believe the dark horse in this race on the Pub side is Scott Walker. He seems very slippery and capable of shaking off any questionable deeds in his past. Plus the Pubs seem to favor their governors over their Senators.
5
"....something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue......"
Hillary is past her sell-by date. Let us give someone else a chance. The younger people have much to offer. Even if it is a younger Democrat.
Time for Hillary to be a grandmother, relax and enjoy her retirement.
Hillary is past her sell-by date. Let us give someone else a chance. The younger people have much to offer. Even if it is a younger Democrat.
Time for Hillary to be a grandmother, relax and enjoy her retirement.
15
Hillary Clinton represents Dishonesty, Hiding, Secrets, Try to Deceive, DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA....and, then there is Benghazi....!!! OH....and, WHATEVER is going on with the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Family Foundation foolishness which is shaping up more and more and more as a "FUND" to support Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea in a wildly opulent style! I would not trust her....PERIOD!
I like Rubio!!! :-)
I like Rubio!!! :-)
16
You might want to take a closer look at Rubio. He's the lapdog of a wealthy man, he's lied on multiple occasions and he can't even manage his own finances.
2
Yes, Hispanics in Florida may vote for Rubio. It should not scare Democrats too much since 2016 is going to be a Republican year, I think. Not that I will ever vote Republican but many people will.
Hillary, according to the Times, will be the Democratic candidate and watching her on the TV news, I think she is arrogant enough with the press, basically mocking it, to win.
.
Hillary, according to the Times, will be the Democratic candidate and watching her on the TV news, I think she is arrogant enough with the press, basically mocking it, to win.
.
3
I find it very disheartening that most of the NY Times comments seem to accept the dishonesty of Hillary Clinton. Honesty is most important in the choice of the most important representative of the country. We have seen over the last few years what happens when our allies no longer trust our leadership. The world is a mess because our leadership is weak and dishonest. Mrs. Clinton is the front runner because she IS Mrs. Bill Clinton.
12
Not that I think American voters are particularly sophisticated, but they are surely savvy enough not to ignore what a candidate believes in and vote for him just because they share the same ethnic background. If Justice Thomas decided to leave the court and run for President (oh how I wish he would), who thinks he would win the black vote?
6
There is one assumption that everyone has that I would like to challenge: that Hillary Clinton will end up the nominee. Indeed there has been a pre-convention coronation by the Party Elders, but he slow drip, drip, drip of the facts about her questionable actions at State will continue to hurt her. The email issue is huge, and she may not survive it. On top of that, she is a terrible campaigner. She is insufferably smug and self-involved, and you can't hide that.
13
@ Bob
Dream on. The email issue is a non event. Several polls show that endless efforts at smears by Republicans and the media over the last few months have had absolutely zero effect on her standing with Democratic voters.
Dream on. The email issue is a non event. Several polls show that endless efforts at smears by Republicans and the media over the last few months have had absolutely zero effect on her standing with Democratic voters.
5
The overwhelming majority of educated, patriotic citizens don’t vote for smiles or charisma. They vote for experience, maturity and what they believe best for themselves and the nation.
However, if Mr. Rubio becomes the Republican candidate (a big if) and if he is elected president of the United States (a gigantic if), the majority of voters would have voted for smiles and charisma, which would prove something.
However, if Mr. Rubio becomes the Republican candidate (a big if) and if he is elected president of the United States (a gigantic if), the majority of voters would have voted for smiles and charisma, which would prove something.
1
I believe Hispanic is a very inaccurate way to describe this voting demographic. Rubio may have standing with Cubans in south Florida, but I don't believe his appeal has legs elsewhere. Add to that his total lack of executive experience and he is not a very strong candidate. Add to that his record as a conservative senator and there is not much to like if you are not affluent.
5
Rubio's position on relations with Cuba are in a minority even among the Cuban population in Florida. So much for Florida. And the white pundits uand "experts" who consider Mexicans, for example, particularly more open to a Cuban candidate because he's "Hispanic", are being a little racist, no?
But more importantly, he can talk about the future all he wants, but where is his vision? Jeb Bush favors a flat tax, charter schools and privatizing Medicare. These ideas are now in middle age as policy solutions. Is there one idea from Rubio that is younger than the candidate himself?
3
I would pay mucho dinero to see Hillary trying to debate Rubio, her weakness versus his strength.
14
@Al R.: "I would pay mucho dinero to see Hillary trying to debate Rubio, her weakness versus his strength".
He better have plenty of water. The man gets more nervous than anyone I've seen, always grabbing for the water and getting cotton mouth. And not handling it very well. But I'm sure his billionaire buddy will supply him with all the water he needs.
He better have plenty of water. The man gets more nervous than anyone I've seen, always grabbing for the water and getting cotton mouth. And not handling it very well. But I'm sure his billionaire buddy will supply him with all the water he needs.
4
LOL With fresh ideas straight out of the 1950's. Maybe we can him to tell his story of how his parents bravely paddled their inner tube from Cuba to escape Castro. Wait a minute, they got on a plane with the rest of the Batista cronies.
10
Rubio is a "powerful" speaker? Rubio is a thirsty speaker! Run that commercial over and over again along with his comments about war and boots on the ground(He can't quench his thirst for war).
5
What difference at this point does it make?
6
While my background is similar to Senator Rubio's (I'm Hispanic too, and I'm the first in my family to have attended college), his values - reflected by his voting record and his words - could not be any more different. Ultimately, I will vote for a candidate who more closely reflects those, no matter what their last name, race, or gender is.
36
Marco Rubio the Republican candidate? Nah...Have faith in the far-right conservatives' ability to champion and present a non-winner.
Besides, if Rubio stays with his right-wing approved script, and how can he not, he will dampen mightily any racially motivated supportive fervor.
Besides, if Rubio stays with his right-wing approved script, and how can he not, he will dampen mightily any racially motivated supportive fervor.
2
Hillary should ask Rubio to become her running mate. What difference does it make, left or right, they all work against the people and for the corporation. No matter who we vote for, they where pre-ordained by the powers that be.
7
Actually, President Marco Rubio is a scarier thought.
4
Marco "creationism - anti-science" Rubio calling himself a "candidate of the 21st century" is too hilarious for words. A candidate for the 15th century more like.
13
Yes, I'm sure the Dems are worried, Rubio is a sell out liberal RINO and it'll be very tough to grill him.
Only in the world of Mr.Gelber, the NYT, and those like them on the far left would consider self reliance and making something of yourself without the government entitlement machine to be 'maddening.'
A threat certainly - to the culture of dependence that they depend on.
Rubio would trounce Mrs. Clinton, and bring some sorely needed respect back to the White House.
A threat certainly - to the culture of dependence that they depend on.
Rubio would trounce Mrs. Clinton, and bring some sorely needed respect back to the White House.
11
Obama has brought a cultured, refined, and dignified presence to the White House. Few would argue otherwise.
Are voters really so shallow that they vote for someone because he/she is Hispanic or a woman? I would love to see a woman president, but would never vote for Carly Fiorina or Sara Palin or others of their ilk because of their positions and beliefs.
5
Anne-Marie, to answer your question, yes, people are that shallow. Obama didn't win because voters considered his policy positions and lack of integrity.
4
Short answer: yes. Read the comments. Many many women will vote for Clinton just because she is female.
5
Rubio does not represent a cross section of Americans today (not to mention homosexuals). I don't think Clinton has anything to worry about. Rubio and Cruz are way too conservative. As much as I dislike Bush, I think he would have a better shot at the GOP nomination.
4
A smile is just a smile.
Right wing reactionary views will not help Mr. Rubio. Hillary knows the difference between good sense and nonsense. Rubio doesn't.
Right wing reactionary views will not help Mr. Rubio. Hillary knows the difference between good sense and nonsense. Rubio doesn't.
11
All Spanish-speaking Americans ("Hispanics") should be insulted that Rubio believes their common language should make him their natural choice for president.
All non-Spanish-speaking Americans should realize that the Spanish-speaking population hails from many nations, and because of that (among other reasons) they cannot be regarded as a single-minded monolith.
All American voters should regard the youthful Rubio as the socially regressive, economically pro-1 percent and politically shallow candidate that he is.
All non-Spanish-speaking Americans should realize that the Spanish-speaking population hails from many nations, and because of that (among other reasons) they cannot be regarded as a single-minded monolith.
All American voters should regard the youthful Rubio as the socially regressive, economically pro-1 percent and politically shallow candidate that he is.
12
On the argument that Rubio has similar qualifications to Obama in 2008, this ignores very important differences: Obama is a centrist whereas Rubio is not, and the country's situation is completely different - dire straights in 2008 because of the more conservative direction of this country since Reagan (with dems compliant), an unnecessary unending war started by the GOP (with dems compliant), whereas currently the economy is better and the problems in the middle east region, while still raging on and worse, are still due to what Bush/Cheney set in motion.
10
Swatted, Obama a centrist? Seriously ?
3
Just an empty suit - running on the party of nothing but the 1% platform. Has he even actually worked a day in his life?
9
Just what America needs, another president with no real foreign policy experience. In an ever-complex and multi-polar world, a president getting On the Job training seems a bit insane to me. The last president who had the resume and the team to deal with post cold wad issues was the first George Bush. The track record of his successors has been less than adequate, but it seems that Americans are unable to look beyond bread and butter issues and personalities when it comes to electing the lost powerful person on the planet. Shame on us.
1
You mean like Obama, whose foreign policy has our friends and enemies laughing at us?
4
**Mr. Richardson said that would poison his chances with Hispanic voters. “His own Hispanic potential would defeat him,” he said.**
Then why wouldn't Hillary's own female potential defeat her?
Then why wouldn't Hillary's own female potential defeat her?
8
Hispanics are not naïve. Republicans hate labor.
10
Rubio has many qualities that Hilary does not enjoy - he is young, he is a fantastic speaker, he is Catholic and he is hispanic. Hillary is old school politician, has way too much baggage weighing her down and has been ineffective in elective office and in the cabinet.
15
Read the Times article about Rubio's financial patron, Norman Braman. Rubio is Braman's political pool boy. And Hispanic? Since when do Mexicans, central americans, South Americans, Dominicans and Puerto Ricans have anything but disdain for Cubanos (and vice versa)?
He's not a fantastic speaker, he's switched religions just like he switches policy positions and his parents came from Cuba which means he has nothing in common with other Hispanics.
1
A candidate who opposes marriage equality, immigration reform, reforming corporate tax breaks, and health insurance for all is 21st century?
14
RK, yours is the kind of misinformed analysis that got Obama elected twice.
It's a shame that the Democrats seem to have decided on Hilary in advance and are not giving me any other options - and no, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are not legitimate options. I'm open to seeing what the Republicans offer.
Female voter here, politically independent, single mother with a young daughter. I'm interested in hearing more about Rubio. Hilary Clinton is a smart, competent politician who did well as a Senator for New York (despite her shameful vote for the Iraq War!), but I think she's too old for the job. (Age was one of the reasons I voted for Obama over McCain.) I also find her ethics troubling, particularly the new revelations about the Clinton Foundation's contributions from shady sources while she was Secretary of State, and her insistence on running her own email server during that time and deleting unflattering emails.
Female voter here, politically independent, single mother with a young daughter. I'm interested in hearing more about Rubio. Hilary Clinton is a smart, competent politician who did well as a Senator for New York (despite her shameful vote for the Iraq War!), but I think she's too old for the job. (Age was one of the reasons I voted for Obama over McCain.) I also find her ethics troubling, particularly the new revelations about the Clinton Foundation's contributions from shady sources while she was Secretary of State, and her insistence on running her own email server during that time and deleting unflattering emails.
16
You are not focused on the big picture. The age of a person makes them wiser. As a woman you should be worried about women rights for yourself and your daughter. What about healthcare and being able to cover you child while in college or trade school until she can be financially independent? What about birth control? What about existing disease coverage? What about age and gender disparity? What about migration and the dream act? What about assistance for poverty and unemployed for disadvantage workers? The list goes on. The President can not run this country alone nor can they make decision without the majority in Congress. So your so called candidate can say whatever he wants on the podium and make all the empty promises but one thing Republicans do not do is take care of women, children and poverished.
9
Read the Times article about rubio's relationship with Miami car dealer Norman Braman. Braman owns Rubio, lock, stock and barrel. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
I don't know what the Democrats are so worried about.
Rubio is a big-government GOP candidate that will not change the status quo:
He'd do NOTHING about the $18+ Trillion debt, he'd do NOTHING about the $100 TRILLION in unfunded liabilities, would continue current spending levels + inflation, his tax "reform" would INCREASE taxes on the "evil" rich, he's a hawk on Defense, he thinks the Patriot Act is a wonderful idea, etc., etc.,
Nothing would change. Democrats should be ecstatic if Rubio wins.
Rubio is a big-government GOP candidate that will not change the status quo:
He'd do NOTHING about the $18+ Trillion debt, he'd do NOTHING about the $100 TRILLION in unfunded liabilities, would continue current spending levels + inflation, his tax "reform" would INCREASE taxes on the "evil" rich, he's a hawk on Defense, he thinks the Patriot Act is a wonderful idea, etc., etc.,
Nothing would change. Democrats should be ecstatic if Rubio wins.
3
Marco Rubio may be young, but he's old at heart. See, for example, support for ancient, failed isolationist policy toward Cuba (which only satisfies a few old embittered exiles in Miami), opposition to gay marriage, abandonment of immigration reform. An old guy in a young guy's body.
40
He didn't "succeed" because his parents worked hard. He's run up over 100 thousand in credit card debt living way beyond his means and the only reason he's not bankrupt is because Marco's got a sugar daddy bankrolling his political rise.
23
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
Yup. Braman's the name, used cars are the game.
Yup. Braman's the name, used cars are the game.
Wow. Is this serious? I saw the clip of Rubio with Chris Wallace. What a lightweight. Presidential? Not a chance. I am amazed that he is even in the Senate.
17
I don't care how wonderful his story is, he's only gotten where he is because of one Florida billionaire who has propped him (and Mrs. Rubio) up financially for quite some time, according to a recent NY Times story. He also can't manage his own financial life, having foreclosure issues on a house that he owned with a friend.
No thanks. I don't care how cute he is. He's a front man for a billionaire and that's all.
No thanks. I don't care how cute he is. He's a front man for a billionaire and that's all.
15
18 months is too early to worry about Clinton vs. Rubio. The primary debate season hasn't even started yet. Let Rubio win the nomination first (yes, I realize that Ms. Clinton has the best chance of winning the nomination for Democrats).
4
The irony of Mr. Rubio's ascendance -- and a poorly kept secret-- is that a significant number of Cuban-Americans, members of his own generation, will never support him. As a Cuban-American myself, born in the US to Cuban parents and only slightly older than the senator I can tell you that I, and many like me, don't relate to Rubio's hardscrabble story, not because it doesn't ring true, but because it's far too common. First of all, his parents came to the US before the revolution, they were not exiles, they were simply people who moved from Cuba to America. Second, most exiles have had to work blue-collar jobs; becoming a maid or a bartender was the rule, not the exception. And third, Mr. Rubio is not particularly successful. He is not a successful businessman, lawyer or academic. He did not attend the best schools where he could compete with and learn from the best and the brightest. He is not the first Hispanic in the US Senate. He's not even the first Cuban-American Senator; nor the second; not even the third. He is far from being the most impressive or successful member of our generation. Thinking that he and his family accomplished something remarkable is an affront to the thousands of Cubans who came here as true exiles and who built families, businesses and communities with the hope of making up for what they lost.
74
What has graduation from a "top school" have anything to do with your qualification as President. There is nothing wrong with attending a state university that he could afford.
4
Why is that an affront? It's an affirmation of the American dream. It's not a story of royal ascendency or political inheritance. It should be celebrated and expanded upon.
3
What I want as a President is not important but curious as to what America wants in their next Leader. A 21st Century one makes sense but where is it leading to? Does anyone know where we are going? President Obama is the finest I have seen and now we are going to vote for this American Dream called Mr. Rubio.
He is every generation's dream of a success story by all accounts and there is something oily about him. He reminds me of my banker, the same age, who knows a lot about some things and goose egg about other matters such as foreign policy that could do us in big time.
It would be interesting to have an opinion from Mr. Bernie Sanders about what he thinks of this politician, and with due respect, he might think he is a little green behind the ears. Since the Democrats appear to be trembling in their booties at the moment, perhaps these two gentlemen should have an exchange on the future of America.
In the meantime, Mrs. Clinton is going strong and courageous in many ways, far more astute in realizing that her biggest opponent is not necessarily a 'ruby', but the Media who is taking every opportunity to handicap her on the basis that she is a tough cookie, and more.
When things get tough, this American thinks of her as a source of inspiration and endurance, while remembering that it can be rough to be at the top. A politician who was born to lead without being a narcissist, Mrs. Clinton is going strong.
He is every generation's dream of a success story by all accounts and there is something oily about him. He reminds me of my banker, the same age, who knows a lot about some things and goose egg about other matters such as foreign policy that could do us in big time.
It would be interesting to have an opinion from Mr. Bernie Sanders about what he thinks of this politician, and with due respect, he might think he is a little green behind the ears. Since the Democrats appear to be trembling in their booties at the moment, perhaps these two gentlemen should have an exchange on the future of America.
In the meantime, Mrs. Clinton is going strong and courageous in many ways, far more astute in realizing that her biggest opponent is not necessarily a 'ruby', but the Media who is taking every opportunity to handicap her on the basis that she is a tough cookie, and more.
When things get tough, this American thinks of her as a source of inspiration and endurance, while remembering that it can be rough to be at the top. A politician who was born to lead without being a narcissist, Mrs. Clinton is going strong.
4
Commentators read each others comments about Senator Rubeo and become more convinced that he is a far right neocon who can't draw Hispanic votes and is no threat to beat Hillary. It puts me in mind of a New Yorker cartoon from a while back that depicted two people in the offices of the New Republic with one saying " I can't believe Reagan won, everyone I know voted against him'".
9
Real change would be a Female!
1
Connection between Hispanics is not what you might think. I was once hanging out with some of my Hispanic friends and they were upset at how this country isnt supporting the Spanish language enough or were not integrating enough of the Hispanic culture into our country considering the number of Hispanics that are a part of this country. I listened quietly wanting to actually feel what was coming from my friends. This was my response. I said, I would like you to listen to what you are saying. You are espousing the idea that more people follow the same religions, ideals and language that was forced onto your different peoples when the Spanish came to your shores, killed and dominated hundreds of thousands of your people forcing your ancestors to give up pretty much everything of who they were. The Hispanic connection is a trauma bond. Taking that away, the different cultures within the Hispanic societies were as varied and different as the Scots, Welch, Irish and English and we know how that went. Unless Rubio can represent ALL of the different cultures that were taken over by the Spanish, which he cant, he would really only be representing the Spanish that dominated then so many years ago.
4
I like Rubio's politics, and what he represents however, if it came down to voting for either Hillary are Rubio I'd most likely vote for HRC. Rubio is too young, & world leaders won't take him seriously. Putin and Jingping will run roughshod over him even worse than they've over our current POTUS. We'll need someone whose been through the political and personal ringer, who has the gumption & wit to run with wolves.
5
It is highly speculative that Rubio will receive the GOP nomination. Most likely he will not because the Republican electorate is strongly in favor of reducing, if not eliminating, the acceptance of immigrants into the USA.
The immigration issue is the one that everyone is choosing to ignore, as evidenced by the fact that it is not being addressed in any truly serious way ..... as yet.
It is the hot button issue that is being swept under the rug for a variety of reasons.
If we must speculate, let us speculate as to how and when the issue will finally hit the fan. Now that is anyone's guess.
The immigration issue is the one that everyone is choosing to ignore, as evidenced by the fact that it is not being addressed in any truly serious way ..... as yet.
It is the hot button issue that is being swept under the rug for a variety of reasons.
If we must speculate, let us speculate as to how and when the issue will finally hit the fan. Now that is anyone's guess.
3
Really...we are worried? Who are these worried Democrats? Rubio is uncertain if he 'believes' that the earth is older than 6000 years. We know so. Thus, he is either incredibly uneducated or an incredible coward, who is afraid to to face the anti-science Republican crowd that dominates the primaries. Huh - and is anybody remembering his response-to-Obama speech - he was most uncomfortable, probably because he does not yet lie as well as the older GOP crowd.
4
@Kostya: I agree that having a president who believes the earth is 6,000 years old and is a climate change denier coming from a state that is already dealing with it on a regular basis is just unacceptable. Does he believe that humans rode on dinosaurs, too? He'd probably say "I wasn't there, I really don't know" to placate the creationists. Can you imagine? He'd be a president with his mind closed to science. It would be a terrible calamity for our country and the world. The world needs us to lead on this and Rubio would take us backwards.
2
Two words always come to my mind when I see Rubio, hear him speak, or read his comments or speeches or "answers" to questions posed: "callow" and "shallow."
If Hispanic voters want one of their own as a candidate, I can only hope that Hillary (if she's nominated) will ask one of the Castro twins from Texas to be her running mate. They're both brilliant, photogenic, articulate, and accomplished, and they don't turn 180 degrees on their own positions or legislation when threatened by the big-bucks GOP funders or right-wing PACs.
A Clinton-Castro ticket would win hands down over one headed by such a light-weight as Rubio.
If Hispanic voters want one of their own as a candidate, I can only hope that Hillary (if she's nominated) will ask one of the Castro twins from Texas to be her running mate. They're both brilliant, photogenic, articulate, and accomplished, and they don't turn 180 degrees on their own positions or legislation when threatened by the big-bucks GOP funders or right-wing PACs.
A Clinton-Castro ticket would win hands down over one headed by such a light-weight as Rubio.
8
“I do not believe that human activity is causing these dramatic changes to our climate the way these scientists are portraying it” Rubio (ABC News)
"Whether the Earth was created in 7 days, or 7 actual eras, I'm not sure we'll ever be able to answer that," he said. "It's one of the great mysteries." Rubio (GQ)
"Whether the Earth was created in 7 days, or 7 actual eras, I'm not sure we'll ever be able to answer that," he said. "It's one of the great mysteries." Rubio (GQ)
14
Rubio is a light-weight ... he lacks integrity and courage, and Hillary Clinton will hammer him for this. He was an early sponsor of legislation to overhaul immigration laws and then dropkicked this effort once the tea party crowd and the not-so-subtle racist elements of the traditional older and white Republican echo chamber started attacking him for it.
Most Hispanics (white and non-white, of Mexican, Salvadoran, Argentine, Dominican, Colombian, Nicaraguan, Peruvian, etc. extraction) will resent the hypocrisy of a Cuban-American squashing immigration reform efforts, when Cubans have for decades enjoyed easy access to citizenship and other privileges long denied to all other Hispanic immigrants.
.......................
Most Hispanics (white and non-white, of Mexican, Salvadoran, Argentine, Dominican, Colombian, Nicaraguan, Peruvian, etc. extraction) will resent the hypocrisy of a Cuban-American squashing immigration reform efforts, when Cubans have for decades enjoyed easy access to citizenship and other privileges long denied to all other Hispanic immigrants.
.......................
11
Please give Hispanics more credit. Rubio represents disgruntled (to say the least) Cubans. It's not a typical Latino problem. The problem is not how Castro dealt with Cubans, it's how Americans deal with Hispanics. The republicans don't have much of a track record. Rubio has a track record of flip flopping any way the wind blows to get the nomination, he is not to be trusted.
7
Rubio is a lightweight. If he wins the GOP nomination, look for the Democratic candidate to put a strong Latino VP candidate on the ticket, to counter Rubio. Checkmate.
7
Rubio, scary? He's no Virginia Woolf. More like Palin redux. Rubio's a lightweight who would have trouble fighting his way out of Chuckie Cheese.
9
So the demographic for Rubio is the grumpy older Cuban vote. So, what's that-roughly the same number of voters who are still nursing a grudge against Jane Fonda at the VFW?
Better hope for an early election, time is not on the side of this powerful voting bloc.
Better hope for an early election, time is not on the side of this powerful voting bloc.
7
Rubio is an embarrassment to residents of Florida - a Tea Party darling whose puppet strings are controlled by the ultra-right-wing idiots of the Republican Party. If he wasn't a nice looking man he would be sweeping out kennels and it is a frightening thought that he is doing as well as he is in the polls - a sad commentary on the intelligence of the voters.
10
The fact that Democrats have (at best) taken the Latina/o vote for granted or (at worst) consistently lied to them about immigration reform, etc. during primaries/general elections should be a bigger concern. If Rubio gets out of the primaries and takes the Latina/o vote, then the chickens have come home to roost.
3
Rubio will have plenty of opportunities in our bizzarely long Presidential campaign to insert his foot in his frequently dry mouth and amaze all of us with his callow grasp of this complex world.
As for Hispanics, his flip on immigration will be like a weight around his neck.
Not ready for the big leagues.
As for Hispanics, his flip on immigration will be like a weight around his neck.
Not ready for the big leagues.
6
I am baffled on why he is taken so seriously. Being young and latin isn't great credentials for being president. He is a pandering, climate change/evolution denier who is a neocon. He is Ted Cruz without the flair but not nearly as smart.
6
The truly scary (and appalling) individual is the seasoned Florida Democratic strategist who blogged "Marco Rubio scares me.", ostensibly because of fears his "Hispanic" name would elicit some type of unthinking, Pavlovian type response at the polls in support of Rubio from his "fellow Hispanics." Newsflash to said seasoned Democratic strategist-Americans, either born in predominantly Spanish speaking countries or descended from ancestors born there are an intelligent, political savvy, and diverse group who don't respond dog whistles. Rubio is descended from a small, minority slice (Cuban) of the Hispanic mosaic in the United States. Cubans are largely viewed as privileged,(see favorable US immigration policies), elitist, and condescending by other Spanish speaking groups in the US and are not warmly embraced. My advice to the poor quivering strategist is to get out of Florida and speak to the people in other parts of the country. Then maybe you'll realize that Hispanics are thinking, complex people and not so many lemmings.
9
Marco Rubio is getting too much credit. He may be of Latino descend, but he will not connect easily with us....because he is a Republican. Latinos will go with the Democrats, specifically Hillary! I know I will!
3
Rubio is not ready for prime time. He is the ultimate example of style over substance. If Rubio (wait let me take a drink of water before I go on...)...
6
@Randy: "If Rubio (wait let retake a drink of water before I go on....)".
Stay thirsty, my friend. Rubio will - because he's not genuine, he's not authentic and it makes him really, really nervous and that's why he has to grab for the water.
Stay thirsty, my friend. Rubio will - because he's not genuine, he's not authentic and it makes him really, really nervous and that's why he has to grab for the water.
1
GOP has a deep bench, and a great bunch competing for the nomination and putting forth ideas. In contrast, all Dems have to offer are Hillary, with a million scandals and even more millions stashed away illegally, and a long shot nomination of Warren who offers extremely socialist solutions like increasing even more risky loans to students and then forgiving them away, thus costing tax payers trillions.
If I was a Dem supporter, I would be worried not about a specific candidate because he is Hispanic but because GOP field is looking very strong, while Dems have a couple of depleted old ladies either too extreme or too corrupt.
If I was a Dem supporter, I would be worried not about a specific candidate because he is Hispanic but because GOP field is looking very strong, while Dems have a couple of depleted old ladies either too extreme or too corrupt.
7
Midtown2015 in NY says Democrats should be worried because "the GOP field is looking very strong". That's hilarious. The GOP candidates look like scrapings from the bottom of the barrel, weak in substance, and strong only in the sense that sludge is strong.
1
@Midtown2015: No, the GOP field is not looking very strong - it's just looking very large. There are many, many clowns in the clown bus.
Hillary Clinton should watch Rubio's appearance on the Daley Show last year (not this year's). He makes his ill-conceived positions sound positive and reasonable. They should just see how they would counter that. People may tire of his bravado, but people do like love. Hillary would do well not to hold back the love and (natural) humor.
4
I am Hispanic, and there is no way I would vote for Marco Rubio. I vote for the person and their policies, not the color of their skin or ethnicity. Only an idiot would do that.
4
The contention that Rubio, the Cuban Conservative, will attract millions of Latinos is worthy of a good laugh. But once one stops laughing, it's a gross insult to many of us from Spanish origin.
6
I seriously doubt that the republicans who are worried about 'whites becoming a minority' in a few decades, and freaked out by a black President will vote to elect a Hispanic.
2
I am a Democrat and Rubio doesn't worry me for a second. He's not about to rally anyone. Marco's a dud.
4
I think the voters are smarter than this expected knee jerk reaction to his youth, race and vigor. What foreign policy decisions has he been involved with? What major national policy has he promoted to help the working person? She could easily counter his strengths with an intelligent vice presidential pick.
4
I have a hard time believing Latinos would any more vote for Rubio just because he is Latino than Jews would have voted for Eric Cantor for anything just because he was Jewish. As for Cantor, his position on social and economic issues were antithetical to the values that make most Jews still vote Democratic. I am hard put to think of a single thing Rubio has done on the national level that advanced any Latino issue such as education, path to citizenship, or working conditions.
48
Rubio seems to be the only viable candidate who poses a major threat for the GOP. The other 49 candidates mostly looks like extremists with no real vision, mandate or constituency to win a national election.
Armen Bahadourian
Los Angeles
Armen Bahadourian
Los Angeles
2
No one really gives a hoot about Hillary, her support is a mile wide and an inch deep. She's simply perceived by Democrats to be electable. Toss in the question of whether the country will be willing to spend another decade wallowing in what already promises to be one Clinton ethical swamp after another, and she simply isn't a very compelling candidate. Who knows whether Rubio is up to it yet, but if he is I'd worry about the younger vote as well as the Hispanic vote.
8
"Who knows whether Rubio is up to it yet". Well, there's a ringing endorsement. ha ha.
Clinton has been a US Senator and Sec of State and there is the Supreme Court to think of. Minimizing that will alienate women voters whether you like her or not. Rubio won't have a youth vote with his stance on Cuba and his narrow religious views- he in fact is the one who would need to worry about "inch deep support".
Clinton has been a US Senator and Sec of State and there is the Supreme Court to think of. Minimizing that will alienate women voters whether you like her or not. Rubio won't have a youth vote with his stance on Cuba and his narrow religious views- he in fact is the one who would need to worry about "inch deep support".
2
I bet the country would love to spend a decade in a Clinton economy.
If the Dems can't win on the merits to beat this empty suit, then yeah, they should be worried.
Offer substance and if the voters go elsewhere then we get the govt we deserve.
Offer substance and if the voters go elsewhere then we get the govt we deserve.
1
Hate to generalize, but I live in Mexico, and have many many Mexican American friends en el norte; all of whom take voting very seriously. To them, voting for a Cuban wouldn't voting for their vest interests (open borders and a part to citizen ship for undocumented Mexicans living in the Sates, etc.) This article under estimates the sophistication of the Latino voting, on both the Cuban and Mexican side... Puerto Ricans also lean left. Wealthy, second generation Cubans in Miami lean right — no surprise.
12
Come on. Rubio doesn't "unnerve" anyone. He's such a hypocritical light-weight. He'll be lucky to get much traction in the primary. If he somehow miraculously makes it to the general election, he'll get trounced, regardless of who his Democratic opponent would be.
17
No, we are not afraid of Rubio. Clinton is more qualified than any in the Republican field.
12
It's not about Rubio in my opinion. It's that Mrs. Clinton can't win. I hope Dems come up with another candidate who doesn't have her unfortunate baggage and string of poor judgment decisions in the high profile public sector, all the while knowing she was wanting to run for President. Hey Joe, are you listening?
8
In reply to Len Manhattan:
"Hillary is a Boomer...time for a generrational change"
Hillary is also a woman.
And considering that over half the electorate are women,
maybe it's just me, but I don't recall there ever being a woman president.
With Repubs attacking the very basic rights of women.
if ever there was a time for a change- it's time for a gender change.
"Hillary is a Boomer...time for a generrational change"
Hillary is also a woman.
And considering that over half the electorate are women,
maybe it's just me, but I don't recall there ever being a woman president.
With Repubs attacking the very basic rights of women.
if ever there was a time for a change- it's time for a gender change.
12
So would a President Rubio close the door to Cuba that President Obama has opened? Even once American corporations have begun investing money there and Cuban citizens have begun to profit from this new relationship? Or is the name "Castro" forever to define America's self-defeating paranoia?
7
Fortunately Latinos aren't a monolith as a voting bloc. Rubio probably will get branded a flip-flopper on the issue of immigration. Hence the same issue that dogged Romney. Rubio's Achilles heel on immigration may be his undoing in the general election if he makes it out of the Republican primary contest.
7
"Prospect of Hillary Clinton-Marco Rubio Matchup Unnerves Democrats"
That's all well and good, but here's the thing: Rubio is not getting the GOP nod.
I've seen Rubio up close and personal twice. He was a guest speaker at two business-related events I attended. I came away amazed at how shallow his base of knowledge is. And he spoke in nothing but platitudes. What people derisively call an empty suit.
Say what you will about GOP presidential nominees, but when the chips are down, the Republican party always chooses candidates of substance. Mitt Romney and John McCain were not lightweights. George W Bush, for all his flaws, was the chief executive of a large state, and the scion of a powerful American family.
Rubio is a skilled politician, but little more. Even his tax plan and foreign policy stance is made up of talking points and platitudes. I could see him as a potential VP pick (and really, VP picks rarely move the needle in terms of the electorate - unless they're astoundingly unqualified like Sarah Palin), but Rubio is simply not getting the nod.
That's all well and good, but here's the thing: Rubio is not getting the GOP nod.
I've seen Rubio up close and personal twice. He was a guest speaker at two business-related events I attended. I came away amazed at how shallow his base of knowledge is. And he spoke in nothing but platitudes. What people derisively call an empty suit.
Say what you will about GOP presidential nominees, but when the chips are down, the Republican party always chooses candidates of substance. Mitt Romney and John McCain were not lightweights. George W Bush, for all his flaws, was the chief executive of a large state, and the scion of a powerful American family.
Rubio is a skilled politician, but little more. Even his tax plan and foreign policy stance is made up of talking points and platitudes. I could see him as a potential VP pick (and really, VP picks rarely move the needle in terms of the electorate - unless they're astoundingly unqualified like Sarah Palin), but Rubio is simply not getting the nod.
17
Could not disagree with you more. And clearly the title of the article and reasons supporting it do as well.
1
The so-called `unnerved' Democrats should relax. It's far, far too early to play the match-up game. In golf, the `silly season' comes after the main events. Apparently in politics, the silly season is upon us. Aren't we lucky.
10
> “He is a powerful speaker,” she added. “He is young. He is very motivational. He has a powerful story.”
He's also dumb as a post - see, e.g., "I'm not a scientist." I hold out hope that if he makes it to the general that'll cost him net votes.
He's also dumb as a post - see, e.g., "I'm not a scientist." I hold out hope that if he makes it to the general that'll cost him net votes.
23
The senator seems to be of the opinion that inasmuch as he was able to rise from poverty into a world of wealth and white people there's no reason why every member of a racial minority group shouldn't be able to do the same- and without assistance from the federal government. Mr. Rubio has every right to take pride in his accomplishments but he needs to bear in mind that his success is exceptional and for that reason alone the hopes and dreams of Latinos and other racial minorities must continue to be promoted from all corners of of our society.
10
Stu, his success is due entirely to the financial largesse of his sugar daddy, Miami car dealer Norman Braman. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
How pathetic that both these candidates would rather pander to the pro-illegal immigrant movement than run on a platform of what is best for US citizens.
16
Identity politics trumps ideology politics.
4
President Obama has been trying to extricate the United States from its disastrous policies in the middle east that have resulted in wars, death, and continuing instability. A President Rubio would ramp up the failed policies of the Bush/Cheney administration, involve the United States in more wars and invasions, and sap our national strength.
40
Diogenes
You brought to mind a hypothetical exchange between President Rubio and the Leader of Iran as one example among others, and this American started to smile, so as not to feel a chill in the air.
You brought to mind a hypothetical exchange between President Rubio and the Leader of Iran as one example among others, and this American started to smile, so as not to feel a chill in the air.
As an Hispanic Floridian, I can assure you Marco Rubio is not seen by all of us as even a genuine Hispanic (he has crossed to the dark side). He has violated that with his politics many times over. His politics are anti-Hispanic in so many ways the Democrats need to expose that and use that weakness.
68
....and what did Obama do for immigrants? - not much in the first term and then tossed them a reprieve in the second term which has only delayed & complicated any path to citizenship....ask yourself - are you really supporting the party that will actually do anything about immigration other than pander?
Only non-Latinos with embarrassingly little knowledge of Cuban relations with the rest of the Latino community can suffer from the delusion that a finger-to-the-wind, anti-immigrant, conquistador-white Cuban-American, from a community that has never been insulted as "illegal" and has long had, officially and unofficially, its own exclusive "wet foot, dry foot" ready path to American citizenship, is going to tap much Hispanic sympathy beyond Florida.
45
Marco Rubio, charismatic? Really? i suppose so if by charismatic you mean unseasoned and lacking in gravitas. Never mind his political ideology, his "authenticity" seems robotic and rehearsed. Not that it matters. He will stumble long before the home stretch. I wager he won't make it past the Republican guard dogs who will eat his lunch before Hillary gets the chance to.
34
It is amusing, as an independent, to watch this. I guess the metric of how much the Clinton campaign worries about Mr. Rubio is how much they try to trash him.
9
It is not amusing, because they are setting up a Cuban vs. every other Latin American country battle. Read the posts. Rubio is white, he is establishment, he is anti-immigrant, he cannot possibly relate to non-Cuban Hispanics.
1
This is ridiculous. Rubio is simply not a presidential material. The guy can hardly fill up his senate seat. For God's sake, it's not like we want him in the White House to model or act for us. What has youth or acting ability got to do with it? If being Spanish is more important than policy, then let Hillary tag along a youthful Spanish as her VP, one who is smarter, more handsome and more capable of acting.
31
Hispanics are indeed an important segment of American voters, but they are not monolithic. My grandmother was born in Cuba, and I would no more vote for Marco Rubio than I would write in Vladimir Putin for president. In a recent conversation, a Colombian-American with strong roots in the local Hispanic community told me that she could not imagine either Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz winning a majority of the Hispanic vote. "Hispanics are not that stupid," she claimed. But we will see what happens. Recent presidential elections have taken some odd turns. Who would have predicted that the Supreme Court would elect G.W. Bush, and who would have predicted that John McCain's sly vice-presidential pick would guarantee a loss for him?
92
dpr
Thank you for saying it so well. On another note, I remember thinking that the African-American Community would be all the stronger because President Obama was elected, and we have never been more divided.
As an Irish-American, I voted with enthusiasm twice for the President, and I would vote for him again. If the Republican party had a more outstanding candidate than this line of empty suits, I would support the person, in their own right, regardless of their origins, background or social status.
To quote you, 'we will see what happens' and what legacy we are planning to leave for our younger generation, while fearing that we are going to vote for a Mr. Rubio and his platitudes.
It is Mr. Obama who made me understand what it is to be an American with conviction, and it is Mrs. Clinton who is going to strengthen this belief.
Thank you for saying it so well. On another note, I remember thinking that the African-American Community would be all the stronger because President Obama was elected, and we have never been more divided.
As an Irish-American, I voted with enthusiasm twice for the President, and I would vote for him again. If the Republican party had a more outstanding candidate than this line of empty suits, I would support the person, in their own right, regardless of their origins, background or social status.
To quote you, 'we will see what happens' and what legacy we are planning to leave for our younger generation, while fearing that we are going to vote for a Mr. Rubio and his platitudes.
It is Mr. Obama who made me understand what it is to be an American with conviction, and it is Mrs. Clinton who is going to strengthen this belief.
1
I agree. Hispanics aren't stupid. They'll look at the issues, not the candidate's ethnicity, when voting for president.
1
Everytime I read an article or listen to something on the news about Marco Rubio and again displayed in this article is the fact that Latinos ar not all treated equally upon arriving in the US. Cubans who have made journey from Cuba are given preferencial treatment when it comes to "a path to citizenship" whereas Mexicans and Central Americans who make no less a harrowing journey to arrive here are treated like garbage. Their contribution to this country is almost impossible to quantify. Ask the genius legislators in Alabama what happened to their agricultural industry when they got rid of all the Mexican laborers in their state. When is someone going to question Senator Rubio on why Cubans deserve preferencial treatment while other Latinos are made to go through a process that can take up to 10 years.
17
Hillary Clinton has 18 months to get her act together, in order to run against Rubio or whoever the Rep pick. I think she needs to push her incredible depth of experience and yes, being a woman in the White House.
Second, she may pick Hispanic HUD Sec. Julian Castro as her running mate. That might help to attract more Hispanic voters to her side.
It's going to be an interesting election for sure!
Second, she may pick Hispanic HUD Sec. Julian Castro as her running mate. That might help to attract more Hispanic voters to her side.
It's going to be an interesting election for sure!
6
If the Democrats persist in coronating Hillary, they should definitely worry about Marco Rubio (or Rand Paul). The best match-up she can hope for is the already stumbling Jeb Bush so voters on both sides of the aisle are bored and disillusioned.
7
As a liberal Democrat and a Clinton fan, I realize I'm not objective. But seriously?
Rubio can't decide whether he believes in evolution and the world is just a few thousand years old. He insisted at a Senate hearing that Obama is going easy on ISIS to curry favor with the Iranians. He thinks that burning carbon-based fuels has nothing to do with the climate. He voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
And just by the way, Rubio and his water bottle have a long way to go before they're ready for prime time.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
Rubio can't decide whether he believes in evolution and the world is just a few thousand years old. He insisted at a Senate hearing that Obama is going easy on ISIS to curry favor with the Iranians. He thinks that burning carbon-based fuels has nothing to do with the climate. He voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
And just by the way, Rubio and his water bottle have a long way to go before they're ready for prime time.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
31
If issues matter, I don't think there's going to be that much Hispanic support for Rubio. The issues that seem to concern many Hispanics are those on which Republicans aren't great. While Rubio certainly hasn't been as inflammatory, his recent backpedaling on immigration could hurt him. The comparisons to Obama (great story and telegenic) are overstated. The majority of African-Americans didn't flock to support Herman Cain and the majority of women didn't turn out to support Sarah Palin.
People do care about issues. Obama won because was seen as better on economics and a fresh voice on foreign policy. I don't Rubio has that going for him.
People do care about issues. Obama won because was seen as better on economics and a fresh voice on foreign policy. I don't Rubio has that going for him.
21
More spin, more baseless assertions. I can think of at least three conservative (as distinctly opposed to GOP) candidates that Hillary might pray she will not come up against. Clue: Jeb the hand-puppet is NOT among them.
8
Rubio doesn't scare me at all. Democrats learned their lesson about young, "charismatic" presidential candidates with Barack Obama and they certainly have learned their lesson about Republicans and their loathing for women's rights and worker's rights and the well-being of Main Street versus Wall Street. If Hillary's policies reflect the progressive values that she claims to represent she will be our next president. If she does that, no one will care about her age or her speaking fees or her husband's foundation or anything else the morally corrupt Republicans throw at her.
5
Hispanics -- a made up census designation -- is not a catch all for all Spanish speaking people in the US. We relate to the country we came from, or the one our grandparents came from, or our great grandparents. Rubio's parents got on a plane and came here from Cuba and went to Miami, a Cuban run enclave. Mexicans and Central American's and South American's have nothing in common with Cubans. Don't think for a minute that Mexican American's are going to run into the voting booth for a first generation Cuban who knows nothing, NOTHING, about what it is like to be Mexican in this country. Nada.
36
Should Clinton be the nominee, she should only hope it's Rubio. He's a lightweight and comes across as one. And worst yet, the more you watch and listen to him the "lighter" he becomes.
As far as hispanics go, they will vote their interest like everyone else does. He will no more garner hispanic votes than Ben Carson will secure the African American vote. Besides, maybe Florida's Cubans, there is very little love for Cubans in general among our citizens of South American origin.
Who knows but I wouldn't be surprised if this is a Clinton strategy to help him get the nomination. Of course they wouldn't mind running against Donald Trump either. Maybe there'll be a "leak" about how "afraid" they are if he gets the nod.
As far as hispanics go, they will vote their interest like everyone else does. He will no more garner hispanic votes than Ben Carson will secure the African American vote. Besides, maybe Florida's Cubans, there is very little love for Cubans in general among our citizens of South American origin.
Who knows but I wouldn't be surprised if this is a Clinton strategy to help him get the nomination. Of course they wouldn't mind running against Donald Trump either. Maybe there'll be a "leak" about how "afraid" they are if he gets the nod.
8
What to make of a man who made himself a chameleon on something as personal as religious faith. He claims, as a son of Cubans, to be of traditional Roman Catholic heritage. But while rising to success in Florida politics in a party now heavily evangelical Protestant (or "Christian" as they would say) he started attending a fundamentalist church. This was seen as necessary to win the primary for U.S. Senate. Now it appears he is back to calling himself "Catholic ". Doesn't say much about his values or consistency, to be so expedient. I recognize HRC has her own issues as well.
15
The trick for him will be to navigate the primary without blowing the general. The Republican base is still staunchly anti-immigrant.
The etch-a-sketch won't work this time.
The etch-a-sketch won't work this time.
17
Marco Rubio has zero qualifications to be POTUS. In fact, he is unqualified to be a U.S. Senator. His only positive is his willingness to sell out to the highest bidder. He has no moral convictions or integrity.
65
Neither does Hillary Clinton.
Ever wonder why she is dodging the press?
What are her views on fast track trade? Want to bet she will
refuse to say. Is she going to do anything about the too big to fail banks?
What about Shell drilling in the Arctic? Any chance she will reverse her husband's idiotic repealing of Glass-Steagall?
If anyone can talk out of both sides of her mouth at the same time, it is Hillary Clinton.
Ever wonder why she is dodging the press?
What are her views on fast track trade? Want to bet she will
refuse to say. Is she going to do anything about the too big to fail banks?
What about Shell drilling in the Arctic? Any chance she will reverse her husband's idiotic repealing of Glass-Steagall?
If anyone can talk out of both sides of her mouth at the same time, it is Hillary Clinton.
14
What were Obama 's qualifications. He was a junior senator for three years and a community organizer before that. Case closed
11
Obama was also a state senator for three terms, Music guy.
Face it, Obama had to prove himself with a rigorous primary and general election before he was elected and ran one of the best campaigns in US history.
Can Rubio do the same? We'll see, but I doubt it.
Face it, Obama had to prove himself with a rigorous primary and general election before he was elected and ran one of the best campaigns in US history.
Can Rubio do the same? We'll see, but I doubt it.
I am one Democrat who is not "unnerved" by the prospect of Marco Rubio being the GOP presidential nominee. The Hispanic communities are too diverse and too wary to be taken in by the story Senator Rubio tells. When he had a unique opportunity to be courageous and bold in his stance on comprehensive immigration reform and other issues important to Hispanic communities, his rapid retreat in the face of radio host criticism branded him a coward. The special status of Cuban immigrants angers many in other Hispanic communities as well.
Senator Rubio has done little to represent the interests of Florida voters during his senate term. His personal financial needs and ties to a wealthy backer are very troubling given his history of financial mismanagement while Speaker of the Florida House. To assume he has earned broad approval here in Florida is overstating his popularity considerably.
What Senator Rubio has is a charming smile and good hair. He is Dan Quayle revisited. American voters have been there, done that and should not continue to equate good looks with talent and intellect--or courage to take a bold stand in the face of criticism within one's party.
Senator Rubio has done little to represent the interests of Florida voters during his senate term. His personal financial needs and ties to a wealthy backer are very troubling given his history of financial mismanagement while Speaker of the Florida House. To assume he has earned broad approval here in Florida is overstating his popularity considerably.
What Senator Rubio has is a charming smile and good hair. He is Dan Quayle revisited. American voters have been there, done that and should not continue to equate good looks with talent and intellect--or courage to take a bold stand in the face of criticism within one's party.
37
What bothers me is that Clinton has already been anointed the candidate. At least now we have another candidate, Bernie Sanders, who at least offers a consistently left wing alternative, yet most people in the media act like he barely exists. Why no other Democrats even dare to throw their hats into the ring is baffling. Perhaps Clinton would lose to Rubio, but perhaps another candidate, someone like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Sherrod Brown were the candidate, Rubio wouldn't stand a chance.
14
Rubio is wholly owned by a Florida auto oligarch. He entire financial well being has and does rest upon the whim of one person. the Democrats should hammer away at that truth and he will fall away.
35
Jed,
You're 100 percent correct, but be objective. Politicians from all parties are beholden to their financial masters. Newt..Sheldon Anderson, John Edwards..The elderly woman, Romney..Koch Brothers, Hillary..Citigroup, Algerian Government, Saudis, Canadian mining magnate, and the list of politicians and donors goes on and on.
I'm pointing fingers at both sides of the aisle. Politicians only want to create and artificial crisis at the right moment so that you make an emotional (not logical or rational) choice for them as you enter the ballot box. After that you are just another revenue generator...until the next election cycle of course!
Its good to be the King!
You're 100 percent correct, but be objective. Politicians from all parties are beholden to their financial masters. Newt..Sheldon Anderson, John Edwards..The elderly woman, Romney..Koch Brothers, Hillary..Citigroup, Algerian Government, Saudis, Canadian mining magnate, and the list of politicians and donors goes on and on.
I'm pointing fingers at both sides of the aisle. Politicians only want to create and artificial crisis at the right moment so that you make an emotional (not logical or rational) choice for them as you enter the ballot box. After that you are just another revenue generator...until the next election cycle of course!
Its good to be the King!
2
Hillary may not be the golden child of the Democrats that she thinks she is. Hillary has a scandal / baggage problem. The momentum could tilt towards a "cleaner" Democrat candidate. Also, Mr. Obama still has many cards to play on Hillary to prevent her from winning. His biggest fear.
5
It's clear that the best Democrat to match and outfight Rubio is Elizabeth Warren. They shouldn't mess with the tainted and compromised Clinton.
4
Elizabeth Warren is needed in the Senate, and I hope Ms. Warren will be there a long time.
6
I find it interesting the point by Mr Gelber (and other liberals) often try to make, "It's a little maddening when his policies are so inconsistent with that." Referring to Rubio's family story to convey compassion for people marginalized by society. If one equates compassion to failed liberal policies to "help the poor" through the various government programs and the trillions spent on lifting people out of poverty, but all the evidence if you would just look shows for the past 50 years it has had the opposite effect. Just look at Detroit or Baltimore or most major inner cities, they are wastelands. In business if anyone were to sink that much money into a program and the results were huge monumental failures you would be fired. If I were a black person voting for democrats for the past 50 years, I would be asking myself and my representatives, "what have you done for me lately". The intentions are not what counts, the results are what counts. So all Mr Rubio needs to do is tell the Hispanic community, there is a different way, study hard, go to school, seek out degrees like Engineering or Science and apply yourself and the American dream is still there for you. The alternative, keep voting for "compassionate" Democrats who are using you for your vote, keeping you on the government dole, and motivated to expand the ranks of gov't dependency to buy your vote and keep them in power. It is so transparent, it's so easy to see, all you have to do is look.
6
Rubio's issues lying about his Cuban background, claiming his family fled Castro but left two years before Castro showed up, are going to be a national problem. Rubio's problems are also with the MAJORITY of US Latinos who are Mexican not Cuban and the Cuban right wing Batistas have been anti-Mexican immigrants from the get go. Which is why Rubio has been anti-immigrant from the get go, a pre-req to get GOP nomination. Add to that Rubio's financial issues, broke and dependent on billionaire GOP nut case Norman Braman. Add to that Rubios inexperience in national and international issues. He may be the "most dangerous" but one has to understand that is on a scale that has him 10% behind Clinton in every polling scenario and behind with what are supposed to be Rubio's key group, Latinos.
22
Just because Rubio has some Hispanic heritage, does not mean that his far-right, reactionary stances on issues: including immigration, is going to win over other "Hispanic" voters. They just have to look back to the 90s, when Bill Clinton was president to remember that the economy took off like a rocket, gas prices were at an all-time low, in fact, prices, in general, were low, Americans, in general, were doing well, had confidence in the system for the 1st time in a long time (except for hillbilly reactionaries). So, with a chance to vote for Hillary Clinton now, those "Hispanic' voters who generally vote for Democrats are not, I think, going to suddenly just vote against their interests by voting for someone who has a bit of Cuban blood. Lotsa luck!
12
As a citizen of the world who just happens to be of Hispanic/Latino origins, there is NOTHING compelling about Marco Rubio. His youth, smile, etc. do nothing for me. Most importantly, he is a lightweight when it comes to policy, domestic or foreign. Hillary may have a lot baggage but its baggage I can live with. No one is going to pull any wool over her eyes. Who would the GOP pick to be Marco's VP, Dick Cheney? I mean those policies did such a great job last time around, right?
30
Weré this indeed come to pass, then what is most urgent are clear communications about the total disconnect between what Rubio supports and what Rubio is.
Nothing he is for or against matches the best interests of Hispanics. Moreover, like Jeb, Rubio is hardly his own man. He seems to be the most malleable of all the candidates with the possible exception of Walker.
The only way for Democrats to quash this is to hit Rubio hard on the facts. Not attack ads but fact ads.
The election frankly is theirs to lose...and theirs to prove that the Democratic agenda is the best for all those who don't belong to the proverbial 1%.
Nothing he is for or against matches the best interests of Hispanics. Moreover, like Jeb, Rubio is hardly his own man. He seems to be the most malleable of all the candidates with the possible exception of Walker.
The only way for Democrats to quash this is to hit Rubio hard on the facts. Not attack ads but fact ads.
The election frankly is theirs to lose...and theirs to prove that the Democratic agenda is the best for all those who don't belong to the proverbial 1%.
16
"Hispanic" is hardly more relevant than "European." The term, as with "Latino" assumes that Puerto Ricans, Mexican-Americans, and Cuban Americans automatically love each other more than Americans whose families hailed from Ireland, Italy, and Poland.
This the same problem that occurs when referring to pre-Columbian Americans as Indians or Native Americans. The Hopi, Navajo, and Cherokee bear no more similarity than Greeks and Norwegians.
This the same problem that occurs when referring to pre-Columbian Americans as Indians or Native Americans. The Hopi, Navajo, and Cherokee bear no more similarity than Greeks and Norwegians.
8
This is not entirely true.
The unifying factor is prejudice. Since those who are prejudiced lump them all together they feel bonded. Certainly the anti-immigrant crowd does not distinguish between various types of Latinos.
One sees far more "Native Pride" logos than "Cherokee" etc.
The unifying factor is prejudice. Since those who are prejudiced lump them all together they feel bonded. Certainly the anti-immigrant crowd does not distinguish between various types of Latinos.
One sees far more "Native Pride" logos than "Cherokee" etc.
1
I was surprised to see it mentioned that Democrats might "continue to lose white voters." Not to worry, that's only about 75% of the electorate.
5
I find it hard to believe most Hispanics or Spanish-speaking voters will go so far outside their values to align themselves with a conservative Cuban-American who is also keen to implement policies that are against the interests of so many Spanish-speaking Americans.
My personal experience has been that Cuban-Americans in Florida are not representative of the larger Spanish-speaking American population.
Perhaps he could make headway in Florida, but elsewhere? I find it hard to believe.
My personal experience has been that Cuban-Americans in Florida are not representative of the larger Spanish-speaking American population.
Perhaps he could make headway in Florida, but elsewhere? I find it hard to believe.
10
Obama came to the Presidency with very limited experience and it shows we don't need another inexperienced individual like Rubio in the Presidency.
4
This story makes no sense for two major reasons:(1) the Republican party will never (as in never) turn over their 2016 general election prospects to a Latino. Latinos know that Senator Rubio walked back his immigration proposal under great pressure from the decision-making wing of the party. Hence, Latinos know that the senator will never advocate for them. He is not "his own man." (2) the senator is unsettled on anything like a foreign policy plank. He's easily led by the hawks in his party and is on Israel's call 24/7; their interests come first, not America's. However, his greatest foreign policy flaw is his failure to accept a restoration of relations with Cuba. His myopic point of view here is a deal-killer. And how would a Floridian balance a national ticket? Scott Walker (Wisconsin)? Rand Paul (Kentucky)? Chris Christie (New Jersey)? Rick Perry (Texas)?
2
Marco could easily be the JFK of the Republicans and Hillary perceived as not so energetic and dynamic. The first thing Marco Rubio will do is try to cut everyone's Social Security by some divide and conquer strategy.
2
Pray, who in their right mind would think that Marco Rubio is suitable/appropriate for President of the United States. Seems to me this is a Press ploy to get the electorate all upset/excited/worried. Agree with other comments that this business of the small NE and SE states doing all the vetting, is very unnerving and not in the best interest of the whole US. Actually California is where the vetting should take place - we have the diversity that should be heard.
11
Another "horse race" trifle. If you are paid by each of these maybe readers can get up a fund to buy you off.
6
Rubio will cream Hillary. Most of us don't want to turn the clock back to see Jim Carville's contorting face on our 60" HD TV screen making his usual excuses for the Clintons.
7
Right. You can get Karl Rove's contorting face instead.
2
We can't afford any more inexperienced pretty boys pretending to have leadership skills. It is time for some real leadership in our country and around the globe. There is so much at stake, especially in terms of the climate crisis.
8
Please. Let's give our Latino citizens some credit for having the smarts to see through Rubio's fakery. And let's not think of "Hispanics" as some monolithic group. They are not, and they are quite diverse.
25
Tell that to the pundits, left and right who constantly view any sub-group, whether Hispanics, Blacks, women, gays, etc. as monolithic. The media thrives on these divisions and characterizations.
Article is entertaining and for some provocative.... yet irrelevant. The presidential election will be a contest featuring Elizabeth Warren vs Mitt Romney.
2
Marco will not get my vote. He is with the tea party characters and his agenda is totally against Hispanic, BTW, he considers himself Cuban American enough said!
10
Okay, now I get all the conservative comments. There is a link on Drudge.
But listen, this is absolute nonsense, in my view. Just as the lie about blacks will vote for ANY black is nonsense. Just ask Alan Keyes. And after the Republican primaries are over, ask Dr. Ben Carson. No, you have to run on your record. And once Senator Rubio is hammered on his record. Especially his record, or lack thereof, with regard to immigration reform. He will not get anywhere near a majority of the Hispanic vote. And wait until the primaries get started in earnest. And the sublte commercials (by his Republican rivals) start about how he will give amnestly to illegals, he being Hispanic and all. But, I'm all for whatever will light a fire under Mrs. Clinton. So that she understands she has to bring her A-game. The Republicans will be going for blood.
But listen, this is absolute nonsense, in my view. Just as the lie about blacks will vote for ANY black is nonsense. Just ask Alan Keyes. And after the Republican primaries are over, ask Dr. Ben Carson. No, you have to run on your record. And once Senator Rubio is hammered on his record. Especially his record, or lack thereof, with regard to immigration reform. He will not get anywhere near a majority of the Hispanic vote. And wait until the primaries get started in earnest. And the sublte commercials (by his Republican rivals) start about how he will give amnestly to illegals, he being Hispanic and all. But, I'm all for whatever will light a fire under Mrs. Clinton. So that she understands she has to bring her A-game. The Republicans will be going for blood.
7
You forgot to mention pizza guy you know...999!
With all due respect Hispanics who vote for Rubio will be voting on identy not policy and that would be a big mistake.
3
Welcome to our modern electorate. How many female commenters in here have proudly stated they will vote for Hillary for no other reason than she's a woman. Or the almost 98% of Blacks who voted for Obama.
2
Yeah I agree. It would be terrible if Hillary Clinton had to face Marco Rubio.
Which is one of the many reasons I think Democrats should do something better: Nominate Bernie Sanders instead!
Which is one of the many reasons I think Democrats should do something better: Nominate Bernie Sanders instead!
9
Rubio should have Democrats worried, but so should Walker, Kasich, Perry and every other GOP governor who has a record of competent, sometimes even spectacular, stewardship.
Aside from her husband - of dubious value - what can Hillary point to as even a "successful" record unless you count going from "dead broke" to being worth hundreds of millions?
Aside from her husband - of dubious value - what can Hillary point to as even a "successful" record unless you count going from "dead broke" to being worth hundreds of millions?
9
Check the economic records and debt of your "spectacular" governors. NJ downgraded to not credit worthy status, Wisconsin bringing up the rear in job creation and of course Texas #1 in minimum wage jobs with no health care benefits. Kasich was lucky to get re-elected and the bailout of the auto industry by President Obama saved Ohio from the brink. Please nominate any of the above for a Democratic landslide victory!
3
As an Ohioan, I must challenge your characterization of John Kasich's performance as governor as competent. His first big piece of legislation, an attempt to bust public employee unions, resulted in a special election (I can't remember the actual title because we've never had another one in the sixty years that I've lived in Ohio) and the legislation was reversed by a huge margin. He was only re-elected because we have the worst Democratic Party leadership in the country and the married Democratic candidate was caught, by a highway patrolman, canoodling, half-dressed with a married, half-dressed family friend in a deserted parking lot in the middle of the night a few weeks before the election. Also, the Dems had taken the election for granted because Kasich is so widely disliked in Ohio. The things that have improved in Ohio in the past six years are solely the result of the national improvement in the economy. Kasich has done nothing but give tax money to his rich friends and starve our schools and city and town services.
1
Chuckle, someone trying to set up poor Rubio for a fall. Serious - anti-gay, anti-immigration, big military build up and backer of the Bush Doctrine and same of Republican cut taxes and help the Rich. He doesn't have a chance.
8
First, Hispanic are not of one mind on anything. Mexicans are stoic. Cubans are arrogant. Puerto Ricans are opportunists. Dominicans are -- Dominicans -- and the rest do not matter.
All these groups have as much in common as a Texan from a Californian. And frankly, I wouldn't hold my breath for a Mexican, a Puerto Rican or a Dominican voting for a Cuban from Florida. As mentioned above. In the eyes of the "Hispanic" community Cubans are arrogant and, well, would you vote for someone who "thinks" they are better than you?
All these groups have as much in common as a Texan from a Californian. And frankly, I wouldn't hold my breath for a Mexican, a Puerto Rican or a Dominican voting for a Cuban from Florida. As mentioned above. In the eyes of the "Hispanic" community Cubans are arrogant and, well, would you vote for someone who "thinks" they are better than you?
5
So you are saying that these non-Cuban Hispanic voters will vote for Hilary instead, because she is not arrogant?
Whether Hillary is arrogant or not has little bearing on how Hispanics will or will not vote for her. She may or may not be arrogant. However, most members of the Hispanic community, other than Cubans, of course, KNOW that Cubans are arrogant and self-serving and we will not vote for a Cuban even if Marti's name appeared on the ballot.
I ran the largest advertising agency in the US geared to the Hispanic market. I know what I'm talking about. You and others may dislike Clinton, but not as much as Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Argentinians, Dominicans etc, dislike Cubans.
I ran the largest advertising agency in the US geared to the Hispanic market. I know what I'm talking about. You and others may dislike Clinton, but not as much as Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Argentinians, Dominicans etc, dislike Cubans.
2
I'm beginning to think (and feel) that I should do what the majority of voters do in Presidential elections - just 'tune in' in the last few months to see what really happened. The speculation and worry is getting to me already. As long as Iowa and New Hampshire make our decisions and the West coast is NOTHING, I really have no role, and certainly no power or money.
8
He's a lightweight and she would tear him to shreds in any debates. Once she makes him look like the novice he is any support he had will disappear - no one wants to be led by a little boy that gets schooled by his mother in public.
33
That's precisely what they said about Obama and, check it out, he became President. Rubio is not to be underestimated. No wonder Dems are already worrying.
6
Keep believing that. Wanna buy a bridge?
1
Are you sure about that? The class warfare rhetoric vs. the love of country mantra would be a mopping. Even comparing comgressional successes would make Hillary look horrid next to Rubio.
3
By the time this election rolls around, my dog Spot could beat Hillary Inc. She's at least eight years too late. Way, way, way too much baggage.
15
It's fun to imagine what George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or Abe Lincoln would have thought of Hillary.
2
Ironically, Obama's election is the best thing that could have happened to Hillary. She's been Senator and Sec. of State, overseen the end of Bin Laden and Ghadafi. Democrats have seen the light in Obama's being so Bushlite on health care reform (Romneycare), environment (defending BP, sending Shell to destroy the Arctic), NSA spying on US citizens, CIA drone killings of US citizens with trial and are embracing Clinton as more moderate than the more right leaning Obama.
Experience and years of fighting for women's rights, public education, public health, environment and her cool head and hand of experience in foreign affairs vs Putin and China.
It is Hillary's time.
Experience and years of fighting for women's rights, public education, public health, environment and her cool head and hand of experience in foreign affairs vs Putin and China.
It is Hillary's time.
Perhaps you should run your dog Spot as a Republican candidate for president. He would be head and shoulders above the present Republicans running for office.
5
Unfortunately Marco Rubio belongs to a party (Republica) which is vehemently against Hispanic people and immigration. He changed his position so many times and finally has become anti-hispanic immigration politician. He even can not carry Florida and Cuban votes. What about hispanic voters other than Cuban . In primary election which state he has some hope? Florida is for Jeb Bush in primary election. He will have competition from Ted Cruz for even Cuban American votes. Jeb will defeat Ted Cruz in Texas . Jeb is the guy (may be flawed) who will be Republican party nominee and will be defeated in general election soundly. Jeb Bush has too much baggage specially W , Iraq war and stealing election from Gore.
14
You speak of what you know not.
5
Do you understand the difference between legal immigration and illegal immigration?
4
You show your ignorance about the Republican party
3
The details of Rubio's "compelling personal story" have already been outed for their dissembling nature, which kind resonates with his flip-flop on immigration reform and anti-Cuban diplomatic relations. Throw in his lack of foreign policy experience v. Clinton's, and it is apparent he has large hurdles to clear.
9
Rubio is a one-off Cuban- his parents left Cuba before Castro. They weren't poor and had a lot of support in this country. Latin immigrants who struggled to get here are not simpatico with Cubans who get a come in for free card .
Hillary Clinton has an equally smudged record. I don't know why the Times is pushing this contest . Sad to say, we have a bunch of losers running for the presidency . Usually the worst loser wins....
Hillary Clinton has an equally smudged record. I don't know why the Times is pushing this contest . Sad to say, we have a bunch of losers running for the presidency . Usually the worst loser wins....
10
Marco Rubio is a shill for a conservative billionaire who is financing his campaign and the Rubio family finances. Saying Rubio would capture the hispanic vote is like saying Ben Carson would take the African American vote or Carly Fiorina would take the female. Ain't happening - these candidates are too wacky, too conservative for a general election.
24
Funny. Hillary Clinton is a wealthy shill for numerous liberal billionaires who are financing her campaign and the Clinton family finances. She and they are too whacky for the American public to swallow again after the disaster Owebami.
2
Got a list of any whacko things they've done?
Hillary is a 'boomer'. Boomers have been in the White House for 24 years -time for a generational change.
Oh and Ps I just love this: "Democrats will try to use Mr. Rubio’s youth and four-year career in national politics against him, depicting him as green or naïve" -just like a certain freshman Illinois Senator who ran in '08 -eh?
Oh and Ps I just love this: "Democrats will try to use Mr. Rubio’s youth and four-year career in national politics against him, depicting him as green or naïve" -just like a certain freshman Illinois Senator who ran in '08 -eh?
15
That does make it an issue. We certainly don't need a repeat of Barry. Though Rubio genuinely loves the USA.
Yes... but Obama never looked like a Cuban choir boy. He always looked Presidential. At least to those of us who aren't racist.
2
Will hispanic voters ignore Rubio nonexistent record on the major issues that concern them? I don't know who put this piece together, but it wreaks of the age old problems that republicans have; "it's not our message, it's how we package the message". Rubio may appear to be a giant in the GOP field as it it stands today, but Hillary Clinton stands heads and shoulders above them all.
20
And her record of ineptitude and corruption dwarfs anyone else in the race as well.
8
Not compared to the Republican party.
Someone will inevitably point out that Cubans like Mr. Rubio's own parents can and do basically walk into America and settle here without impediment ... he will then be asked whether a similar policy should be in place for migrants from countries with much, much worse political and social environments like Honduras and Guatemala should be allowed the same leniency ... when he is forced to cater to his own base and say no any potential for capturing a significant share of the Hispanic electorate will vanish ...
14
A Clinton-Rubio debate regarding campaign contributions will be fascinating.
4
Well that comment misses the point! Single issue worries are a waste of time. Marco Rubio is a puppet-would-be.
Then the Hispanics would be no different than anyone else who has failed to read about what a candidate truly stands for. Then they deserve what they get, no?
2
It's incredibly unnerving how many reputable publications continue to write articles that completely ignore the fundamental cultural differences between Latinos from different countries. Yes, Cubans have traditionally voted for conservative candidates. Cubans have also traditionally always been able to adjust their legal status to documented immigrants once on American shores.
This experience has informed the Cuban community's concerns in a very significantly different way than those of Central and South Americans, who often live in mixed status families or communities and who come from countries from which there is no immigration "line" (or lottery). This legal status has generally afforded Cuban Americans (as a whole) a very prosperous American experience, as opposed to that of first-generation Americans from different Latino countries. While petty, it's also well known that some Central and South Americans simply do not like Cubans for varied reasons. This shouldn't be a complex idea considering we are talking about more than a dozen different countries/cultures spread over an entire continent. The constant reference to Latino voters makes us sound like ONE massive country, much like when folks reference Africa.
Whichever candidate figures this out first will have the most success with the most Latino voters.
This experience has informed the Cuban community's concerns in a very significantly different way than those of Central and South Americans, who often live in mixed status families or communities and who come from countries from which there is no immigration "line" (or lottery). This legal status has generally afforded Cuban Americans (as a whole) a very prosperous American experience, as opposed to that of first-generation Americans from different Latino countries. While petty, it's also well known that some Central and South Americans simply do not like Cubans for varied reasons. This shouldn't be a complex idea considering we are talking about more than a dozen different countries/cultures spread over an entire continent. The constant reference to Latino voters makes us sound like ONE massive country, much like when folks reference Africa.
Whichever candidate figures this out first will have the most success with the most Latino voters.
10
She should be worried. While the optics are terrible for her (70 year old, untrustworthy, 1%er Grandma vs, Young, energetic Latino), the substance of their ideas is even worse. She represents the failed ideas of the left, but without the coolness of Obama to cast the blame elsewhere and create fake straw men to divert our attention. Rubio does a good job of presenting the conservative message to a center-right country and the media will have a difficult time covering up Hillary's ever expanding baggage.
11
If only voters can unremember what happened under the photogenic Bush II, the magnitude of disasters fallen upon us at the end of our following the right wing, the republicans might be able to sell your story to many.
14
If only the Dims can forget what a complete and utter disaster O has been for the US and the world.
2
Apparently they remembered the disasters of Obama's left wing policies last November.
1
Some of the commenters assume that all Democrats will vote for the Democratic nominee for president.
I wouldn't be so quick to assume that especially after the major disappointment many of us have had with Obama ( I voted for him twice).
As a committed American Jew who has always voted Democrat, I now know that Obama is pushing Israel to surrender territory to those who would have it disappear.
Anyone who understands Jewish history would be absolutely insane to support any party or candidate who is interfering in the internal affairs of Israel as Obama has.
Carter and Obama have been the greatest enemies of the Jewish Homeland and the biggest supporters of the enemies of the Jewish state.
I would rather not vote at all than support someone who is so unfriendly to Israel and its democratically elected government.
The Republicans are going out of their way to court the Jewish community. They are letting the world know the treachery of Obama and the EU to enable a nuclear Iran to come into being, an Iran which presently controls Syria, Iraq, Yemen and, via its surrogates Hizbollah, Lebanon, and which daily calls for the destruction of Israel.
If the Democrats take the Jewish vote for granted they are in for an enormous surprise next election.
I wouldn't be so quick to assume that especially after the major disappointment many of us have had with Obama ( I voted for him twice).
As a committed American Jew who has always voted Democrat, I now know that Obama is pushing Israel to surrender territory to those who would have it disappear.
Anyone who understands Jewish history would be absolutely insane to support any party or candidate who is interfering in the internal affairs of Israel as Obama has.
Carter and Obama have been the greatest enemies of the Jewish Homeland and the biggest supporters of the enemies of the Jewish state.
I would rather not vote at all than support someone who is so unfriendly to Israel and its democratically elected government.
The Republicans are going out of their way to court the Jewish community. They are letting the world know the treachery of Obama and the EU to enable a nuclear Iran to come into being, an Iran which presently controls Syria, Iraq, Yemen and, via its surrogates Hizbollah, Lebanon, and which daily calls for the destruction of Israel.
If the Democrats take the Jewish vote for granted they are in for an enormous surprise next election.
12
As a fellow Jew, I think you may think there are a lot more of us than there actually are. And a lot of us under the age of 60--while being against Hamas and Hizbolloh--are equally against Bibi's continued encroachments and the ever-increasing settlements that disregard prior land use agreements.
Ironically, Obama is actually much more of a friend to the Israeli cause than the Republicans, who would undermine him at any cost because (a) Sheldon Adelson owns their votes, and (b) the destruction of Israel is an important part of their Rapture fantasies.
You and I both know there are a lot more anti-semites than semites. Don't kid yourself that the Republicans are looking out for anyone else's interests except for their donors and the military-industrial complex, which gets paid regardless of how badly things go awry.
Ironically, Obama is actually much more of a friend to the Israeli cause than the Republicans, who would undermine him at any cost because (a) Sheldon Adelson owns their votes, and (b) the destruction of Israel is an important part of their Rapture fantasies.
You and I both know there are a lot more anti-semites than semites. Don't kid yourself that the Republicans are looking out for anyone else's interests except for their donors and the military-industrial complex, which gets paid regardless of how badly things go awry.
13
Fear is a dangerous thing. Why is the Jewish State afraid? They have U.S. politicians and nuclear bombs.......and a one state solution that has endured absurdity. Is the U.S. suppose to risk existence to defend this. Obama and Carter are right to question this....Where does Bernie stand?
4
@ Randy - "...and (b) the destruction of Israel is an important part of their Rapture fantasies."
Wow, who's fantasizing now?
Wow, who's fantasizing now?
'Unnerve' is certainly an overstatement. Rubio is the strongest of a particularly weak Republican line-up, but he's not terribly threatening. He's young, but many of his key positions (gay marriage, abortion, etc.) are in stark contrast to the majority of his age demographic. He's Hispanic, but most American Hispanics are from or have roots in Latin America, and they won't particularly identify with someone of Cuban ancestry. And sure, he has a compelling immigrant story, but he's thrown immigrants, especially Hispanic immigrants, under the political bus. The fact that he has been successful in a fairly conservative state with a large Cuban voting block is no predictor of success on the national stage. There just isn't much there to be worried about.
No, Clinton's biggest threat is chronic liberal voter apathy. Her name on the ballot will energize the Republican voters regardless of who their candidate is, but liberal voters won't turn out in the numbers needed unless she thoroughly shakes off the corporate-friendly centrist image many on the left have of her. That's the challenge Clinton has to overcome, and she's taking steps in that direction.
No, Clinton's biggest threat is chronic liberal voter apathy. Her name on the ballot will energize the Republican voters regardless of who their candidate is, but liberal voters won't turn out in the numbers needed unless she thoroughly shakes off the corporate-friendly centrist image many on the left have of her. That's the challenge Clinton has to overcome, and she's taking steps in that direction.
49
Great comment.
1
What would our homogenous founding fathers think about their concept of a free and fair democratic vote of the "people" from their ethnically monolithic perspective then, to today's ethnically and racially demographically disaggregated society of today?
Do you suppose that they might have wanted to reconsider the proposition they set forth then in light of what effect pitting stratified groups against one another in the voting booths as apart from battlefields as they had traditionally settled their scores with one another and solidified their ranks apart from the rest?
This whole notion of a Latino or a black only voting for another Latino or a black simply based on those characteristics alone is an insult to the intelligence, and if it's true just goes to prove that "democracy" is a fantasy because sides have already been established by nature long ago and that defying those ranks only yields chaos and unnatural disorder.
Notice any of that currently being demonstrated in the fractured world we live in today?
Do you suppose that they might have wanted to reconsider the proposition they set forth then in light of what effect pitting stratified groups against one another in the voting booths as apart from battlefields as they had traditionally settled their scores with one another and solidified their ranks apart from the rest?
This whole notion of a Latino or a black only voting for another Latino or a black simply based on those characteristics alone is an insult to the intelligence, and if it's true just goes to prove that "democracy" is a fantasy because sides have already been established by nature long ago and that defying those ranks only yields chaos and unnatural disorder.
Notice any of that currently being demonstrated in the fractured world we live in today?
Hilarious, in a perverse political way. The Democratic Party is falling over itself --and alienating many if not most of its own voters--to turn illegal immigrants into instant citizens in order to win the Hispanic vote. But now the Democratic party fears that the Republicans may pull off a coup by running a Hispanic candidate. Wouldn't it be funny if Rubio won--leaving us all with a needless social-services bill for all those new instant citizens that the Democratic Party hustled to import. Way to go, Democratic Party.
9
Rubio (or any conservative) will not have anything to do with a Social Democrat, especially one who MUST pander only to women to win an election.
1
As long as Hillary remains imperious, refusing to respond to the demands of democracy, like answering press Qs, then a GOP candidate like Rubio has a shot.
6
The election is a year and a half away! There will be plenty of time to answer questions from the press.
1
Mr. Rubio is basically owned by a right wing extremist wealthy car dealer who has subsidized his personal life as well as his professional one. Just like Adelson and the Kochs with their pet politicians such as Scott Walker, this is another puppet. He has had numerous flip flops as well as radical positions. No, he will not gain broad support.
11
Your post is wonderful. Hillary is owned by George Soros, most foreign countries and Wall Street. I guess they're equally "owned", eh?
1
It would be really impressive and enormously educational to publish the names and occupations of the mind-boggling money given to the Democrats by the min-boggling rich benefactors. No? I thought so.
1
The Kochs are spending a billion dollars on the 2016 campaign. Previously the Kochs gave $400 million in the 2012 campaign (http://billmoyers.com/2014/04/10/nothing-really-compares-to-the-koch-bro.... George Soros who discloses all of his contributions unlike the dark money given by the Kochs donated roughly $4 million in the past, which included $25,000 for a Ready for Hillary group.
Norman Braman has promised to give as much as $10 million to Rubio (in addition to all the money he has donated in the past) for the 2016 campaign. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/04/09/meet-mar...
Repeat: Kochs=$1 billion. Why does the right wing not see that these false equivalencies are a failure of basic mathematics?
Norman Braman has promised to give as much as $10 million to Rubio (in addition to all the money he has donated in the past) for the 2016 campaign. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/04/09/meet-mar...
Repeat: Kochs=$1 billion. Why does the right wing not see that these false equivalencies are a failure of basic mathematics?
3
Sure, the immigrants should love him. After all, he proposed immigration reform and then ran from it like it was the plague when he realized his party was adamantly opposed to it. Such a backbone.
Seriously, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Rubio gets anywhere near the nomination. Maybe if an asteroid strikes the convention and he is the only survivor?
Seriously, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Rubio gets anywhere near the nomination. Maybe if an asteroid strikes the convention and he is the only survivor?
8
She should have shown an interest in learning Spanish; now she ought to take a few weeks off and learn it. Rather as the Demos expect the Black vote, so I fear they/she expect the Latin vote
1
No worries, Rubio has as much chance of becoming the nominee as I do. And I'm not running.
7
Democrats should be concerned if Hillary ends up in prison before the election
But then again Clintons are above corruption:)
But then again Clintons are above corruption:)
10
It's always amusing to watch the Watergate, Iran-Contra, and Iraq crowd take jabs at their political opponents over criminal behavior. Really - could the irony be any thicker?
Meanwhile, the conservative 1% doesn't want Rubio; he's nothing, and they know it. They want Walker. Badly. For if in office, he'll deliver the cheap labor that has whetted the tongues of said 1%, as well as the soldiers needed to guard the wealthy's overseas interests.
Walker is as dumb as a box of hair, i.e. a George W. Bush repeat, and that's exactly what the conservative 1% likes.
Meanwhile, the conservative 1% doesn't want Rubio; he's nothing, and they know it. They want Walker. Badly. For if in office, he'll deliver the cheap labor that has whetted the tongues of said 1%, as well as the soldiers needed to guard the wealthy's overseas interests.
Walker is as dumb as a box of hair, i.e. a George W. Bush repeat, and that's exactly what the conservative 1% likes.
7
Huh, if he's that dumb, how on earth did he win WI - 3 times? Are you saying that someone as dumb as hair can easily beat a DemocRat? Huh.
I get the impression that the Democrats are literally afraid of the Clintons, as in physically afraid for their own wellbeing. Probably rightfully so...
The primaries with 1 candidate! Just like the tyrannical regimes that contributed $$$$$ to the foundation of the said candidate.
The primaries with 1 candidate! Just like the tyrannical regimes that contributed $$$$$ to the foundation of the said candidate.
2
Rubio is the ONLY potential single person in the GOP circus tent that can possibly pull it off. The GOP fails to grasp reality, American does NOT want another Bush, the others are too far right or too stupid to pull it off. Rubio is smart, quick, articulate and could possibly beat Hillary. He probably won't but he's their best shot.
Rubio is the Rick Lazio of 2016. Thankfully he won't be the nominee. Walker will defeat Hillary.
3
If this nation can't come up with anyone better than Hillary, than we are finished. I compare her to what we've had in the past, going back 100 years, and I can't find anyone who she can compete with...even Nixon, and that is saying something (well, maybe Carter)
3
None of them is qualified to be president. So here's what will transpire. Though unprecedented in recent times the Republicans will go into their convention with no winner emerging from the primaries. After some wheeling and dealing Romney will be nominated from the floor and he will be the candidate facing.....
1
Yep, I said that to several people I know about two months ago for all the reasons cited in the story.
Ultimately what would stop Rubio is his party's brand, the fact that some of that party's voters would not vote because they will see him as in favor of immigration reform when in fact the only change they want is mass punitive deportation; hard feelings from the Bush family if he is the one to stop Jeb -- and it ought to be clear to all by now that the Bush family holds grudges and does not take prisoners; and of course his personal story as it increasingly ties him to Braman and brings into focus the fact that he is not his own man.
But yes, the one Republican candidate who could present a real contrast and give Clinton a serious contest is Rubio.
Ultimately what would stop Rubio is his party's brand, the fact that some of that party's voters would not vote because they will see him as in favor of immigration reform when in fact the only change they want is mass punitive deportation; hard feelings from the Bush family if he is the one to stop Jeb -- and it ought to be clear to all by now that the Bush family holds grudges and does not take prisoners; and of course his personal story as it increasingly ties him to Braman and brings into focus the fact that he is not his own man.
But yes, the one Republican candidate who could present a real contrast and give Clinton a serious contest is Rubio.
2
How is this even remotely an issue, much less a story?
There are 11 Million registered voters in Florida, 44% of whom are registered as Democratic women. IOW, there are 4.4 Million registered female democrats who will not vote for Marco.
The entire Cuban population in Florida is 1.2 Million.
Rubio doesn't have a prayer.
There are 11 Million registered voters in Florida, 44% of whom are registered as Democratic women. IOW, there are 4.4 Million registered female democrats who will not vote for Marco.
The entire Cuban population in Florida is 1.2 Million.
Rubio doesn't have a prayer.
8
There are 11.98 million registered voters in Florida of whom 4.6 mil are democrats. So you're calling them all women? I might tend to agree, but I'm glad you said it. http://election.dos.state.fl.us/NVRA/affiliation.asp
He may have a young face but he has old ideas..imagine keeping sanctions against Cuba..sending more troops to the MidEast, against a woman's reproductive rights, and saying no to Universal Health Care..he is a true Republican that thinks 19th century
36
I can't claim to know how the general voter, or the Hispanic (not just Cuban) part, will respond to Mr. Rubio, to what degree he might be feared by Democrats, or if he is more "substantive" than his Republican competition, as some have claimed.
However, my sense is that his lack of experience conspicuously limits his insight into some critical matters (e.g. foreign affairs), that his positions appear to be influenced by the political winds (e.g. The Base, neocons), and his expressed views are more conventionally old than youthfully innovative.
For president, he'd be a very large national gamble.
However, my sense is that his lack of experience conspicuously limits his insight into some critical matters (e.g. foreign affairs), that his positions appear to be influenced by the political winds (e.g. The Base, neocons), and his expressed views are more conventionally old than youthfully innovative.
For president, he'd be a very large national gamble.
5
Thr same can be said about Obama, yet he was elected t twice. I think he is better than Obama.
2
So that didnt seem to be a problem for you in 2008/2012. NOW its an issue. Like we conservatives have said, if conservative had the lack of experience that Obama had they would be excoriated in the press and would never even make it on the ballot.
1
"his lack of experience conspicuously limits his insight into some critical matters (e.g. foreign affairs), that his positions appear to be influenced by the political winds "
That didn't stop Obama.
That didn't stop Obama.
1
Why is his "story" so compelling? If you accept the fictional "story" he first told, of how his parents escaped Castro's regime, perhaps it is compelling. But if you believe the non-fictional story, where his parents came over to increase their economic well-being - - which is what he'll try to prohibit others from doing if he's elected - - then it's not so compelling. The guy's an empty suit.
33
"if you believe the non-fictional story, where his parents came over to increase their economic well-being"
Which is also why your ancestors came here, why mine came here, etc etc.
Which is also why your ancestors came here, why mine came here, etc etc.
1
Rubio is a threat only if he can carry Florida. As far other Hispanics, Cubans don't resonate with other groups because the US has rolled out the red-carpet for them whereas other Hispanics have gotten the back of the hand.
14
mike: I disagree in that even if he takes Florida, which he won't, he is not threat IMO.
I wouldn't worry too much about Rubio. I is very young and immature. I seriously doubt he has the temperament and intellectual fortitude to withstand a grueling primary much less a general election against Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders for that matter. Even if he does, he cannot possibly advance an immigration plan that is in the best interest of the Hispanic community during the primary. He will be outed for the tool he is just as Romney was.
16
Rubio will also be outed as the tool for a certain Republican billionaire.
3
OK, are you suggesting that the corrupt Hillary Clinton isn't also a "tool"? Even the NYT Editorialists can't stand her, and she's a Democrat!
2
The only reason Marco Rubio is still considered a "viable" candidate is that the so called "fair and balanced" news media is too obsessed with Hillary's e mails to see Ribio for who he is.
7
There are at least 4 (probably more) republican candidates that will not only clobber Hillary in a debate, but will expose her character/personality flaws for all to see in an easy to compare/undeniable manner. Even the MSM won't be able to craft a believable explanation for her extremely poor showing. There will be screams of sexism, how mean the republicans are. Hillary's age/tiredness will show through very clearly, and if she does what she's apt to do i.e. lash out with an over the top arrogant response/inappropriate sarcasm, she will have outed herself as the mean-spirited witch that she is.
I can't wait for the debates, and if she runs (essentially) uncontested, she will be going into the debates against her republican combatant with more than enough rust. No amount of practice will help her. The best would be if Carly Fiorina had at her. In that scenario, she would lose the last excuse for the drubbing i.e. sexist behavior. This is going to be great.
I can't wait for the debates, and if she runs (essentially) uncontested, she will be going into the debates against her republican combatant with more than enough rust. No amount of practice will help her. The best would be if Carly Fiorina had at her. In that scenario, she would lose the last excuse for the drubbing i.e. sexist behavior. This is going to be great.
7
Reality check, and I'm a conservative. This woman is far more intelligent than anything this lineup in the GOP has to offer. Rubio is the sharpest and more intelligent of the crew. However, like her or not, she will stomp any of these fat old white men into the ground in a debate, hands-down.
7
That comparison, sir, is an insult to witches!
And you know that because she beat Rick Lazio and John Spencer? LOL. Her popularity is inversely related to her visibility.
I would like to ask all legit voters out there to think about the following two questions before you cast your important votes next year:
1. Why does the candidate's ethnicity matter when it comes to Presidential election?
2. Shouldn't your votes be based on the merit of the candidates and what he/she can do to protect the best interests of the country and its citizens, instead of how much campaign funds a candidate can raise or what kind of upbringing he/she may have had?
1. Why does the candidate's ethnicity matter when it comes to Presidential election?
2. Shouldn't your votes be based on the merit of the candidates and what he/she can do to protect the best interests of the country and its citizens, instead of how much campaign funds a candidate can raise or what kind of upbringing he/she may have had?
6
3. Do you want a Republican choosing the next two or three Supreme Court justices?
23
Yes, that would be great maybe get some actual fairness and logic instead of fashionable law.
2
NO, The "male" Supremes are for covering their rears wile enjoying the pay backs from the wealthy. fg
3
Latinos/Hispanics in the United States are not a homogeneous block. They are a heterogeneous ethnic group comprised of people of different races, socio-economic classes, national backgrounds, levels of integration/assimilation to US culture, and varying degrees of national allegiances. Marco Rubio’s Spanish surname due to his Cuban origins will not be enough to attract Hispanic/Latino voters. As many of the commentators have pointed out, the Democratic Party must highlight his advantaged status as a Cuban refugee that gave him a head start in life in the United States, as opposed to most other immigrants. Furthermore, Democrats must point systematically to the fact that his values, especially regarding immigration and socio-economic issues at large, are out of step with the values of most Latino voters. I agree with commentators that it will behoove Hillary Clinton to run with a strong Hispanic/Latino candidate for vice presidency to undermine Rubio’s exceptionalist narrative, while neutralizing any minimal potential ethnic advantage he may have. Ultimately, though, I believe that our country is gradually maturing to the point in which different racial/ethnic groups will be increasingly mobilized by the substance and values of a given political candidate and not simply a surname or skin color.
10
This speaks much more to Hillary Clinton's weaknesses than to Mr. Rubio's strengths, which are few. Mrs. Clinton will have a difficult time winning the election no matter who her opponent is, because she doesn't inspire the majority of voters. Poor turnout elections have always favored Republicans, and I don't believe that Hillary Clinton can excite enough Democrats and Independents on election day to sweep the requisite electoral votes into her column. PLEASE Democrats - find another more electable candidate, or it's curtains for this country after 2016.
5
Please ready any news or financial (Wall St. Journal) poll- she stomps them all, hands-down in polls- all of them. You need to get your Rx refilled and join us in reality here.
2
Two comments: In terms of Rubio's politics you have to remember that Cubans are unique within the spctrum of Hispanics. Castro's Revolution, witch later turned out be a Communist revolution turned many against any policies that considers the "collective". Many of those have just swung to the right because of that experience. Apparently the Rubio family is one of those.
Then there is the big concern within the Cuban community: when did his family flee Cuba. There exists a hierarchy. 1. Those that left soon after Castro took over are the elite. No way they were complacent to the communist system. The the rank descends as you count the years before your family sought to immigrate (some how, some where) out of Cuba. There is a controversy regarding exactly when the Rubio's left Cuba. He has given different answers to different groups. Many Cuban's are suspicious that they were part of R
The revolution, and only left when the Cuban economy began its steep decline.
There is no question that this will come up if he wins the nomination.
Then there is the big concern within the Cuban community: when did his family flee Cuba. There exists a hierarchy. 1. Those that left soon after Castro took over are the elite. No way they were complacent to the communist system. The the rank descends as you count the years before your family sought to immigrate (some how, some where) out of Cuba. There is a controversy regarding exactly when the Rubio's left Cuba. He has given different answers to different groups. Many Cuban's are suspicious that they were part of R
The revolution, and only left when the Cuban economy began its steep decline.
There is no question that this will come up if he wins the nomination.
6
Among the voters who are not unalterably opposed to a Hilary Clinton presidency, I would like to think a majority of them believe experience matters (a lot). On this issue, there is no contest with Mr. Rubio. The world is moving through many unprecedented changes, threats and instabilities. Can a thoughtful person really conclude that Marco Rubio would do the best job at the helm of the most powerful country on Earth?
11
Compared to Hillary? She has already sold out to foreign interests and taken many bribes, so how would we even know if she represents the US if she becomes President? Plus with her using an unsecure private server for all her emails, which are 100% hacked (according to government experts), the chance of blackmail is extremely high. Trust matters.
4
Didn't democrat voters choose a young inexperienced first-term senator over Hillary in 2008?
5
Rubio is undoubtedly the strongest Republican candidate, much as the Hickory Crawdads are currently leading the Northern Division of the Class A South Atlantic League in minor league baseball, and much as Gerald Ford was the best vice president that Richard Nixon ever had.
2
Rubio is also strongly pro-Israel, which may indeed be a game-changer regarding the Florida vote. If he swings Broward and other counties....Florida goes Republican.....
7
This FL democrat will gladly take his chances with a Clinton/Rubio match up. I've been watching him and he comes off as a petulant, entitled theocrat child. I also agree that once the public gets to "know" him, his only appeal would be to religious fundamentalists or anti-Castro hardliners.
17
I doubt it. Rubio is Cuban, and most Hispanic Americans are of central American descent, and do not hold much affection for Cubans. I live in an area where there are many people from Mexico, and they want nothing to do with Cubans.
Just speaking Spanish does not make you view another Spanish speaker favorably. The accent has a lot to do with how one is received. Just like in Britain.
Just speaking Spanish does not make you view another Spanish speaker favorably. The accent has a lot to do with how one is received. Just like in Britain.
18
So Hillary could count on the votes of bigots who dislike people because of their ethnicity or accent? I'll bet you're right.
1
If he gets the nomination (highly unlikely) the Sugar Daddy issue will be his downfall. How can we elect a President who needs another man to pay his bills?
18
Are you talking about obama?
5
Seriously? Did you read that before you posted it? You are apparently a Hillary supporter, yet you just wrote: "How can we elect a President who needs another man to pay his bills?"
What happens when you replace "his" with "her" in your sentence? Still true when the "other man" is Bill?
What happens when you replace "his" with "her" in your sentence? Still true when the "other man" is Bill?
4
So Rubio has a sugar daddy to whom he is beholden...fair enough
The Clintons (and their Foundation) have Sugar Daddies to whom they are beholden....agree?
The Clintons (and their Foundation) have Sugar Daddies to whom they are beholden....agree?
2
It seems the choice would be obvious. Rubio represents the future, Hillary the past. Rubio is open and honest, Hillary hides from the press and lies whenever she does speak. Rubio has clear and intelligent foreign policy positions, Hillary had a disastrous term as SOS. Rubio is warm and friendly, Hillary is cold and distant. Rubio has earned the little money he has honestly, Hillary has earned most of her enormous wealth stealing tuition money from poor college students or selling access to corporations and foreign donors. Rubio works across the aisle, Hillary vilifies the other side as a "right wing conspiracy." Rubio is for transparency, Hillary stonewalls and obstructs legitimate investigations. Rubio cares about the middle class, Hillary only cares about Wall Street and her rich benefactors.
9
Thanks for this fantasy, it gave me a hearty laugh of the day.
2
He cares about the middle class? Earned his money honestly? Hillary is the one who cares about rich benefactors? You are so naïve: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/marco-rubio-hopes-theres-still-en...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/04/09/meet-mar...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/04/09/meet-mar...
2
Rick's laughter led me to read your post and I agree. Except he is running for Vice President.
1
I guess out of all the candidates in the Republican "clown car," Rubio does stand out as the most challenging potential opponent to Clinton. He does come across very well on TV, seems intelligent, he's young, and he's relatively unknown to voters in comparison to other candidates. Sounds a bit like President Obama circa 2007-08. However, my sense is that his charisma and appeal to younger voters will be outweighed by his conservative positions, especially economic, and lack of foreign policy knowledge and experience (compared with Clinton) and that he would lose to Clinton. I don't think the fact that he's Hispanic will sway the vote one way or the other. I hope I'm right.
6
Well there are 2 things for sure. Rubio is smarter and more honest than both you and Hillary put together.
4
Whether you think I'm smart based on my comment is your opinion, but how and why exactly do you believe I'm less honest? On what basis?
1
I'd be very hard-pressed to vote for a Republican, especially anyone who espouses their recent very small tent, elitist, anti-immigrant, anti-middle class, pro-weapon/pro-war program.
That said, Hillary is not ordained, and the Democrats are making a huge mistake if she becomes their only candidate.
O'Malley, oh my.
That said, Hillary is not ordained, and the Democrats are making a huge mistake if she becomes their only candidate.
O'Malley, oh my.
4
It is unbelievable that you are from the Midwest. I am sure you are a pariah in your home town.
1
Probably a Chicago resident that cant see whats in front of their face how bad liberal policies are.
2
Rubio looks like he may be the most electable Republican. First,
the article says that the Republicans an "ill afford to lose" Florida. That would be an understatement. No Florida no Republican president, period. Rubio
and Jeb Bush are the logical choices to secure Florida. Rubio of course, looks like a much stronger candidate than Jeb Bush who will have to run on his brother's presidential legacy (really bad news). Rubio is Hispanic, he represents Florida in the U.S. Senate, he is young, charismatic, intelligent etc. etc. He looks like a Republican version of John F. Kennedy.
On the other hand, as the article points out, Hillary is old. How old? She looks older than her late 60s. She is not an athlete like John Kerry. No, she is a battle scarred albeit storied woman who is at normal retirement age.
She represents America in the 1990s. Rubio represents America today.
I conclude then, as the article asserts, that Rubio may be a Hillary killer.
The Republicans would be foolish to leave him off the ticket either as the standard bearer or the VEEP. A Rubio Walker or Walker Rubio ticket would appear to optimize their chances in 2016. Of course, as a Democrat, I hope they collectively decide on a lesser ticket. I like Jeb Bush. I think Ted Cruz or Mike Huckabbee would be wishful thinking.
the article says that the Republicans an "ill afford to lose" Florida. That would be an understatement. No Florida no Republican president, period. Rubio
and Jeb Bush are the logical choices to secure Florida. Rubio of course, looks like a much stronger candidate than Jeb Bush who will have to run on his brother's presidential legacy (really bad news). Rubio is Hispanic, he represents Florida in the U.S. Senate, he is young, charismatic, intelligent etc. etc. He looks like a Republican version of John F. Kennedy.
On the other hand, as the article points out, Hillary is old. How old? She looks older than her late 60s. She is not an athlete like John Kerry. No, she is a battle scarred albeit storied woman who is at normal retirement age.
She represents America in the 1990s. Rubio represents America today.
I conclude then, as the article asserts, that Rubio may be a Hillary killer.
The Republicans would be foolish to leave him off the ticket either as the standard bearer or the VEEP. A Rubio Walker or Walker Rubio ticket would appear to optimize their chances in 2016. Of course, as a Democrat, I hope they collectively decide on a lesser ticket. I like Jeb Bush. I think Ted Cruz or Mike Huckabbee would be wishful thinking.
1
JFK just turned over in his grave! Rubio is a kid with no experience. Problem with Republicans is that they have too many lined up that want to run. Great way to run a circus but not a convention.......
“Charismatic,” “great potential,” “million-dollar smile"... ?
THAT'S the criteria for a presidential candidate? IS this Extreme Makeover of a campaign for President of the USA?
What about his views on science, taxes, health-care, national infrastructure, actual experience as an elected official, etc? You know, all the boring, mundane details!
THAT'S the criteria for a presidential candidate? IS this Extreme Makeover of a campaign for President of the USA?
What about his views on science, taxes, health-care, national infrastructure, actual experience as an elected official, etc? You know, all the boring, mundane details!
35
To some, Marco Rubio may appear photogenic. To most, the man comes across as disingenuous and not particularly intelligent.
36
They should also be worried about Jeb Bush's wife Columba, who is of Mexican descent. If she turns out to be an engaging campaigner, that could cut into the Democratic Party's Latino votes.
4
Finally a post on this subject that makes a solid point!
1
Sounds like she wants no part of campaigning and she certainly can't be as well spoke as the current flotus.
Whatever dangers Rubio may represent to Clinton in other areas, Clinton is in no danger of losing the hispanic vote to him. My late husband, a leftist from Uruguay, was of the view that most hispanics dislike Cuban-Americans. They feel that they have been given the whole pie at the expense of other hispanic communities. Rubio may even lose some of the 27% who voted Republican in the last election. And then, of course, hispanics are unlikely to vote against their own best interests, none of which are supported by Rubio.
30
Well then, game over: If you've lost the Uruguayan Leftist vote, you've lost America!
3
Everyone is missing the real point....forget about HRC or Rubio....the goal? the right and the left wants people forget about Rand Paul, that's the whole story.....differences between Rubio and HRC? No one...no one. That's why you are going to start reading, watching, listening all kind of similar stories where the only missing one is Mr Rand Paul.
And Bernie Sanders.
2
Miami Herald, 5.20.15 on Rubio's wife's part time job in Norman Braman's pseudo charity.
"Records show Mrs. Rubio was paid at least $54,000 for her part time job in 2013. The charity's IRS forms show it gave only $250. that year despite having assets exceeding $9 million. The charity spent nearly $150,000 in air travel".
"Records show Mrs. Rubio was paid at least $54,000 for her part time job in 2013. The charity's IRS forms show it gave only $250. that year despite having assets exceeding $9 million. The charity spent nearly $150,000 in air travel".
10
Ah, the democrat smear machine is gearing up..
1
Printing the truth is a smear in Texas?
Y'all have the distinction of being the only state to ever elect two guy cheerleaders, in a row, as Governor.
Boy George waved his pom poms for the boys at Phillips Andover Prep.
Oops Perry waved his pom poms for the boys at Texas A&M.
By the way, both dodged Viet Nam.
Manly men, doing manly things.
Y'all have the distinction of being the only state to ever elect two guy cheerleaders, in a row, as Governor.
Boy George waved his pom poms for the boys at Phillips Andover Prep.
Oops Perry waved his pom poms for the boys at Texas A&M.
By the way, both dodged Viet Nam.
Manly men, doing manly things.
1
He's a repugnant. So tell me, again. How could he win?
4
My extensive friendships and other contacts within the Hispanic community tells me that the Cuban experience is quite different than the stories of México, Central América and others. They are not monolithic and lack solidarity.
The Cuban-American "creation myth" is very diferente than that of the groups settled in the southwest and particularly among the pre-Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) treaty Hispanics here in NM.
The ridiculous immigration policy regarding Cubans since the advent of Castro in 59 is particularly galling in its unfairness to those who crossed the Sonoran desert later amnestied by Reagan. Even his fair "güero look works against him and he has to attend to the old time Cubans who pine the return of their property.
Its typical of the politicians and pundits to just see Rubio = Hispanic votes. Their wrong.
The Cuban-American "creation myth" is very diferente than that of the groups settled in the southwest and particularly among the pre-Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) treaty Hispanics here in NM.
The ridiculous immigration policy regarding Cubans since the advent of Castro in 59 is particularly galling in its unfairness to those who crossed the Sonoran desert later amnestied by Reagan. Even his fair "güero look works against him and he has to attend to the old time Cubans who pine the return of their property.
Its typical of the politicians and pundits to just see Rubio = Hispanic votes. Their wrong.
15
Let's see how his favorables land in twelve months, after he's been ripped to shreds by his own party, and by Mrs. Clinton. If he goes into a general election it's only fair that we see him for all his dangerous ideology, just like we've circled Mrs. Clinton like a vulture, looking for blood.
4
Rubio's baggage is checked luggage compared to Hillary's carry-ons. In his favor he's got the gravitas of Bobby Jindal, the Cuban-ness of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, the telegenics of Dan Quayle, and the base-pleasing appeal of Sarah Palin.
If nominated, his best hope is that Democrats and Independents stay home in droves on election day, or as the VP nominee, that his debate opponent is anyone but Julian Castro.
If nominated, his best hope is that Democrats and Independents stay home in droves on election day, or as the VP nominee, that his debate opponent is anyone but Julian Castro.
3
You think Rubio compares in any way with Bobby Jindal and that he comes out looking well as a result? No problem, Dems. You all don't have a thing to worry about.
Does anyone else appreciate the irony that the Republicans have a more diverse and youthful field of candidates and the Democrats have old, white, establishment candidates? Just sayin'...
6
So tired of hearing how his parents worked hard-- my parents worked hard, your parents worked hard...is everyone whose parents worked hard qualified to be president of the US ?
Point two-- listen to him speak--glib, fast-talking, won't let you get a word in edgewise, throws a hundred (wrong-headed) ideas at you at once so that you become a bore trying to list and refute them--like the vacuum cleaner salesmen of old..
Point two-- listen to him speak--glib, fast-talking, won't let you get a word in edgewise, throws a hundred (wrong-headed) ideas at you at once so that you become a bore trying to list and refute them--like the vacuum cleaner salesmen of old..
17
Ridiculous.
Who could be afraid of this callow and inexperienced fellow.
Plus his story about his parents has been embellished and that billionaire sugar daddy.
Who could be afraid of this callow and inexperienced fellow.
Plus his story about his parents has been embellished and that billionaire sugar daddy.
30
He's also in bed with the for-profit prison lobbyists. That's enough right there to scratch him off my list.
18
After earning over $100 million (between Bill and Hillary) in the last decade giving speeches to people and organizations all looking for something, who isn't Hillary in bed with?
3
Hillary versus Marco would be a title bout for the ages. Youth, latino heritage, and brains versus aged experience backed by three decades of steely determination to win the Presidency by whatever means necessary.
How smart is Hillary? Remember when the polling in 1996 showed she was coming across as bitter and radicalized, so she started floating rumors that they were considering adopting a child? She was as likely to do that as turn inside out, but the trick worked and her numbers turned around.
Sh could be caught with blood on her hands but the media loves her so that she'd win anyway.
How smart is Hillary? Remember when the polling in 1996 showed she was coming across as bitter and radicalized, so she started floating rumors that they were considering adopting a child? She was as likely to do that as turn inside out, but the trick worked and her numbers turned around.
Sh could be caught with blood on her hands but the media loves her so that she'd win anyway.
4
Re: "....but the media loves her so that she'd win anyway.
The media sure didn't love her in 2008! And based on recent NYT articles and op-eds, I think there is media bias against her.
The media sure didn't love her in 2008! And based on recent NYT articles and op-eds, I think there is media bias against her.
2
Mr. Rubio may be the son of immigrants but he doesn't espouse policies that would benefit immigrants or any working class people.
16
Hispanic voters are not a monolith. For decades now, Cuban-Americans believed and voted much more conservatively than the rest of the Hispanic diaspora. Only a small segment of the US Hispanic population is Cuban, and mostly in Florida. The rest of America's Hispanic community will vote Democratic because that's where their interests align.
Further, Rubio is just not a good candidate. Not bright, not seasoned, not calm or wise. Whatever it is that top prospects have to vie for the top office, he doesn't have it.
Further, Rubio is just not a good candidate. Not bright, not seasoned, not calm or wise. Whatever it is that top prospects have to vie for the top office, he doesn't have it.
15
We Dems are right to worry; this is no time to relax. We need to throw the book at Rubio, including:
The lie he told about his parents escaping Castro, when they were mere economic refugees.
The fact that he has a billionaire backer who not only pays his campaign expenses but who has paid his and his wife's personal expenses. That is the very definition of BOUGHT AND PAID FOR.
The lie he told about his parents escaping Castro, when they were mere economic refugees.
The fact that he has a billionaire backer who not only pays his campaign expenses but who has paid his and his wife's personal expenses. That is the very definition of BOUGHT AND PAID FOR.
12
Hillary is "..the very definition of BOUGHT AND PAID FOR." Her number one donor over the years is Goldman $achs. Enough said.
2
Mr. Rubio does not come close to Mrs. Clinton's intellect and poise, and that would be patent in debates.
Mr. Rubio represents conservative Cubans. He curries little favor amongst Mexican Americans.
Water swig. If he does become some kind of measurable threat, the Democrats should just advertise his interrupting his State of the Union response for a swig of water from a plastic bottle. It looks ungainly, amateurish, and puerile.
Would a trained actor like Ronald Reagan do that? In addition, Dutch had a lot better hair. Little things matter, like beads of sweat on Richard Nixon.
Mr. Rubio represents conservative Cubans. He curries little favor amongst Mexican Americans.
Water swig. If he does become some kind of measurable threat, the Democrats should just advertise his interrupting his State of the Union response for a swig of water from a plastic bottle. It looks ungainly, amateurish, and puerile.
Would a trained actor like Ronald Reagan do that? In addition, Dutch had a lot better hair. Little things matter, like beads of sweat on Richard Nixon.
6
The Hispanic vote is not a given. Hispanics (majority in U.S. are Mexican, plus Puerto Rican, and many disparate countries in Central and South America) don't necessarily go for someone with a Spanish surname. They have in the past often voted for glamorous, rich, and telegenic candidates. The Bush family has enjoyed strong Hispanic support, for example, and George W. Bush got the Hispanic votes in 2000 and 2004. Rubio does have a bit of the glamour aspect; he's young, handsome, and telegenic, and has an immigrant's story to tell. That's going to play fairly well with the Cubans in Florida, and possibly will help him against a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant like Hillary. Then again, the Clintons have a glamorous aspect as well. We'll see if Hillary can keep it up; her image is getting dinged by mini-scandals such as email and her huge speaking fees.
14
I see no glamour in either Hillary or Rubio. I think to vote for someone just because they are a woman or Cuban is the dumbest thing in the world, Like voting for some one just because of the color of their skin even if they cannot do the job.
Since when all Spanish speaking people vote for someone just because they have a Spanish surname? Do Spanish speaking people have any intelligence at all? or are they just a bunch of sheep that follows someone w/o questioning his/her positions. Also, the typical Republican voter is not ready to vote for someone with a "spanish" last name for President any time soon.
4
I see little to contrast Rubio with Clinton, generational or otherwise.
Just because one is older or younger than the other doesn't mean anything.
Just because one is older or younger than the other doesn't mean anything.
2
I don't think the Republicans will be smart enough to nominate Rubio.
I think a lot of you are missing the point here, which is probably much more the fault of the author than anything else.
The theory here that Democrats have in Florida is that Rubio might be able to win slightly more of the Hispanic vote than Romney. Because Florida is so closely balanced between the parties, it won't take much.
We are not talking about turning the HIspanic vote in Florida from 30% to 60% Republican; we are talking about moving it from 30% to 36%.
The theory here that Democrats have in Florida is that Rubio might be able to win slightly more of the Hispanic vote than Romney. Because Florida is so closely balanced between the parties, it won't take much.
We are not talking about turning the HIspanic vote in Florida from 30% to 60% Republican; we are talking about moving it from 30% to 36%.
4
Marco Rubio is too cuban, it will be difficult for him to appeal to latin americans.His story about his parent is good but he does not want other immigrants to enjoy something similar, he is opposed to the dreamers and to facilitate a solution for them. Immigration worked for him, but that's it, nobody else can enjoy that. We are hispanics and nobody in my family is for him, the same applies for my block, there are dominicans, venezuelans, puerto ricans and none of them is for Rubio, he does not represent us!
12
Who's "us"? Citizens? Illegals? Only citizens can vote, why would citizens want to see a flood of people who would turn America into Mexico, the land those citizens have come here to escape?
There is no "them" or "us" - there are only Americans when it come to citizens.
There is no "them" or "us" - there are only Americans when it come to citizens.
3
The biggest threat to Democrats will come from whichever candidate has the backing of the Koch Bros. and Sheldon Adelson. No matter what. Having said that, Marco Rubio is a political lightweight. A "new face" with old (mostly failed) ideas.
Democrats were scared Sarah Palin would usurp the woman vote from Obama in 2008. Look how that turned out.
Democrats were scared Sarah Palin would usurp the woman vote from Obama in 2008. Look how that turned out.
22
Yes, like Barack Obama, Marco Rubio is younger than Hillary Clinton, but Marco Rubio is no Barack Obama.
36
No he isn't, he was elected to the Senate fairly, without shaming his opponent through illegal means; he doesn't need a TelePrompter to state his thoughts; and he is always alert and knowledgeable about every single political topic. He doesn't need a fawning press to help him when he sleeps through a Presidential debate, as a recent Democratic candidate did against Mr. Romney. No, Sen. Rubio is a much better candidate than Pres. Obama ever was.
4
Rubio has no principles and visibly lacks the intelligence to be commander in chief, but that is no barrier to his being elected, as our past history has shown us. I do think that Hillary's age is an issue, and as a woman, I never voted for her in the primaries against Obama, but given the choice between her, Rubio and the other republican alternatives, I would vote for her. It's sad that we don't have more of a choice.
1
tragic, actually
2
We do have a choice. Bernie Sanders.
4
All the commenters here are Democrats by definition -- i.e., readers of the New York Times. So maybe you'll all discount me as one of the "old women" who "pass out" when they encounter Rubio. But I heard him speak and respond to very sharp questions from a group of extremely knowledgeable potential donors, and he astonished all of us. His answers were crisp, to the point, expert, and without any preliminary "um's." He didn't smile his way through them. And while this group had previously entertained several other Republican hopefuls, no one came close to Rubio in style AND SUBSTANCE.
I have no knowledge of intra-Hispanic politics, and which group hates which other group. But I do know that you Democrats discount Rubio at your peril. If you take your blinders off, could be that you too -- if you love your country -- will pull the lever for Rubio rather than the oh-so-compromised Clinton.
I have no knowledge of intra-Hispanic politics, and which group hates which other group. But I do know that you Democrats discount Rubio at your peril. If you take your blinders off, could be that you too -- if you love your country -- will pull the lever for Rubio rather than the oh-so-compromised Clinton.
7
Frank Underwood is your hero. Don't lecture lady...you know not what you speak thru you green shaded eyewear. Rubio can bamboozle those who want to be or are con artists. Which camp one prefers says alot.
There's plenty of Republican conservatives who make a pastime of commenting on NY Times articles, itching for a fight. Like everything else on the internet these days, there's plenty of vitriol aimed at "liberals" in NY Times comments.
I love my country, and out of that caring will write in Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren. Never Hillary and as for Rubio....no chance whatsoever though you must realize that he and others are in the pack for vice presidential consideration. If he should be so lucky and be elected, then after a term or two, he might be qualified.
2
More important than Rubio's connection with the Hispanic community is his connection with the press. He will actually sit down with the press, while Hillary floats above using condescending tones. That will backfire on Hillary as Rubio makes inroads to clear communication, while she controls every angle, becoming less and less comfortable in the Meet the Press type studio spotlights. All communities want to trust a president--Hillary's lack of access and transparency will conflict with Rubio's eager willingness to communicate. That will resonate more than his last name or his heritage. Rubio's sit down with Chris Wallace, albeit awkward and flawed, shows more leadership and courage than Hillary's softball blue collar tour. Strike one against Hillary.
16
Right, just wait till he wows those reporters with his "I'm not a scientist" speech.
That Rubio is happily agreeing to interviews is hardly courageous. He's a relative unknown who desperately needs the exposure amid a crowded GOP field. Clinton, on the other hand, has a long way to go before her real race begins, with little to gain by talking so soon to the largely hostile political press.
1
@ Hatcher: How can Hillary be so sure that she will be able to navigate the press once she gets the nomination. If she is a shoe-in, with no contenders from the dems, talking with the press NOW would be wise--get all this water under the bridge BEFORE it's one on one. Get all the baggage vetted so there are no surprises for any GOP candidate to jump on. Now is the safest time for her to conduct lengthy sit downs with smart people. Later, it will be more risky.
Wouldn't be too much of a worry. Marco Rubio is Hispanic alright, kind of, and that would appeal somewhat to Hispanic voters. However, he's against immigration overhaul, widely seen as the main issue for Hispanic voters. He's against helping out the middle class or below, and there aren't that many Hispanic voters in the echelons of the rich (actually, not many voters in the rich bracket at all). He's also relatively untested, has produced nothing of merit, has no understanding of foreign policy, and has a raving hatred of Cuba that is only shared by Cuban expatriates these days, as Joe McCarthy is long dead.
He's young, but that's a drawback in the Presidential race, we have elected very few youthful presidents, maybe only two. He's not a good speaker, especially when he's thirsty. I can't see how he'd be a threat to the Clinton Machine.
He's young, but that's a drawback in the Presidential race, we have elected very few youthful presidents, maybe only two. He's not a good speaker, especially when he's thirsty. I can't see how he'd be a threat to the Clinton Machine.
120
you wouldn't admit it anyways.
1
" He's also relatively untested, has produced nothing of merit,"
That description fit Obama, and he beat Hillary
That description fit Obama, and he beat Hillary
4
Yeah, sounds exactly like Obama, doesn't he. For a minute I forgot you were talking about Rubio.
I like the thought of a Rubeo-Clinton match-up. Mrs. Clinton has age and enormous experience in her favor while Senator Rubeo would promise a different direction, youth and energy. Both represent leaders who could make a difference. The country would be well served by having two capable potential presidents. As to who would win ,it's a tossup.
1
Can you say VP?
2
No.
Oh, I don't think Mrs. Clinton would accept being Vice President. :^))
But you who would make a great VP Candidate in 2016? Joe Biden; he does it pretty well: he is always happy, he's not a political threat to anyone, he actually knows a lot about the state of the world, and does what he is supposed to do (and no jokes here: his job is to support and advise the President in any way he can, be President of the Senate, and represent the US as an elected official).
But you who would make a great VP Candidate in 2016? Joe Biden; he does it pretty well: he is always happy, he's not a political threat to anyone, he actually knows a lot about the state of the world, and does what he is supposed to do (and no jokes here: his job is to support and advise the President in any way he can, be President of the Senate, and represent the US as an elected official).
I think Ryan meant Rubio for VP. A horrible thought. With today's GOtP, the days are long over that a candidate can run on a split ticket and call it 'unifying the country'. Its one side or the other these days.
So we've descended so far into the abyss of personality politics that we're supposed to vote for a green, callow poster child of a Republican because his parents worked hard in adverse circumstances so he could succeed?
Why don't we just vote for his parents?
We have become a politically pathetic nation of distracted know-nothings if such considerations trump real policy positions in the real world.
Why don't we just vote for his parents?
We have become a politically pathetic nation of distracted know-nothings if such considerations trump real policy positions in the real world.
330
maybe we should only vote for community rabble rousers with hidden records
2
You're talking about the current guy in the White House right?
2
Wow, that's what I thought of Barack Obama, a green callow poster child of a Democrat, who most famously became Senator because a friend of his somehow publicized the sealed divorce records of his opponent (Rep. Jack Ryan), who withdrew because he wasn't the type who had no shame, unlike many Democrats (Alcee Hastings, Bill Clinton, Rod Blagojevich, etc).
1
If Rubio wins the nomination.
..you'll vote for him.
It is really kind of funny. Many of the comments about Rubio being too young and inexperienced were said about Obama in 2008. Remember Hillary's ad about the late night phone call? Young women were not impressed with her and went for Obama. And Americans voted him in as president.mthey could do the same again this time; we will see. And as for Dem complaints that his talking about his poor roots is disingenuous, look at Hillary' campaign. She and hubby Bill use their positions to extort millions from companies, and then she poor mouths herself.
14
The Democrats should be nervous. Obama was the new fresh face in 2008, and Hillary = McCain in 2016.
Hillary's baggage with the Foundation, multimillions in speeches, and her funding by Goldman Sachs will offset attack on Rubio as the pawn of the wealthy. Plus, the "first woman" meme is centered by the "first Hispanic" meme, if one wishes to engage in "historic" nonsense instead of the merits.
Lets face it, Hillary has real downsides and but for the dearth of realistic alternatives on the Dem side she would be put out to pasture in 2016 just like loser Mitt was on the R side. People are sick and tired of the Clintons, Bushes and the ancient losers like Pelosi, Reid, McCain etc on both sides of the aisle.
Hillary's baggage with the Foundation, multimillions in speeches, and her funding by Goldman Sachs will offset attack on Rubio as the pawn of the wealthy. Plus, the "first woman" meme is centered by the "first Hispanic" meme, if one wishes to engage in "historic" nonsense instead of the merits.
Lets face it, Hillary has real downsides and but for the dearth of realistic alternatives on the Dem side she would be put out to pasture in 2016 just like loser Mitt was on the R side. People are sick and tired of the Clintons, Bushes and the ancient losers like Pelosi, Reid, McCain etc on both sides of the aisle.
16
@jld
Rubio is far, far, from the GOtP Obama. Other than telling a good family yarn, Rubio is a lightweight. When pushed, he's a wet noodle, carefully negotiating between his wealthy benefactors and seething, yet skeptical, Tea Party support before he'll proffer anything remotely like a leadership opinion. They have him on a short leash after the relatively pro-immigration stance he walked back on in the face of vituperous Tea Party objections earlier this year. That, and with a name like 'Rubio', its doubtful he makes it out of the GOtP primaries.
Rubio is far, far, from the GOtP Obama. Other than telling a good family yarn, Rubio is a lightweight. When pushed, he's a wet noodle, carefully negotiating between his wealthy benefactors and seething, yet skeptical, Tea Party support before he'll proffer anything remotely like a leadership opinion. They have him on a short leash after the relatively pro-immigration stance he walked back on in the face of vituperous Tea Party objections earlier this year. That, and with a name like 'Rubio', its doubtful he makes it out of the GOtP primaries.
Clinton will also be strongly pressured by the GOP nominee to release her medical records, particularly those about her "episode." There's a reason she didn't release them at the time, one that I suspect will come back to bite her next year.
3
Hillary Clinton is hardly John McCain, who came across as a bumbling blow-hard in the debates. She is much smarter and has a wealth of experience from a number of jobs she has had during her life. As far as her "baggage with the Foundation" goes, there's "no there there". The Clinton Foundation does a tremendous amount of good in the world and that's the bottom line, not who contributes to the Foundation. There is also a big difference between being the "first woman" and the "first Hispanic" -- because the "Hispanic" is still a man, and many women (and men) would like to see a woman elected president for the first time in this country, rather than one more man.
1
the fact that Rubio's up-from-bootstraps son of immigrant story largely benefited from the fact who Cuban immigrants are about the only ones to the US who are guaranteed legal residency. if we applied that similar approach to Mexicans, others, even in the name of immigration reform, imagine the possibilities.
16
Mrs. Clinton has nothing to fear. He is not man enough to stand up to her. Look at the way he facilitated the Immigration Bill through the Senate and cowered when the Conservatives piled on. To me, he is Georgie Porgie - when the boys came out to play, Georgie Porgie ran away.
11
Rubio may have a Spanish last name and a killer smile, but he's wrong on the issues that Latinos care about. I'm not selling my vote for a Spanish last name, and neither will most other Latinos.
36
Even in the 1980's, Hillary was smart enough to see that her party would never nominate an outwardly patriotic or religious man in her lifetime. She actually tried to get into the Marine Corps as soon as they got Bill into politics in Arkansas but the Corps said no.
Isis, the rest of us know that you wouldn't support Rubio if he went to your parents' house and put on a magic show.
Isis, the rest of us know that you wouldn't support Rubio if he went to your parents' house and put on a magic show.
And out of the other side of his mouth, he claims that so many Latinos are illegal immigrants. Does that mean that illegal immigrants are voting in large numbers? Hmmmm........
1
I disagree. We're having a lot of remodeling done right now and hired an Hispanic painting crew (yes, they were legal - third generation). They are very excited about Cruz and strongly support him as "the first Hispanic president."
I live in Texas and know many Latinos. To say "one size fits all" is a very narrow-minded, erroneous viewpoint. It's the illegals and their families who are rabidly pro-amnesty... those who are legal and assimilated don't like the competition for jobs and resources.
I live in Texas and know many Latinos. To say "one size fits all" is a very narrow-minded, erroneous viewpoint. It's the illegals and their families who are rabidly pro-amnesty... those who are legal and assimilated don't like the competition for jobs and resources.
3
Remember, Senator Rubio will have to first go through a primary against Ted Cruz, who will also talk himself blue in the face about being the son of Cuban immigrants and a fresh face. Those lines will be so trite that even if Marco Rubio made it to the general election, he would need new talking points.
14
"...four-year career in national politics against him, depicting him as green or naïve" Being a one-term senator (who was absent most of the time) was not an apparent liability for Obama, who resume was actuality thin.
As for age, he's young, yes, but mere advanced age is not always a guarantee of wisdom or savvy. I believe that history also shows that many who are fine with Hillary's age were all knotted up about how old Reagan and McCain were.
As for age, he's young, yes, but mere advanced age is not always a guarantee of wisdom or savvy. I believe that history also shows that many who are fine with Hillary's age were all knotted up about how old Reagan and McCain were.
13
No - if "latinos" are going to support a GOP candidate, it's going to be Jeb Bush. He's married to Columba, his kids are half-Mexican, he speaks spanish, he converted to Catholicism, etc. And there are many latinos I know (some related to me) who whole-heartedly supported George II when he was in office. It will still be a minority of the latino vote, though.
6
So Jeb Bush is Presidential timber because of his "Latino" characteristics? Does anybody think Latinos are really so dumb that they won't look at Jeb's ignorance and his bad, bad positions on issues that matter to Latinos, inter alia. Don't condescend to them!
1
The GOP doesn't need a majority of the Latino vote to win; they just have to break 35% or above.* Ted Cruz won his Senate seat with 40+%. In Texas, which is flooded with illegals and their families.
*Based on the demographics of the 2012 election.
*Based on the demographics of the 2012 election.
2
Marco Rubio's snide references to Mrs. Clinton's age remind me of Rush Limbaugh asking whether we really want to watch a woman grow older. Ageism is another form of discrimination, not a platform. Besides, has Senator Rubio noticed the ages of other Republicans, including McConnell?!
25
Not a snide reference, she is OLD and she goes where the wind blows for deportation against deportation, against gay marriage for gay marriage, she crucified everyone that Bill had sex with. She is a has been that never really was. You people are so blind because of the D behind her name, that you can't see that normal people like you and I would have been imprisoned 10X over if we would have done half the things we KNOW she did.
5
Ahhh, Democrats had a field day with Reagan's age (and McCain's), so for the Left to now claim that the issue is "sexist" is both laughable and hypocritical.
3
Democrats should be terrified of Hillary facing anyone, she's a total train wreck: approval in the gutter, utterly corrupt, can't pull off bald faced lies like Obama can, and the more people see of her, the less they like her.
22
I don't like her at all but her approval ratings are not in the gutter.
I'd still have to take Hillary, with all her warts (and what pol doesn't have them!!) over any of the Rep/ideological-religious fanatic-corporate/bank shills gradually emerging from the woodwork.
Can this election's Rep. bench be any worse than the last two teams of weirdos they fielded? In 2014 many voted for Obama with less enthusiasm than in 2008, but voiced the near-unanimous sentiment: "Consider the alternatives!"
If I can't have Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, I'll be happy to have Hillary and ?.
Can this election's Rep. bench be any worse than the last two teams of weirdos they fielded? In 2014 many voted for Obama with less enthusiasm than in 2008, but voiced the near-unanimous sentiment: "Consider the alternatives!"
If I can't have Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, I'll be happy to have Hillary and ?.
I hope you are correct. I believe Hillary will self destruct and on the way down she will see Elizabeth Warren stepping up to the podium though I can not say whom she will be debating.
We shall see. Juan Castro seems like a strong VP candidate. let's not forget that there is considerable animosity toward Cuban-Americans among other Latino groups. Rubio seems like a kid to me--not as a fresh face. I can't see him running a good campaign. Although a Rubio--Kasich ticket, possibly taking Florida and Ohio out of play, would make it very hard on the Dems. Is America really prepared for 1 party rule? I tend to doubt it. But voters are often clueless about what they are voting for.
8
Lol, seriously? One-party rule like the Dems had in 2008-2010? Did you raise objections then, or is your fear-mongering only done when the Republicans may win?
1
He's electable, in an age where the votes you get depend on what you are (black, woman, hispanic, gay, etc) rather than what you've accomplished.
Hillary has proven that despite a long career in public offices, she has no ability to accomplish anything.
Rubio may also have no accomplishments at the end of his public career, but at least he hasn't proven so, yet.
I think he has a shot.
Hillary has proven that despite a long career in public offices, she has no ability to accomplish anything.
Rubio may also have no accomplishments at the end of his public career, but at least he hasn't proven so, yet.
I think he has a shot.
19
Another anyone-but-Hilary piece by the NYT. Rubio is a lightweight puppet with extreme right wing views. Is it charismatic to deny climate change, vote anti-woman down the line, and have no greater foreign policy ideas than bombing? This guy is an empty suit, and Hispanic is not synonymous with Cuban- American. He is Huckabee with a Cuban name. We get that the Times hates Hilary and every day runs an article disparaging her and her candidacy. But puffing up a tea party coward who ran from his own immigration bill is pathetic.
22
I tend to agree with you re: the Times coverage of Hilary -- not sure I understand it, but she definitely did something to irritate them. Maybe being famously prickly and secretive to the media? Maybe deleting 30,000 emails or something? I don't know...
But it is funny for me as a Republican to see so many complaints like this popping up in the comments. Try walking a mile in the shoes of a moderately conservative Times reader during the 2008 or 2012 elections -- it gets pretty aggravating, right?
But it is funny for me as a Republican to see so many complaints like this popping up in the comments. Try walking a mile in the shoes of a moderately conservative Times reader during the 2008 or 2012 elections -- it gets pretty aggravating, right?
1
How exactly is he an empty suit or an extremist? He's a Senator in the national spotlight with some mainstream views and some conservative views. At this point in his career, he's got more national experience than did Barack Obama, a more compelling background than Hillary Clinton's, and some good ideas on policy direction. Just because you don't agree with him is no reason to put him down.
2
"We get that the Times hates Hilary and every day runs an article disparaging her and her candidacy. " lol... no.. it's called news reporting.. the times isn't the dims cover-all" that hides everything they do.. that's cnns job.
Liberals loathe any woman or minority who dares to deviate from hard core left wing orthodoxy. They will tear him apart.
13
Being the same age as the Clintons, I feel the Democrats need a candidate that is not retirement age. Unfortunately, the field is very thin and even Warren is barely younger. In retrospect, Obama was a big mistake whose actions have served only to discredit the Democratic brand. I am expecting yet another "shellacking" in 2016. Hillary cannot expect the turnout of Black voters that was key to Obama's election and simply being female may not be enough. We may see a complete Republican takeover of the government and extreme legislation.
21
Hillary will be just several weeks shy of age 69 if/when elected. That's years past "retirement age."
2
President Obama pulled us out of the great recession and provided millions of people with health care. I'll take that kind of mistake over wars and recession any day.
The Republicans can only take over by moving to the center. I don't think we would see extreme legislation, but we probably would see a return to a chauvinistic foreign policy, a renewed military build-up, and a distancing of the U.S. from Iran and other "former enemies". The U.S. electorate today is socially moderate to liberal and would not accept new bans on abortion and same-sex marriages; those trends are here to stay and legislators know it.
1
Hello!
Earth to NY TImes! This just in!
It is only May, 2015. Not a single primary vote has been cast. At this point in the campaign cycle, candidate fortunes come and go with the tide. why are we devoting front page space to single hypothetical match-up?
Rubio has about 1000 fellow Republican condenders to deal with. And Hillary would have contenders if the news media actually bothered to report on Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley instead of ignoring them and magically annointing her the frontrunner.
Why are you not giving Sanders and O'Malley coverage? They are credible, experienced candidates. Is it because Hillary has big money behind her? Is it because the press is enamored with its own cleverness in diving political futures from the entrails of sacrifical polls and demographics? Either way, you are doing the country a big disservice.
Oh, and Hispanics are not stupid. Sure, some will vote based on language and heritage. But by and large, they will vote the candidate with the best policies. To assume otherwise is to insult them.
And while we're at it, Hispanics are not all the same. Cubans, Mexicans, Dominicans, etc have different cultures, values, and views. To assume otherwise, based only upon language, is superficial and insulting.
Earth to NY TImes! This just in!
It is only May, 2015. Not a single primary vote has been cast. At this point in the campaign cycle, candidate fortunes come and go with the tide. why are we devoting front page space to single hypothetical match-up?
Rubio has about 1000 fellow Republican condenders to deal with. And Hillary would have contenders if the news media actually bothered to report on Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley instead of ignoring them and magically annointing her the frontrunner.
Why are you not giving Sanders and O'Malley coverage? They are credible, experienced candidates. Is it because Hillary has big money behind her? Is it because the press is enamored with its own cleverness in diving political futures from the entrails of sacrifical polls and demographics? Either way, you are doing the country a big disservice.
Oh, and Hispanics are not stupid. Sure, some will vote based on language and heritage. But by and large, they will vote the candidate with the best policies. To assume otherwise is to insult them.
And while we're at it, Hispanics are not all the same. Cubans, Mexicans, Dominicans, etc have different cultures, values, and views. To assume otherwise, based only upon language, is superficial and insulting.
90
"Earth to NY TImes! This just in!" Dims crying already over a single story... tsk tsk... wait til the real news starts coming out..
1
I think you should post this every day in response to every pseudo-political article this paper publishes. I'm not Hispanic, and I'm insulted by the ignorance of the Times' reporters. Dominicans are not the same as Puerto Ricans who are not the same as Columbians who are not the same as Mexicans who are not the same as Cubans who are not the same as Guatemalans... and their Spanish is not the same (to the ear) either!
It's really much too early to be concerned with one of almost 20 Republicans vying for the Presidential nomination. I'm a lifelong Democrat, and all along I've been assuming that Hillary Clinton would probably select Julian Castro to be her running mate to solidify and energize the Hispanic vote. Mr, Castro, like Secretary Clinton, has both the credentials and the experience to minimize any threat that ultra-right-wing war hawk and soft on true immigration reform, Marco Rubio, brings to the contest for the Hispanic vote.
8
First Hispanic president will trump first Hispanic VP. Just sayin'....
Marco Rubio does not have a good track record as a doer. He may count on the old line Batista voters, but not many of the young Cubans or Hispanics through the country. Hillary Clinton has a track record as senator and Secretary of State and she will get the women, young, and Hispanic votes in the country. Marco Rubio is not fit to be president with all the mess he has to account for with his spending using republican credit card in Florida to fix his old beat up car and his association with a former state representative and congressman that was booted out of office.
7
To give him some credit, Marco Rubio tried immigration reform but got whacked back into the fold by the GOP. He won't get the Republican nomination while supporting immigration reform. He must pander to the anti-immigrant right to do so... so he's thrown the issue under the bus. The Hispanic vote won't like the feel of the tread marks nor forget it.
3
What everybody should be worried about is Hillay's hidden health problems and who her V.P. choice will be.
9
Ahem, Page Six is thataway.
1
Mr. Perington ~ What are Ms. Clinton's "hidden health problems"? Please elaborate or is this an imaginative rumor?
2
Her and Bill's health problems can't be finangled easily, but you need not worry about the VP choice any more than you ever did Obama's choice of the Senate's tired clown with his foot stuck in his mouth for HIS VP. Hillary is the political pro of ALL political pros.
2
This becomes a dance some noted in 2008, which is repeated, step by step, right now: just like Sarah Palin was a wrong kind of woman, Rubio is a wrong kind of minority.
To all those who invoke Palin's obviously blank look to "what do you read" question: when was the last time Clinton tried to answer a non-scripted question?
This is not to argue for Palin for president, but can we keep standards the same for minority candidates from both parties?
To all those who invoke Palin's obviously blank look to "what do you read" question: when was the last time Clinton tried to answer a non-scripted question?
This is not to argue for Palin for president, but can we keep standards the same for minority candidates from both parties?
3
The reality: Democrats have not won the presidency after serving eight straight years in the White House. Ever. Democrats should fear any opponent. They should not take for granted the power a politician has to suggest s/he is just like them.
Rubio reminds me, very much, of Ronald Reagan. He doesn't get the big issues. He doesn't seem to even care about them. But he can make you grin. He can make you cry. He can make you believe. That's a good politician.
How do you beat someone like this? Two ways (both of which are difficult): You compel the politician to make votes s/he doesn't want to make; you grind it out by getting many more disadvantaged/unlikely voters (again, very difficult under the circumstances because Mrs. Clinton is not an unknown).
It's very early but if we are talking about Marco Rubio in a year, Democrats will have a tough race.
Rubio reminds me, very much, of Ronald Reagan. He doesn't get the big issues. He doesn't seem to even care about them. But he can make you grin. He can make you cry. He can make you believe. That's a good politician.
How do you beat someone like this? Two ways (both of which are difficult): You compel the politician to make votes s/he doesn't want to make; you grind it out by getting many more disadvantaged/unlikely voters (again, very difficult under the circumstances because Mrs. Clinton is not an unknown).
It's very early but if we are talking about Marco Rubio in a year, Democrats will have a tough race.
63
I can think of a really big exception to your assertion right off the bat! Hello? Ever heard of Harry Truman? He just happened to win his own election after 16 years of democratic government in the White House! Or does that somehow not count?
1
You claim that Democrats haven't won the presidency after serving eight straight years, but that is simply wrong. In 1948, Democrats won their fifth consecutive presidential election with Harry Truman famously beating Tom Dewey. This followed four victories by Franklin Roosevelt. If you go back even further, you'll find that Martin Van Buren kept the presidency for the Democrats after two terms of Andrew Jackson.
1
The fact that there are STILL people willing to support Hillary tells us that Rubio will always have a lot of support even as he ages, especially among the non-extremists.
Latinos don't identify with Cuban-americans. That's the real divide. I'm a Democrat and have no fear whatsoever of Marco Rubio. Let Juan Castro be her vice-presidentail candidate and walk all over Rubio's ticket.
12
Ah something else strikes me, there's a common misconception inherent in this fear of Rubio, that all Hispanic people are a monolithic block of society that does things the exact same way.
This isn't the case at all, if y'all know anyone who is Hispanic, they never really describe themselves as Hispanic. They are Puerto Rican, Mexican, Cuban, Dominican, Costa Rican, Bronxian, and all sorts of subdivisions. And they tend to regard their particular origin as being about the best, and all other Hispanic groups are not quite as good. There's also White Hispanic, Black Hispanic, and Undefined Hispanic.
And amongst all of the various groups, from what I've seen, Cubans are regarded as being stuck-up, standoffish, and not part of the group. Ricky Ricardo is the classic example; rich, white, and minimally Hispanic. And Rubio fits that profile to a T.
Thus I really doubt his appeal will be all it's cracked up to be, especially as a lot of Republicans are going to discriminate against him for his ethnicity as well.
This isn't the case at all, if y'all know anyone who is Hispanic, they never really describe themselves as Hispanic. They are Puerto Rican, Mexican, Cuban, Dominican, Costa Rican, Bronxian, and all sorts of subdivisions. And they tend to regard their particular origin as being about the best, and all other Hispanic groups are not quite as good. There's also White Hispanic, Black Hispanic, and Undefined Hispanic.
And amongst all of the various groups, from what I've seen, Cubans are regarded as being stuck-up, standoffish, and not part of the group. Ricky Ricardo is the classic example; rich, white, and minimally Hispanic. And Rubio fits that profile to a T.
Thus I really doubt his appeal will be all it's cracked up to be, especially as a lot of Republicans are going to discriminate against him for his ethnicity as well.
31
If Rubio was running against Clinton, I think more people would vote for Clinton because Rubio would seem way too young and inexperienced by comparison.
5
worked out fine for obama
8
I forgot to mention in my previous post: I suspect many will think he looks too boyish, not "presidential" enough, and this will lose him votes.
4
It will take more than a name to win over Hispanics. On the issues Hispanics care about, Rubio and his GOP are generations behind the times.
81
I guess we’ll learn more about him, but I think it’s an advantage when your proxies don’t have to begin every testimonial with “Mrs. Clinton did nothing illegal.”
12
Nothing to worry about. Rubio reneged on an immigration bill that he strongly sponsored to appease the white base. This is not lost on the latinos who know a GOP stooge when they see one.
194
keep drinking the kool aide... el bruja clinton
2
Do they also know a very wealthy .01% Democrat white woman from Chappaqua when they see her, Robert?
5
The constant 'drip' 'drip' 'drip' of sleazy Clinton self-serving lies on a daily basis should pretty much guarantee Mrs. Clinton won't be the Demo facing a GOP candidate come next November.
For Example: Today's "drip" (May 22/15) Clintons fail to properly report AN ADDITIONAL $26 MILLION in income to The Foundation.
For Example: Today's "drip" (May 22/15) Clintons fail to properly report AN ADDITIONAL $26 MILLION in income to The Foundation.
34
You got it alwyr but destined to run out of gas. At some point Biden will coax Kerry or be forced himself. Someone's gotta make the call. Yes, he can.
1
His hispanic draw mostly stops within the state - being Cuban, and a Cuban conservative, can be a liability with other hispanics in several ways - and many young Cuban-Americans in FL don't subscribe to the reliably conservative single issue anti-Castro attitude of their parents and their numbers are growing. Second, his being hispanic will be a liability with some in FL and elsewhere, just as being black likely lost more %age points for Obama than it got him. Third, many of us outside FL recall Rubio's insatiable thirst in delivering a state-of-the-union "rebuttal" more than anything else about him. Fourth, he will be savaged by other candidates in their quest for the GOP nomination, both his hispanic credentials and inexperience, and he will have to show that he's conservative enough which will likely alienate hispanics. Finally, those who are hooked on "origin stories" probably would not have voted for Hillary under any circumstances.
145
Anyone who doubts Rubeo's potential to get a larger number of Hispanic votes than, say, Walker is naive. President Obama got 99% of the African-American vote and it wasn't all due to his policies. Many may say it's disparaging Hispanics to imply that his Hispanic heritage would be sufficient reason to vote for him. The point is that some Hispanics, like any other ethnic or religious group, would likely be pleased at the prospect of an Hispanic president. Others would not. I am outside Florida and remember his passionate announcement of his candidacy but cannot recall his state-of-the union address except that his water pitcher was ill-positioned.
This is an amusing analysis. Mr. Rubio came into office only because of Tea Party influence at the time of his election. He's presently a one-term Senator with his politics so far to the right, he has left even Cuban-Americans in the dust, let alone the vast majority of Hispanics around the United States whose heritage is rooted in Mexico, Central America and Latin America. What also never seems to be mentioned is the fast track to permanent residency and citizenship that Cubans (and only Cubans) enjoy when managing to arrive on US shores, unlike ALL other undocumented arrivals. ...Marco Rubio as "favorite son" to Hispanics? No. ...Unnerving to whomever the Democratic presidential candidate may be? Again, no.
271
very worrisome to the dims.. of course.. he may steal the votes from minorities that they've worked so hard to stock the states with. I predicted this 4 years ago.. enjoy your losses dims..
1
andy - Why would any person of color vote for a Republican?
You raise at least two points that many seem to miss 1. The hispanic community is not monolithic ( look at Mexican-Americans, Santo Domingans, Puerto Ricans, Brazilians, Chilieans, etc. etc. 2. Marco Rubio reflects the issues of latinos in last name only, to assume that the hispanic population will not be able to see through him...come on. He is youthful, and that is to his favor but against the House of Clinton he will need much more.
America will never elect someone so young and untried again, after the Obama experience - or lack thereof. (Bill Clinton was prescient on that score.) And Florida is already ceded to Bush and his Hispanic wife. A Bush - Walker ticket would be invincible. Rubio can then wait his turn in 2020 as Hillary has awaited hers. Hillary, simply put, is old hat.
7
Bill Clinton was dead wrong about Obama in '07 and before. So I think Rubio has a chance.
5
No.. the ticket will be walker/rubio.. walker gets the gop and rubio gets the hispanics... game over..
1
The U.S. voted for Obama twice. People like me didn't vote for him the first time but we did the second time when we saw that he could do the job.
Rubio can't manage his own personal finances and he's gotten into quite a bit of trouble financially. He has no credibility on the economy or on any other topic for that matter.
Bush isn't well like even among conservatives and Walker has a new problem cropping up every week.
Rubio can't manage his own personal finances and he's gotten into quite a bit of trouble financially. He has no credibility on the economy or on any other topic for that matter.
Bush isn't well like even among conservatives and Walker has a new problem cropping up every week.
1
The nation wants and needs a fresh face which is representative of what we look like today. Rubio has it all, smart, forceful speaker, foreign policy expertise and is the child of Hispanic immigrants. Liberals will try to tear him apart and even made fun of the fact that he is having trouble paying his bills when is one of the few Senators who is not a millionaire. His story will resonate with all Americans who are not wealthy and who are having trouble paying their bills.
So far I am impressed with what I see.
So far I am impressed with what I see.
91
He doesn't need to be a millionaire because he has a billionaire supporter paying his tab. He's also a neo-con, which is not going to play well with people who are against further entanglements in Iraq.
7
and as soon as he goes on univision and speaks in Spanish.. WITHOUT A TRANSLATOR.. it's game, set and match
1
Ouch, I laughed so hard I pulled a stomach muscle. Rubio has a rich sugar daddy financing him and he still can't manage his household expenses. How many American can relate to that?
He's not smart and his foreign policy experience consists of flip flopping on immigration and repeating whatever the Republican elders and their owners say about the Middle East.
He's not smart and his foreign policy experience consists of flip flopping on immigration and repeating whatever the Republican elders and their owners say about the Middle East.
9
Rubio is too young, too inexperienced, too extreme and too hot headed to be President.
11
Well, the inexperienced, short tempered and narcissistic winner of the last two elections made it...
5
It would be poetic justice if Rubio failed to get the expected boost from Hispanics due to the barriers Republicans have erected to diminish the votes from traditional Democratic supporters.
44
He's still a Republican who supports the out of touch ideas of his party.
Like the other gop candidates, he'll move to the far right in the primary to gain the nomination and those positions will come back to haunt him in the general.
I'm not a big fan of Hillary but she has two major things going for her... she's a woman (which is ground breaking and demographically huge) and she's not a republican.
Like the other gop candidates, he'll move to the far right in the primary to gain the nomination and those positions will come back to haunt him in the general.
I'm not a big fan of Hillary but she has two major things going for her... she's a woman (which is ground breaking and demographically huge) and she's not a republican.
11
"out of touch ideas" produced the largest Democrat losses since 1932 in the November Midterms. Maybe the Democrats should be less "in touch" and win a Midterm once a decade.
5
Charles - Actually it was low voter turnout that was responsible for the midterms but don't let facts get in the way.
1
So the most important thing going for Hillary is her sex? To we really need affirmative action for the office of the President?
5
Rubio may be young but his thinking is rooted in the fifties .he is also the lackey of an eighty year old car dealer
The right policies will be the major determinant in 2016 and Rubios views on the minimum wage, immigration, health care, taxation and foreign policy will not sit well with most young people.
However I do think Ms Clinton can enhance the value of her ticket by running together with Julian Castro.
I think he is great and the Democratic Party would do well to start raising his profile
The right policies will be the major determinant in 2016 and Rubios views on the minimum wage, immigration, health care, taxation and foreign policy will not sit well with most young people.
However I do think Ms Clinton can enhance the value of her ticket by running together with Julian Castro.
I think he is great and the Democratic Party would do well to start raising his profile
25
And who is Hillary the lackey of? Goldman Sachs? Or the Sultan of Brunei? A cool $25 million for her and hubby in 2014 alone.
11
Charles - Is that really a stone you want to throw when Republicans are beholden to big polluters and the likes of Sheldon Adelson?
4
Yes. America needs a 40 year old VP with 2 years of national experience. We elected a no-nothing, no-experience President and we'll feel the effects of that disaster for decades.
2
Really? Rubio's the one you're afraid of? With the GOtP in thrall to the anti-immigrant crowd, and generally showing antipathy to 'furriners from across the border, given a choice between a white, albeit older, woman of demonstrated competence and proximity to domestic and international leadership, and a Cuban man with a spanish name, and a reputation for pandering to the wealthy and powerful at the drop of a hat; you really think the GOtP electorate is going to suddenly get strategic and vote for the 'spanish' guy? After 8 years of the Kenyan socialist?
Highly doubtful. Never underestimate American xenophobia. Dems win because the typical GOtP voter (especially down South) stays home.
Highly doubtful. Never underestimate American xenophobia. Dems win because the typical GOtP voter (especially down South) stays home.
4
There is only one issue in 2016. 100% voter turnout. Will either of these candidates dedicate themselves to consent of the electorate. ALL of the electorate.
3
I know little about Rubio, and far too little about Clinton (despite all of her years in the public eye).
Some type of microscopically intense head to head contest would be terrific for the country. We all might actually get to learn something about the candidates and their true views - as well as unearth glimpses of hidden agendas (and you can be very sure they have them).
A microscopic, intense scrutiny would be wonderful.
Some type of microscopically intense head to head contest would be terrific for the country. We all might actually get to learn something about the candidates and their true views - as well as unearth glimpses of hidden agendas (and you can be very sure they have them).
A microscopic, intense scrutiny would be wonderful.
4
This guy incompetent and a puppet. As a Floridian, I will do everything in my power to see he does not win any offiice - be Senate or Presidential election. He is worst and less effective politician of our time.
140
I'm glad the Times ran a story like this because I'm in that group of people that see him as Hillary's biggest threat and it scares me too. Although, he never comes off to me like the positive descriptions you have; to me he is arrogant and selfish with a dose of overinflated self. I cannot fathom him as President. However, not everyone sees him that way and you can't make people think differently by attacking him with negative ads and expect to win but it seems like that is the democratic party's plan.
However, while some of us might be scared of his candidacy, the lack of a serious primary challenge to Hillary is the real problem. Everything Rubio will run on is perfect for running against Hillary. I will "hold my nose" and vote for her but like Obama, I think Rubio has a chance to inspire people to vote for something new instead. That is a major problem that Hillary can't fix I'm afraid, so she'll work to demonize him and lose in the process.
The only way to beat someone like Rubio is to have a new set of Democrats run so we can be inspired to vote for what we want our future to look like, not a pre-selected candidate that makes us wonder if it's even worth it to go to the polls. For this voter, Hillary isn't going to get that done. Will we get anyone to accept the challenge?
However, while some of us might be scared of his candidacy, the lack of a serious primary challenge to Hillary is the real problem. Everything Rubio will run on is perfect for running against Hillary. I will "hold my nose" and vote for her but like Obama, I think Rubio has a chance to inspire people to vote for something new instead. That is a major problem that Hillary can't fix I'm afraid, so she'll work to demonize him and lose in the process.
The only way to beat someone like Rubio is to have a new set of Democrats run so we can be inspired to vote for what we want our future to look like, not a pre-selected candidate that makes us wonder if it's even worth it to go to the polls. For this voter, Hillary isn't going to get that done. Will we get anyone to accept the challenge?
87
"to me he is arrogant and selfish with a dose of overinflated self". Perhaps so. But after eight years of Barack Obama I doubt very many voters will notice.
2
There is no new set of Democrats.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/against-the-grain/democrats-vanishing-fut...
http://www.nationaljournal.com/against-the-grain/democrats-vanishing-fut...
1
You can either stay home or vote for whoever survives the GOP primary. Either choice will have the same effect.
Did he speak at Liberty University yet? Jeb and Ted did.
For my vote, a lecture at "Fundamentalist U" is disqualifying. It means that they will be anti-science and anti-secular.
For my vote, a lecture at "Fundamentalist U" is disqualifying. It means that they will be anti-science and anti-secular.
16
What a tolerant person you are? Where would Hillary have to speak in order to disqualify her if there is such place she has not already spoken for a bundle of cash?
1
He did but they hid all the records of it.. That should automatically qualify him for president.
1
49 yrs. old, charismatic, a million dollar smile, a son of immigrants - are these the qualifying attributes of a person for the Top Job in our Country? That spectre is making me shudder and I cannot stop! I knew we had short attention spans, but not this short. Why don't we know that he is is the extreme of the extreme Tea-Party? How can we forget Government coming to a halt? He taught us the Earth is 6000 years old and it was created! He assured us there is NO global warming and all Science is WRONG as always. As for women? Oh! they don't count! He believes the Scriptures.Nothing wrong with that except the time-frame should be taken into account ( but then it is only 6000 yrs. old ). And he trusts only HIS EYES. Global Warming will have occurred only when Florida is sunk into the ocean ( except maybe Orlando )! And the scariest part is we HAVE done it to ourselves. Which is why the Democrats are scared stiff - no, not of Rubio but US!!!
120
Your first line sounds like a description of John F Kennedy - albeit 10 years older!
Most all of your post was laughable except the last 2 lines. The man in the White House now had nowhere near the qualifications for the job yet you voted for him.
Like the other well funded Republican candidates, Rubio works for the oil companies, and denies basic climate science:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2015/04/19/rubios-i...
That might not work in Florida, whose coast will be underwater this century. Floridians are getting tired of their "leaders" refusing to even talk about global warming. It's insulting to young people who have to live with a wrecked climate, and the rank prostitution of their "leaders" in Tallahassee and Washington DC is beginning to bug them, Hispanics included.
Wealthy owners of beachfront property in Florida? No problem. They are covered by US Government guaranteed flood insurance, guaranteeing the biggest real estate bubble of all time. They are going to see bubbles, all right, coming out of the flooded hotels in Miami Beach. Unfortunately, no national politician is interested in addressing this giant taxpayer giveaway. And their friends the Kochs don't care if their place in Palm Beach floods, since they can always head to the Hamptons.
The Democrats, Hillary included, don't call Rubio on his global warming idiocy. They would rather talk about immigration and defense policies, where there is common ground. As to whether we have become a petro state, they are not interested in that discussion. They are scared of the oil companies and banks too. It's up to us to wake them up, by voting for change in the primaries.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2015/04/19/rubios-i...
That might not work in Florida, whose coast will be underwater this century. Floridians are getting tired of their "leaders" refusing to even talk about global warming. It's insulting to young people who have to live with a wrecked climate, and the rank prostitution of their "leaders" in Tallahassee and Washington DC is beginning to bug them, Hispanics included.
Wealthy owners of beachfront property in Florida? No problem. They are covered by US Government guaranteed flood insurance, guaranteeing the biggest real estate bubble of all time. They are going to see bubbles, all right, coming out of the flooded hotels in Miami Beach. Unfortunately, no national politician is interested in addressing this giant taxpayer giveaway. And their friends the Kochs don't care if their place in Palm Beach floods, since they can always head to the Hamptons.
The Democrats, Hillary included, don't call Rubio on his global warming idiocy. They would rather talk about immigration and defense policies, where there is common ground. As to whether we have become a petro state, they are not interested in that discussion. They are scared of the oil companies and banks too. It's up to us to wake them up, by voting for change in the primaries.
17
Like the other well funded Republican candidates, Rubio works for the oil companies, and denies basic climate science.
---------------------------
No matter, if true, since Hillary is so obviously a creature of the Fortune 100, and Big Labor, and unknown foreign donors, as her Croesus-scale speaking fees ($500,000 - $1,000,000) show. Populism, she calls it.
---------------------------
No matter, if true, since Hillary is so obviously a creature of the Fortune 100, and Big Labor, and unknown foreign donors, as her Croesus-scale speaking fees ($500,000 - $1,000,000) show. Populism, she calls it.
3
Freezing in the NE this weekend,,, stick your pseudo-science..
2
The Hamptons are a sand spit; they’re going to be under water too. (I know they’re actually a terminal moraine, but it comes to the same drowned end).
Well, if it is truly coming down to Florida, the democrats have a huge problem anyway you cut it. Jeb Bush is no light weight in Florida. Bush/Rubio? I remember Bush vs Gore. Gore won, but lost due to political shenanigans in Florida. The nation went on to so many failed policies. Remember where we were when Obama took over? We were in big trouble economically. They were the worst times since the great depression. People forget quickly, don't they? Well, I support Hilary, but this election is no cake walk. And, yes, she can loose. For sure. There is a lot at stake.
6
NYT--please stop treating Hillary as if she is a shoe in for the nomination. She's not. As a lifelong liberal--I cannot bring myself to vote for her.
A Sanders vs Rubio match up would scare the pants off the republicans.
A Sanders vs Rubio match up would scare the pants off the republicans.
34
you better get it together FDNY Mom. Hillary isn't perfect but the presidency isn't about finding the perfect. it's about finding the person who can win.
Just think about Ralph Nader, who stole Florida from Al Gore's hands. Just think about the fact that Democrats have NEVER won after holding the White House for eight years. Ever. Hold your nose and vote for Hillary because when it comes down to just two candidates, neither will be perfect but one will likely appeal to you more than the other.
Just think about Ralph Nader, who stole Florida from Al Gore's hands. Just think about the fact that Democrats have NEVER won after holding the White House for eight years. Ever. Hold your nose and vote for Hillary because when it comes down to just two candidates, neither will be perfect but one will likely appeal to you more than the other.
I doubt it. The republicans would laugh all the way to Rubio's inauguration. I say that while having much respect and admiration for Bernie Sanders.
I wouldn't worry. Rubio is pro-amnesty for 20 million illegal aliens and supports unrestricted NSA domestic spying. The base will stay home.
2
"The base will stay home."
Wasn't that the Dems' mid-term strategy in 2014?
Wasn't that the Dems' mid-term strategy in 2014?
2
He's the VP Walker will be the main guy and the gop will come out en masse. Rubio will pull the latin voters.. Game is over all ready.. dems might as well stay home.
1
Puh-leeze! Give Hispanics a little more credit than that!
267
Well said! The report implies perhaps unintentionally that political differences and understandings are for whites, and Hispanics and others only go for skin color. How absurd! Given how strongly this publication goes against racial/ethnic biases, it is baffling such unexamined assumptions are published.
1
I've yet to see any analysis that Hispanic voters, are likely to defect from the Democratic party because a Hispanic candidate is the Republican standard bearer. As a Jew, I would not vote for a candidate because their last name was Cohen or Goldberg, and when Senator Leiberman revealed himself in 2004 to be a George Bush supporter only four years after being the Democratic nominee for Vice President, he no longer had my support, despite being coreligonists. I don't ever recall hearing African-Americans voice support of Clarence Thomas' opinions on account of his race. Why then do people suppose that Hispanic-Americans will rally around a candidate whose party has opposed policies they support, merely because his surname is similar to their own? The suggestion that for Hispanics ethnicity will trump policy seems to me to be wholly unfounded, and grossly underestimates the reasoning skills of the Hispanic electorate.
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"The suggestion that for Hispanics ethnicity will trump policy seems to me to be wholly unfounded, and grossly underestimates the reasoning skills of the Hispanic electorate."
And what of African-Americans, who blindly support Democrats who support public teacher unions over poor urban blacks who receive a dismal education and who favor illegal immigrants who compete at the bottom rung of the economic ladder with poor minorities?
And what of African-Americans, who blindly support Democrats who support public teacher unions over poor urban blacks who receive a dismal education and who favor illegal immigrants who compete at the bottom rung of the economic ladder with poor minorities?
1
You make an important point that too many pundits intentionally
ignore...many voters vote based on a fairly intelligent assessment of policy. Rubio may be against the very policies that are attractive to voters with his background, regardless of their ethnicity...funny version of racism that we assume otherwise. Of course any woman who votes Republican always concerns me...for many of the same reasons that suggest there is a disconnect between groups and ideas.
ignore...many voters vote based on a fairly intelligent assessment of policy. Rubio may be against the very policies that are attractive to voters with his background, regardless of their ethnicity...funny version of racism that we assume otherwise. Of course any woman who votes Republican always concerns me...for many of the same reasons that suggest there is a disconnect between groups and ideas.
1
I've yet to see any analysis that Hispanic voters, are unlikely to vote for a Hispanic candidate just because he is the Republican standard bearer. Im fact studies throughout the west have shown it to be a deciding factor in many races.
3
Clearly, if Hillary is nominated it would be smart for her to select a first generation young Hispanic/American as a running mate. He or she might be of Mexican ancestry for even broader appeal. It certainly is time for someone of this ancestry to be represented.
8
Sixty three per cent of Latinos are of Mexican descent. Cubans are 3.5%. I don't think the Democrats or Ms. Clinton or Mr. Sanders are worried at all.
14
To you Democrats everything comes down to race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
4
DXD - Not true, Democrats want everyone to be treated equally, it's Republicans who divide people into groups and then try to deny some of those groups the right to vote, marry, earn a living wage etc.
3
First time the two go on Univision it's over for her.. dems should stay home.. it's all over..
Rubio only gets Hispanic voters in large numbers if he offers comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the Dreamers and a path to citizenship.
While this article points out that when he speaks "..old women pass out and toilets flush themselves," that may be the exact reaction of the people whose votes control the Republican nomination, and the sound of his chances when they get a load of what they're going to call "amnesty".
While this article points out that when he speaks "..old women pass out and toilets flush themselves," that may be the exact reaction of the people whose votes control the Republican nomination, and the sound of his chances when they get a load of what they're going to call "amnesty".
6
How would Rubio fare against a Clinton-Castro ticket?
5
Please. Rubio is an ambitious little plush toy owned by Norman Braman. He's making a serious mistake in seeking the spotlight.
109
A Rubio-Clinton matchup would sadly come down to "the charisma gap", since there's no difference between them on the major issues such as militarism and rampant government surveillance.
Rand Paul looks better all the time (young and smart).
Rand Paul looks better all the time (young and smart).
Rubio will not get the GOP nomination for the general election,......ain't gonna happen. But if it did, it wouldn't be that big of a deal for the democrats.All though its early yet, I think Jeb is probably gonna get the nomination.
1
When Marco Rubio signs on the for inevitable GOP plan to phase out or privatize Medicare, the Florida votes will take care of themselves for Democrats.
13
So she nominates Juan Castro as Veep and.....voila.
56
And Rubio nominates Condie Rice as Veep and ... voila.
5
Oh sure, some unknown Congressman a heartbeat, or a stroke, away from the Presidency. Even Dan Quayle was a Senator.
Condoleeza Rice? One of the most ineffectual Secretary of States? One who aided and abetted the lies that brought about the Iraq War?
That 'Condie' Rice?
That 'Condie' Rice?
5
To Hispanics this article makes no sense. The Hispanic population in the US consists of many different people and they do not identify with the same issues.
Most Puerto Ricans, South Americans and Central Americans do not identify with the Cubans, a group that has received preferential treatment for many years and has always voted solidly republican.
Most Cubans will continue to vote republican, while the rest of us will most probably be against Rubio.
Most Puerto Ricans, South Americans and Central Americans do not identify with the Cubans, a group that has received preferential treatment for many years and has always voted solidly republican.
Most Cubans will continue to vote republican, while the rest of us will most probably be against Rubio.
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Wishful thinking. They will vote for the best candidate. Unlike black voters, which vote 90% Democratic no matter who the nominee is, the Hispanic vote is much more fluid.
And "Hispanics" include an Irish woman who is married to a man named Gonzalez, both of whom speak as much Spanish as I speak - nada.
And "Hispanics" include an Irish woman who is married to a man named Gonzalez, both of whom speak as much Spanish as I speak - nada.
4
"Most Puerto Ricans, South Americans and Central Americans do not identify with the Cubans, a group that has received preferential treatment for many years and has always voted solidly republican."
Yet most Cubans DID vote for Obama 4 years ago, and 27% of all Hispanics (Cubans are insignificant % of all Hispanics in the US) DID vote for for the white Mormon Romney.
Yet most Cubans DID vote for Obama 4 years ago, and 27% of all Hispanics (Cubans are insignificant % of all Hispanics in the US) DID vote for for the white Mormon Romney.
I think it's important to separate his appeal as a Cuban-American from his appeal as a fluent Spanish speaker.
While Venezuelans or Mexicans or Columbians may not identify with him any more than they would an Irish-American candidate, his ability to fluently speak Spanish (the first language for most Hispanic voters) will definitely appeal to Hispanics of all backgrounds.
He will be the first serious candidate for president who can speak Spanish fluently. That's a very big deal.
While Venezuelans or Mexicans or Columbians may not identify with him any more than they would an Irish-American candidate, his ability to fluently speak Spanish (the first language for most Hispanic voters) will definitely appeal to Hispanics of all backgrounds.
He will be the first serious candidate for president who can speak Spanish fluently. That's a very big deal.
Scratch Senator Rubio's facade and a weaker candidate appears. He established that he is not a scientist - neither is Mrs. Rodham Clinton- but she, unlike him, listens to scientists and addresses climate change as a priority. Marco Rubio also represents Florida, where state employees are banned from speaking of climate change, even as they suffer the consequences of that-which-must-not-be-named. Hillary Clinton has expressed regret for voting to authorize President Bush the power to invade Iraq, while Marco Rubio is tongue-tied about that war. And Senator Rubio, unlike Hillary Clinton, is most definitely in the last century when it comes to reproductive rights, LBGT protections, or our relations with Cuba - which is another losing point for Rubio, having lied about the circumstances under which his parents left. Youth is fleeting, and Senator Rubio's flaws will remain.
16
I honestly have a hard time imagining worrying about such a lightweight as Rubio. the one thing he's very good at is self-promotion.
162
Yeah, he should make vague statements and only appear at staged events like Hillary, woman of the people!
7
She's approaching a total of 15 (fifteen) unscripted questions from the press as of the other day in the bike shop. Jeb has answered over 300 questions from the question-starved press pool. He's in fighting trim for the journos.
3
Sorry. I'm supporting Bernie Sanders. I still think Rubio is worthless.
4
yes, Rubio is the one candidate Hillary should fear. though I read he has spending problems.
What worries these Dems - Rubio's proven willingness to buck his party's ugly proclivities viz. immigration, minimum wage hikes, its treatment of women and the like? Where is there even a shred of evidence of THAT? Seems to me the only thing to be worried about is whether my Dems are going to snatch defeat from the jaws of an otherwise well-deserved victory - again - because they still can't craft a strong and effective message either for their own candidate or against the opposition. Marco Rubio is a wolf in sheep's clothing; he's a Republican, and, as such, no friend of anyone except the wealthiest among us. Latino voters are not going to be snookered.
131
Yes because unchecked illegal immigration definitely opens more jobs for low skilled democrat voters, how does that work again? Also anyone who wants a $15 minimum wage will see jobs dry up like a field in California. Freebies and unsustainable programs, the democrat way. Do you know how an economy works? Do you make all political decisions based on emotion and vague surface judgement?
8
Exactly! The Dems have their own problems and as long as they continue to focus on Them vs our compelling message that is just waiting to be crafted, we have more to worry about than Rubio.
He has backpedaled on his immigration stance. It is now indistinguishable from any other lily-white Republican's stance. He has a nice smile but even that smile often seems pasted on his face and not real. He might be able to manage a speech but he often fumbles unscripted comments. He will never be the GOP candidate -- too wet behind the ears.
1
Personally, they both scare me.
7
This is all well and good, but Marco Rubio as the Republican nominee?
There might be a bunch of Hispanic voters up for grabs in Florida, but that demographic isn't the lynch pin in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and whatever is next. Jeb is going to come at Rubio with a tidal wave of .1% cash and is going to define in unattractive ways. The others are going to pick at Rubio for having absolutely zero executive experience, which is true.
In the general, you don't think Clinton can pick apart his anti-middle class views and policies with a surgeon's precision, right there on national TV? (Assuming she's the nominee. I personally think Bernie Sanders is going to give her a much bigger battle than the Gray Lady does.)
Narrative is a powerful tool in politics. But it's not the only tool.
Yes, apparently Rubio's parents worked hard to succeed, but Marco Rubio is clearly in the pocket of Norman Braman. Pathetically and publicly so.
Even Karl Rove junior could Swift Boat that guy.
There might be a bunch of Hispanic voters up for grabs in Florida, but that demographic isn't the lynch pin in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and whatever is next. Jeb is going to come at Rubio with a tidal wave of .1% cash and is going to define in unattractive ways. The others are going to pick at Rubio for having absolutely zero executive experience, which is true.
In the general, you don't think Clinton can pick apart his anti-middle class views and policies with a surgeon's precision, right there on national TV? (Assuming she's the nominee. I personally think Bernie Sanders is going to give her a much bigger battle than the Gray Lady does.)
Narrative is a powerful tool in politics. But it's not the only tool.
Yes, apparently Rubio's parents worked hard to succeed, but Marco Rubio is clearly in the pocket of Norman Braman. Pathetically and publicly so.
Even Karl Rove junior could Swift Boat that guy.
34
Okay, the horse race, who like to run in the mud, etc.
Now, who would Rubio appoint to the Supreme Court? More Scalias, Thomases, Alitos, Robertses? What nasty kind of dying country would that be?
Now, who would Rubio appoint to the Supreme Court? More Scalias, Thomases, Alitos, Robertses? What nasty kind of dying country would that be?
129
Kennedy, RBG, Sotomayor and Kagan are already doing a good job of killing of whatever remained of this country. Who will dems whine to when the money runs out?
6
To Big Labor and Big Teachers Unions and Big Hollywood, and George Soros. As before. Ka-ching!
3
Charles - None of the people you mentioned are trying to pollute our air and water, none of them are trying to keep anyone from voting, getting married or having affordable health care.
4
I think this is a non-starter and is mainly designed to scare liberals on the fence into jumping in for Hillary. Rubio has nothing on Hillary's name recognition and has already made a fool of himself several times. Most young people are already rejecting the Republicans -- their support of the NSA, the Banksters, the wars, on and on -- and there are not yet enough voting-Hispanics-nationwide-who-would-support-a-Republican to make the demographics a real issue.
I'm not voting out of fear: I'm going to vote for the woman whose views I actually share, who could really represent the majority of Americans, not just Goldman Sachs -- I'm voting for Jill Stein.
I'm not voting out of fear: I'm going to vote for the woman whose views I actually share, who could really represent the majority of Americans, not just Goldman Sachs -- I'm voting for Jill Stein.
5
A. "Mr. Rubio told the story of his immigrant parents — his mother a maid, his father a bartender — and how they worked hard so that he could succeed. “It’s hard to get more compelling than that,” Mr. Crist said."
FACT: He is on the dole from a billionaire for his general income, expenses, and assistance. Not exactly the American dream.
B. “I think they do underestimate him,” Mr. Morgan added. “He’s energetic, he’s photogenic, and he will say whatever you want him to say.”
WHAT? He will say whatever you want him to say?! How does this recommend him?
FACT: He is on the dole from a billionaire for his general income, expenses, and assistance. Not exactly the American dream.
B. “I think they do underestimate him,” Mr. Morgan added. “He’s energetic, he’s photogenic, and he will say whatever you want him to say.”
WHAT? He will say whatever you want him to say?! How does this recommend him?
287
Yeah because Hillary would never change her stance. We all know she has secretly been the left leaning populist her whole life. Pretending to be a moderate for years was just a clever cover. Take off the blinders.
8
And you think the Clinton's amassed a multi-million fortune on their own? Or Hillary's ability to invest in cattle futures?
The Left is so gullible in believing in the sainthood of Democrats.
The Left is so gullible in believing in the sainthood of Democrats.
7
Is this the same Rubio whose parents were "refugees from Castro" but left Cuba years before Castro came to power? The same Rubio who used the Florida Republican Party's credit card for personal expenses until caught ? The Rubio who has had some rather strange real estate dealings with a friend ? Or the Rubio who proposed an immigration bill until he was practically eaten alive by his party and quickly did a 180 ?
Perhaps the old Cubans sitting around Miami playing dominoes and waiting for another Bay of Pigs will vote for him. The Hispanic community is not a giant monolith, and many are not happy with the preferential treatment Cubans have gotten in matters of immigration.
Perhaps the old Cubans sitting around Miami playing dominoes and waiting for another Bay of Pigs will vote for him. The Hispanic community is not a giant monolith, and many are not happy with the preferential treatment Cubans have gotten in matters of immigration.
2
He's a light weight!
27
The lengths to which the Clinton's will go to personally destroy a political opponent should make Mr. Rubio nervous. In previous elections, liberal media operatives collude behind the scenes to destroy conservative candidates well before the debates. Since Professor Gruber outed the DNC and liberal media's coordinated propaganda efforts, the electorate is far more intelligent to fall for the usual race baiting, false allegations, etc.
6
I don't think so. Dominicans, Mexicans and other Hispanics are not going to knee jerk vote for a Cuban just because he's Hispanic. If they bother to vote at all.
7
And WHY would these 'Dominicans, Mexicans and other Hispanics' going to "knee jerk vote" for Mrs. Clinton???
What makes HER so attractive to (legal) Hispanic voters???
What makes HER so attractive to (legal) Hispanic voters???
3
Who says they're going to vote for her, just as for the same reason women are not going to vote for 100% for Clinton. People vote, if they bother to vote at all, for many reasons, sometimes conflicting and usually because they affiliate with one Political Party.
3
When I saw him on one of the Sunday talk shows his comments about Hillary were strident. And not only about her age.
4
Big deal, show me a Republican candidate that isn't good at spouting hate speech.
9
I believe most Latinos are fully aware that Rubio may have sympathies for Cubans but little for the protections of others. He still represents the worst of the GOP in regards to immigration reform. He will follow the GOP agenda without question and that is not good for anyone but the very rich.
259
You're writing that from Palm Springs, CA? Too many Democrats are obsessed with this populist class warfare against the rich and successful. Mrs. Clinton seems to be a Republican in disguise then--she's only about the money and only about making her own rules, the peasants can search for their own water.
I am a Cuban-American and I would not vote for Marco Rubio. Cuban-Americans are not with Marco Rubio on the subject of the new relations between Cuba and the USA, which Marco Rubio deplores. Recent polls show Cuban-Americans favoring Obama’s policy of re-establishing relations with Cuba. Since that subject is so important to Cubans I don’t think Marco Rubio could carry the Cuban vote right now. And if he could it would be by a minimal margin. So why would anyone expect that he can carry the much larger Mexican and Puerto Rican vote when these groups, if anything, resent the special immigration status of Cubans and see Marco Rubio as a representative of the Cuban American community? These groups have no connections to Marco Rubio’s base and certainly should have no connection to Marco Rubio’s politics.
2
By the very rich, you mean the Clintons and their billionaire and gazillionaire "contributors" to the Foundation?
1
Rubio has it, but so does Obama, and look where that has gotten us. The issues are what matters, and I think, once the real race begins after the nominations, if it is Clinton vs. Rubio, Clinton will struggle. She is not a closer. When she is under pressure, she becomes shrill and combative. Add that to her position on the issues, she will have a hard time holding onto Democrats in places like Ohio, Pennsylvania and even Wisconsin.