Let me guess...this scene has to be playing out in Miami ... seen this played out so many times. It is an insult to waste our time and parade around deceiving people in being something you are not. Lack of ethics, lies and self promotion is what this article brings out in Marco Rubio.
2
This is awful! Rubio gave $60,000 to charity, while the Bidens gave an average of $369 a year. Go figure
6
Reply to ivyleagueblackfemale: The Biden's spent their own money; Rubio gave away somebody else's - a typical habit of borrow-and-spend Republicans.
12
Further evidence this individual is unqualified to be President. This does not just evidence a lack of sophistication about personal finances. It suggest impropriety, recklessness and irresponsibility.
9
Geeze, I guess Hillary's big score on cattle futures is just way too old news to interest the NYT. When the Clinton's said they were broke, just how soon after that did we hear they were multi-millionaires yet again.
I am not a fan of Rubio, but considering he has been a target more than once by the press, especially while in office, I think this is much ado about not much.
I am not a fan of Rubio, but considering he has been a target more than once by the press, especially while in office, I think this is much ado about not much.
4
Callow and shallow, and in way over his head. Having been told all his life that he was "the best and the brightest" of his clan and community, and having been given a hand up over and over and over by wealthy, powerful patrons, no matter how thoroughly he proved his second-rate-ness, he clearly believes he is the chosen one.
He and his wife disobey speed limits, campaign finance laws, accounting rules, and legal requirements at every turn, but it's always either someone else's fault or a "misunderstanding" or "bad judgment" or "a bad idea." Well, the occupant of the Oval Office needs good judgment and good ideas, and the ability to accept responsibility (the buck stops here, anyone?). He or she also needs good advisers, and needs to listen to and learn from them, rather than billionaire patrons who subsidize their overextended lifestyle.
As I said at the outset, shallow and callow.
He and his wife disobey speed limits, campaign finance laws, accounting rules, and legal requirements at every turn, but it's always either someone else's fault or a "misunderstanding" or "bad judgment" or "a bad idea." Well, the occupant of the Oval Office needs good judgment and good ideas, and the ability to accept responsibility (the buck stops here, anyone?). He or she also needs good advisers, and needs to listen to and learn from them, rather than billionaire patrons who subsidize their overextended lifestyle.
As I said at the outset, shallow and callow.
11
Are you talking about Hillary?
3
Conservatives should be worried that Rubio had to be bailed out of financial difficulty by a wealthy patron. Doesn't that kind of dependence breed sloth -- or is that just in poor people?
12
Just as I think Hilary's stunning lack of common sense around the State Department emails makes her unfit for the highest office, so does Marco Rubio's utter lack of financial acumen.
2
I identify with neither the right nor the left, but it seems to be me that this story is intended to make Rubio look bad It seems sad to me that in American society, those whom we seem to value the most, earn and have the most. Yet this American obsession with money says nothing about character and is an age-old literary theme, as in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, "The Great Gatsby."
2
So he can't even manage his own affairs, but he thinks he can manage the nation? And doesn't all this debt leave him vulnerable to bribery? Were he up for a security clearance, all this debt would be a big red flag.
9
Anyone who graduates from law school should be able to acquire basic financial literacy or, barring that, hire a financial planner. And, with an income of 300K when he worked in the private sector, he should have been more than able to afford professional help.
We should not support politicians because they are just like us. Do we really want a president who is no better equipped for the job than we are? We need to aim higher than that. Our leaders should at least have exemplary judgement, self-control, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Marco Rubio's "mistakes" are clear evidence that he does not possesses these qualities.
We should not support politicians because they are just like us. Do we really want a president who is no better equipped for the job than we are? We need to aim higher than that. Our leaders should at least have exemplary judgement, self-control, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Marco Rubio's "mistakes" are clear evidence that he does not possesses these qualities.
9
If I managed my finances according to the "Rubio Kitchen-Table Economics Model", I would certainly have no time nor reason to worry about global warming. However, I would have navigation charts on my speed boat to facilitate skipping out on my overly generous creditors.
6
I won't accept the excuse he was young and came from a family who didn't have money, if he said that then he is unfit for political office. He wants us to buy that being experienced is an excuse for making mistakes and the public should understand, don't think that sells to well.
I haven't read any comments on this yet but I'll bet his supporters are claiming NYT did a hatchet job. I'll also bet you don't see any absolute refutation of these claims, otherwise you'd sue if the information presented was false. His fat cat daddy certainly would foot the legal costs, cam't wait to see this play out.
I haven't read any comments on this yet but I'll bet his supporters are claiming NYT did a hatchet job. I'll also bet you don't see any absolute refutation of these claims, otherwise you'd sue if the information presented was false. His fat cat daddy certainly would foot the legal costs, cam't wait to see this play out.
3
Apparently, Mr. Rubio has very poor judgement calls in his record that will make him an extremely weak candidate for the president. They are not aberrations but follow a consistent pattern and speak for themselves.
5
I guess along with not being a scientist, Marco Rubio isn't adept with a calculator either.
Which begs the point: If Republicans can deflect the global warming issue with the "I'm not a scientist" disclaimer, why don't they abstain from legislation dealing with tax cuts, military-heavy budgets and slashes to public spending? Obviously, like Rubio, they're not economists either.
Which begs the point: If Republicans can deflect the global warming issue with the "I'm not a scientist" disclaimer, why don't they abstain from legislation dealing with tax cuts, military-heavy budgets and slashes to public spending? Obviously, like Rubio, they're not economists either.
9
It is not so much that he has stressed himself financially, but rather that he seems to be utterly ignorant of any systematic financial or economic thinking. How can he do anything useful as a decision maker over taxes, payments, and benefits when he clearly has no clue about economics of finance?
7
I am so excited to see your breakdown of Hillary's background and finances since you nit-picked Rubio's finances and background like a jealous neighbor. I'm sure you are still working on it (as there have been a great deal of unexplained mishaps throughout her life), but I will try to have patience as you piece it together in the next few days!
3
It's been done. Google it.
6
I object to this article implying that because he came from a working class background he cannot be expected to be financially prudent.
I would counter that from my own working class experience he should be expected to be MORE prudent then some child of a rich background.
When you come from a working class background you know that there is no one coming to rescue you. You know that your parents are not being mean when they do not bail you out, they simply cannot.
This article adds to my growing list of information about the unsuitability of Rubio to be President.
I would counter that from my own working class experience he should be expected to be MORE prudent then some child of a rich background.
When you come from a working class background you know that there is no one coming to rescue you. You know that your parents are not being mean when they do not bail you out, they simply cannot.
This article adds to my growing list of information about the unsuitability of Rubio to be President.
12
This financial history should disqualify Mr. Rubio for further consideration. Regardless, he (and Rand Paul) are far too short to be POTUS. America deserves/requires a president to be six (6') tall or more to become president. America loves a tyke, but World Stature stage presence is vitally important. Also, the gluttonous, morbidly obese cannot become president, e.g., Chris Christie..
4
This article is unbelievable. If anything it shows that Rubio can empathize with 99.9% of Americans. Mistakes happen. How many times do I have to open the Wall Street Journal and discover that Americans don't save enough, spend too much for their homes or cars, etc. Maybe a more meaningful article would be to investigate the Clintons' finances and the financial dealing of their foundation. That's where the real money is. Until the NYT does such a review I will only believe this article was written because the paper has extreme biases and wants to do a hack job on a certain individual.
9
99.9% of Americans are not irresponsible with their finances. I don't empathize with him at all….I see a "immature and irresponsible" adult…who cares more about "toys" than fiscal responsibility.
11
It is commendable that the NYT has taken time to delve into detailed aspects of Senator Rubio's personal and financial life (this article and the previous one about his traffic tickets). The paper of record ought to fulfill its obligation to vet anyone who has announced for president who has a significant chance to attain that office.
Following that line of logic, I eagerly await this kind of detailed investigation into the personal and financial life of Mrs. Clinton, the Democratic front runner. Most would agree there is a far richer vein of relevant material in her background than in the Senator's.
Respectfully,
Jack McMullen
Following that line of logic, I eagerly await this kind of detailed investigation into the personal and financial life of Mrs. Clinton, the Democratic front runner. Most would agree there is a far richer vein of relevant material in her background than in the Senator's.
Respectfully,
Jack McMullen
7
Use Google, it's been done many times. Does no one actually read anymore?
14
In the isolated bubble that is the National Enquirer, er NY Times, Rubio's fishing boat becomes a "luxury speedboat" while John Kerry's $7 million yacht silently relocates to a neighboring state to avoid paying $500K taxes at home.
The NY Times used to be recognized for journalism. Now we read hit pieces masquerading as news. Pray tell, is there really any difference between the NY Times and Fox News?
The NY Times used to be recognized for journalism. Now we read hit pieces masquerading as news. Pray tell, is there really any difference between the NY Times and Fox News?
9
What's funny, the New York Times, who supports Hillary, seems to have no problem with Hillary's confession that upon leaving the White House, she and Bill didn't have two nickels to rub together.
Despite living on the US and Arkansas taxpayers dime (room and board) AND a salary the last 8 years at $450,000 a year.
And truth be told, I think "Middle American" Marco Rubio has more in common with the struggles of the common American than private plane flying, limousine riding Hillary Clinton.
Despite living on the US and Arkansas taxpayers dime (room and board) AND a salary the last 8 years at $450,000 a year.
And truth be told, I think "Middle American" Marco Rubio has more in common with the struggles of the common American than private plane flying, limousine riding Hillary Clinton.
9
If you think the NY Times is in Hillary's corner, you haven't been reading much of the paper lately. All I hear from friends is, Why does the Times have it out for Hillary? The paper is all over the foundation's dealings, possibly to the point of excess, and then of course there's Maureen Dowd for HRC to contend with. The NY Times isn't giving Hillary a walk in the park to the nomination at all.
9
The NYT is definitely not out for Hillary. It does continue to be a journalism site and if there's news regarding Hillary, it reports it. It can't fail to respond to a story that all of the other news sites are devouring. Yet it does certainly go out of its way to look into a senator's past finances since the year 2000? I don't see those two as being equal.
1
Marco Rubio is 44 years old. He's been making poor to bad, and possibly illegal, financial decisions for at least 20 years. He also excuses himself on the basis of "making mistakes". Clearly he has not learned much from his mistakes. In my book, he hardly qualifies as a poster child for fiscal responsibility. And quite possibly some enterprising newspaper columnist should do some more digging to be sure there isn't more fiscal irregularity beneath the covers of his political organization.
15
Anyone who knows boats knows that $80K is not even in the league of a "luxury speedboat." If you want see a true luxury watercraft, check out John Kerry's marina slip.
5
If you can't afford to pay your basic expenses then toys like boats are a luxury.
18
I would like to thank the nyt for exposing rubio's expenditures on a "typical" offshore fishing vessel--especially since 95% of Floridians do not even OWN ANY KIND OF BOAT!! [and, as of 2009 only 1 of 43 dade county residents owned a boat!!!].
However, I was a bit curious about how the nyt treated the reports of then prezi candidate john f Kerry bilking the state he represented as a Senator out of $500k annually in boat taxes by registering his REAL YACHT in neighboring rhode island. of course the times was thorough in its coverage--here is what my search terms found:
1. Your search - KERRY YACHT TAXES RHODE ISLAND - did not match any documents.
Suggestions:
o Make sure all words are spelled correctly
o Simplify your search: try fewer or more general keywords
o Use keywords that reflect words or phrases likely to be in the text of the item you are seeking
http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/?action=click&contentColl...®ion=TopBar&WT.nav=searchWidget&module=SearchSubmit&pgtype=Homepage#/KERRY+YACHT+TAXES+RHODE+ISLAND/from20000101to20081231/
However, I was a bit curious about how the nyt treated the reports of then prezi candidate john f Kerry bilking the state he represented as a Senator out of $500k annually in boat taxes by registering his REAL YACHT in neighboring rhode island. of course the times was thorough in its coverage--here is what my search terms found:
1. Your search - KERRY YACHT TAXES RHODE ISLAND - did not match any documents.
Suggestions:
o Make sure all words are spelled correctly
o Simplify your search: try fewer or more general keywords
o Use keywords that reflect words or phrases likely to be in the text of the item you are seeking
http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/?action=click&contentColl...®ion=TopBar&WT.nav=searchWidget&module=SearchSubmit&pgtype=Homepage#/KERRY+YACHT+TAXES+RHODE+ISLAND/from20000101to20081231/
8
Maybe Marco Rubio should watch Suzie Orman.
13
Anyone who cannot manage their own finances is unfit to manage the finances of the United States. Clearly, Marco Rubio is unfit to be President.
13
Rubio blames his poor financial skills on his parents' situation of not having much money to work with.
That makes no sense. People who are financially on the edge are super attentive to their spending.
It's the wealthy who are more likely to be careless since there will always be money in the bank account.
That makes no sense. People who are financially on the edge are super attentive to their spending.
It's the wealthy who are more likely to be careless since there will always be money in the bank account.
13
I realize the Times advocates that one default on student loans, but to actually criticize Rubio for working hard to pay his debts leaps into the realm of absurdity. And a "luxury" speedboat? $80,000 won't buy you a luxury dinghy. NYT is turning more yellow by the day.
8
A man who made up a different life story for his parents' perfectly respectable lives because the false story better suited his political purposes, is not a man to be trusted.
We've elected these types before; not so much people as an ongoing series of political calculations.
It didn't work so well before and won't if he get his hands on high power.
We've elected these types before; not so much people as an ongoing series of political calculations.
It didn't work so well before and won't if he get his hands on high power.
10
Yep, first he lies about his parents and then he throws them under the bus and blames them for his bad decisions. Nice guy.
12
I just want to thank the New York Times for this article, it just made me realize that Marco Rubio is the one that I am going to vote for. I relate more to him than to any of the other candidates. The more I read about his struggles, the more I know he is the best choice because he can relate to The People.
8
I hope you have a billionaire sugar daddy, too.
3
I just want to thank the New York Times for this article, it just made me realize that Marco Rubio is the one that I am going to vote for. I relate more to him than any of the others candidates. The more I read about his struggles, the more I know he is the best choice because he can relate to The People.
5
Excuse me. Beg to differ : I am also self made. We were not poor, but my Dad never made that much money. I put myself through law school on very little debt and have managed to put together a million dollars in savings. I am just now building a smallish home and drive an old car. Not saying everyone should live so frugally, but I wouldn't vote for this guy for dog catcher. Although not a hard and fast rule, I would certainly hope a President would have some degree of common sense and self control. Rubio has neither. No prudent company would hire this man for anything having do to with managing company money. You can tell a lot about management and organizational skills based on personal money management. Further, his unwise purchases shout EGO and insecurity. What a sense of entitlement and what a loser.
20
Obama's management experience was what?
1
It would be interesting to run the Rubio story side-by-side with one the NYT ran sometime back on Al Sharpton. Seems like these fellows are cut from the same cloth.
The leasing of the 2015 Audi says it all: it's not about truth, it's about what appears to be true. And yes, many Americans lead similar financial lives -- which is likely why Rubio and Sharpton have garnered the support they have. A minor point -- the U.S. presidency is not about achieving celebrity status or realizing a dream (i.e. the boat). In short, it's not about personal ambition. It's about service. How well equipped an individual is to serve his/her country and to represent that country internationally with respect, intelligence and equanimity. And, I might add, honesty.
The leasing of the 2015 Audi says it all: it's not about truth, it's about what appears to be true. And yes, many Americans lead similar financial lives -- which is likely why Rubio and Sharpton have garnered the support they have. A minor point -- the U.S. presidency is not about achieving celebrity status or realizing a dream (i.e. the boat). In short, it's not about personal ambition. It's about service. How well equipped an individual is to serve his/her country and to represent that country internationally with respect, intelligence and equanimity. And, I might add, honesty.
3
But, unlike Sharpton, Rubio has a zillionaire car dealership magnate as a supporter (who previously supportef Jeb Bush).
7
He's obviously hoping for a big payoff after his political career is up.
10
That's the one thing he may be right about. If he does get that lobbying job, look for him in 15 years as a SCOTUS nominee.
3
If he could so badly handle a $800,000 "windfall"…how on earth would be able to handle the complex issues that faces POTUS?
My daughter who makes what a starting teacher makes…and never had a "monetary windfall"….has no debt; has a small savings account; contributes to her 401-K; and drives a 16 year old car with over 200,000 miles on it. How? Maturity and common sense. Something Mr. Rubio is apparently missing.
My daughter who makes what a starting teacher makes…and never had a "monetary windfall"….has no debt; has a small savings account; contributes to her 401-K; and drives a 16 year old car with over 200,000 miles on it. How? Maturity and common sense. Something Mr. Rubio is apparently missing.
18
$80,000 is NOT a luxury anything in the boat world. It's a common low-end fishing boat in Florida. Where were you when John Kerry parked his $7M yacht in RI to avoid paying $500K of taxes in MA?
7
Since the vast majority of U.S. citizens can't even afford a rowboat, this does say a lot about how Mr. Rubio is willing to bankrupt himself and his young family in order to appear to belong to the 'high rollers'.
Style over substance. When will the GOP come to its senses?
Style over substance. When will the GOP come to its senses?
11
I wouldn't vote for someone who holds such archaic views on Cuba, and this article just supports the view that most candidates are hypocrites. Do as I say, not as I do.
10
I don't anticipate Rubio's campaign to be very successful, that aside, this article is a ridiculous slam. Seriously, he liquidated a retirement account and sold a house underwater on the mortgage? How many tens of thousands of people have done the same thing. How is it the NY Times find writers to do a better job than this? Very disappointing.
10
He did that while buying toys he couldn't afford and lecturing other people on how to live and spend their money. He also had a sugar daddy bail him out. How many other Americans do that?
7
Thanks for brining this to my attention. I find it quite relieving that there is at least one candidate that understands the daily struggles of American life and manages his way through it in the same way hundreds of millions of us do. While it appears the NYT prefers candidates that proclaim they are broke while making $25,000,000 in kick-backs....errr speaking fees, I prefer an "everyman" that can actually relate to our citizens. Hillary and the elitists that you seem to prefer can keep their cake.
8
Maybe Mr. Rubio's financial history needs to be examined in the same detail as the Clinton's? Remember the money and time spent on the Whitewater issue? If it costs $100 million or more to run for President, should we be surprised that corruption follows?
4
I am waiting. When will Marco see the light? He can appeal to all those, who, like him, have unmanageable debts by:
1. Declaring himself in favor of a YEAR of Debt Forgiveness for all Americans.
2. Basing this new policy on the Old Testament, which mandated debt forgiveness every 7 years. (Marco has seen the Light!)
3. Paying for this debt forgiveness program via Billionaire Sugar Daddies (or Mommies) for every indebted American. (Billionaires have seen the Light!)
4. Following the year of debt forgiveness will come a year of boat buying, house buying, influence buying. The economy will really take off!
Marco's Miracles are at hand!
1. Declaring himself in favor of a YEAR of Debt Forgiveness for all Americans.
2. Basing this new policy on the Old Testament, which mandated debt forgiveness every 7 years. (Marco has seen the Light!)
3. Paying for this debt forgiveness program via Billionaire Sugar Daddies (or Mommies) for every indebted American. (Billionaires have seen the Light!)
4. Following the year of debt forgiveness will come a year of boat buying, house buying, influence buying. The economy will really take off!
Marco's Miracles are at hand!
6
Hillary illegally sold United States Uranium to Russia for $31 Million.
Rubio has four traffic tickets and a boat.
Pretty stark difference if you ask me. I'll take a hard-worker, self-made man like Rubio over any of those other rich, disconnected fools any day of the week.
Rubio has four traffic tickets and a boat.
Pretty stark difference if you ask me. I'll take a hard-worker, self-made man like Rubio over any of those other rich, disconnected fools any day of the week.
6
Nothing Hillary did or didn't do excuses Rubio's stupid and unethical behavior.
3
For many individuals the financial crises of 2007 - 2009 was a wake-up call that forced them to examine how they managed their personal finances. After reading your article, Mr. Rubio just hasn't got the basics of financial planning and is far from being able to develop a plan of action to achieve personal financial security. This personal challenge for Mr. Rubio is going to be hard to hide from the public.
9
A positive story about an up-and-coming politician -- an up-and-coming politician who clearly has problems handling his own money even despite earning significant amounts of money. I think that Marco Rubio is very fortunate in being able to be the benefactor/protege of an extremely wealthy sugar daddy.
I can understand his desire to enjoy life and be profligate. But one would think that an up-and-coming politician would know not to overdo it. Some degree of bad judgement is understandable when someone is young. But repeated instances should make anyone scratch their heads.
I can understand his desire to enjoy life and be profligate. But one would think that an up-and-coming politician would know not to overdo it. Some degree of bad judgement is understandable when someone is young. But repeated instances should make anyone scratch their heads.
8
Our kids, born of immigrant parents who started off with nothing, never indulged in irresponsible financial act. If anything, they learned from the struggles of their parents to be financially astute. Rubio's narrative is not an inspiring one... it is a story, immigrant generations that worked hard to build life in America, along with their first generation children, will find hard to relate to. Rubio, as some slick politicians do, is trying to create a false image. I immigrated from Egypt with nothing, earned a post graduate degree, working summer jobs and busing dishes on the weekends...my wife and worked hard upon graduation, started a business, then lived in a suburban home paying our mortgage on time, didn't buy a boat until we were better off and can afford it, I served on my school board and my wife does meals on wheels... we did our part to give back to the country that gave us everything. Our kids carry student loans and have earned higher degrees, pay their bills on time, live modestly. Rubio is an example I don't want my kids to follow.
14
So, all immigrant narratives are equal. But some are more equal than others?
I won't vote for Marco Rubio. I find his positions on everything from fiscal issues to civil rights to be retrograde. That said, for me, this article and related information humanizes Mr. Rubio. Unlike many NYT readers, I too, like most Americans, have had to build whatever I have on my own. No legacy entrance to private schools. No inheritance. No mortgage gift from parents. Guess what, when one must do for themselves, mistakes will be made. The kind of mistakes Mr. Rubio has made only make him unfit for office if he has not learned anything along the way.
1
Another cheap attempted hatchet job which, after establishing Rubio to be an excellent auto insurance risk, demonstrates he also has his financial act together more than most people.
After all, Hillary hasn't even driven a car since 1996 and Rubio wasn't part of an administration that saw the deficit explode and national debt nearly double. Nor do I recall Rubio being affiliated with any organization that accepted millions from foreign governments which could have conflicted with the responsibilities of the office he held or unilaterally operating his own data center for the handling of government information.
The Grey Lady should have her liver checked. She's looking mighty yellow lately.
After all, Hillary hasn't even driven a car since 1996 and Rubio wasn't part of an administration that saw the deficit explode and national debt nearly double. Nor do I recall Rubio being affiliated with any organization that accepted millions from foreign governments which could have conflicted with the responsibilities of the office he held or unilaterally operating his own data center for the handling of government information.
The Grey Lady should have her liver checked. She's looking mighty yellow lately.
5
People, whether born rich or poor, but who later have had opportunities handed to them on a silver platter, seemingly cannot understand the struggles of people who have had to create their own opportunities. Stop focusing on Rubio's personal financial mistakes, which he has apparently been trying to correct. Instead, focus on his performance as a senator, and the experiences he could bring to office.
6
Neither of those two issues are great for him.
3
I agree, Rubio is unfit for President. Obama's incompetence has proven we need someone in the White House who actually understands economics and fiscal responsibility!!!
3
Rubio's financial dealings demonstrates risky behavior. risky behavior is not inherently wrong, ie the gambler's impulse can be an asset in business (and as easily a negative). some risk is needed in a president, Bush jr had too much, Obama has too little. while Rubio's behavior only puts his family at risk in his personal financial dealings, would it be excessive in a president, placing him more in Bush jr's category ?
3
That Marco has money "troubles" should be enough to win votes. How easy it is to secure your financial future by becoming a shill for moneyed interests, in a convenient blend of strongly held deep convictions and disingenuously denied self-interest.
2
As it happens he's also a shill for moneyed interests. Have you read the Times stories about the Florida billionaire who's bankrolled him? Also, how can we trust him with the nation's finances if he can't make sound financial decisions of his own?
6
And yet you probably think that Hillary, who has been selling her influence for "charity" donations, is somehow trustworthy?
2
An extraordinary opportunity for whomever wants to buy
a President of the United States, or to buy access or this or that
policy. Or war or recognition. A well known 'for sale' sign.
And imagine a cabinet and agencies with the same mind set and
example. Our democracy already staggers on the money standard.
a President of the United States, or to buy access or this or that
policy. Or war or recognition. A well known 'for sale' sign.
And imagine a cabinet and agencies with the same mind set and
example. Our democracy already staggers on the money standard.
7
At least China and Russia don't know his price yet - they already have the Clintons and the DNC all sewn up.
2
"Mr. Rubio’s allies said his financial blunders were the scars of a self-made man," Question: What is the difference between this statement and an elephant? Answer: No one thinks an elephant will fly.
11
It is ASTONISHING to see people trying to justify running up $150 grand in student loans, no-down mortgages in three upscale houses, an $80 grand boat, a $50 grand car, and direct payouts from a billionaire, all while being unable to manage on a mere couple hundred grand a year.
Oh, and by the way...the oarking tickets Obama got added up to $375, with late fees. What's it cost to run up 14 major tickets for stuff like reckless driving?
Someday, I am gonna figure out exactly why folks apologize for the clowns who think themselves entitled to far, far more than they will ever have, and sneer at the women and kids trying to get by on food stamps.
Oh, and by the way...the oarking tickets Obama got added up to $375, with late fees. What's it cost to run up 14 major tickets for stuff like reckless driving?
Someday, I am gonna figure out exactly why folks apologize for the clowns who think themselves entitled to far, far more than they will ever have, and sneer at the women and kids trying to get by on food stamps.
20
Rubio didn't run up 14 tickets. But why let facts stand in the way?
Rubio's next book: "Shell Games - How to Play Them and Win the Presidency"
14
Two hit pieces in two days. You couldn't have done more to boost Rubio in the crowded Republican field. If your handlers in the Clinton canpaign have something really salacious that will bring him down later, then bravo!
If this is all you have (or David Brock has for you) then you'll regret your blatant, naked partisanship so early in the race.
If this is all you have (or David Brock has for you) then you'll regret your blatant, naked partisanship so early in the race.
6
Financial blunders? LOL. He breaks the rules and then claims ignorance. Yet, he managed to get through law school and pass the bar. Folks, where there's smoke, there's a liar. Marco Rubio is profligate, not ignorant.
15
Jeez! What a bunch of self righteous finger waggers! I wouldn't vote for Rubio ever, but not because of this slanted piece. The guy is like so many of the rest of us. So what?!
Have we gotten to the point that no candidate can have any falable human quality?! Go look at Abraham Lincoln's financial history before becoming President. I'm sorry, this falls under the "get a life" category for me.
Have we gotten to the point that no candidate can have any falable human quality?! Go look at Abraham Lincoln's financial history before becoming President. I'm sorry, this falls under the "get a life" category for me.
5
Hillary can have plenty of falable human qualities (and certainly does have them), but a republican candidate must be perfect!
Wow, if only the Times would dig as deep into Obama or Hillary. I can't imagine the terrible shenanigans they would find.
5
They do and they have. You evidently haven't been reading them.
7
Inaccurate, slanted-political and demonizing style. It's a smear of innocent actions and of a typical American lifestyle. The New York Times must really fear Rubio.
3
Totally pathetic, partisan article.
Between this and the even more pathetic "speeding tickets" article, one has to wonder about the motivation, never mind the intelligence, of the papers editorial staff.
But then, this is the New York Times, otherwise known as the media arm of the DNC.
Between this and the even more pathetic "speeding tickets" article, one has to wonder about the motivation, never mind the intelligence, of the papers editorial staff.
But then, this is the New York Times, otherwise known as the media arm of the DNC.
5
This article points out one thing very clearly, Marco Rubio is like 95% of the people in this country. Why do we try to bring down a man who has a dream of being president? Sure he has made mistakes, like all of us have with money. No one is perfect and the fact that I see these negative comments tells me one thing, we've lost our way. We will support a senator or congressman or woman who became millionaires while in office for 20 or 30 plus years but we don't want to support someone who has tried to do things the RIGHT way and made mistakes along way? We are here to judge a man and his wife on some student loan issues or he bought a boat that anyone of us would say "hey my friend bought a nice boat" or he had some issues with mortgage payments because he over extended himself? Really? I think many of us need to look in the mirror and try to find someone to represent us that is more like 95% of the country vs 5% of the country. Whether you're a democrat, republican or independent this article should disturb you if you ever think of running for anything but at the same time wonder what happened to this country, we can only vote for the super rich with great benefactors? Come on people, wake up.
3
Maybe if Rubio weren't a darling of the Tea Party, that might be a valid point. But there is something hypocritical about attacking people for living beyond their means while doing so oneself. It smacks of a double standard. Just maybe if the Republicans had showed compassion for the many thousands who got in over their heads with mortgages, instead of castigating them, rubio might be regarded as just a guy who made a few mistakes. But Rubio is one of the flag bearers for the crowd that stands for personal responsibility and contempt for those who don't measure up. And by the standards of his own supporters, he doesn't even come close.
11
I DON'T find this reporting disturbing - on Rubio or anyone seeking office.
Mr. Rubio's "resume" for public office includes his personal financial dealings.
When you receive (income) and use (expenses/budgets) TAXPAYER DOLLARS we have a right to TRUST. We have a right to know that our hard earned dollars are spent with OUR best interests in mind.
Mr. Rubio's "resume" for public office includes his personal financial dealings.
When you receive (income) and use (expenses/budgets) TAXPAYER DOLLARS we have a right to TRUST. We have a right to know that our hard earned dollars are spent with OUR best interests in mind.
3
And just the other day an AP story about how he and his wife have had 17 traffic citations in the last decade. Four of them were Mr. Rubio's, and the last one, running a red light caught on camera, put him in the category of ready to lose his license. His lawyer got it dismissed.
Meanwhile, my neighbor is having to pay $150 for the same transgression.
I find Mr. Rubio, regardless of his politics, a moral failure and not one to lead this country. Or, anything else.
Meanwhile, my neighbor is having to pay $150 for the same transgression.
I find Mr. Rubio, regardless of his politics, a moral failure and not one to lead this country. Or, anything else.
12
A "moral failure" for 4 speeding tickets???
Make me wonder what you would call a candidate who sells her influence for exhorbitant "charity" fees.
Make me wonder what you would call a candidate who sells her influence for exhorbitant "charity" fees.
3
This article humanizes him; compared to Hillary's financial history, it can only help his competitiveness. It's admirable what Rubio's sacrificed for his political career given the fact that his talents could have placed him among the nation's most well-off and financially secure. At the same time, it's just a bit more evidence that, notwithstanding his positions on the issues, Rubio needs to grow up a bit more before anyone should feel ready to elect him President.
3
Maybe Senator Rubio could drive his Audi Q7 to a meeting with Secretary Clinton so they could talk about being flat broke.
2
Thanks to Steve Eder and Michael Barbaro for this most insightful article.
I just doubled my contribution to the Rubio campaign in response.
I just doubled my contribution to the Rubio campaign in response.
6
Sounds like he'll have no trouble spending the money.
5
He thinks being an ''immigrant'' and ''poor'' entitles him to luxury, speed boats, several homes. He must be salivating when looking at the billion dollars the Obama spend in the White House on their European, African and Asian family junkets and luxury vacations. The Obamas had student debts but managed to get deep pockets to bail them out. This sickening consumerism is a distorted version of the American Dream. He is not fit to run, pandering to the immigrant vote and get rich quick and spend it mentality.
3
"The Obamas had student debts but managed to get deep pockets to bail them out. This sickening consumerism is a distorted version of the American Dream."
Yet you voted for Obama?
Yet you voted for Obama?
1
So Rubio paid down his own debts and that makes him unfit to be Prez.
But Obama had someone else pay off his debts and that makes him fit to be Prez?
Nice critical thinking.....
But Obama had someone else pay off his debts and that makes him fit to be Prez?
Nice critical thinking.....
Rubio got a billionaire sugar daddy to bail him out. President Obama paid off his own student loans. Why bother lying when it's so easy to be caught at it?
The Obama family has travelled far less than G.W.'s family did and security is part of the job description.
The Obama family has travelled far less than G.W.'s family did and security is part of the job description.
10
Just another example of how politicians live in their own universe, were power and money are the main priorities. Being young and saddled with debt happens to many of us. Especially if we obtained an education without any financial support from our families. But purchasing multiple homes with no money down, a boat, private school tuition, paying for personal expenses with campaign/PAC funds. This is yet another example that Rubio is full of it when he talks about government spending and debt. Just like how he pretended to be a fan of rap music in some misguided attempt to garner street cred with younger voters. But he couldn't even name a single member of the Wu-Tang Clan when he was called out on the news, even though he claimed to love the group so much. I personally don't care what music you like to sing in the shower, where are your real values Mr. Rubio? What do you really believe in and stand for, besides yourself? And why do you feel you need to pretend to be something you are not and have possessions you can't afford if you are so proud of your humble origins?
8
Sounds as if he would be another Suharto, an extremely corrupt ruler who brought Indonesia to ruin through blatant nepotism, corruption, personal enrichment at public expense, etc.
8
After this character assassination article, the NYT should be ashamed. Most people in the United States are not born rich. My wife and I endured many of the same financial struggles over the years, but we made it. I suggest that the NYT do similar investigations into the financial affairs and personal relationships of all the candidates, and then publish them. Now that would demonstrate some character of all parties involved at the NYT.
4
I'm rather surprised by the multitude of comments here berating the Times (and the critical comments on Rubio) for this article and the information within under the pretext of questioning why the Times isn't writing anything about the Clintons. Hasn't anyone read the articles about the Clinton foundation? The (inadvisable handling of) excerpts and tips from the author of Clinton Cash?
One can gripe that the Times is more critical of Republican candidates for shortcomings one may feel the Clintons posses. But claiming that there's been nothing but crickets about the Clintons is quite untrue. The Times had plenty of people, liberal and otherwise, who were very skeptical of their arrangement with the Clinton Cash author; in light of the author's documented history of inaccuracy and error, that seems reasonable.
One can gripe that the Times is more critical of Republican candidates for shortcomings one may feel the Clintons posses. But claiming that there's been nothing but crickets about the Clintons is quite untrue. The Times had plenty of people, liberal and otherwise, who were very skeptical of their arrangement with the Clinton Cash author; in light of the author's documented history of inaccuracy and error, that seems reasonable.
10
Sometimes even the Times cannot ignore the transgressions of the candidate of their preferred party.
The Clintons have been vetted in every campaign since the '80's. I think the right wing is just angry that there's no new "news" there, despite how many years of so-called "scandal investigations" by the PArty of Personal and Fiscal responsibility which ultimately resulted in billions of dollars spent to uncover nothing at all. Thanks GOP, when's the 68th vote to repeal Obamacare?
5
One very sure thing: this flake would be for sale to the highest bidder! He would be much better off copying the Huckabee business model with a huckster website that offers for sale everything from CDs to trinkets. Huckabee makes millions from the "sucker born every day* approach. Go for it Rubio! It's perfectly legal!
15
Last I checked my copy of the US Constitution, it was the House of Representatives that is responsible for ALL spending, not the POTUS (In spite of how Obama acts, what he says, or what he may assume).
As such, how is Rubio's past financial situation even relevant to him being president? Oh, maybe I missed it but does this hit piece, oops -- 'article', state that Rubio ever filed for bankruptcy? If not then I guess he handled things okay.
ps: The US Constitution is really pretty short, it's easy to read, and easy to understand. Even the amendments are easy to read and comprehend. All you liberals should give it try, you just might learn something (Like 'the separation of church and state' doesn't exist anywhere in them --honest.)
As such, how is Rubio's past financial situation even relevant to him being president? Oh, maybe I missed it but does this hit piece, oops -- 'article', state that Rubio ever filed for bankruptcy? If not then I guess he handled things okay.
ps: The US Constitution is really pretty short, it's easy to read, and easy to understand. Even the amendments are easy to read and comprehend. All you liberals should give it try, you just might learn something (Like 'the separation of church and state' doesn't exist anywhere in them --honest.)
4
He had a billionaire sugar daddy bail him out so he didn't have to go bankrupt.
With his track record he probably couldn't get hired as a bank teller but quite a few people here are willing to give him the job of President. Scary.
With his track record he probably couldn't get hired as a bank teller but quite a few people here are willing to give him the job of President. Scary.
3
OK, you guys always trot out that separation of church and state bit as though it's definitive. Of course, we do have the First Amendment, as well as Madison's Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom and Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists, which does contain the magic phrase. So the purpose of the wording is clear. What exactly are you arguing? That unless it is explicitly in the Constitution as written in 1787, it doesn't exist? Even though the purpose of allowing amendments was the founders' recognition that they weren't perfect? If so, then presumably you also agree that slavery should still exist and women shouldn't vote, since the 1787 version contains those provisions as well.
The "financial irresponsibility" has two explanations: either Rubio is kind of stupid, or not. If he has rich friends assuring him that he does not need to worry about spending, and if those friends repeatedly shown that they can channel hundreds of thousands of dollars to his personal accounts, then there is nothing unwise in "risky personal finances".
So he does not care about going to debt because he got assurances about his future income. And his life style, while overly luxurious for a young lawyer or a young college professor, is still frugal compared to his friends who have bigger homes, larger yachts and so on.
That means that politically, Rubio is a puppet, and to vote for him we have to consider the views of Norman Braman first.
So he does not care about going to debt because he got assurances about his future income. And his life style, while overly luxurious for a young lawyer or a young college professor, is still frugal compared to his friends who have bigger homes, larger yachts and so on.
That means that politically, Rubio is a puppet, and to vote for him we have to consider the views of Norman Braman first.
12
Rubio really IS one of the regular people - I can relate to college debt, a mortgage, and needing something special (like a fishing boat) for my family to be able to play when we can. Please publish his official website so I can send him a contribution.
3
I dislike (that is a kind word) pretty much everything about Marco Rubio's politics and the way he sells himself. That being said, I'm astounded that I actually have a little sympathy for Rubio here.
I did not grow up poor. Mid-west middle class. I took my first commercial airline flight when I was 23, as we had no money to fly when I was a kid. I started my own company (here in Austria) at age 30, and all of a sudden I was earning more money than I had ever dreamed of.
I was apparently better than Rubio at managing my finances, but I also made some really stupid decisions. I got them out of my system after about 10 years, a divorce, lots of arguments with my accountant, sobering messages from the ministry of finance, and a new partner who had no problem telling me, "You think that is a 'normal' price to pay for X? You're view of 'normal' is way out of whack with how most of the world lives." I very purposely do not make lists of what I wish I hadn't bought/done. It would be too depressing, and I can't go back and change it now anyway. If I were a politician and my financial decisions were put under a spotlight like Rubio's, I'm not so sure how I would fare.
That all being said, I'm a Bernie Sanders social democrat who grudgingly pays the very high Austrian taxes so that we have all the great things that Bernie would like for the US (which we had when I was a kid there). Rubio is a massive hypocrite for not wanting to help those like he was. His policies are mean.
I did not grow up poor. Mid-west middle class. I took my first commercial airline flight when I was 23, as we had no money to fly when I was a kid. I started my own company (here in Austria) at age 30, and all of a sudden I was earning more money than I had ever dreamed of.
I was apparently better than Rubio at managing my finances, but I also made some really stupid decisions. I got them out of my system after about 10 years, a divorce, lots of arguments with my accountant, sobering messages from the ministry of finance, and a new partner who had no problem telling me, "You think that is a 'normal' price to pay for X? You're view of 'normal' is way out of whack with how most of the world lives." I very purposely do not make lists of what I wish I hadn't bought/done. It would be too depressing, and I can't go back and change it now anyway. If I were a politician and my financial decisions were put under a spotlight like Rubio's, I'm not so sure how I would fare.
That all being said, I'm a Bernie Sanders social democrat who grudgingly pays the very high Austrian taxes so that we have all the great things that Bernie would like for the US (which we had when I was a kid there). Rubio is a massive hypocrite for not wanting to help those like he was. His policies are mean.
9
The country doesn't need another incompetent president. Obama broke ties with major allies because of his incompetent foreign policy. Marco Rubio could destroy the country's economy due to the fact that he is incompetent in this.
1
The NYT is not picking on Rubio here. Rubio's resources are not those of an "ordinary American." The median income in the United States in 2014 was approximately $52,000. This is a man who has had jobs where he has earned anywhere between $174,000 (the current salary of a US Senator) and $300K as an attorney at a private law firm. "Ordinary American" do not earn those salaries. The only reason Mr. Rubio has had financial issues is because he has been fiscally irresponsible in his personal life.
This is relevant to his candidacy for two reasons:
1. It shows a lack of organization, maturity and judgment. Responsible people with large debts pay off those debts before purchasing an $80,000 boat. The debate on whether it is a "luxury boat" is truly stupid. $80,000 is a large sum of money to most Americans. That he would spend $80,000 on something like a leisure boat and not think it was an extravagant purchase, is an indication of how out of touch he is with the finances of regular people.
2. This is party that preaches personal responsibility and self-reliance, as opposed to reliance on others ("others" usually cast as the dependence-enabling government programs), in this case an independently wealthy benefactor in the person of Norman Braman. The hypocrisy here is obvious and Romney was correct to see this contradiction as problem when he vetted him as a possible VP pick four years ago.
This is relevant to his candidacy for two reasons:
1. It shows a lack of organization, maturity and judgment. Responsible people with large debts pay off those debts before purchasing an $80,000 boat. The debate on whether it is a "luxury boat" is truly stupid. $80,000 is a large sum of money to most Americans. That he would spend $80,000 on something like a leisure boat and not think it was an extravagant purchase, is an indication of how out of touch he is with the finances of regular people.
2. This is party that preaches personal responsibility and self-reliance, as opposed to reliance on others ("others" usually cast as the dependence-enabling government programs), in this case an independently wealthy benefactor in the person of Norman Braman. The hypocrisy here is obvious and Romney was correct to see this contradiction as problem when he vetted him as a possible VP pick four years ago.
12
For everyone defending Rubio by chalking up his family finance issues to a combination of youth, inexperience, and/or the typical woes and anxieties of a middle class American family, I have to ask - how is Rubio's financial situation over most of his adulthood (he may have seemed to come from nowhere to non-Floridians in 2010, but he had a long, long history of public office and FL GOP work prior to 2010, including serving as the Speaker of the House) so similar and recognizable to the average middle class American? Yes, he had student loans to pay, a mortgage (or three), and the often enormous cost of raising children - plenty of us recognize that; I certainly can relate to it since my life is much the same, minus the multiple mortgages/properties. But for a long time Rubio has been in a position where, with some prudent management and extra patience, he could live comfortably AND within his means.
When did owning multiple homes, a decent boat, a publishing deal worth nearly $1m, and an income of $174,000 become relatable for most middle class Americans?
To clarify - I'm not saying we should only consider presidents from humble beginnings and/or humble current circumstances. I am, however, questioning how Rubio's situation and choices are written off by some as a perfectly relatable middle class lifestyle. Apparently the definition of middle class has changed considerably.
When did owning multiple homes, a decent boat, a publishing deal worth nearly $1m, and an income of $174,000 become relatable for most middle class Americans?
To clarify - I'm not saying we should only consider presidents from humble beginnings and/or humble current circumstances. I am, however, questioning how Rubio's situation and choices are written off by some as a perfectly relatable middle class lifestyle. Apparently the definition of middle class has changed considerably.
11
Just curious. Are you critical of Hillary's finances and will you be voting for her regardless?
1
Just another Republican who thinks the rules only apply to others. Nothing new or different here. Fiscal responsibility? That's for poor losers, not "exceptional" Republicans who want to be president.
Do we really want another entitled Republican president who can't balance a checkbook? He'll do like W and run his wars off the books, so we don't actually see that he's spending us into financial servitude to the Chinese.
Do we really want another entitled Republican president who can't balance a checkbook? He'll do like W and run his wars off the books, so we don't actually see that he's spending us into financial servitude to the Chinese.
11
Yes Paula.. it would be MUCH better to elect an entitled Democrat President who doesn't know what a checkbook is, and claimed to be "dead broke" while taking in $MILLIONS from questionable sources. But so long as all the money came into a "charity" (wink, wink), there's nothing to worry about.
Another Gruberite who doesn't know the difference betwqeen "off-budget" and "off-books".
II am definitely not a GOP fan. Reading the article I found similarities between Mr. Rubio's financial (mis)management and mine, during our younger years.
Once again, I do not agree with GOP policies, but Mr. Rubio has not committed any crime. On the contrary lately he has shown signs of improvement by doing the right thing (paying off his student debt being one). As such should not be judged for stupidities he made when young and being judged. Time will tell if the American people believe he could do the job.
Once again, I do not agree with GOP policies, but Mr. Rubio has not committed any crime. On the contrary lately he has shown signs of improvement by doing the right thing (paying off his student debt being one). As such should not be judged for stupidities he made when young and being judged. Time will tell if the American people believe he could do the job.
2
He is a tax dodger , constantly spends more money than he makes, he is always financially strapped and looking for money from family and friends, and he does not know how to save money. He is the most interesting candidate to run for President. He is Senator Marco Rubio. He flips on issues such as immigration reform because he knows who can butter his bread. This man is simply untrustworthy to be President of the United States. You do not give a man like this a key to the highest office in the land.
9
LMBO! If every person who spent more money than they make was a tax dodger, as you call Rubio - half the country would be in jail (except for Al Sharpton)
1
I don't know if Mr. Rubio is the man for the job of president of the United States just as I don't know if any of the republican contenders are qualified. I do know that any one of them will and are being savaged by agenda driven socialist loving media. I also know the current democrat administration has lied, cheated, stolen and tried to wreck every aspect of life for hard working US citizens, for personal gain. The list of disgraceful opportunists and cronies seems endless... from Rezko to Obama to Clinton... will, one hopes, never replace Tinkern to Evers to Chance or Ozymandias. The media worries are just beginning, if not being rich, entitled or a sycophantic liar are the best they have on the Rubios.
2
I'm a little puzzled. We've had slow but steady economic recovery under this administration. More people have access to affordable health care and this administration has tried to address wages for ordinary Americans.
How exactly is that wrecking anyone's life?
The recession and two wars wrecked lives.
The NYT isn't printing anything about Rubio, Walker, Clinton etc. that isn't true. If the news about any of them is unpleasant blame the candidates.
How exactly is that wrecking anyone's life?
The recession and two wars wrecked lives.
The NYT isn't printing anything about Rubio, Walker, Clinton etc. that isn't true. If the news about any of them is unpleasant blame the candidates.
6
So after 6+ years of ineptitude and... lower wages, fewer workers, declining health care for workers, increased hospital closings, are progress in your view?
Addressing like "starting a conversation" is a sop to those so stupid they follow a self serving administration and president who only cares about getting out to enjoy life even if the country's middle class citizens are largely in social and economic chaos.
Addressing like "starting a conversation" is a sop to those so stupid they follow a self serving administration and president who only cares about getting out to enjoy life even if the country's middle class citizens are largely in social and economic chaos.
1
If he has so much difficulty managing his own finances can he be entrusted to manage or even understand the finances of the largest economy in the world? (Perhaps he should get a masters in economics before letting his hubris and ambition outstrip his knowledge.)
7
He has no right to participate in the presidential race. I don't understand how such irresponsible, stupid, old, and dishonest people can participate in the presidential race. This suggests about the imperfection of laws.
And his management of his finances is how much worse than Hillary's? I'll be fascinated to hear how its so much better to just get all your contributions sent in to a "charity" and live off of that.
Like all Republicans., he preaches fiscal austerity and big tax breaks for the rich. But he has not got a nickel's worth of sense about the value of money, how to manage money or how to make money work.
He is a fool and an errand boy for Norman Bramen, the sugar daddy who bails him out of his profligate, stupid conduct of his own limited financial affairs.
Outside public office he could not make a living and would be up to his ears in debt.
And this wants to be president of the United States, a nation with a $16 trillion economy and a nearly $2 trillion budget? Heaven forbid we are condemned to that.
Rubio should not be running for president. He should be balancing his checkbook.
He is a fool and an errand boy for Norman Bramen, the sugar daddy who bails him out of his profligate, stupid conduct of his own limited financial affairs.
Outside public office he could not make a living and would be up to his ears in debt.
And this wants to be president of the United States, a nation with a $16 trillion economy and a nearly $2 trillion budget? Heaven forbid we are condemned to that.
Rubio should not be running for president. He should be balancing his checkbook.
10
Should Hillary be running? Just curious.
1
It would appear that Mr. Rubio is not unlike many of his generation who have been conditioned to seek the good life whether or not he can afford it or not. His irresponsible financial decisions and spending beyond his means might mean he is incapable of fiscal prudence. It also, likely, means he is of the same state of mind as a large, if not majority, segment of the nation.
Marco is the consummate politician; I see him turning this story to his benefit. "I am just like you: I am in debt up to my eyeballs and am constantly shifting money around to pay the bills. I am the perfect person to represent "the people" because so many of them are up to their eyeballs in debt.
Want to solve our fiscal problems? Elect someone else; want someone to not just feel our pain but to dig the hole a little deeper, I am your man!
Marco is the consummate politician; I see him turning this story to his benefit. "I am just like you: I am in debt up to my eyeballs and am constantly shifting money around to pay the bills. I am the perfect person to represent "the people" because so many of them are up to their eyeballs in debt.
Want to solve our fiscal problems? Elect someone else; want someone to not just feel our pain but to dig the hole a little deeper, I am your man!
6
Rubio displayed anything but conservative fiscal restraint when, as Florida Speaker of the House, he was issued a GOP credit card. Expensive wines, hair salon treatments, fine dining and entertainment were virtually a daily routine.
One can only imagine what Rubio would do with a presidential expense account.
Oh, and by the way, as a Floridian, I can tell you that his six years in the US Senate has not produced a single piece of legislation designed to help middle class or working poor n this state or the nation.
Little wonder then that Rubio has wisely chosen not to run to retain the senate seat he little but kept warm these past six long years. He now pins his hopes for a political future on becoming somebody's Vice Presidential candidate.....a Latino Sarah Palin.
One can only imagine what Rubio would do with a presidential expense account.
Oh, and by the way, as a Floridian, I can tell you that his six years in the US Senate has not produced a single piece of legislation designed to help middle class or working poor n this state or the nation.
Little wonder then that Rubio has wisely chosen not to run to retain the senate seat he little but kept warm these past six long years. He now pins his hopes for a political future on becoming somebody's Vice Presidential candidate.....a Latino Sarah Palin.
13
I don't care if he is a Republican or Democrat or an adherent of any other party or philosophy. The bottom line is that he and his wife have exercised poor and sometimes illegal financial judgement. Who in his right mind donates $60,000 to charities when he is financially strapped? Who has four children and pays parochial school tuition when he is financially strapped? Who charges personal expenses to a party credit card? Who buys an $80,000 boat (which also costs a good deal to maintain) if he has other unmet financial responsibilities? Who buys houses with no money down? Who is dumb enough to cash in a retirement account unless he is in deep hot water? And so on. This low level of financial immaturity, ignorance, and mismanagement should be kept clear of the United States Presidency. And Rubio should refrain from advising the U.S. government on money management!
7
One of my siblings and his wife aren't well off but the one thing they spent money on is education for their kids and I admire that. Of course they also lived pretty frugally and went without a lot of extras.
Buying multiple homes, toys etc. when you can't afford them is pretty irresponsible and not a good trait for someone in public office. Many companies would refuse to hire someone like this.
Buying multiple homes, toys etc. when you can't afford them is pretty irresponsible and not a good trait for someone in public office. Many companies would refuse to hire someone like this.
1
Provided Rubio hasn't done anything illegal when it comes to his finances, I don't particularly care what he's purchasing. My husband and I have experienced financial uncertainty and anxiety, like the vast majority of Americans; we also have young children, like the Rubios, and know full well the expenses involved.
However, it strikes me as somewhat naïve, or perhaps rather astonishing, that a well-educated, moderately experienced person who has courted the attention of media and voters could be so carelessly inattentive to both his precarious financial state and to the perceptions his actions might cause when under even mild scrutiny. The Rubios seem intelligent enough to know that he'd be under a microscope both during his state career and in the Senate. It seems in advisable to pass by numerous other debts or plans so life's luxuries can be had. It is also quite inconsistent for someone who pushes strict austerity at every turn (minus the military).
It will challenge his campaign to frame this as a relatable issue, instead of an irresponsibility issue.
However, it strikes me as somewhat naïve, or perhaps rather astonishing, that a well-educated, moderately experienced person who has courted the attention of media and voters could be so carelessly inattentive to both his precarious financial state and to the perceptions his actions might cause when under even mild scrutiny. The Rubios seem intelligent enough to know that he'd be under a microscope both during his state career and in the Senate. It seems in advisable to pass by numerous other debts or plans so life's luxuries can be had. It is also quite inconsistent for someone who pushes strict austerity at every turn (minus the military).
It will challenge his campaign to frame this as a relatable issue, instead of an irresponsibility issue.
2
This is a new low, even for the New York Times. If he were a Democratic candidate, the Times would be showcasing his financial struggles as heroic. It is time for the Times to stop pretending to be a legitimate news source.
5
This isn't the news! You should understand that virtually all media are under control of politicians and they will publish only what is beneficial to their respective owners. Furthermore media creates a false public opinion among citizens.
Not true at all. The NYT reported quite a bit on things like Anthony Weiner's stupid and irresponsible behavior. Democratic voters didn't hesitate to kick Weiner to the curb.
It's interesting to see how many people rush to support Rubio. If he ever got into the White House he'd be happy to bring us another recession and shrug his shoulders at the plight of the people who voted for him.
It's interesting to see how many people rush to support Rubio. If he ever got into the White House he'd be happy to bring us another recession and shrug his shoulders at the plight of the people who voted for him.
2
If he can't manage his own finances, how can he manage the US economy?........er ....20 trillion debt racked up by Obama.
Does, "cheap hit piece" ring a bell?
Does, "cheap hit piece" ring a bell?
1
Remember when W put two wars on the national credit card?
1
Anyone who can be a spokesperson for the "anyone can be rich in America" dream, especially as a high profile politician, while hating the "Reds", have market value. Rubio is capitalizing well. The right wing "religion" or as Al Franken so aptly phrased, "Supply Side Christianity", with publicity(good looks helps--Rev Graham, Joel Osteen); can make a fortune.
4
of all the people saying here that none of this doesn't matter, would any of them loan money to him? if he's driving recklessly and spending recklessly doesn't that mean he is reckless?
7
So much for another hit piece by the NYTimes liberal machine. This guy is REAL.
Not connected to cronies on Wall Street that made him 100,000 on a phony cattle futures play, or a failed fraudulent White Water real estate scam.
Paid off his school loans, son of an immigrant.
What's not to like. Listen to him
Not connected to cronies on Wall Street that made him 100,000 on a phony cattle futures play, or a failed fraudulent White Water real estate scam.
Paid off his school loans, son of an immigrant.
What's not to like. Listen to him
Do any of you actually read anything about Rubio? He's the lap dog of a billionaire and if it wasn't for this guy he'd probably be bankrupt.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
2
What an absurd story. The headline should be - Marco Rubio Average American.
3
Because all average Americans have three mansions, luxury cars and boats, the ability to invent $50,000 teaching positions for themselves, an $800,000 book deal . . . and a billionaire owner who can solve all his money problems in exchange for the "right" policies.
3
Mr Rubio probably wont get elected as president, but he is a very astute young man and will arrange to be financially set for life and will say to the NY Times the following: "He who laughs last, laughs better". Go get them, Marquito.
1
Yep, he'll probably laugh at all of the saps who supported him.
1
All republicans are bad at managing money. George W. Bush and his government put us in a trillion dollar deficit. Spend, spend, spend...we'll pay later. Marco Rubio's philosophy...
11
I see so it's still Bush's fault. Six + years into Obama and he still can't come to grips, he hasn't helped matters in the least. So yes keep blaming Bush, it's the liberal way.
Pretty wide generality. And where have you been for the last 7 years?
NYT wrote a hit piece- luxury boat?! My plumber has a nicer boat and more expensive Ford truck to tow it. Ridiculous- and FYI everybody lost money on housing Florida and nobody wants to live in Tallahassee !!! He practically broke even so really did pretty well considering everybody else.
3
Does your plumber have $150 grand in student loans and mortgages on three fancy houses, plus a billionaire who paid his salary so he could say he'd been a college prof?
1
The Times' recent disclosure of the Rubio's traffic tickets struck me as an almost childlike attempt to smear and defame him, especially since only two of the tickets were his. For that reason I now find myself wondering who might be pushing an agenda to kill this hapless fellow's career prospects? I wait anxiously the next shocking revelations concerning this obviously wicked man, Senator Rubio. High treason...Jousting without a permit...Forgetting to flush...I can barely wait!
5
Everything you mention makes the perfect candidate. We all identify with his trials and tribulations and let's remember he is a Father of four young children which are expensive to raise these days.
At least he's not a murderer or greedy, money hungry pig...
At least he's not a murderer or greedy, money hungry pig...
2
Who among the candidates is a murderer?
Youth has its faults. Either one learns or repeats one's errors of their ways.
How about examining the Clinton's financial foibles when he was governor of Arkansas?
Hillary's finances from that era, during her youth and her husband's early and later years in politics, also ought to be explored.
How about examining the Clinton's financial foibles when he was governor of Arkansas?
Hillary's finances from that era, during her youth and her husband's early and later years in politics, also ought to be explored.
4
Let's see..... Rubio is a relatively young man struggling to make it through life with a family. Lost money on a house recently; gee, that's unique in a state that took a huge hit in real estate prices recently. Leased a car, oh the horror. Used retirement money for family reasons. Bet nobody else has ever done that.
How about focusing on paying his student debt? That's something the current administration seems to discourage these days.
I'm not a Rubio fan, but if this is the best The Times can do, they must be hard up for topics to cover. Maybe we should welcome The Gray Lady to the reality of economic survival in the U.S.
How about focusing on paying his student debt? That's something the current administration seems to discourage these days.
I'm not a Rubio fan, but if this is the best The Times can do, they must be hard up for topics to cover. Maybe we should welcome The Gray Lady to the reality of economic survival in the U.S.
4
It seems with every successive generation we get "entitlement creep." I see quite a lot of financial irresponsibility in his generation. However, the parking tickets and the eighty thousand dollar speedboat aside, Rubio is not fit for the presidency by virtue of his vulnerability. When a man has too much debt, he's vulnerable to others and far more likely to do favors that are in his personal interest even as they do not benefit the public or reflect his duties. Rubio is not ethically solid enough to carry national support. Some of it can be blamed on his youth but a lot of it can't be. If the Republicans want to lose the election, he's their man.
6
This is a gift.
The hit piece just proved he is a regular guy who has more in common with people.
The boat thing was particularly funny.
The hit piece just proved he is a regular guy who has more in common with people.
The boat thing was particularly funny.
1
Just another fiscally responsible Republican. And, he wants to run the country?
4
I find Marco Rubio's position on most things abhorrent and I can find about two dozen reasons NOT to vote for him, but not anything that is written about in this article. He sounds like a typical middle class individual dealing with typical middle class financial issues.
I'm no fan of Mr. Rubio, but this article, like most of the Times' political reporting lately, seems to be a desperate search for scandal. Clearly there is too much time to kill before the 2016 elections and political reporters have not enough to do.
I'm no fan of Mr. Rubio, but this article, like most of the Times' political reporting lately, seems to be a desperate search for scandal. Clearly there is too much time to kill before the 2016 elections and political reporters have not enough to do.
4
I think it would have been nice if the NYT had devoted this much real estate to vetting Barack Obama's personal finances. The strange financial dealings between the candidate and shady (now convicted) individuals who helped him buy a luxury home. The connection to Bill Ayers and his parents, etc.
I hope the Times is this critical of all of the candidates for president from both parties. The Clinton Cash dealings that intimate Hillary's multi-million dollar influence peddling as Secretary of State certainly outshine the problems of student loans and mortgage trouble.
I hope the Times is this critical of all of the candidates for president from both parties. The Clinton Cash dealings that intimate Hillary's multi-million dollar influence peddling as Secretary of State certainly outshine the problems of student loans and mortgage trouble.
3
As I recall, the NYTimes and the Chicago Tribune both did stories on the Obamas' finances when he was running for president. While questions were raised about whether Michelle Obama's high paying hospital job may have been secured through political connections, there was no question of the kind of profligacy or financial irresponsibility that we see with Marco Rubio. On the contrary, when the Obamas' were fresh out of law school working for a prestigious law firm, they lived frugally and concentrated on paying down their student loans. When they eventually moved to Chicago, their two "splurges" seems to have been buying a nice house and sending their kids to a private school - both prudent investments for the future. No speed boats. No new audis. Indeed, Ms. Obama joked about how Barrack insisted on driving a beat up old car long after he had the means to buy a better one.
4
Marco Rubio? I will not vote for him. I will try to explain, why:
1)He was a Catholic, then he became a Mormon, then a Baptist, then again Catholic. If you change the faith so many times, it can easily forget about your political promises!
2) Repeatedly changed his position on environmental policy and other social problems. FLIP-FLOPER?
3) Used his non-profit foundations for private purposes: traveling, made expensive purchases...
Marco Rubio is not a candidate for typical intelligent representative of mid class.
1)He was a Catholic, then he became a Mormon, then a Baptist, then again Catholic. If you change the faith so many times, it can easily forget about your political promises!
2) Repeatedly changed his position on environmental policy and other social problems. FLIP-FLOPER?
3) Used his non-profit foundations for private purposes: traveling, made expensive purchases...
Marco Rubio is not a candidate for typical intelligent representative of mid class.
6
This is a 24 foot boat for a guy who lives in south Florida. Do NY Times writers know anyone who fishes in Florida? Do they know how many middle class people who buy these boats over 20 years in Florida?
1
So he wants to be president now so that he can print more money when he needs it? He would make the deficit horrendous.
5
If he can't manage his own money, how can he be expected to manage ours? If he is given to impulsive personal spending as an individual, how can he be expected to resist the thrill as President. Answer: he cannot.
4
Much like the President.
1
Marco Rubio ranks 6th place among republicans !!! On the place president has to choose the man who has no lust to make a lot of money, which has experience in this work , which is exactly can handle !
In a presidential wannabe, impulsiveness and immaturity is a deal-breaker.
8
My initial reaction was lets get off our high horse as we all have personal foibles that we struggle with and do not necessarily impact on our professional lives. However after reading this article and a previous article on his driving record I have to question whether his lack of discipline and impulsiveness wouldn't reflect on his ability to implement in a disciplined way some of his policy initiatives.
9
This young man seems to be beset by delusions of grandeur. This is a serious disorder. He and his wife, both, appear to consider themselves outside of the rules other folks must respect. Envy was mentioned in the article. Perhaps he (and she) arrogantly believe that if someone else owns certain possessions then they themselves are not OK unless they own similar things. Underneath this hubris must be a lot of self - hate.
It goes without saying that this person is not and never should be a president of the United States.
If this man can be remotely considered as a candidate for presidential nominee, I wonder about the characters of some of the other Republican candidates (and Clinton? With her pandering to big donors; her supporting the coup of a democratically elected country, Honduras; her 6 - year high-paid stint on the board of Walmart, an anti-union company which pays it's employees wages so low they rely on the tax-payers to fill in, while the family owners are multi-billionaires; how can one respect her character?).
It goes without saying that this person is not and never should be a president of the United States.
If this man can be remotely considered as a candidate for presidential nominee, I wonder about the characters of some of the other Republican candidates (and Clinton? With her pandering to big donors; her supporting the coup of a democratically elected country, Honduras; her 6 - year high-paid stint on the board of Walmart, an anti-union company which pays it's employees wages so low they rely on the tax-payers to fill in, while the family owners are multi-billionaires; how can one respect her character?).
4
I'm assuming you dislike the Obamas also? You've described them perfectly.
2
such credit history creates certain difficulties , lets to you are understand, this candidate! Now it becomes clear why so little political confidence rating ! Marco Rubio is not ready for such an important , responsible work !
3
I support Senator Rubio, however I have to question his judgment and prudence. The key to survival is living below one's means and maintaining a financial flexibility. One thing about numbers is that they are objective. They don't lie if reported correctly and fairly considered. Income has to cover expenses, including savings, and any actions taken that imperil that equation constitute recklessness. I am disturbed by the purchases that would have been clearly unwarranted and seen to be so by any reasonable person. Could I buy a new Cadillac? Of course, but never in a million years. I just make do with used, low mileage, Hondas. That money is much better in the bank in case I need a new roof or a remodel, two of which I've paid for - in long green rather than debt. All of this is fairly fundamental and prompts me to question the senator's basic judgment. One cannot have champagne tastes on a beer budget.
6
So, Rubio has student debt, a mortgage, a few tickets, and makes some bad financial decisions. It sounds like he can relate more to the American people than Hillary ever could.
OK, give him your money to manage first and if that works out we'll let him near our tax dollars.
8
Employing relatives and friends in his PACs "was not a case of patronage so much as necessity?" That's kind of like saying that taking an expensive watch from a store without paying is not a case of stealing as much as needing to know what time it is.
13
Good reporting. Hopefully Hillary's homes and mortgages will get the same in depth scrutiny....as to the boat.....well Kerry's $7 Million New Zealand built yacht is preferable
2
I find this all rather petty. Yes, Marco Rubio's spending may reflect lack of judgment at times, but this does not mean that he would not make a good CEO of the United States. After all, most chief executives are mostly supported by finance officers responsible for spending and budgeting.
2
Missteps...mistakes...indulging a fancy...
The outcome in all is that he corrected these with his OWN money. Government wastes YOUR money.
The outcome in all is that he corrected these with his OWN money. Government wastes YOUR money.
4
He's a Senator, which means HIS money is paid for with OUR money.
/the biggest argument against democracy is reading internet comments by the "average" voter
/the biggest argument against democracy is reading internet comments by the "average" voter
2
His money was earned on JOBS that he was doing, including his Florida Congressional position, the teaching position and Senate position.
I assume the readers of the Times would be more pleased with Rubio if, instead of struggling financially like many Americans, he had been trading on his influence as a government official. For example, he could get paid millions of dollars for lame speeches to dictators and their friends and in return help enemy nations purchase the rights to America's uranium reserves.
4
Finally a Republican that behaves like the rest of America. The question is why he would ask for government handouts for student and housing loans? Hypocrite? Not a Republican. One can only imagine what he will do when he has the entire national budget at his disposal. He truly is the epitome of the american dream/nightmare.
7
Wait - did you slip and start talking about the current vacationers in the White House who blow through half a million just making a trip to Africa? We were talking about Rubio, right?
2
Here is a perfectly nice, well-made, 2015 model year, Whaler.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2015-Boston-Whaler-150-Super-Sport-102...
It go fast, it suits somebody with $150 grand of student loans (which by the way, is a LOT of student loans...I got out of six or sever years of grad school in the Ivies owing one-tenth of that, including undergrad), and three mortgages, obtained with no money down, who says they are having troible getting by on their income.
It costs $29 grand.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2015-Boston-Whaler-150-Super-Sport-102...
It go fast, it suits somebody with $150 grand of student loans (which by the way, is a LOT of student loans...I got out of six or sever years of grad school in the Ivies owing one-tenth of that, including undergrad), and three mortgages, obtained with no money down, who says they are having troible getting by on their income.
It costs $29 grand.
4
I grew up in a lower middle class family and I learned at an early age how to manage the money I earned. It is called living within your means, and it causes you to budget and plan for the future. When my Dad died he had an estate valued at $28.73. But I learned how to get by and thrive.
If Sen Rubio can not manage his finances with an income of $174,000.; how is it possible for millions of working Americans to survive on an income of $40,000. or less?
I drive a 2006 Honda Civic with 154,000 miles on it, purchase my clothes on sale, and rarely, if ever eat out. However, I do have $181,000 saved for my retirement, own my home, and I paid for my 2 daughters to attend and graduate from public colleges.
It is all a matter of perspective, and clearly Sen Rubio, although glib and charismatic, has miniscule financial acumen. Another Republican candidate, like Scott Walker, Mike Huckabey and Chris Cristy, who have their hand out and are more than willing to do the bidding of the wealthy.
If Sen Rubio can not manage his finances with an income of $174,000.; how is it possible for millions of working Americans to survive on an income of $40,000. or less?
I drive a 2006 Honda Civic with 154,000 miles on it, purchase my clothes on sale, and rarely, if ever eat out. However, I do have $181,000 saved for my retirement, own my home, and I paid for my 2 daughters to attend and graduate from public colleges.
It is all a matter of perspective, and clearly Sen Rubio, although glib and charismatic, has miniscule financial acumen. Another Republican candidate, like Scott Walker, Mike Huckabey and Chris Cristy, who have their hand out and are more than willing to do the bidding of the wealthy.
20
How inspiring. That sounds like a book in there somewhere. Eh, maybe not.
This sloppiness with finances exemplifies a larger issue of Rubio and would make me doubt his ability to lead our nation. We saw something similar with past leaders (including Bill Clinton).
I wouldn't vote for Rubio, perhaps Hillary, lesser Jeb. But really, I want someone else.. who has not yet risen up on either side of the aisle... or even better in the middle.
I wouldn't vote for Rubio, perhaps Hillary, lesser Jeb. But really, I want someone else.. who has not yet risen up on either side of the aisle... or even better in the middle.
4
Mr. Rubio has handled his finances as my teenage son did; then he grew up. He was 21 years old when he got his credit card debt down to zero. Oh well, he is not running for president.
3
Luxury speedboat huh? More like a fishing boat...$80k doesn`t buy a cigarette boat nowadays now does it?
50k Audi huh? At least he drives himself to work and pays his bills.
Since when was it a crime to pay down your debt and provide for your family while doing so? You people can`t stand the thought of someone that isn`t a liberal Democrat from succeeding, can you?
How many parking tickets has Hillary acquired?
50k Audi huh? At least he drives himself to work and pays his bills.
Since when was it a crime to pay down your debt and provide for your family while doing so? You people can`t stand the thought of someone that isn`t a liberal Democrat from succeeding, can you?
How many parking tickets has Hillary acquired?
2
In reverse order:
1. i don't know that Hillary Clinton--by the way, when I was a kid, they taught me not to address grownups I didn't know by their first name--has gotten ANY tickets for sppeding, running red lights, and reckless driving, which is what the Rubios got.
2. After, lessee, about 25 years of work, four degrees, and a job that paid about $60 grand a year, I bought what I considered a good and slightly fancy car. Ot cost about $24 grand.
3. I never bought THREE fancy houses on no money down, let alone a boat that cost what I worked my way up to making, ten years after I bought my first new car.
It's hard to know whether it's stonefaced gall or insanity that leaves a person defending Marco Rubio's behavior.
By the way, what ever happened to you guys constantly going off about how the Federal budget is just like a household budget?
1. i don't know that Hillary Clinton--by the way, when I was a kid, they taught me not to address grownups I didn't know by their first name--has gotten ANY tickets for sppeding, running red lights, and reckless driving, which is what the Rubios got.
2. After, lessee, about 25 years of work, four degrees, and a job that paid about $60 grand a year, I bought what I considered a good and slightly fancy car. Ot cost about $24 grand.
3. I never bought THREE fancy houses on no money down, let alone a boat that cost what I worked my way up to making, ten years after I bought my first new car.
It's hard to know whether it's stonefaced gall or insanity that leaves a person defending Marco Rubio's behavior.
By the way, what ever happened to you guys constantly going off about how the Federal budget is just like a household budget?
12
"It's hard to know whether it's stonefaced gall or insanity that leaves a person defending Marco Rubio's behavior."
One of the hallmarks of the liberal left when they can`t argue on the merits of a case is to throw some ad hominem out there hoping it will deflect the argument.
If it`s stone faced gall or insanity defending Marco Rubio what do you call defending Hillary (and please don`t go on about calling someone by their first name, that`s just silly in light of the position she`s seeking)?
Morally and ethically superior?
It is to laugh...try harder next time.
One of the hallmarks of the liberal left when they can`t argue on the merits of a case is to throw some ad hominem out there hoping it will deflect the argument.
If it`s stone faced gall or insanity defending Marco Rubio what do you call defending Hillary (and please don`t go on about calling someone by their first name, that`s just silly in light of the position she`s seeking)?
Morally and ethically superior?
It is to laugh...try harder next time.
3
HIs billionaire buddy paid his bills.
3
Good judgement, Excellent judgment, the first requirement for a President. While his issues are common to many americans, neither he nor they have the judgment to be the commander in chief. Its not good to be indebted to anyone, if you want to serve the public. To err is human but this guy should not be president, too many messes. I feel the same for Hillary for all the money she has taken for speeches
7
Romney took money for speeches as well and no one complained. I have no idea why someone would be dumb enough to pay somebody for a speech but it's not illegal to do so or to receive money for it.
WInston Churchill had terrible debt periodically throughout his early and middle years. Friends with money and publishers with money assisted him along. A good investment it turns out for the "Free World". Without Winston we would be sprechen Deutsch heute.
I am not comparing Rubio with Churchill in anyway except financial distress.
He reminds me of President Obama in that if elected President his only BIG previous employment would have been a stint in the US Senate. Although that's where the similarity ends.
I honestly can't think of one Republican candidate out of all 27 of them whom I could or would vote for, regardless of how they handle their money or personal lives.
The bigger problem is that I can not and will not vote for HRC. So GO SANDERS and OMALLY!!
I am not comparing Rubio with Churchill in anyway except financial distress.
He reminds me of President Obama in that if elected President his only BIG previous employment would have been a stint in the US Senate. Although that's where the similarity ends.
I honestly can't think of one Republican candidate out of all 27 of them whom I could or would vote for, regardless of how they handle their money or personal lives.
The bigger problem is that I can not and will not vote for HRC. So GO SANDERS and OMALLY!!
7
(a bad idea, he said); (ill advised, he said) (an accident, he said). he confesses to a “lack of bookkeeping skills” and an “imperfect accounting system.”
Don't beat around the bush, fellow readers. Rubio is unwittingly telling us that he is not as smart as he thinks. Sure, there's more than just a pretty face, but not much.
Don't beat around the bush, fellow readers. Rubio is unwittingly telling us that he is not as smart as he thinks. Sure, there's more than just a pretty face, but not much.
15
I laugh at how this smear job seems to have backfired on NYT, as the vast majority of commenters are reacting strongly in Rubio's defense (unless this is a clever case of reverse psychology).
However, the point must be made that -- mis-manager or not -- Mr Rubio is not financially well off. That is not an indictment of his abilities; rather it is a statement of fact. He is therefore more vulnerable than most to financial blackmail in its many forms. One day this country will realize that it needs to drastically restrict allowable campaign contributions in order to combat the lack of integrity and rampant corruption in Washington and other places of office. When that day comes, we ought to put into place minimum limits on net worth as well..
However, the point must be made that -- mis-manager or not -- Mr Rubio is not financially well off. That is not an indictment of his abilities; rather it is a statement of fact. He is therefore more vulnerable than most to financial blackmail in its many forms. One day this country will realize that it needs to drastically restrict allowable campaign contributions in order to combat the lack of integrity and rampant corruption in Washington and other places of office. When that day comes, we ought to put into place minimum limits on net worth as well..
1
So isn't this the flip side of Mitt Romney?
Unlike Rubio, he seems to accumulate money at every turn -- legitimately if not admirably -- that has culminated in his sumptuous transcontinental lifestyle.
Rubio's lapses -- some of them the product of gross misjudgement -- also have a noxious scent that is associated with the Clinton family and its global foundation. Bill and HRC certainly know how to garner large-scale donations, although some of their transactions range from seedy to suspect.
Very interesting, is it not, that Mitt Romney's team in 2012 called out the financial mis-management by Marco Rubio. (BTW, the Romney team also flagged the apprehensions that surround Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey that have subsequently played out for public consumption.)
We live -- whether you like it or not -- in an era of heightened scrutiny. All types of records are available on-line. Twenty-five years ago you would have to travel to local court houses and record centers to unearth information about Marco Rubio.
Some candidates survive this scrutiny. But others find their chances diminished -- or even sunk -- by the nature of the revelations.
Unlike Rubio, he seems to accumulate money at every turn -- legitimately if not admirably -- that has culminated in his sumptuous transcontinental lifestyle.
Rubio's lapses -- some of them the product of gross misjudgement -- also have a noxious scent that is associated with the Clinton family and its global foundation. Bill and HRC certainly know how to garner large-scale donations, although some of their transactions range from seedy to suspect.
Very interesting, is it not, that Mitt Romney's team in 2012 called out the financial mis-management by Marco Rubio. (BTW, the Romney team also flagged the apprehensions that surround Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey that have subsequently played out for public consumption.)
We live -- whether you like it or not -- in an era of heightened scrutiny. All types of records are available on-line. Twenty-five years ago you would have to travel to local court houses and record centers to unearth information about Marco Rubio.
Some candidates survive this scrutiny. But others find their chances diminished -- or even sunk -- by the nature of the revelations.
5
Thank you New York Times for your recent coverage of Senator Marco Rubio's speeding tickets and personal finances. Frankly, with all of the announced and candidates expected to announce for the Republican nomination, I was having a difficult time deciding on which candidate to support. Since the Times has chosen to expose Senator Rubio as an ordinary American subject to some of the same issues the rest of us face, I have decided that Senator Rubio is worthy of my support. Please continue you efforts to expose this candidate as someone less than perfect. You are helping his campaign more than you know.
5
There's something to be proud of. You're going to decide that someone who behaves stupidly with money and who relies on a sugar daddy to bail them out is a good leader and you'll hand over your tax dollars to them. Do you really want to brag about that?
8
Rubio took a headlong dive into financial problems and being beholden to a sugar daddy.
And he took a headlong dive into running for president, running on a platform of fiscal responsibility.
Time for a reality check, Marco!
And he took a headlong dive into running for president, running on a platform of fiscal responsibility.
Time for a reality check, Marco!
17
And why would anyone buy a boat and lease a luxury car instead of paying off their mortgage and family savings? The Rubio family seems to suffer from serious delusions of "keeping up with the Jones." I would be loath to trust the finances of this country to someone who is so fiscally imprudent and cannot manage his checkbook and family finances.
19
But why is it anyone else's business? I'm a Democrat, but I can't understand what this has to do with his politics, his policies or his campaign.
1
A: it speaks to his integrity when he blasts the federal government for "overspending;" B: it speaks to his decision-making abilities. Both seem critical traits in a potential president.
16
sweinst254 - It's our business because he goes around lecturing Americans about belt tightening and fiscal responsibility and it's our business because he wants to manage our tax dollars.
6
Train Wreck Rubio.
9
The reason Rubio and other Republican and Democrat clown candidates are running for is not to get elected, but to add Candidate for POTUS to their resumes, get lobbying and book deals and enrich themselves. The worst that can happen to them is get elected. It reminds me of a story of ice fishing (yes, I'm from Minnesota), where the worst of it is actually catching a fish. You have to stop drinking, pull the gloves and put your hands on a very cold fish, all in well below freezing weather.
4
US Senator Rubio lives in Florida... is owning a boat in Florida irresponsible? Number 1 state in the US for boat registration. News for the authors, a new $80,000 24 foot boat is more like entry level than an "extravagant luxury speedboat"
John Kerry was a US Senator when he bought a $7,000,000 luxury yacht and docked it out of state to save $500,000 in taxes.
Barack Obama was a US Senator when he earned somewhere around 1.5 Million dollars from the sale of Dreams of My Father. Rubio earned $800,000 sharing the story of his and his fathers struggles as Cuban immigrants and is considered financial salvation.
Despite an income of $90,000 in 2001 Rubio wrote that monthly expenses were a strain... The Clintons reported earnings of 12 Million in 2001 and recently claimed to be "dead broke" at the time.
Rubio paid off his own student loans and expressed relief, saved for his children's college, refinanced mortgages, lost money on investment property, used an equity line of credit to make home improvements, leased a car, fulfilled a dream and splurged on a boat...
Thank You NYT !! I have new respect. He sounds like a real person who could identify with the struggles I experience !!
John Kerry was a US Senator when he bought a $7,000,000 luxury yacht and docked it out of state to save $500,000 in taxes.
Barack Obama was a US Senator when he earned somewhere around 1.5 Million dollars from the sale of Dreams of My Father. Rubio earned $800,000 sharing the story of his and his fathers struggles as Cuban immigrants and is considered financial salvation.
Despite an income of $90,000 in 2001 Rubio wrote that monthly expenses were a strain... The Clintons reported earnings of 12 Million in 2001 and recently claimed to be "dead broke" at the time.
Rubio paid off his own student loans and expressed relief, saved for his children's college, refinanced mortgages, lost money on investment property, used an equity line of credit to make home improvements, leased a car, fulfilled a dream and splurged on a boat...
Thank You NYT !! I have new respect. He sounds like a real person who could identify with the struggles I experience !!
5
Your first para says $80 grand is an "entry-level," boat. Your last says he "splurged," on a boat.
Mind if I ask which is it?
By the way, I assume the good Senator won't be lecturing women and kids on welfare about fiscal responsibility for a while?
Mind if I ask which is it?
By the way, I assume the good Senator won't be lecturing women and kids on welfare about fiscal responsibility for a while?
12
It's doesn't matter whether an $80,000 boat is "entry level" or luxury, in the state of Florida or anywhere else. The point was he couldn't afford it, but he bought it anyway. He has a serious deficit of common sense and wisdom.
12
Excellent reporting by the NYTimes. People should know about this if they are seriously considering to vote for him. After reading this article, it's obvious it would be a terrible thing if he were to become president. If he can't control his own personal finances, I don't even want to think what a financial mess he will make if he were to become president!
10
Rubio emulates candidate Obama; attractive, young, articulate, "minority" with no discernible executive experience or qualification.
The bar was been set quite low.
There are many successful and experienced people in both parties to consider and Rubio is clearly not ready yet for prime time.
The bar was been set quite low.
There are many successful and experienced people in both parties to consider and Rubio is clearly not ready yet for prime time.
5
Obama had almost no experience to qualify him even as a college president - much less as the office he achieved. All we knew and know of Obama is what he wrote in his cheesy books about himself and his family. Here's hoping that never again do we elect a "pig in a poke" to our highest office. What we have learned about him is that there is not much he is qualified to do, but his Wall Street sponsors will take care of him after he leaves office. That was the deal. He has done well by them.
1
Yes, he has. Know how? By working, by his wife working, by their not buying three fancy houses they can't afford and an $80 thousand dollar boat, by their paying off their student loans, by writing and selling two best sellers, crazy, un-American stuff like that.
Oh, and not wailing about how his family can't get by on a mere couple hundred grand a year.
Oh, and not wailing about how his family can't get by on a mere couple hundred grand a year.
3
If Mr. Rubio was just an ordinary person and was applying for a government job that required a high-level security clearance, would he get it? Someone who has that kind of financial record could be susceptible to manipulation.
His relationship with Mr. Braman is also worthy of note.
His relationship with Mr. Braman is also worthy of note.
17
Thanks to the NY Times for proving Rubio is far more competent, honest, trustworthy, responsible and more like the Average American than Hillary, Sanders, Warren, o'Malley, Obama, or any democrat
5
This story must have made it to some right wing site. Most of the commenters didn't read the article and are now rushing to declare that a guy who used his work credit card for personal expenses (usually a firing offense), squanders his money, throws his parents under the bus and takes handouts from a sugar daddy is a great guy.
They've just proven the assertion that way too many Republicans are low information voters who will vote against their best interests. It would be funny if it wasn't so tragic.
They've just proven the assertion that way too many Republicans are low information voters who will vote against their best interests. It would be funny if it wasn't so tragic.
8
Well DR, it's even more troubling that Democrats would blindly support a candidate (Hillary) who has more questionable dealings none of which will be reported on with such great detail because she is well protected by the liberal media.
There are a lot of Democrats who don't support Hillary. Quite a few Democrats would vote for her reluctantly because of the need to keep some sanity on the Supreme Court. These people pay attention, there's nothing blind or uninformed about their decision and they have no problem admitting that their party's candidate is deeply flawed.
Marco Rubio is a joke.
13
He sounds like a Democrat.
2
He sounds like an immature person with a bad character.
6
Precisely.
I plan to vote for the Republican against Hillary Clinton unless its Jeb Bush, in which case I'll vote for some hippie third party. But Rubio really does look bad with this kind of personal financial mismanagement. I heard so much about his "life story" being inspiring because of his parents humble beginnings and struggles. Well, they would never throw around money like their son has been doing. Spending $80,000 on a boat is extravagant.
6
The people who steadily contributed to their retirement plan and spent what they could afford are now doing pretty well. Guys who buy expensive boats (without even taking into consideration of the waist of energy and noise pollution) rather than making mortgage payments are usually not doing well. Do you want a candidate who saved and payed his bills or one that didn't save, missed mortgage payments, and bought a boat?
6
The "luxury speedboat" turns out to be a very ordinary offshore fishing boat. What else has the NYT cloaked in dramatically misleading terms?
2
Rubio is another self-centered "Me First"er who acts rashly on material things he deems important but which others consider frivolous. He pursues the trappings of success. He has no business being president. He can ... and will be ... "touched." The Commonwealth of Virginia recently convicted a former governor saddled with the same pursuit of dross problems. Rubio should go to school on Robert McDonnell.
7
It's troubling to me that he splurged on unneccesary items when he came into any amount of money. Would he do the same with the national budget?
And would he misspend any national funds for personal use as long as he felt no one was looking?
Contrast his spending on houses, boats, and cars with the story of how Obama picked up FLOTUS in a car with a hole in the floor when she first was dating him. I'm not a fan of Romney but he is a successful businessman and if he was savvy enough to turn down Rubio based on his personal finances, that says something right there.
Finally having little money/ poorly educated parents is no excuse for not knowing how to manage it. In fact, it's even more important when you have little to manage it well. Many people grow up poor but know how to save, budget, etc. successfully minus a few mistakes when they are in their teens-early 20s.
And would he misspend any national funds for personal use as long as he felt no one was looking?
Contrast his spending on houses, boats, and cars with the story of how Obama picked up FLOTUS in a car with a hole in the floor when she first was dating him. I'm not a fan of Romney but he is a successful businessman and if he was savvy enough to turn down Rubio based on his personal finances, that says something right there.
Finally having little money/ poorly educated parents is no excuse for not knowing how to manage it. In fact, it's even more important when you have little to manage it well. Many people grow up poor but know how to save, budget, etc. successfully minus a few mistakes when they are in their teens-early 20s.
14
In the same NYT issue, we read about Kalief Browder who committed suicide after having to go to Rikers at the age of 16 for supposedly stealing a knapsack and the financial "struggles" of Marco Rubio who is running for president of the USA. Rubio is the one who should have been at Rikers. He was caught stealing red-handed.
8
Marcus Rubou seem to be the son of Hillary Clinton, even though his not obvious he seem to be like her overwhelming ambitious, greedy, , self centered, calculated , and extremely financially immature...
2
Lay off Rubio!!
Why? Are you on his payroll as he is on Norman Braman's? Every candidate for office should get full scrutiny -- and they usually do. That's what both political parties pay their operatives to do; dig as deep as possible into the financial, educational, social and political backgrounds of their opponents.
1
oh boo hoo, Mr. Rubio. My husband and I both came from limited means and saw, with our jobs and salaries, our spending capabilities grow. But we didn't immediately run out and spend every dime and then some. We've ALWAYS been aware that there's can be a fall when something rises and you plan accordingly. Your parents were poor, didn't have a lot? Then you should be a born miser. My mother grew up in the Depression and then WWII and she still shows signs of that, 80 years later! I show signs of it, having been raised by her.
8
Is this attack because Mr Rubio is of hispanic decent? Why else would you focus on this while dismissing the financial dealings of the Clintons?
3
The liberals will always show you who they are afraid of by printing exaggerations and lies, day in and day out. But they cannot and do not fool us anymore. We don't believe the liberal press.
2
Oh dear God!!! Can the NYT get any more liberal!!! Oh no, there may be a good Republican candidate. We had better find something to smear him with. Oh he's had trouble with finances. Let's bury him in the press!!! Did you bring up all the dirt on the Democratic candidates also or are you bought like the rest of the media? Mr. Eder and Mr. Barbaro I hope they are paying you a good salary and that you've never had any financial problems in your life. How about the rest of Americans? Are they in debt? How about Obama? Has he ever done anything inappropriate? Mishandled a situation? Been human? Grow up already and get off your high horses. These types of articles and news segments are why I can't stand listening to either side of the isle. I don't even endorse Mr. Rubio. In fact, I know very little about his policies and where he stands, but I would like to find out. I would also like to find out about the other Democratic and Republican candidates, but I want to do it without the media trying to fix the game before it's even begun.
4
I think you have confused liberal with educated and smart, I understand your confusion, they are both very similar.
8
No need to generalize, you must live in a bubble to think that all liberals are smart and educated, they just think they are.
Excuse me... are you people serious? You are talking about tickets and a family trying to pay bills like any other family? REALLY? When are you going to talk about Hillary and her emails, and her private server, and their foundation which is so FAKE and the fact that "she is for the poor middle class" RIGHT! The RICH getting richer and she is for the "little people".
Give me a break!! Stop with the stupid stuff and write about the REAL STUFF!!!!
Give me a break!! Stop with the stupid stuff and write about the REAL STUFF!!!!
3
Parking tickets and the purchase of a fishing boat after a book deal? If this is making the times you know Hillary is worried about this guy.
2
Decent people live within their means and do everything they can not to overextend themselves.
7
I appreciate good reporting, so it is disappointing when the NYT feels the need to exaggerate the facts. The luxury speedboat -- a 24' fishing boat -- is certainly a nice boat, but under no standard would it be characterized as a luxury speedboat. Hardly an anomaly, it is disturbing to me that the NYT has lowered it's journalistic standards.
5
Thank You for this article it helps me better understand Marc Rubio. I would love to see the same type of article for Hilary Clinton. I do recall her saying something about being broke when her and Bill left the White House. Is'nt it true she now is very rich, much richer than most voters in American? Yah I think I can relate to the common, young, hardworking, honest Marc Rubio more s0 than Hilary!
4
It's appalling that Rubio would take out a mortgage for a home instead of Taking the illegal route of letting a convicted felon like Tony Resco buy him a house as the Obamas did, or have fundraisers buy him a house as the Clintons did. Rubio's obviously much too honest to be President!
5
i guess you lefties are really afraid of Marco Rubio. I can understand that, he is much closer to 'Joe American' than the elitist hillary. keep running articles like this... i dare ya!
3
He didn't have money problems he has problem living with his means.
5
So, Rubio's $80K boat is a big issue? This is the cost of a high end car. Take a second look at John Kerry's yacht before casting aspersions. Rubio, like most Americans, looked forward to paying off his student debt and other debt involved with starting a family. Why is this considered outlandish? He paid his own way toward his American dream. This piece, written by a newspaper who in 2004 endorsed John Kerry with all his wealth strikes me of absurd prejudice. The money either of them has or doesn't have shouldn't be an issue. It's the person, dedication to keeping Americans safe, free and thriving that does.
3
The very problem with Rubio rests with whether he "pays his own way". He does not. He has a billionaire buddy, relieving him of hundreds of thousands in debt. There is a distinction, a difference there....even Romney worried the overall issue.
9
John Kerry and his wife can afford it . Mr Rubio , problem is living above his means
5
It's not about the actual wealth someone has but the way they manage it. Kerry or Romney can buy whatever toys they want and while some might consider their purchases extravagant, if they can afford it, not be bankrupt because of it, and not need to put it on the Democrat or Republican credit card, that's their perogative.
In Rubio's case, the article illustrates the multiple times he got into trouble because he overspent -- including getting money/jobs from a billionaire that might influence the way he governs, putting personal expenses on company/ Party credit cards, and not paying off local/ state fine/ fees including traffic tickets and business licenses despite repeat reminders. For the latter, I'm sure he already received much more leeway than the average citizen would.
It's not surprising with that history that Romney, whom I do not favor but recognize is an financially intelligent man, decided not to make Rubio his running mate. The Republicans would be smart to continue to stay away from Rubio -- who knows what financial scandals he might further involve that Party in?
In Rubio's case, the article illustrates the multiple times he got into trouble because he overspent -- including getting money/jobs from a billionaire that might influence the way he governs, putting personal expenses on company/ Party credit cards, and not paying off local/ state fine/ fees including traffic tickets and business licenses despite repeat reminders. For the latter, I'm sure he already received much more leeway than the average citizen would.
It's not surprising with that history that Romney, whom I do not favor but recognize is an financially intelligent man, decided not to make Rubio his running mate. The Republicans would be smart to continue to stay away from Rubio -- who knows what financial scandals he might further involve that Party in?
6
Definitely not Presidential material!!!!
7
Ripe and ready for the lobbyists!
8
As I recall Senator Obama "earmarked" money to a local Chicago hospital run by a family friend where Michelle Obama worked. The next year her salary more than doubled. Now that is financial management!
4
And sometimes she even showed up to work. All the while earning upwards of $300,000.00
1
I am the child of working class immigrants, and, if anything, learned frugality. The byword in our home was "money doesn't grow on trees." Apparently, Mr. Rubio was misinformed by his expensive (I would guess) gardener. I cannot imagine his hard working Cuban parents encouraged extravagance. Generational . . . O.K. forgiven.
4
Hmmmm..... seems Rubio really IS one of the regular people - how refreshing
4
Simply said, Marco Rubio is corruptible!
7
To anyone who has not lived in Miami, may I state that any single person, who lives in South Florida, and has one legitimate traffic ticket per decade, is a phenomenal driver. That is Marco Rubio’s personal driving record, based on the NYT’s "traffic ticket" hit piece. End of story there.
As for the subsequent NYT “Speedboat” hit piece, I would aver that In Miami, California, and Boston, you cannot buy a “luxury speedboat” for 80,000 dollars. Certainly nothing remotely like the sailboat that John Kerry docks tax free in Rhode Island. In Miami, that money buys a small, used, outboard fishing boat, just big enough to take your kids out on weekends. Good for Mr. Rubio. Some fathers take their families out on the water. Some fathers escape from their families on the golf course. Enough said.
As for Mr. Rubio’s personal finances, give me a break. I might be interested if the purported “experts”, Mr. Harold Evensky and Jude Boudreaux, provided a comparative analysis of their own personal finances, and those of the Obama, Clinton, Bush and Kennedy families at the same points in their young lives, and then made an objective comparison with the Rubio Family. Good luck with that.
Is there anything sinister about spending money to send your children to “parochial school”, the NYT apparently wants you to think so.
Such is “journalism” at the NYT.
I’ve met Marco Rubio, and heard him describe his vision of America. His message resonates with me. I hope you get to hear it.
As for the subsequent NYT “Speedboat” hit piece, I would aver that In Miami, California, and Boston, you cannot buy a “luxury speedboat” for 80,000 dollars. Certainly nothing remotely like the sailboat that John Kerry docks tax free in Rhode Island. In Miami, that money buys a small, used, outboard fishing boat, just big enough to take your kids out on weekends. Good for Mr. Rubio. Some fathers take their families out on the water. Some fathers escape from their families on the golf course. Enough said.
As for Mr. Rubio’s personal finances, give me a break. I might be interested if the purported “experts”, Mr. Harold Evensky and Jude Boudreaux, provided a comparative analysis of their own personal finances, and those of the Obama, Clinton, Bush and Kennedy families at the same points in their young lives, and then made an objective comparison with the Rubio Family. Good luck with that.
Is there anything sinister about spending money to send your children to “parochial school”, the NYT apparently wants you to think so.
Such is “journalism” at the NYT.
I’ve met Marco Rubio, and heard him describe his vision of America. His message resonates with me. I hope you get to hear it.
5
NYT reaches a new low. Continuing its downward spiral, credibility is lost, and a once great newspaper descends to National Inquirer status. The powers that be just made Rubio much more interesting.
4
Rubio is the perfect Republican candidate. Lack of planning, spending money he does not have, depending on the kindness of others to bail him out. Just the politician to set our fiscal house I order. I can't wait to see what he will do as our commander-in-chief. He could make W. look like a genius.
8
Hot off the Press:
Rubio has someone else cut His grass.
Film at 11
Rubio has someone else cut His grass.
Film at 11
2
Real simple...his ambition exceeds his talent, skills and intellect.
There are lots of politicians, particularly the GOPers, just like this.
There are lots of politicians, particularly the GOPers, just like this.
8
i'd argue this is descriptive of most politicians
1
Looks like we've got a new crime in America: Running for President While Latino!
3
[[Many of the financial troubles experienced by Senator Marco Rubio, a declared presidential candidate, have played out in an unusually public way, leading even some of his supporters to worry.]]
Why do you say "even" some of his supporters are worried?
Those who are not his supporters are either indifferent to Rubio's problems or they are pleased by them.
ONLY his supporters would be worried.
Why do you say "even" some of his supporters are worried?
Those who are not his supporters are either indifferent to Rubio's problems or they are pleased by them.
ONLY his supporters would be worried.
he sounds like me. Rubio has this former democrats vote.
3
Really? You throw money around and have a billionaire bailing you out?
6
Why is the NYT so worried about Rubio? Most Conservatives don't want him. He's an establishment RINO.
1
Marco = hypocrite maximus
3
I'm not a Rubio fan and I never write "laugh out loud" but reading J. made me do just that. Seriously? Lacking maturity, insight, depth necessary for the most important and difficult job on the planet. Again a one term senator, barely removed from state legislature; rich powerful puppet masters and questionable financial and academic credentials, sound familiar? Am I the only one who pauses to consider those same qualities when applied to the current incumbent? But don't worry, Americans only care that their candidate was once married to a president. I can't wait for when the qualification is that they were the daughter of a president. Chelsea in 2028!
4
Sounds like he's living his life according to the teachings of Paul Krugman. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if a New York Times endorsement is in the offing.
It's all going to be fine. Once he upgrades from Braman to Adelson, his money problems are over.
4
Politicians who live lavishly beyond their means create an environment of being beholden to wealthy self-serving unelected benefactors which results in legislated decisions to remove safety nets for those who are unable to provide for their families.
2
Amazing hatchet job. Thanks NYT!!
3
The man has a problem with delayed gratification. I'm surprised he's gotten so far. That must be some charisma he's got.
2
This man is a loose cannon when it comes to dealing with money. There are many people in this country whose parents or grandparents came from similar circumstances. Being the son of immigrants is no excuse for becoming a spending machine! Watch out because his character is flawed. By the way, my parents were depression babies and not of their children went overboard when it came to spending money.
6
I think I read that he has paid his bills.
1
The online headline: "Rubio dogged by questionable financial decisions"
Questionable implies something unethical. I would call your headline and dogged attacks on a conservative with whom you disagree QUESTIONABLE.
Questionable implies something unethical. I would call your headline and dogged attacks on a conservative with whom you disagree QUESTIONABLE.
3
How did Marco pay $80,000 for a 24 foot boat?? I paid $40,000 for a beautiful 24 foot Sea Ray Sundancer. This man is NOT a good negotiator.
A spendthrift!!
A spendthrift!!
5
He's nothing more than a Cuban Sarah Palin, ie: only where he is as a token. A token who's not that bright and not ready for prime time. He never will be.
8
Rubio's personal financial decisions show he is not qualified to be President. Taking care of your finances is pretty basic so I have no confidence that Rubio has the judgment needed to do the hardest job on earth.
7
Check out the "luxury boat" the NYT says Rubio purchased.
It's a fishing boat. Jeez.
It's a fishing boat. Jeez.
3
As the mouthpiece of America's socialist/communist movement the NYT thinks that it is being clever trying to destroy a Republican candidate for president Marco Rubio. Truth is Mr. Rubio is not at all a viable candidate among conservatives since his devastating waltz with the gang of eight. Now that Mr. Rubio is known as a amnesty guy he is a viable candidate mostly of media types. who thrive on destroying people like him.
Scott Walker and Rand Paul will decide who will be the next nominee and the NYT will break their shovel trying to dig up dirt on either of them.....then we will see who indeed is clever.
Scott Walker and Rand Paul will decide who will be the next nominee and the NYT will break their shovel trying to dig up dirt on either of them.....then we will see who indeed is clever.
There's no reason for the NYT to dig dirt on Scott Walker and Rand Paul. They dug the hole themselves for all to see. The hole is ready for them to jump on it.
3
A three minute Google search reveals plenty of dirt on Walker and Paul.
1
I love how you simpleminded Progressives posit that because Rubio had personal debt he cannot talk about government debt, that it's somehow hypocritical of him to talk about fiscal restraint because he had some money problems a few years ago.
The only way this would hold true was if Rubio had pawned his debt off on his kids and grandkids for them to pay off, the way the federal government does day after day, year after year.
Rubio manned up and took care of his debts because he knew how ruinous it would be in the long run. If only we could get the same out of the federal government.
The only way this would hold true was if Rubio had pawned his debt off on his kids and grandkids for them to pay off, the way the federal government does day after day, year after year.
Rubio manned up and took care of his debts because he knew how ruinous it would be in the long run. If only we could get the same out of the federal government.
6
Actually, Rubio manned up and Norman Braman took care of his debts.
Just sayin'
Just sayin'
4
what a hypocrit! He can't manage his own finances. We certainly don't want someone with his lack of judgment in the WH.
7
And Hillary was flat broke when she left the White House? I don't think you read the article!
The word "profligate" comes to mind when reading about Rubio's adventures with finances and money. With the GOP screaming about reining in unwarranted spending, Rubio is Project #1 for them. He is no longer viable. Guess they'll have to choose from their other 98 candidates.
10
When we live so flagrantly beyond our means it shows we are greedy and impatient.
A rapacious appetite for what is not ours is not good presidential motive.
A rapacious appetite for what is not ours is not good presidential motive.
6
Many writing here suggest that the peccadillos of Rubio make him a likable "regular guy." As if that the settles the matter at hand.
But "Regular Guy" is not the Office or role for which Rubio is applying.
Were Rubio applying to the FBI or CIA, with these financial problems, he would be rejected - as a security risk.
Were he applying for a CEO position, he would be rejected - as a financial hazard to the company and its investors.
The Presidency requires character features such as maturity, ability to delay gratification, and a lack of impulsivity. On these counts, Rubio is disqualified, on the basis of his poor money management and a family driving record which proclaims "we are above the law."
Psychology has one simple principle, which most posting here recognize: "Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior."
Make this "regular guy" your friend if you choose. But don't loan him money, unless you can afford to lose it.
The United States cannot afford a "trial and error" spendthrift, who would be ruled out for lessor jobs - when it comes to the presidency.
But "Regular Guy" is not the Office or role for which Rubio is applying.
Were Rubio applying to the FBI or CIA, with these financial problems, he would be rejected - as a security risk.
Were he applying for a CEO position, he would be rejected - as a financial hazard to the company and its investors.
The Presidency requires character features such as maturity, ability to delay gratification, and a lack of impulsivity. On these counts, Rubio is disqualified, on the basis of his poor money management and a family driving record which proclaims "we are above the law."
Psychology has one simple principle, which most posting here recognize: "Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior."
Make this "regular guy" your friend if you choose. But don't loan him money, unless you can afford to lose it.
The United States cannot afford a "trial and error" spendthrift, who would be ruled out for lessor jobs - when it comes to the presidency.
10
So the guy is human, like the rest of us. I have no intention of voting for him, but if you want to find fault with his personal financials, why not find fault with all the emensely rich candidates running that are complaining about Rubios finances. Sounds too hypocritical for my taste. Maybe they just don't really see the American citizen either.
5
Put him on the Democratic ticket and imagine what the Republicans would say.
1
Wow, Marco has debt just like regular Americans.
3
If anyone out there thinks that this a natural way of life (heard it described as the American way), you are sadly mistaken.
This is mating of both irresponsibility and entitlement, and as such, a high corruptible propensity.
People like this should have never been considered by the electorate as a candidate by which to be represented.
This is mating of both irresponsibility and entitlement, and as such, a high corruptible propensity.
People like this should have never been considered by the electorate as a candidate by which to be represented.
9
I am sorry you must be speaking about Hilary Clinton. If you are I could not have said it better.
1
Marco Rubio ran for Congress so he could finally pay off his debts and get really rich like the rest of the Senate. If he were president he could be as rich as a Clinton.
3
Thanks for the update. It is important to learn about the candidates and how they conduct their financial affairs. How about a report on the Clinton's financial machinations as well.
9
It's out there. Use Google.
3
@ Bill, The Clinton's finances have been sliced and diced since they have been on the public stage and most recently the Time's did some pretty heavy reporting on their income stemming from speaking fees and their charitable foundation. This kind of scruitny comes with the territory of running for president it seems. The question you might ask is when will the Time's do some investigating reporting into Jeb Bush's private sector pillaging of the past seven years?
4
Their are, literally, reports in the NY Times about the Clinton's financials several times a week, pal. Quit your selective reading.
4
I don't fault the Times for doing this report, voters need to know their candidates. But that doesn't excuse the shocking selectivity of some of the readers/commenters here that are so eager to condemn Rubio. Barack Obama was very open about his own personal financial issues from the past. He didn't pay off his and Michelle's student loans until 2004 after he received his own book advance.
It's apparent from the article that Rubio, like millions of Americans and particularly of his age, got caught up in the real estate bubble. Florida, California and Nevada were all in a race to be ground zero for the real estate bubble bursting. Real estate became radioactive and it's easy for Monday Morning QBing to now say only idiots bought second and third homes as investment properties without thinking back to what things were like circa 2005.
An investment home sitting around for months without the mortgage being paid was more common than people realize. There were tens of thousands of homes (if not over a hundred thousand) properties in Florida just like that. The bottom dropped out of the market and millions of people were left holding the bag.
While I did not make these same mistakes, I don't exactly condemn those who did. I just hope those that are eager to write off Rubio as financially reckless apply the same standard to Hillary Clinton whose "charitable" foundation" spends millions on "overhead" (luxury) and only pennies on the dollar on actual, you know, charity.
It's apparent from the article that Rubio, like millions of Americans and particularly of his age, got caught up in the real estate bubble. Florida, California and Nevada were all in a race to be ground zero for the real estate bubble bursting. Real estate became radioactive and it's easy for Monday Morning QBing to now say only idiots bought second and third homes as investment properties without thinking back to what things were like circa 2005.
An investment home sitting around for months without the mortgage being paid was more common than people realize. There were tens of thousands of homes (if not over a hundred thousand) properties in Florida just like that. The bottom dropped out of the market and millions of people were left holding the bag.
While I did not make these same mistakes, I don't exactly condemn those who did. I just hope those that are eager to write off Rubio as financially reckless apply the same standard to Hillary Clinton whose "charitable" foundation" spends millions on "overhead" (luxury) and only pennies on the dollar on actual, you know, charity.
6
obama also didn't pay off his outstanding Harvard parking tickets until just before his campaign for President started in '07. i remember hearing that a campaign staffer was sent to settle the years old driving violation (READ: LAWS).
2
Where are your facts ?
Actually, your comparison between Obama and Rubio is apt. They are actually very similar, in terms of their experience level, age, self-made natures, and even, book deal$, on their respective paths to the presidency. But get the facts.
There is Nothing in the public record that shows this type of at least, gross lack of financial discipline in Obama. Paying off student loans slow is nothing., and is a bad example of similarity. I don't know many voters who would say I won't vote for him because he hasn't paid of his (non-defaulted) student loans. As long as you are making your payments and don't fall behind, That is actually how the loan is supposed to work.
The actual issues are the overspending when the means is not really that deep ($80k boat, luxury car, no money down houses and followed by blinging up the house using funny appraisals, etc when your savings are zero) these tend to demonstrate a lack of discipline and foresight; and then the real borderline legal problems are not knowing the difference between personal and other entity finances, with lame excuses. Oh, it's because my parents were poor. Actually, that made some even more disciplined. And this guy is a lawyer.
I mean this is the preachy republican who is going to grapple with entitlement spending?
There is Nothing in the public record that shows this type of at least, gross lack of financial discipline in Obama. Paying off student loans slow is nothing., and is a bad example of similarity. I don't know many voters who would say I won't vote for him because he hasn't paid of his (non-defaulted) student loans. As long as you are making your payments and don't fall behind, That is actually how the loan is supposed to work.
The actual issues are the overspending when the means is not really that deep ($80k boat, luxury car, no money down houses and followed by blinging up the house using funny appraisals, etc when your savings are zero) these tend to demonstrate a lack of discipline and foresight; and then the real borderline legal problems are not knowing the difference between personal and other entity finances, with lame excuses. Oh, it's because my parents were poor. Actually, that made some even more disciplined. And this guy is a lawyer.
I mean this is the preachy republican who is going to grapple with entitlement spending?
4
It is clear from this financial information that Mr. Rubio has no business being a Republican candidate. Lack of planning, spending money you don't have, living for today are obviously the modus operandi of Democrats.
5
His wage earning years are ahead of him. Does he have debt, yes. Does he pay his bills, yes. This is desperate democrat op research; you better do better when Clinton cash is your candidate.
Remember W putting the wars on the national credit card?
2
Where's your proof of this?
1
One has to know their limitations. Often, this takes years and years. He clearly is still learning how to manage the overwhelmingly large amounts of money that accompany politics. But he's not 'there' yet.
1
I wonder if we can look at who we are electing, and decide if this criteria that the media is using is doing this country a service. Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton. This is the best we can do, really?
I wonder how Harry S. Truman would fare in today's New York Times. Failed businessman, no college degree, hung out with unsavory types. However, he had great character, perseverance and uncommon common sense.
I think Rubio is being honest. He never learned how to manage money. I will judge him on the coming 18 months and not what The New York Times and others write.
I wonder how Harry S. Truman would fare in today's New York Times. Failed businessman, no college degree, hung out with unsavory types. However, he had great character, perseverance and uncommon common sense.
I think Rubio is being honest. He never learned how to manage money. I will judge him on the coming 18 months and not what The New York Times and others write.
6
This guy really has no business running for president of the United States (but there have been many before him who didn't either).
How much does STAGE PRESENCE and a GOOD STORY count for—in this wearying and seemingly endless (year in year out) campaigning for the presidency—apparently a lot.
How much does STAGE PRESENCE and a GOOD STORY count for—in this wearying and seemingly endless (year in year out) campaigning for the presidency—apparently a lot.
6
Ask Obama who was far less qualified.
1
Let's compare him to Obama in 2008. He has a much better record than Obama and everyone on the left swooned over Barack.
1
Obama had no voting record, he voted "just present" over 150 times while in the Senate in Illinois yet the lemmings bought his spiel hook, line and sinker.
of course there are no democrats who spend recklessly, obtain lucrative book deals and own more than one property. The sanctimonious, hypocrisy here is just way over the top.
5
Everyone has a book deal and it's fine to own more than one house if you can afford it although it's kind of wasteful.
Buying things you can't afford, letting a sugar daddy bail you out, using your employer's credit card for personal expenses and then lecturing the public about fiscal conservatism is pretty shoddy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
Buying things you can't afford, letting a sugar daddy bail you out, using your employer's credit card for personal expenses and then lecturing the public about fiscal conservatism is pretty shoddy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
3
If he has hard time managing budget of small household, how he is going to run the country. For Republican Party , debt is a big issue, how it is going to reconcile with the habits of Marco Rubio of spend-spend and spend.
6
I suggest his potential Presidential budgeting decisions can be more accurately predicted by what he has done as a Florida legislator and a US Senator.
The ego of this man is enormous!!!
6
The author? I agree.
2
So why didn't he purchase a more modest house that did not require expensive remodeling, buy a fishing pole instead of a boat, purchase a used automobile and send his kids to public school?
If he is a spendthrift and cannot handle his own finances and run his PACs and personal life appropriately, why is he trying to get elected to run our lives? Why doesn't the GOP come up with competent, mature, thoughtful candidates who do not have financial problems or too many traffic tickets?
Can't you guys find one in your midst?
If he is a spendthrift and cannot handle his own finances and run his PACs and personal life appropriately, why is he trying to get elected to run our lives? Why doesn't the GOP come up with competent, mature, thoughtful candidates who do not have financial problems or too many traffic tickets?
Can't you guys find one in your midst?
14
What do you care? He bought it and paid for it over time, using credit. What is the scandal here?
Only wealthy trust fund babies need apply. Right? A working man with traffic tickets is less than a candidate born with a silver spoon up his nose to do his 'blow'.
Well the Clinton's and the Obama's certainly don't live in a fifth floor walk up now, do they? No they live in million dollar homes, Obama's in tony suburb of Chicago and the Clinton's in tony Chappaqua. So your point is what exactly?
1
Perhaps the author of "Clinton Cash" should research Senator Rubio's financial dealings; although they don't come close in terms of the amount of money mishandled, Rubio's transactions are as much of a problem as Clinton's. And like Clinton's financial issues, Rubio's demonstrate both a lack of forthrightness and transparency.
1
I can understand the financial struggles of a person earning low wages, but definitely NOT a person earning an average of $240k over 10 years. This amount does not even include his spouse's income. Since 2008 and after his book deals, Rubio has earned even more money, but still manages to struggle financially.
This is a man who cannot live within his more than modest means. Rubio should never be allowed to manage a dime that belongs to someone else.
This is a man who cannot live within his more than modest means. Rubio should never be allowed to manage a dime that belongs to someone else.
12
Without political connections, Mr. Rubio could be portrayed as just another "deadbeat" living off government welfare. Where is all the condemnation of his housing decisions that the GOP directed against those borrowers (real victims of predatory lending) who bought houses they could not afford?
What kind of commitment to "pay as you go" would a man have who could not manage to live on his 2001 government salary of $90,000 (with subsidized health insurance costs of $8.80 per month)?
What was the advice given to those who lost their jobs in the Bush II recession of 2007-08? Get a job! Mr. Rubio's decision to forgo private sector employment with a salary to match his lease on a $50,000 Audi, a house worth $700,000+ and a luxury boat is just another example of poor decision-making by a man who had three children to send to private schools. Instead his desire to "serve the public" before he could control his other desires within his budget meant choosing to become beholden to a billionaire to subsidize his lifestyle.
It is truly disgusting that some of his supporters cannot see that Mr. Rubio's desire to live a like a rich man before he has earned the wealth to support it could easily lead to another Gov. McConnell problem.
Mr. Rubio is not qualified to be President because of his misguided policy positions. His reckless personal decision-making underscores his belief that normal rules do not apply to him only to the rest of us who first earn what we spend,
What kind of commitment to "pay as you go" would a man have who could not manage to live on his 2001 government salary of $90,000 (with subsidized health insurance costs of $8.80 per month)?
What was the advice given to those who lost their jobs in the Bush II recession of 2007-08? Get a job! Mr. Rubio's decision to forgo private sector employment with a salary to match his lease on a $50,000 Audi, a house worth $700,000+ and a luxury boat is just another example of poor decision-making by a man who had three children to send to private schools. Instead his desire to "serve the public" before he could control his other desires within his budget meant choosing to become beholden to a billionaire to subsidize his lifestyle.
It is truly disgusting that some of his supporters cannot see that Mr. Rubio's desire to live a like a rich man before he has earned the wealth to support it could easily lead to another Gov. McConnell problem.
Mr. Rubio is not qualified to be President because of his misguided policy positions. His reckless personal decision-making underscores his belief that normal rules do not apply to him only to the rest of us who first earn what we spend,
14
I'd rather have a president with 4 traffic tickets over the course of more than a decade than one who hasn't driven a car for 30 years because she thinks she's too good for it.
8
... and you would want a president you could sit down and have a beer with, right? Rather like Dubya - and we all know how that turned out.
3
Please tell me Rubio is a fiscal conservative. Please, I'm beggin' ya...
6
Often people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, like Mr. Rubio's, whose parents had little money to manage, tend to be careful wtih what little they have. It's strange that Mr. Rubio would cash in a retirement account and buy houses and a boat he can't really afford - all the while giving advice to the rest of us. He seems like a kid who's just gotten hold of a credit card, enjoys using it, and doesn't know where to stop. I suppose the billionaires that back him -- the main Republican candidates can always attract one or more of them -- will take care of him, so that he can go on pontificating at those who don't have such resources. That someone like him should rise to a position of any responsibility or power is scary.
15
I am neither a supporter nor defender of Mr. Rubio.
But anyone who pays attention to politics in America knows that at the level on which Mr. Rubio is playing, his finances are no longer his own. They are played by the powerful in their pathetic games, using those on their way up as the private lab rats of the super wealthy, sort of a twist on the Trading Places movie of years ago.
So pity him, in his predicament, where honest efforts gain no commensurate reward, and honest mistakes are amplified.
He is a rat being manipulated for sport in a rich man's maze, regardless of what his talents, efforts, or shortcomings may be.
But anyone who pays attention to politics in America knows that at the level on which Mr. Rubio is playing, his finances are no longer his own. They are played by the powerful in their pathetic games, using those on their way up as the private lab rats of the super wealthy, sort of a twist on the Trading Places movie of years ago.
So pity him, in his predicament, where honest efforts gain no commensurate reward, and honest mistakes are amplified.
He is a rat being manipulated for sport in a rich man's maze, regardless of what his talents, efforts, or shortcomings may be.
1
His struggle to pay off with student debt will resonate with colleges students burdened with student debt.
6
Sure, all the college students who rely on a billionaire sugar daddy to bail them out and all the college students who buy toys like boats instead of paying their bills.
4
Not the ones who expect the left wing to pay it off for them.
How much common sense, self-control and maturity does the President of the United States need? I suggest a lot more than Mr. Rubio appears to have from reading this article.
8
Try reading memories of my father and get back to us.
If the guy can't even get his own household finance in order, how is he supposed to manage budgeting, never mind anything else, for the most powerful country in the world? All the while, he's preaching for fiscal prudence, when he's blurring the line in ethical standards? It's pathetic and hypocritical, to say the least.
19
Yes might as well continue with the same as the last 16 years!!
No, hypocritical is how you never asked the same question of Obama or Clinton
Majority of the comments are about its not a big deal. I have 10K in student loans, a car debt, and no home, with monthly expenses. I'm working towards a retirement saving rather than buying a house and a speedboat. And currently trying to save some money for an MBA. I haven't taken a vacation since I graduated from college in 2013. I don't plan on it either. Marco Rubio is a total disaster to the American people, economy, and the world. I'm sure China and Russia are looking at us and laughing.
14
There's a word for this type of behavior: clueless. He's now toast.
12
What exactly does Mr. Rubio teach at Florida International University? And when are the classes? I can't exactly see him having much free time, what with campaigning and being a Senator.
Moreover, 69K is salary for more than one class. We are talking about a serious time commitment on his part. I realize this is a shocking suggestion, but are we talking about a no-show job?
Moreover, 69K is salary for more than one class. We are talking about a serious time commitment on his part. I realize this is a shocking suggestion, but are we talking about a no-show job?
15
Even if he is bad with money, there are a lot of spendthrift legislators and people and lawyers. They are entitled to a little representation, aren't they, and a little chance? We can't have all Buffetts, Gateses and Waltons and stuff like that there.
(apologies to Roman Hruska and his defense of the "mediocre" SCOTUS nominee G. Harrold Carswell)
(apologies to Roman Hruska and his defense of the "mediocre" SCOTUS nominee G. Harrold Carswell)
Perhaps his dissipation and reckless handling of finances will make him humble so that he will not take up the usual Republican past-time of bashing the irresponsible poor for their squandering of resources.
6
The other story has been written, over and over again. The money is being used to improve the education and economic status of people all over the world. Rich people - look at Bill Gates - can be interested in helping those less fortunate.
2
GLB, you were expected to reflexively rant that only government can do the noble, people-building things. Depending on people to do the right thing was probably outlawed at one of the last 2 Democratic National Conventions.
Now it's Gommint-everything-everywhere-everyday don-cha-know!
Now it's Gommint-everything-everywhere-everyday don-cha-know!
I'm sure this is not unique. Look only the congenitally rich can avoid these kids of issues. Is that what you want? Is Mr Rubio politically independent as a result of his debt loading? Of course not. That's why he's pushed to the fore. He is a talented actor who can articulate the views and comic book beliefs of the public and the people who sponsor him. Sound familiar? I think the Democrats have a front runner who is a result of more years of integrated effort along the lines of Mr Rubio. It's a dynamic power marriage I think we're all pretty familiar with.
1
In an effort to showcase Sen. Marco Rubio's history of financial struggles, The New York Times reported Tuesday that the Florida Republican had spent "$80,000 for a luxury speedboat" even as he faced outstanding debts.
But while Rubio did indeed spend $80,000 on a boat, the vessel in question is not the glamorous "luxury speedboat" the Times article portrayed. It is, in fact, an offshore fishing boat. Meanwhile Al Gore's diesel powered yacht is not a problem. Democrats are so hypocritical these days.
But while Rubio did indeed spend $80,000 on a boat, the vessel in question is not the glamorous "luxury speedboat" the Times article portrayed. It is, in fact, an offshore fishing boat. Meanwhile Al Gore's diesel powered yacht is not a problem. Democrats are so hypocritical these days.
7
Did Al Gore run up debt and then get a sugar daddy to pay it?
4
Rubio's financial struggles are not unlike those of millions of Americans.
Too many tsk-tsks of disapproval are sure to backfire.
Just like the tsk-tsks of disapproval about Chris Christie's weight backfired on Jon Corzine.
Too many tsk-tsks of disapproval are sure to backfire.
Just like the tsk-tsks of disapproval about Chris Christie's weight backfired on Jon Corzine.
5
Here is a little prayer for Mr. Rubio, that will help his finances:
Dear God,
I surrender my financial affairs and concerns about money to your Divine care and love.
I ask that you remove my worries, anxieties, and fears about money, and replace them with Norman Braman.
I know and trust that my debts will be paid and money will flow into my life.
Thank you, for making me an American politician. Amen.
Dear God,
I surrender my financial affairs and concerns about money to your Divine care and love.
I ask that you remove my worries, anxieties, and fears about money, and replace them with Norman Braman.
I know and trust that my debts will be paid and money will flow into my life.
Thank you, for making me an American politician. Amen.
9
To base a campaign on fiscal responsibility, one should be able to demonstrate that in the microcosm of one's personal finances.
8
These Rubios aren't stupid, they just choose not to be smart. Millions of americans manage their finances just fine and I dare say know which credit card it which in their wallet when making purchases. Again, Rubio chooses to just sail financially "close to the reef" hoping he won't hit the rocks. And that's fine, but its likely not many would think this apparent billionaire's errand boy who operates so recklessly and disingenuously has the character to be a leader, much less a serious candidate for President.
14
I'll never vote for Mr. Rubio, but I consider his financial struggles to be something that makes him more normal compared to average Americans.
It is more unusual for an American to be so wealthy that they never have to worry about their finances. How can they relate to the other 99%.
It is more unusual for an American to be so wealthy that they never have to worry about their finances. How can they relate to the other 99%.
3
I'm not Rubio fan, but when did a $50,000 car (lease, no less) become a "luxury item"?
8
When you can get a decent car for 20 grand; that's when.
3
Captain
I am a 1%er myself, and yes, I consider a $50,000 car to be a luxury item. And leasing it doesn't make it less of a luxury, it makes it more of one.
I am a 1%er myself, and yes, I consider a $50,000 car to be a luxury item. And leasing it doesn't make it less of a luxury, it makes it more of one.
3
50,000 for a car is a lot, when your yearly income is 25,000.
The bottom line, for me, is Rubio is not POTUS material and never will be despite his financial "issues".
The bottom line, for me, is Rubio is not POTUS material and never will be despite his financial "issues".
3
I think what says it all about Marco Rubio is the contrast between Rubio and Ted Cruz. While Ted Cruzs' father fought with Castro to rid Cuba of the American puppet dictator Fulgencio Batista, Rubio is quite content to take his marching orders from anyone who promises him wealth and power. While Castro may not have given Cuba the freedom Rafael Cruz fought for, Castro is of Cuba and Cuban independence.
I am sure much of Rubio's campaign financing came from families like the Bushes still hoping to regain the lands they grabbed after the Spanish American War.
I am sure much of Rubio's campaign financing came from families like the Bushes still hoping to regain the lands they grabbed after the Spanish American War.
2
I've never understood how candidates preach about fiscal responsibility when we can use their campaigns as models for how they run enterprises. Their only goal is to raise as much money as possible and spend it down as fast as possible (usually to cronies and contributors aka consultants).
The day I get a rebate/refund check from one of my political contributions saying something like, "Thank you for your donation, but we didn't need as much money as we thought to win the election or found savings by competitive ad-bidding so here's your money back.", I'll be impressed.
Been donating to both parties for 15 years at local, state, and national levels and still waiting for that type of integrity and fiscal management in either party. If all you do is cry about how much money it takes to get elected then all you will do is cry about how much money you need for your programs if elected without ever looking for efficiencies or savings.
The day I get a rebate/refund check from one of my political contributions saying something like, "Thank you for your donation, but we didn't need as much money as we thought to win the election or found savings by competitive ad-bidding so here's your money back.", I'll be impressed.
Been donating to both parties for 15 years at local, state, and national levels and still waiting for that type of integrity and fiscal management in either party. If all you do is cry about how much money it takes to get elected then all you will do is cry about how much money you need for your programs if elected without ever looking for efficiencies or savings.
4
Bravo! You're telling it like it is. I doubt Rubio has a very serious chance, between his youth, addiction to cronyism and ties to his billionaire "sponsor."
2
So his numbers do not add up financially. Maybe that is why he adheres to the Republican supply side dogma.
Have a Glass of Water, Mario.
Have a Glass of Water, Mario.
9
People who is running but has no chance of winning the presidency (you and they all know it) are doing it so they can live on their campaign donation for the coming 18 months. They have no vision and no ideas as how to solve the country's problem, but for free food and free travel, they are doing it. And may be after 2016, they can get a gig at Fox, what not to like.
9
The only reason for Mr. Rubio's "meteoric rise" is the undue attention paid to him and the immediate anointing of him as a national candidate by the
media, The New York Times included--because he happens to be Hispanic
(even better, of Cuban descent) and that he is from Florida.
If his name was John Hartwell, no one would have ever heard about him.
You and your ilk in the media created his candidacy.
media, The New York Times included--because he happens to be Hispanic
(even better, of Cuban descent) and that he is from Florida.
If his name was John Hartwell, no one would have ever heard about him.
You and your ilk in the media created his candidacy.
8
"If his name was John Hartwell, no one would have ever heard about him."
Probably true. Also true that if Hillary was not married to Bill, she would be running for school board president somewhere in Illinois.
Probably true. Also true that if Hillary was not married to Bill, she would be running for school board president somewhere in Illinois.
2
It was his upset of Charlie Crist that made him a national candidate.
Also dodged by questionable immigration story.
Specially since he was born here, and he did not have to immigrate at all
Specially since he was born here, and he did not have to immigrate at all
8
Shark it's called the Constitution (Article II/Executive). If he were an alien he wouldn't be natural born therefore not eligible.
Considering the amount of attention our politicians give to the estimated 0.05% 'relevant funders' with their enormous wealth, it's surprising that more of those politicians don't live well beyond their means as they go about trying to 'look credible' or whatever it is they think will impress those with the money.
http://lesterland.lessig.org/
http://lesterland.lessig.org/
2
A real man of the people, wouldn't struggle to pay off student loans and a mortgage. She would have her husband charge 2 million dollars to speak to a foreign nation.
9
He didn't struggle, he found a rich sugar daddy to help him out.
4
The writer trying his best to seek sympathy for Mr. Rubio financial troubles .
For seeking highest office in the nation in this trouble time what we needed fiscal responsible candidate .
Buying fancy boat and taking fancy vacation cashing out iRA account avoiding fore closures with the help of rich friends that is not a good attribute in dwindling economy .
For seeking highest office in the nation in this trouble time what we needed fiscal responsible candidate .
Buying fancy boat and taking fancy vacation cashing out iRA account avoiding fore closures with the help of rich friends that is not a good attribute in dwindling economy .
3
The problem with a corrupt organization is that anyone they bring in has to be just as corrupt, and stupider, than they are. No corrupt group is going to bring in people who are smarter and have more integrity. Thus, every two years, candidates get even more stupid, and even more corrupt. Senator Rubio's paving his driveway with campaign money was illegal. And I have long thought that these multi-million dollar book deals were a way to give pay-outs to political favorites. Being poor does not mean you don't know how to handle money. If you are poor, handling money well is a survival skill. It's people with sinecures who don't need to be good with money. Spending other peoples' money requires no fiscal skills at all.
6
As I read this I thought, "Boy, Rubio better stay in office, because this "keeping up with the Joneses" business (without a steady paycheck) is going to leave his family destitute. Just think, if he's going to cash out his retirement account this quickly, something tells me the kids' college funds won't be far behind. The irony is that the GOP tends to make comments about "those welfare recipients" buying fancy cars and clothes while living off the public dole. In a way, isn't that exactly what Rubio's doing?
13
So far, this article only indicates that Rubio is far more qualified to live at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave than the current resident. His backer(s) and methods are no more corrupt than those backing the Democratic frontrunner.
11
I don't know, maybe I'm just not a New York Elite, but this article seems to suggest too heavily that Marco Rubio is someone to hold your nose as he walks by. I'm no Rubio supporter (his stance on issues important to me is appalling) and I'm not a Republican either, but come on. How different do you think he is than any other American who wasn't born in to UES money? This arctic reads like he's some sort of pariah. The man has not defaulted on anything (as far as this article is clear), he has not filed bankruptcy, and his debt to income ration seems fairly reasonable. Cashing in a $68K retirement account, borrowing to fix up your home, etc. is what normal people do. We can debate whether our country has failed the middle class or not, but what Mr. Rubio is doing is what is normal in America today. I know that's probably hard for New York Elites to understand. About the only thing that is irresponsible here is his purchase of the boat, but it's not worth an article like this. His lease of the Audi even less so.
11
Rubio is a throwback to Gilded Age Politicians, where the Robber Barons generated unprecedented wealth and our country became increasing divided between the "haves and have nots." Profligate spending was the hallmark of these politicians, as was poor working conditions. Rubio is showing off that he is a Cuban immigrant who has risen up through the ranks to become a "have".
6
Someone this sloppy about his finances, leading to the conclusion that if he were not lucky and funded by folks who have plenty of money to spare he'd be bankrupt, should not be in consideration for President. This is like learning that he struggles with gambling, or alcoholism, or speeding (oh wait he does), or child molestation, or dozens of other troubles. People have these problems, and some deal with them well, but they all rule out becoming President.
7
Things become problems when they resonate with something about the candidate. The irresistable, glitzy boat and the big fancy car, regardless of debt, are symptoms of an immaturity Senator Rubio possesses.
8
This is truly an inspiring story. As an immigrant who rose from being on food stamps to being able to pay off my 2013 mini van(by working two jobs - don't feel sorry for me, i'm lucky to be in this great country) i exactly know why he did what he did.
Reason 1 - He is an American. He has to behave and persue comforts of life that middle & upper middle class Americans have, but he is not from wealthy background. Bottomline - if he didnt steal it, he can stretch his income. its called sacrificing for something worthy - to me an Audi, spacious & yacht falls under that.
Reason 2 - Ambition costs money. I came to America barely speaking english with family to raise, a combination of food stamps, section 8 and student loans took me to over 100K/yr salary. All i owe now is the student loans. My ambition was only to get a job to get off gov't programs and able to earn a living for my family with my own skills, bigger ambitions call for bigger expenditure.But i dont think he will make a great president, not because of financial decisions - infact he did more with what little resources he had (like me earning over 100k/yr with Associates Degree), but for having a political philosophy that is anti poor. He should inspire and empower poor & middle class people by telling them how he navigated American life and succeeded. When he was growing what his parents did could support a family without any help, not today. He should come to that realization - research & evidence are every where
Reason 1 - He is an American. He has to behave and persue comforts of life that middle & upper middle class Americans have, but he is not from wealthy background. Bottomline - if he didnt steal it, he can stretch his income. its called sacrificing for something worthy - to me an Audi, spacious & yacht falls under that.
Reason 2 - Ambition costs money. I came to America barely speaking english with family to raise, a combination of food stamps, section 8 and student loans took me to over 100K/yr salary. All i owe now is the student loans. My ambition was only to get a job to get off gov't programs and able to earn a living for my family with my own skills, bigger ambitions call for bigger expenditure.But i dont think he will make a great president, not because of financial decisions - infact he did more with what little resources he had (like me earning over 100k/yr with Associates Degree), but for having a political philosophy that is anti poor. He should inspire and empower poor & middle class people by telling them how he navigated American life and succeeded. When he was growing what his parents did could support a family without any help, not today. He should come to that realization - research & evidence are every where
10
Another mediocre American backed by another billionaire. Isn't this becoming trite?
And because of our insane campaign laws, we could wind up with one of these billionaires' pets as "leader" of our nation.
The world must be terrified. I know that I am.
And because of our insane campaign laws, we could wind up with one of these billionaires' pets as "leader" of our nation.
The world must be terrified. I know that I am.
10
We already are in that situation - Obama backed by billionaire Soros. Have you been sleeping?
1
No, not sleeping very well. Actually, I've been thinking.
Ruby wouldn't even exist without his billionaire owner-handler.
Obama somehow made it through Harvard Law School on his own, as I recall. So let's not conflate an individual who has taken money for all sorts of personal things that even I wouldn't have accepted with the President.
But yes, let's keep all the billionaires from buying our government. If you're Republican, your party has consistently been on the wrong side of this issue. If not Republican, then as a Democrat you can find candidates who at least see campaign reform as a top issue.
Ruby wouldn't even exist without his billionaire owner-handler.
Obama somehow made it through Harvard Law School on his own, as I recall. So let's not conflate an individual who has taken money for all sorts of personal things that even I wouldn't have accepted with the President.
But yes, let's keep all the billionaires from buying our government. If you're Republican, your party has consistently been on the wrong side of this issue. If not Republican, then as a Democrat you can find candidates who at least see campaign reform as a top issue.
1
I have never been able to see why so many Republicans are enamored of (fill in the wannabe blank). This article is yet another indication to me that (all of them) lack the maturity, insight and depth necessary for the most important and difficult job on the planet.
7
I wondered about that too. Maybe the GOP needs to steal Hillary from the Dems. For the right price, of course ...
1
This is the first I have heard of it; however, not at all surprised. This little fat man has a future doomed to scandal. He is much to righteous to be real. If he behaves in such a way early in his career - imagine him as a mature GOP'r. Hypocrisy.
7
I neither support nor am against Mr. Rubio. It seems to me that the problem with this article is that it's not held together by context. The chronological unfolding of Mr. Rubio's financial sins seem qualitatively different. A foil for this is the NYT's current report on Carl Heastie's (NYS assembly speaker) finances, which show identical financial peculiarities occurring over many years. We can infer what the context of these peculiarities is in Mr Heastie's case. This is not so clear for Mr. Rubio based on this report.
What's the context behind Mr. Rubio's purchase of a new home for his mother-in-law? What's the context behind dissolving his IRA? What's the context behind not being able to support his family on a salary of $90,000? There's not too much we can infer, except what many have inferred already, which is that maybe he's financially inexperienced.
By the way, the lack of context provided by the journalists who wrote this is arguably bias. To say that Mr. Rubio bought a house for $550,000 which was bigger and had a "handsome" driveway, "meticulously manicured" shrubs, and "oversize" windows is just, well, unfair. I looked at the picture of his house earlier in the text. If that's what the journalists are implying is opulence as indiscretion, then I refer them to the Real Estate section of their paper, where a Park Avenue penthouse that sold for $32.6 million maybe provides a bit of helpful context that they otherwise did not provide us.
What's the context behind Mr. Rubio's purchase of a new home for his mother-in-law? What's the context behind dissolving his IRA? What's the context behind not being able to support his family on a salary of $90,000? There's not too much we can infer, except what many have inferred already, which is that maybe he's financially inexperienced.
By the way, the lack of context provided by the journalists who wrote this is arguably bias. To say that Mr. Rubio bought a house for $550,000 which was bigger and had a "handsome" driveway, "meticulously manicured" shrubs, and "oversize" windows is just, well, unfair. I looked at the picture of his house earlier in the text. If that's what the journalists are implying is opulence as indiscretion, then I refer them to the Real Estate section of their paper, where a Park Avenue penthouse that sold for $32.6 million maybe provides a bit of helpful context that they otherwise did not provide us.
12
Liquidating his retirement to buy a refrigerator? Imagine what he'd liquidate Social Security to buy.
16
Wow! Live high! To hell with the consequences because being a politician money will just materialize, he is subject to a different yardstick ( two homes without a down payment! ) and there will always be stupid ( or maybe not ) publishers offering them millions to write a bad book ( usually by ghost writers ).
Now this is in the open let's see how he keeps on about cut, cut government spending ( in fact, cut the government itself ) and reduce,reduce the deficit. But that is the advantage of being Republicans. They do not have to practice what they preach.
Now this is in the open let's see how he keeps on about cut, cut government spending ( in fact, cut the government itself ) and reduce,reduce the deficit. But that is the advantage of being Republicans. They do not have to practice what they preach.
9
I'm not a Rubio fan but, come on, people, lighten up. Rubio didn't buy a boat while in debt, he got $800,000 as a book advance and spent 10% of that on something he had always wanted. He didn't "own three houses," he tried to invest in real estate. I don't like the idea of taking money out of a retirement plan either but when it comes to financial irresponsibility, spending your own money and borrowing money to buy real estate as an investment in 2003-2005 ranks pretty low on the list.
So, yeah, Rubio isn't Mr. 1%. He's a middle class guy with aspirations. Big deal. This is more embarrassing than the NYT hit piece about his wife's driving record.
Now I'm actually looking forward to a Clinton-Rubio match up just for the lulz. If the NYT goes on like this, it will be a perfect storm of unintentional comedy.
So, yeah, Rubio isn't Mr. 1%. He's a middle class guy with aspirations. Big deal. This is more embarrassing than the NYT hit piece about his wife's driving record.
Now I'm actually looking forward to a Clinton-Rubio match up just for the lulz. If the NYT goes on like this, it will be a perfect storm of unintentional comedy.
11
He comes into money from a puff piece autobiography and then after solemn announcements about debt resolution he buys a power boat for $80,000 (I figure I cannot even imagine for a boat ). It says plenty. He's a self-important jerk
7
Hillary was fronted $15 million for her book which barely sold. Rubio spent 10% of his book advance on a boat. Big deal.
The fact that he grew up poor is no excuse. President Obama grew up middle class, and the First Lady came from working class parents. He is aspiring to hold the highest office in the nation, but his behavior betrays a lack of maturity and self-restraint. It is so hypocritical of him to advocate policies of fiscal conservatism when he can't manage his own finances. The buying of two homes with no money down says it all. I am a Hispanic immigrant, and I will never vote for this man.
9
Very little is known about the Obamas - period. How do you know for sure about their financial situation?
Overlooked is the simple fact that without that lady (Sally Mae) he would not have been able to get through law school. All of these creepy Republicans owe much to government largesse. Yeah I realize he paid off the student loan. That's not the point. It was other peoples' money that propelled him.
The more obvious reality is that he represents a well worn cliche. Nouveau riche, etc. All these creeps are addicts to something. Rubio can't help his spending habits. Christie and Huckabee can't help their eating habits. When will we get tired of taking fools like these seriously when they run for public office? Their lives show no judgement, no maturity and few people would, or should, entrust their children's lunch money to them
The more obvious reality is that he represents a well worn cliche. Nouveau riche, etc. All these creeps are addicts to something. Rubio can't help his spending habits. Christie and Huckabee can't help their eating habits. When will we get tired of taking fools like these seriously when they run for public office? Their lives show no judgement, no maturity and few people would, or should, entrust their children's lunch money to them
7
This piece is more reflective of our society as a whole than Rubio's lack of prudence while in his 20's. Besides, a rising star has to play the game and project an image, one not of frugal young gun shopping at discounters.
1
I had thought Rubio was going to be on the GOP Presidential ticket in 2016, but not after reading this enlightening column about a very major character flaw. I grew up in modest circumstances and as a result have always spent less than I could have at every age.
4
John Kerry Saves $500,000 By Docking 76-Foot Luxury Yacht Out Of State
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/23/john-kerry-saves-500000-b_n_656...
Let's have a story about the Clinton's or isn't there enough space in the paper to put something that starts with WhiteWater.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/23/john-kerry-saves-500000-b_n_656...
Let's have a story about the Clinton's or isn't there enough space in the paper to put something that starts with WhiteWater.
11
The guy can't drive. He can't obey traffic laws. He can't keep a budget. He has extravagantly poor taste. He tries to duck paying his taxes.
He'll be a fine president. Oh, yeah.
He'll be a fine president. Oh, yeah.
10
Rubio puts forth that he’s qualified to be president of the United States yet his personal history illustrates someone hardly capable of making sensible personal financial decisions. I cannot fathom how anyone would be comfortable with him in the White House having to make final calls on the extraordinary range of momentous decisions required by the president. It’s frightening to contemplate.
7
His hubris and arrogance are astounding.
Undoubtedly the Senator is charismatic, bright and ambitious. He came from nothing and rose to national prominence. But, please, please, stay far away from the White House.
Undoubtedly the Senator is charismatic, bright and ambitious. He came from nothing and rose to national prominence. But, please, please, stay far away from the White House.
3
This is a greedy flawed individual.
7
Beware of politicians who have no money but spend it anyway. Rubio will make political decisions based on how his wallet can be fattened.
6
Three houses, three kids in parochial school, an Audi A7 and an $80K speedboat, profligate spending supported by a billionaire's safety net and access to patronage jobs for him and his family - what part of this resembles anything typical of an average, hard-working American family?
What this shows is a man consumed with using access to escape any identification as such. No, he's not the first and won't be the last, but these actions show he's better qualified to run for president of the "keeping up with the Jones'" party, not the United States.
What this shows is a man consumed with using access to escape any identification as such. No, he's not the first and won't be the last, but these actions show he's better qualified to run for president of the "keeping up with the Jones'" party, not the United States.
8
The house in Tallahassee were for him and another state legislator to share when working as state reps away from home. It would have been a prudent investment if the financial crash hadn't happened.
You cannot get an Audi A7 for $50k. The boat was a fishing boat and not a luxury speedboat.
Get some of the facts.
You cannot get an Audi A7 for $50k. The boat was a fishing boat and not a luxury speedboat.
Get some of the facts.
1
Mr. Rubio spoke at the Reagan Presidential Library in 2011. Attempting to burnish his right wing credentials, he decried the role of "entitlements," arguing Social Security and Medicare "weakened our people" as "it was no longer necessary to worry about saving for security because that was the government’s job.”
Shortly after making that speech, Senator Rubio spent $80,000 on a boat that he couldn't afford. Surely, such an action:
(a) is the epitome of a sense of entitlement; and
(b) is not consistent with the laudable goal of saving for one's future.
How does Senator Rubio explain this action? The boat "fulfilled a dream." No, Mr. Rubio, let me explain:
- Dr. King had a dream.
- You are a whiny rich kid, all grown up, with a sense of entitlement.
- Millions and millions of Americans have a sense of wanting a decent living wage and security for their senior years.
Shortly after making that speech, Senator Rubio spent $80,000 on a boat that he couldn't afford. Surely, such an action:
(a) is the epitome of a sense of entitlement; and
(b) is not consistent with the laudable goal of saving for one's future.
How does Senator Rubio explain this action? The boat "fulfilled a dream." No, Mr. Rubio, let me explain:
- Dr. King had a dream.
- You are a whiny rich kid, all grown up, with a sense of entitlement.
- Millions and millions of Americans have a sense of wanting a decent living wage and security for their senior years.
8
While it seems to me that Mr Rubio has problems with impulse control, not a good thing in a President, it would be one thing if he was fiddling around with his own income. However, he seems to be fiddling around with other's funds, using the credit card for the Republican Party. I think it is important how a person runs their life. For instance, I have read comments in this newspaper stating certain people should not have children unless they could afford them. This man has been spending beyond his means for a long time and has just been lucky enough that rich people want to bail him out.
6
As one of thousands who immigrated from Cuba as a child with penniless parents, had the privilege of growing up in the U.S., and who has worked hard to succeed, I absolutely fail to understand what is so riveting about Mr. Rubio's "immigrant success story". It is certainly not an excuse or an explanation for his errors in judgement as relating to his finances. Having bought boats I shouldn't have bought and failing to save as I should have, God knows I can relate. But it's one thing to blow my own money foolishly....another to put it on another guy's tab.
6
It's a fishing boat if anyone cared to look at the photo of it. Nice but certainly not plush.
6
In other words, he behaves exactly the way our government behaves. I'm surprised the New York Times has a problem with that.
2
The on,y thing that shocks me here is to see people actually have the stonefaced gall to try and defend Marco Rubio as having anything like the same finances as plain-vanilla Americans.
Show of hands, plain-vanilla types. How many of you have:
1. $150 grand in students loans
2. Income between $200K and $400K a year.
3. A $800 K book deal.
4. three expensive houses.
5. An $80 thousand dollar boat.
Show of hands, plain-vanilla types. How many of you have:
1. $150 grand in students loans
2. Income between $200K and $400K a year.
3. A $800 K book deal.
4. three expensive houses.
5. An $80 thousand dollar boat.
13
More Faux Progressive Outrage. Let's take your objections in turn
1. $150 grand in students loans
Lots of people have debt like this, especially those whose education advances beyond a 4 year degree.
2. Income between $200K and $400K a year.
The people from group #1 very often find themselves in group #2
3. A $800 K book deal.
Didn't come about till later and he used this money to begin to straighten out his finances
4. three expensive houses.
I don't think it's clear that he owned all 3 at the same time, and the most expensive was $500k, hardly out of the ordinary.
5. An $80 thousand dollar boat.
Imagine, a dude from Miami buying a fishing boat. Sue him.
1. $150 grand in students loans
Lots of people have debt like this, especially those whose education advances beyond a 4 year degree.
2. Income between $200K and $400K a year.
The people from group #1 very often find themselves in group #2
3. A $800 K book deal.
Didn't come about till later and he used this money to begin to straighten out his finances
4. three expensive houses.
I don't think it's clear that he owned all 3 at the same time, and the most expensive was $500k, hardly out of the ordinary.
5. An $80 thousand dollar boat.
Imagine, a dude from Miami buying a fishing boat. Sue him.
2
Don't forget the $50K Audi. Probably only the 1% would think the amount of debt he owes, the amount he earns, and the assets he has makes him anywhere close to the average American.
So Dems what is it? Romney too rich to understand the 99%, or Rubio just like everyone else struggles from time to time can't have him. How about how cool Biden is for taking the train and being poor numerous articles like this including on the times. You guys are nothing but hypocrites, go and vote for Clinton who has gotten wealthy off the voters and donors now for decades. Who hasn't driven a car since the mid 90's. What a joke.
9
It's not about how much money he has, it's about the fact that he can't manage money and he lectures other people on fiscal conservatism.
2
I earned about 2 million dollars between 1998 and 2008, yet my family has a net worth of about a million dollars about now. And we lived well, but prudently. And abided the adage that beyond food, clothing and shelter, things can't buy happiness. But then, I have no political ambitions.
Marc Rubio is what my mortgage broker clients would call a "C" credit profile. And their saying is, "once a C, always a C". It's not how much money you make. It's how much you spend relative to what you make. But if you can't manage your own finances, why should anyone grant you the responsibility for managing the finances of a $4 trillion per year government?
Marc Rubio is what my mortgage broker clients would call a "C" credit profile. And their saying is, "once a C, always a C". It's not how much money you make. It's how much you spend relative to what you make. But if you can't manage your own finances, why should anyone grant you the responsibility for managing the finances of a $4 trillion per year government?
8
I refer you to Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The Congress spends the money, not the President.
1
Yes, the perfect immigrant story. The son of an immigrant achieves the American dream! He rose to the rank of senator in a party that could be described as anti-immigrant and achieved “prominence” principally because the party’s public relations machine wanted to show that it is not anti-minorities and immigrant but inclusive.
On the way to becoming senator he lived profligately, a life-style most immigrants very easily relate to. And like every typical poor immigrant’s son, he had a billionaire friend since college to lend a helping hand, not only to him but also, later, his wife. This is very representative of the American immigrant experience.
On the way to becoming senator he lived profligately, a life-style most immigrants very easily relate to. And like every typical poor immigrant’s son, he had a billionaire friend since college to lend a helping hand, not only to him but also, later, his wife. This is very representative of the American immigrant experience.
7
A thorough study of Mr Rubio's financial strategy, as well as those of all our representatives and Senators could serve as the template to make us all wealthy.
1
This guy has a lot of excuses for someone who wants to be in charge of everything.
4
It's too bad Rubio hasn't been around long enough to get rich off his political influence, like the Clintons. It would only take a few speeches at half a million a pop to pay off debts and buy a speedboat.
3
When Clinton ran for President in the early nineties, he didn't splurge and were not at the brink of financial ruin.
Rubio is an immature spendthrift. Imagine a $24,000 boat with debts hanging over his head? He appears to have zero impulse control. Imagine this guy with his finger on the nuclear button? What are his accomplishments? His political ideas are from the 1950s. What an ego that he deem himself presidential material? Shameless.
7
He purchased the fishing boat AFTER he received the advance for his book.
The NYT is fairly reporting on candidates' financial history, leaving readers to their own judgements. What's sad is that the partisan readership is so eager to condemn Rubio for mostly normal financial challenges but excuse Hillary's unique abuses.
2
Perhaps Mr. Rubio could hire the Clinton's for financial advice. Looking forward to the next N.Y. Times piece on Mr. Rubio titled overdue library books.
5
I, too, never could understand the interest in Rubio. And now this affirms my doubts about the man. Reckless is a word that comes to mind. He certainly should never have the opportunity to hold the reigns of the country in his hands.
7
The long list if his financial incompetence, irresponsibility, and stupidity left me speechless. I wish I could say that he is unique, but the truth is that I know plenty of people in similar circumstances. The word I use to decribe such people is such that NYT would refuse to publish my comment if I explicitly stated it.
6
Unsophisticated, careless, entitled, unable to delay gratification, or just plain dumb? Any one of which should disqualify him from holding the most powerful position in the world.
6
Many comments saying that Marco Rubio is like the average 21st century American - in debt and financially irresponsible, in love for expensive items he can't afford, and so on. That's exactly why he should NOT be President. Why on Earth would anyone want a President that is "like me"? He's a failure and a poster boy of the problems in America.
We, Americans, should demand our candidates to be someone better than we are, and certainly someone that is better than the average American.
We, Americans, should demand our candidates to be someone better than we are, and certainly someone that is better than the average American.
9
Several writers have remarked on the immigrant experience and the image issues related to being a new American as an adequate explanation for his high student loans and less-than mature life decisions; however, this man is running for President of the United States—had he been really smart, self-aware, and able to think through his general approach to life, he would have paid less for a better education, having been heavily scholarshipped through Tier-One or Tier-Two schools. Some of our least "resourced" presidents were groomed for the presidency by their colleges, whether they knew that, or not—colleges who were able to see talent and willing to invest in it. Rubio's choices seem to have been driven by the immediate, not by a broad understanding of how to get from one place to another. Ironically, he seems to have lacked ambition.
1
winona, the irony of his lack of ambition is his arrogance........ fatal flaw.
While I agree with the comments that who among us has not made mistakes I will not put up with Rubio publicly chastising people who don't exercise financial responsibility.
9
Gee, too bad the times and all the rest of the MSM did not bother to look into the Community Organizer's past, or life, as carefully as they dissect every Republican who comes along.
This is all part of Alinsky's Rules, and the newsrooms all have copies of those Rules.
Given the corruption of the Clintons, and the horror of Obama's destroy-the-nation policies, it seems incredible to me that the MSM spend so much time peering into their microscopes for any tiny particle they can find about any Republican who might run for president.
I always figure we can tell who the left fears the most, by the nature of the attacks and "news stories" they produce. Since none of Obama's true past was ever discussed, and he was never vetted (while the House spent weeks on McCain), it is truly heartwarming to see the left now, working so hard to dredge up stories about our frontrunners.
This is all part of Alinsky's Rules, and the newsrooms all have copies of those Rules.
Given the corruption of the Clintons, and the horror of Obama's destroy-the-nation policies, it seems incredible to me that the MSM spend so much time peering into their microscopes for any tiny particle they can find about any Republican who might run for president.
I always figure we can tell who the left fears the most, by the nature of the attacks and "news stories" they produce. Since none of Obama's true past was ever discussed, and he was never vetted (while the House spent weeks on McCain), it is truly heartwarming to see the left now, working so hard to dredge up stories about our frontrunners.
4
I care that his mishandling of personal finances has made Rubio totally dependent on--and, perhaps, determined by--his "pocket billionaire." (The new must-have presidential contender stable staple?) I also think that assuming positions and accepting no doubt billionaire backdoor advances to create, maintain and prop up a political personal presents an issue of integrity.
2
I think the article has merit, but I don't give it extreme weight. I would not be inclined to vote for Rubio no matter what since I'm somewhat more liberal in philosophy and political bent. But it wouldn't hurt to scrutinize all the candidates personal finances a bit to understand how they make decisions. I don't expect a presidential candidate to be a financial whiz or to make great financial decisions all the time. I do want to know how they handle their personal responsibilities if they want to be elected to handle the nation's responsibilities.
1
It's wrong to vilify a person for a rocky financial history or coming off like a nervous wreck while speaking on live national television. But when that person is running for President of the United States I think we have a problem. He seems seriously lacking in discipline and that makes for good late night comedy but bad policy.
6
I wonder if Rubio's advisors have already had the proverbial "Come to Jesus Meeting" with him to encourage him to end to his election bid, My thought is these revolutions will harshly and repetitedly hinder his bid efforts. Or perhaps no input from his advisors is necessary, and he and his wife will come to that conclusion on their own. Either way, he needs a track record of financial maturity and stability behind him, which takes many years. My sense is no amount of political posturing on this will help. I hope he makes the right decision. The decision he makes will say say a lot.
2
He is at or near the top of the pack now, and he will be at or near the top of the pack weeks and months from now. Being in debt as a young man, getting 4 traffic tickets (one of which was dismissed) over the course of 15 years etc, etc, etc... in no way indicates he is not qualified to be president.
1
TPierre Changstien - Really? Being stupid, dishonest and hypocritical isn't a problem for you?
2
He is/was none of the above
1
I don't see the bad track record you describe. In fact, I think you are describing an upwardly mobile middle class person in an expensive area with four kids and a hobby who makes good business decisions, not bad ones. He was only $150,000 in student loan debt despite his investment in an undergraduate and graduate education from Princeton. A large SUV, which is what he would need with a family of 6, starts at $45,000. He chose the base end of a luxury one that seats 7 for only $5,000 more. Low income workers weren't the only ones getting zero percent mortgages. Those of us in expensive cities used them to make our homes more affordable. Good for him for getting one with 10 years and having the guts to hold on this long. And, whether you think someone should be allowed to own personal fishing boat or not, $80,000 for a fishing boat in Miami is not news.
3
And you're OK with him using his employer's credit card for personal expenses and being bailed out by a billionaire while he preaches fiscal conservatism?
1
News flash: No one needs an SUV in South Florida. And a minivan will seat seven, too.
Let's see this clearly: He bought the brand-new SUV because he had, and has, no impulse control.
Let's see this clearly: He bought the brand-new SUV because he had, and has, no impulse control.
2
Rubio didn't go to Princeton. He went to a community college and the University of Florida. And if he really had to have a boat in Florida, he could have bought a nice Boston Whaler instead of an $80,000 showboat.
1
After embarrassing themselves with the hit piece claiming that together with his wife, the Rubio family had 19 tickets in 20 years (Rubio had 4), they come back with this? "Taken together with Columbia, Marco Rubio is responsible for 80% or the world's cocaine production." If this is all the Times can come with in panic/ smear mode, maybe I should take a closer look at supporting him.
3
Redemption, in the financial sense, could be at hand for Mr Rubio. If he can also get some speaking engagements, he could earn his way out of debt quickly, following the path of certain prominent Democrats, past and present!
1
Rubio comes from Miami. Miami, the most fraud laced city in the United States. One could easily author a book about the medical shenanigans that have plagued this county and beyond. Living more extravagantly than one can afford is also endemic to this area. The state legislators and governor have tightened the belts of those less fortunate while they enjoy the perks of a cushy job. Rubio may be young, but he's a long long way from occupying the White House, and lord help this country if he ever does.
2
I don't find it necessarily fair to judge the early financial decisions of Mr. Rubio. He, like many of us, had a lot to learn by trial and error. We all make mistakes, especially financial ones.
But it is fair to judge him based on the fact that appears to have learned nothing from his mistakes, writing each one off as an "oops" moment instead of a valuable lesson learned. That makes it difficult to call him qualified for the most powerful job on the planet.
But it is fair to judge him based on the fact that appears to have learned nothing from his mistakes, writing each one off as an "oops" moment instead of a valuable lesson learned. That makes it difficult to call him qualified for the most powerful job on the planet.
10
Here we have the socialist press attacking the candidates who have personal reasons to hate socialism. The middle class, myself included, is struggling with the exact same issues. Having to take student loans, because we can't afford college, and then, when we graduate, according to the author, is not OK to have a few luxuries product of our hard work! Why is this a problem?
All his debts were paid. If anything, it suggests he kept the priorities straight and managed well through difficult times. I for one, respect him MORE now that I know he has struggled with the same issues I have struggled.
All his debts were paid. If anything, it suggests he kept the priorities straight and managed well through difficult times. I for one, respect him MORE now that I know he has struggled with the same issues I have struggled.
3
I suspect an assessment of the average Americans finances would reveal as much, minus the book deal of course.
How many Americans have student loan debt and how much is owed in total? How many had mortgages underwater or home equity lines of credit? How many buy more house, car or boat than they should? How many times has your favorite politician voted to spend money and add the bill to the National Debt?
How many Americans have student loan debt and how much is owed in total? How many had mortgages underwater or home equity lines of credit? How many buy more house, car or boat than they should? How many times has your favorite politician voted to spend money and add the bill to the National Debt?
3
Please keep 'em coming, NY Times. We live in an unfortunate era in which one must be reasonably good-looking to even consider running for President (sorry, Mr. Lincoln). It's also an era in which the use of social media and 30-second commercials reign as hallmarks of an effective, if terribly shallow, campaign.
Knowing how a person handles personal finances (regardless of whether rich, poor, or somewhere in between, tells me a great deal. Ditto traffic tickets and how the person interacts with the court system. It all becomes part of the bigger picture as I evaluate each candidate. The more information the better. And yes, China and Russia are watching with interest.
Knowing how a person handles personal finances (regardless of whether rich, poor, or somewhere in between, tells me a great deal. Ditto traffic tickets and how the person interacts with the court system. It all becomes part of the bigger picture as I evaluate each candidate. The more information the better. And yes, China and Russia are watching with interest.
8
Marco Rubio has repeatedly demonstrated that he is not competent to manage his own family finances.
Why should anyone assume that he is anywhere near capable of dealing with the complexity of the US and world economies?
Why should anyone assume that he is anywhere near capable of dealing with the complexity of the US and world economies?
4
Boy liberals must really be afraid of this guy. First we get a expose on a few speeding tickets. Now an in depth study of his struggles to keep up with the Joneses. That's a typical american story.
Too bad he didn't know Tony Rezko. Maybe he would have bankrolled Rubio too. Perhaps he would have bought Mr. Rubio a big house also. Or too bad his wife wasn't hired at three times the pay of her predecessor at her job.
Funny thing, Hillary says she and her husband were flat broke coming out of the Whitehouse. Wonder why they weren't filthy rich.
I watched them in their younger years. The governor of Arkansas back then was paid $40k. Hillary made a low three figure income. Of course they got free housing, meals, and clothing while living in the governor's mansion. Even Bill's carousing was free. He made all the local night spots routinely. Never paid for a meal, drink, hotel room, or other services.
Sounds to me like Mr. Rubio is very familiar with the struggles of a poor american trying to move up in the one percent society. Most every "self-made" wealthy man was bankrupt at least once, many more than that.
I'm not real interested in another member of the ruling elite political class. Carly Fiorina would be a great choice. From secretary to a fortune of 58 mill. All from hard work. That's my choice for the first woman president. An outsider with guts, determination, high intelligence and leadership ability.
Too bad he didn't know Tony Rezko. Maybe he would have bankrolled Rubio too. Perhaps he would have bought Mr. Rubio a big house also. Or too bad his wife wasn't hired at three times the pay of her predecessor at her job.
Funny thing, Hillary says she and her husband were flat broke coming out of the Whitehouse. Wonder why they weren't filthy rich.
I watched them in their younger years. The governor of Arkansas back then was paid $40k. Hillary made a low three figure income. Of course they got free housing, meals, and clothing while living in the governor's mansion. Even Bill's carousing was free. He made all the local night spots routinely. Never paid for a meal, drink, hotel room, or other services.
Sounds to me like Mr. Rubio is very familiar with the struggles of a poor american trying to move up in the one percent society. Most every "self-made" wealthy man was bankrupt at least once, many more than that.
I'm not real interested in another member of the ruling elite political class. Carly Fiorina would be a great choice. From secretary to a fortune of 58 mill. All from hard work. That's my choice for the first woman president. An outsider with guts, determination, high intelligence and leadership ability.
4
I've got a great bridge to sell you and I'll throw in a soon to be ex governor for free.
Fiorina talked her way into a position she wasn't qualified for and did a lot of damage.
Rubio pretty much did the same thing and was lucky enough to find a sugar daddy to bail him out.
Your idea of leadership and intelligence is scary.
Fiorina talked her way into a position she wasn't qualified for and did a lot of damage.
Rubio pretty much did the same thing and was lucky enough to find a sugar daddy to bail him out.
Your idea of leadership and intelligence is scary.
2
"... inattentive accounting that led to years of unpaid local government fees."
Really, NYT? Inattentive accounting? When non-political candidates do not pay their "local government fees" (would that be taxes?), they are called deadbeats.
Really, NYT? Inattentive accounting? When non-political candidates do not pay their "local government fees" (would that be taxes?), they are called deadbeats.
9
The argument that Rubio couldn't be expected to manage money well because his parents were too poor to teach him money management skills is disingenuous. If anything, the experience of poverty is supposed to make you more cautious about matters of money, not the other way around.
8
It's fascinating that he points to his parents as the reason for his success and then throws them under the bus when he screws up.
2
$80,000 for a boat!? I'm in the the top 3% of family income for the US. If I had an extra $80,000 there's no way it would be going to a boat. I'm a really sensible guy - not everyone is.
6
Marco Rubio represents the conservative political zeitgeist reflected in Helmsley's Law: financial responsibility, like paying taxes and obeying the law, is only for little people.
11
Most of the Rubio supporters here haven't actually read the article.
It will be interesting to see how they react when Rubio's Republican opponents rip into him for this. They won't be able to whine that Rubio is being picked on by liberals.
It will be interesting to see how they react when Rubio's Republican opponents rip into him for this. They won't be able to whine that Rubio is being picked on by liberals.
6
A lot of glass houses in the comments section. Based on what I've seen, anyone who is currently serving in Congress is just as bad or worse, since we haven't had a balanced budget since when? Soon it won't matter as our entitlements gobble up the rest of the Federal Budget anyway over the next few years. Republicans talk about it, Democrats really don't care and nothing gets done. We need to fire and boycott the entire political elite class we've allowed to be created and hire new management from the middle class. This includes public office, media, law, and academia. We would be much better off as a country.
4
Could Rubio be a bit self destructive ? Only he can answer that question.
3
He's a guppy swimming with the sharks and trying to mimic their behavior.
7
For all his mistakes, he has no sympathy for those who have less.
A remorseless, thoughtless, greedy individual
A remorseless, thoughtless, greedy individual
22
His financial history indicates he would not be a good President. Unfortunately too many Republicans care only about guns, women's health decisions and others' lifestyles and so they like Rubio.
5
I agree that people should be judged on personal issues and therefore this seems like fair game for the NY Times to examine the personal habits of Marco Rubio. The same, then, applies to Hillary Clinton. I believe the NY Times should take a much closer look at her personal habits, such as evading the truth over billing records at the Rose Law Firm, her dealings with the White Water land development, turning $1,000 into $100,000 betting on cattle futures, deciding that the rules of the U.S. government do not apply to her, her decisions to destroy property of the people of the United States, and her questionable behavior and ethical lapses between her roles as Secretary of State and the Clinton Foundation. These are personal traits that seem to dog her year after year and decade after decade. Moreover, these ethical lapses may turn out to be criminal, if investigated by the NY Times and the FBI. I believe the Times should hold Hillary Clinton to the same standard they are holding Marco Rubio, particularly given that Hillary has a three decade pattern of ethical lapses and borderline criminal behavior.
6
it is more and more interesting as we know about this guy. with his way of managing the finances plus more than dozen traffic tickets in recent years between him and his wife, are those disqualify to become President? probably not but I feel very uneasy to trust him to lead my country. At least, half of half billion dollar which will be spend for the Presidential Election, I wonder how many does he have to pay back to reciprocate the favors and this give me chill. Certainly it is better odd than winning the lottery to get elected as a President of the US, becomes a millionaire just like all the former presidents. what a wonderful world we live in.
3
Like Marco Rubio, I also come from humble origins--my parents moved to this country from Central America and established their foothold here in the US. My father works in construction, my mother cleans houses. Like Marco Rubio, I also went to law school and have the hefty student loan debt to show for it. Unlike Marco Rubio, I have been blessed with a high salary right after law school graduation, but I'm socking away as much as I comfortably can--around 50% or so of my after-tax income. I'm now putting all that money in interest-bearing investments, like low-cost index funds and dividend-yielding stock in very solid companies. I live way, way, way below my means, and have eschewed the trappings of luxury most of my co-workers seem to crave. Yet I still live a good life because my parents taught me not only the value of hard work, but also the value of a dollar well-earned.
If Marco Rubio's parents, equally placed like mine, taught him these lessons, then he must've willfully forgotten them. Or maybe they never taught him these lessons at all...
If Marco Rubio's parents, equally placed like mine, taught him these lessons, then he must've willfully forgotten them. Or maybe they never taught him these lessons at all...
12
How many politicians have you seen live within their means? Esp when those means are the middle class or 'only' the mildly rich? It's pretty obvious the overbearing majority of politicians are the type who will always live beyond their means unless they are born rich and are spending their parents money. Little surprise that they have learned how to spend their children's and grand children's money as well. To our fault, the American voting public loves this kind of politician. They'd never vote for you.
For me (a retired lawyer who for a few years represented banks in commercial collection actions), there are two red flags in this story: Paying for a home paving project with a Republican Party credit card, and liquidating a retirement account.
It's conceivable that one might be stuck using the wrong credit card when one is away from home and therefore ends up having to reimburse a business account. Conceivable. There is, however, no conceivable excuse for using the wrong credit card when one is paying for a home project. Not finding and using the correct card is sheer laziness -- or something much worse.
Liquidating a retirement account shows a lamentable lack of discipline. This is particularly true when one has received sizable payments from book sales but has failed to save sufficient amounts from the proceeds. But it is quite clear from all the details of this story that Senator Rubio lacks discipline and lives beyond his means. In a better world, that lack of discipline would eliminate him from consideration as our next president.
It's conceivable that one might be stuck using the wrong credit card when one is away from home and therefore ends up having to reimburse a business account. Conceivable. There is, however, no conceivable excuse for using the wrong credit card when one is paying for a home project. Not finding and using the correct card is sheer laziness -- or something much worse.
Liquidating a retirement account shows a lamentable lack of discipline. This is particularly true when one has received sizable payments from book sales but has failed to save sufficient amounts from the proceeds. But it is quite clear from all the details of this story that Senator Rubio lacks discipline and lives beyond his means. In a better world, that lack of discipline would eliminate him from consideration as our next president.
22
Marco will get a defined benefit pension from the federal government for being a senator. He doesn't need a 401k.
2
It is amazing how many republicans portray themselves as morally superior and preach virtues while they themselves are the perfect scoundrels. This latest example is the same as Bush Jr. who was basically the worst playboy out there and then claimed himself as a born again Christian epitomizing the best moral values. What's even more amazing are the chumps who vote for these characters.
6
Wrong party. Its the Dems who preen at being much better and more knowledgeable then the proletariat they represent. That's why they feel the urge to demand that you do as they tell you to do.
Romney wasn't conservative enough for many conservatives and he could not trust Rubio as his running mate because of his money problems. Do you think most conservatives can trust him with their money?
4
The man can't balance his checkbook. Are we going to vote for him to balance the United States Budget?
I think not.
Mr. Rubio: step aside and allow someone with better math skills, and not quite so greedy with my hard earned tax dollar to run for office. He or she may have done similarly in the past, but hasn't been "caught" yet.
What financial counselor allowed you to compromise your retirement account? Foolish.
I think not.
Mr. Rubio: step aside and allow someone with better math skills, and not quite so greedy with my hard earned tax dollar to run for office. He or she may have done similarly in the past, but hasn't been "caught" yet.
What financial counselor allowed you to compromise your retirement account? Foolish.
8
Rubio's math/budgeting skills don't matter. Didn't some leader in the Republican party recently say that all that was needed was a dummy who could sign whatever was put before him? (Or some such thing.)
2
I am not a supporter of Sen. Rubio for the Senate or the presidency, but it seems objectionable to pile every single financial difficulty he and his wife are ever known to have had into one story. The use of a Republican party credit card for a personal expense, or expenses, seems important and saying you used the wrong card to pay for something is not quite a good enough.
We have had boatloads (no pun) of wealthy candidates for national office. In general, they are not harassed about how the made their money or how they spend it, with Romney last time around being a notable exception because he was a financial manipulator seeking the office after a national crisis caused by financial manipulations. Building an elevator for his cars in a luxury vacation house while running for president was a bit over the top. He appeared completely insensitive, unknowing, as to the lives of wage earning citizens he wanted to represent.
Rubio is probably a decade away from being someone who should even be considered for the presidency. In major corporations, people who step up to the top jobs are generally in their 50s. He's good looking, he has a great American immigrant's story and he speaks well. None of that qualifies him to decide matters of war and peace.
This news story, however, strikes me as digging up every possible blip on the Rubio's financial radar and, for that reason, is not quite fair. There is no value in knowing the minutia, unless there is a larger scandal or problem.
4
He's good looking, he has a great American immigrant's story and he speaks well ... same qualifications as our current president (sans the immigrant story).
I believe you are mistaken about that, Vince. Obama was older, had served longer in the U.S. Senate and longer in public office. However, both Obama and Rubio do share an important trait: they are "untainted" by long service in public office. With the rancid nature of our attack politics, serving longer has become a determent to being elected, because it provides too much that can easily be distorted and used for slanderous political ads. By the way, Rubio also won election to the U.S. Senate with a minority of the votes, just over 48%. That is hardly a record that recommends a fast take off for the White House.
2
I read a saying once that said "trifles show character." I think that's true.
Many below, I think, miss the point. Rubio preaches fiscal responsibility but knows nothing about it. Rubio supports GOP policies that gut many of the policies and programs he himself benefitted from. His failings, while perhaps all-too-humam, are not quailying attributes to be President. The best thing that could be said about this not-ready-for-prime-time candidate is that he's not Huckabee or Santorum or Walker or Fiorina, or Christie or Carson or Graham or Bush, or, heaven help us, Trump or Cruz.
16
Mr. Rubio's financial recklessness is astounding, hypocritical and unethical. I am surprised that so many readers are willing to excuse it citing his minority stature and humble upbringing. Give me a break. Mr. Rubio, as an attorney, has to know better by virtue of his occupation than to use a campaign credit card to pay for personal expenses; commingle campaign funds; or employ family members to run his PAC. What is most profound is that when he had the opportunity to clean up his bad financial decisions, he spent $80,000 on a boat although he has four children to support and slim to no savings. The words that come to mind: unethical, undisciplined, irresponsible, childish and unfit for the presidency of the United States of America. On top of all this, he seems overly dependent on the billionaire sugar daddy for his sustenance. Poor Mrs. Rubio is not married to a man, she is married to a child who has not put away childish things.
20
I'd hate to have him be on a "learning curve" as president.
9
He should do like the Clintons. Establish a foundation and charge 350 k a speech.
7
I'd much rather have a shrewed Clinton in the White House than an average joe who cant manage his finances and figure out how to make enough money to live the kind of life he obviously strives for without a billionare sugar daddy and debt.
2
Without financial cushion, he'll have to do something if he doesn't win.
1
Funny, I've voted for the democratic candidate for president for as long as I have been old enough to vote, and I don't intend to vote for Mr. Rubio. However, this article seems vindictive and oddly attacking. There is nothing compelling, scandalous, outrageous, or even particularly interesting in this article. I'm not sure if the NYT realizes this or not, but Mr. Rubio's personal finance story is about as vanilla and middle-America as you can get. This is completely normal in the real world.
10
Rubio appears to be devoid of common sense in many areas and his pathetic bleat that he had no idea how to handle money because Mom and Dad were poor immigrants is utter nonsense and another lie cooked up by this immature individual who can't accept responsibility for his own financial recklessness. He was and is an empty suit with nothing to offer the country. Irresponsible, immature, and a liar and egotistical enough to think he's presidential material when he can't even manage his own household.
14
So in a nutshell, NYT and their elitist friends discovered Rubio isn't from a wealthy blue-blood family and is thus not able to run a country... even though the selfsame blue-bloods have failed miserably to manage the public finances anyway.
8
I don't like the guy, but I do not see his financial problems as anything more than struggles, perhaps making him better rather than less qualified.
8
Interesting. You think using his employer's credit card for personal expenses and being bailed out by a billionaire make him qualified to handle our tax dollars?
1
I'm not sure this is the kind of thing that really makes a difference.
14
It actually is the difference. Working your up vs riding in the efforts of others.
1
I care much more about his views and what policies he supports than whether he did financially unwise things in the past. Who amongst us has always done everything right. If one learns as one goes, and has not done something revealing a lack of moral character (such as torturing an animal or deliberately destroying someone else's family) it should not be an issue.
When can we talk more about issues, problems, and solutions in this country? Why can't we learn more about what politicians have worked for or against in terms of laws and policies? Shame on the NYT for failing to do that here.
When can we talk more about issues, problems, and solutions in this country? Why can't we learn more about what politicians have worked for or against in terms of laws and policies? Shame on the NYT for failing to do that here.
15
Well for starters he likes to preach to other people about fiscal responsibility.
1
I know of young people who are more fiscally responsible than Mr. Rubio. Quit making excuses such as my parents didn't teach me, etc. Don't live beyond your means. Don't spend money you don't have. It's quite simple. My parents did not teach me money skills and I had to learn on my own. If my parents were not a model, I looked to others. People are capable of learning fiscal responsibility on their own. If you're not sure about something, ask somebody! Like a financial adviser. If something is wrong with your car, you would ask a mechanic, same with money. Public officials should have gotten orientations on the rules of using party money - get real. This is a man with bad judgement.
22
His dad ran the bar in a casino in Havana and then was flown to Las Vegas while Batista was in power to run a bar there.
There is no way someone running a bar in a casino does not know how to manage money. There are very few places that can make -- or lose -- as much money as a bar in a casino.
Saying his dad did not teach him how to manage his money is a LIE. It could not possibly be true. It is not true.
There is no way someone running a bar in a casino does not know how to manage money. There are very few places that can make -- or lose -- as much money as a bar in a casino.
Saying his dad did not teach him how to manage his money is a LIE. It could not possibly be true. It is not true.
1
One by one, the flawed GOP candidates will fall, leaving flawed Jeb to mix it up with flawed Hillary, continuing the decline and fall of our nation--most likely.
3
His plight reflects the difficulties faced by the millions of millennials saddled with debt and trying to make something of themselves in this contracting economy. Rubio increasingly looks like the spokesman of the emerging generation. Time to pass the torch to this new generation.
9
How many young people are this stupid and irresponsible and how many of them have a billionaire bailing them out?
13
What's new about a politician who is too ambitious, too interested in acquisition, too quick to bend the rules and too beholden to those with real money?
To those commenting that this is somehow typical of today's society, a slight correction.
Unlike many politicians (of both parties), most people do not have a "personal bailout" in the form of a Mr. Braman, or a publisher offering a book deal.
Unlike many politicians (of both parties), most people do not have a "personal bailout" in the form of a Mr. Braman, or a publisher offering a book deal.
23
The Post made sure everybody knew about Rubio's 4 speeding tickets over a 20 yr period but neither the Times nor the Post bothered to mention Obama's 30 plus outstanding parking. The Times did a great research job into Rubio's student loans, house loans etc... but failed to research anything regarding Obama or Clinton(s) financial problems. It is easy to dig up dirt on anybody-how about you guys try researching democratic candidate's problems and publishing them? This fetish with publishing dirt on Rubio must mean the left is terrified of him.
18
The way you're terrified of President Obama?
13
Deflecting and shooting the messenger. I read all about the Clintons in this very paper and parking tickets aren't quite the same as buying a speed boat when you cannot afford it. Rubio owes too much to his benefactor.
1
This article brings two big worries to my mind. The first is if our political system requires so much capital, then it systemically favors the rich. The second is if Senator Rubio is constantly worried about money, he might more easily give in to the temptation of corruption.
28
Temptation of corruption? Why would anyone want a candidate who can be tempted, when they can have one who has long engaged in it!
Perhaps, like the various Republican legislatures around the country passing laws that people on public assistance can't use the money to buy certain food items, we can have a law that politicians supported through public salaries cannot buy 3rd homes or speedboats. Of course, Rubio would be free to use all of the dark money coming in through his rich benefactors (whom he, of course, owes no political favors whatsoever), but for the money he gets from local or the federal government, there should be restrictions to build some basic responsible spending.
15
Too funny. As if someone who works for the government and receives a salary is the same as a welfare recipient. As if the use of private debt is the same thing as public assistance.
there are certainly differences between US Senators and welfare recipients when it comes to personal financial mismanagement. the main one would be that Senators make themselves easy targets for bribery or undue influence by wealthy patrons, whereas the poor have no such temptation. in both cases, the welfare recipient/Senator is demonstrating that he or she cannot manage a personal budget. for a Senator, this strongly suggests that s/he cannot manage a federal budget.
1
My biggest take-away from this article is that Rubio is a pretty normal guy. He racked up a lot of college and mortgage debt, stretched to put his family in a nice home and his kids in a good school, made some investments that didn't do too hot in the wake of the financial collapse, and splurged on a nice car and a boat. So what's the indictment of him? That between his full-time jobs, pursuing his political ambitions, and attending to his family, he made some accounting errors? Please.
My other take-away: this depiction of Rubio's financial dealings paints a contrast with Hillary Clinton that is quite favorable to Rubio.
My other take-away: this depiction of Rubio's financial dealings paints a contrast with Hillary Clinton that is quite favorable to Rubio.
19
He apparently put his family in THREE upscale homes, which he somehow got no-down loans on, and then bought hisself an $80, 000 boat.
That's a lotta boat, when you owe $150 grand in student loans.
That's a lotta boat, when you owe $150 grand in student loans.
11
As a immigrant that came from a working class family I can relate to Rubio !
I will vote for him because this shows that he is a lot closer to the struggles of average americans than Hillary and the rest of the GOP field
I will vote for him because this shows that he is a lot closer to the struggles of average americans than Hillary and the rest of the GOP field
1
That was my take too. The Left are terrified of this guy. The more I read the more I like him.
3
Like Marco Rubio, my father came to the United States penniless. Like Marco Rubio he relied on family to help him get established. Like Marco Rubio, he was quite talented. But unlike Rubio, he built his life incrementally. He did not get to enjoy much in the way of the luxuries America has to offer until after several decades of hard work. He did not buy his first new car until he was in his 40's and could afford it. He repaid those who helped him with love and support, not with crony jobs. He had no rich benefactor to prop him up. Yet he was always grateful for the opportunities America offered and did not risk that opportunity and all his hard work by making a succession of stupid financial decisions. When I reflect on his life, his financial discipline and good decision making were part of his strong character. Can't say the same for Marco Rubio.
24
I am the last person to ever defend Mr. Rubio. There is no circumstance under which I would ever vote for him. Having said that, hi financial story is mine and so many people that I know who find themselves working hard to provide a quality life for their families. If these missteps disqualify him from the presidency, only the extremely wealthy need apply. Not exactly the USA I want to reside in.
14
I'm no Rubio fan, far from it, but his financial history isn't just a red flag on his capacity to lead the free world — it's unfortunately emblematic of a deep and pernicious American mindset that, in the end, debt is a necessary evil for most of us, the great, disappearing middle class, to live the life to which we perceive we're entitled. Certainly it's a tool to advance our acquisitive nature and expand our personal footprints on the economy, but as a guy who took on big debt and dumped it into my business, only to see it fail during the Crash push my family into bankruptcy protection (no apologies, just facts), I see more than ever that we've built our standard of living on a foundation of bank-owned sand. Rubio has had a lot of big breaks, squandered some and proved that he's not ready for the ultimate prime time. But I'm not ready to completely shame him for his actions. He has simply behaved like so many of his fellow Americans do in their endless grasping for the brass ring of "success."
7
The question is; do the rest of "his fellow Americans" who are reaching for the brass ring lecturing others about fiscal responsibility as Rubio has in the past? Do they preach austerity while living beyond their means? With all due respect, not everyone's lifestyle is built on a facade using large amounts of debt. There are many financially responsible Americans from both political parties. They know that keeping up with the Joneses is a fool's game and they are not enamored with status symbols. BTW, the personal finance page of the N.Y. Times just ran an article on millionaires who shop at thrift stores and live modestly. They are the true fiscal conservatives.
The comments attempt to push us into a false dichotomy. Either Rubio is a foolish spendthrift. Or everyone is mean, hypocritical, classist, and possibly racist because the real target should be Hillary.
Maybe the truth is in between. Here's my take.
1. Historically, Rubio was a bad money manager. If not for his patron, he would be bankrupt by now. As an experienced finance person, this is obvious. Cashing in the IRA is a huge flag. NEVER do this. Having a lump of cash burn a hole in your pocket is a huge sign. There are others as well.
2. IMHO, the article is not classist. Financial irresponsibility is a well-researched subject. It is a psychological phenomenon that is uncorrelated with upbringing or socioeconomic class. It happens to Wall Streeters and fat cats too. Spending induces an addictive high in some people. And it is hugely relevant because as president, Rubio would be running the largest economy in the world.
3. Yes, the Clintons' spending dwarfs Rubio's. One of Bill's speeches would literally buy two or three speedboats. But this doesn't make Rubio any less irresponsible. And the Clintons' finances are well-known. There have been tons of articles about them. How else would we all know to bring them up in the comments?
4. Maybe we need articles on the finances of the 15 other Republicans and 3 other Democrats.
Maybe the truth is in between. Here's my take.
1. Historically, Rubio was a bad money manager. If not for his patron, he would be bankrupt by now. As an experienced finance person, this is obvious. Cashing in the IRA is a huge flag. NEVER do this. Having a lump of cash burn a hole in your pocket is a huge sign. There are others as well.
2. IMHO, the article is not classist. Financial irresponsibility is a well-researched subject. It is a psychological phenomenon that is uncorrelated with upbringing or socioeconomic class. It happens to Wall Streeters and fat cats too. Spending induces an addictive high in some people. And it is hugely relevant because as president, Rubio would be running the largest economy in the world.
3. Yes, the Clintons' spending dwarfs Rubio's. One of Bill's speeches would literally buy two or three speedboats. But this doesn't make Rubio any less irresponsible. And the Clintons' finances are well-known. There have been tons of articles about them. How else would we all know to bring them up in the comments?
4. Maybe we need articles on the finances of the 15 other Republicans and 3 other Democrats.
28
Brilliant. The dopamine high associated with spending is a form of addiction. He's disqualified. Next!
Defense of Mr. Rubio seems to be vigorous here, but I note a couple of omissions and mis-statements that I haven't seen elsewhere. First, the statement that he had a zero net worth when he was saddled with student and credit card debt is a misstatement. He had a negative net worth. Thus the fact that he has built up a positive net-worth is an accomplishment. Second, the purchase of the house in the state capital was not, in the early to mid 2000s, considered a foolish move. A State Representative has to pay to live in the state capital when it is not one's own constituency. To buy a relatively inexpensive house with another lawmaker, split the costs, and hope to be able to sell at, at least, break-even, was a universal belief of the time since there seemed to be no likely-hood of a break in the rise in value of real-estate. One cannot fault someone for not being able to anticipate what was, at the time, the inconceivable.
6
Well if he has that much trouble with his finances he'll make a wonderful Republican president. After all, he hasn't yet driven three companies into the ground the way W did. He hasn't relied upon voodoo economics in his personal life either. What's the worst he could possibly do? Introduce us to another recession/depression that will leave more of us broke, unable to retire, unable to afford medical care, and unable to care about anything but surviving the day? Oh, wait, W did that. Hoover preceded him on it.
11
"[h]e splurged on an extravagant purchase: $80,000 for a luxury speedboat"
****
The Times has made itself look foolish again after its article on Rubio's traffic violations. Politico is now reporting that the purchase was neither "extravagant", nor was the boat a "luxury speedboat".
What next? He didn't pick up his dry cleaning?
During the last presidential campaign, The Times had as many as 4 pieces on Romney in one day. Why not wait for Schweizer's book on Jeb Bush to be published so there is actually something to write about?
****
The Times has made itself look foolish again after its article on Rubio's traffic violations. Politico is now reporting that the purchase was neither "extravagant", nor was the boat a "luxury speedboat".
What next? He didn't pick up his dry cleaning?
During the last presidential campaign, The Times had as many as 4 pieces on Romney in one day. Why not wait for Schweizer's book on Jeb Bush to be published so there is actually something to write about?
3
Oh. he bought the CHEAP $80 grand boat.
Are you kidding?
Are you kidding?
5
AACNY - One of the other Republicans you love so much will probably take Rubio to task for this. Will you still defend him when that happens?
4
Given that a lot of Republicans like to oversimplify Federal fiscal policy, insisting that Federal decisions on spending should mirror family unit decisions on spending, Rubio's budgetary and fiscal difficulties should disqualify him from the Republican nomination.
My late father, a Democrat, was a great supporter of Nelson Rockefeller. His theory was that Rockefeller had so much personal wealth that he was immune to bribery or other financial temptations. I can imagine what he would have thought of Rubio.
My late father, a Democrat, was a great supporter of Nelson Rockefeller. His theory was that Rockefeller had so much personal wealth that he was immune to bribery or other financial temptations. I can imagine what he would have thought of Rubio.
20
Regardless of the reasons for Rubio's money issues, this clearly shows that he's not capable of handling his own money matters much less those of the United States of America.
18
yes, so terrible. So irresponsible. Rubio spends $80,000 on a boat, after getting an award of $100,000 for a book deal. That only left him 720,000 to pay off his other debts how irresponsible
13
He doesn't seem like a bad guy, but we already had a President voted "the guy I'd most like to have a beer with", and W did not work out so well. I want a President who has a history of good personal, ethical, and financial management. Any one of Mr. Rubio's financial issues are not a disqualifier, but in combination they should make everyone pause. If nothing else, poor personal financial management makes him susceptible to the whims of donors like Mr. Braman. It may be acceptable for the people of Florida, but it's certainly not for a U.S. President.
20
While the majority of Americans learn to tighten their belts when finances are tight and are struggling to make ends meet, Marco Rubio lives beyond his means and borrows himself endlessly into debt. The man can't manage his own finances or his campaign finances but he wants to talk austerity and tell you what's best for this country.
24
So Mr. Rubio has money woes even though his salary in the legislature was higher than most middle class Americans. It's hard to house a large family and pay for their Catholic school education. Not mentioned were probable medical bills for his family. These are all challenges that many middle class Americans face. You would think that his own experience would reflect a more liberal view of the "common man". I'd understand his plight better If he didn't have a $50,000 car and extra homes. This man's life is a contradiction that doesn't qualify him for President.
9
I have similar experience. I have to US with $100 for entire family. I have picked strawberries in NYC, washed dishes until got the professional job.
Now I am paid 3-4 times average salary and 10x average taxes. At no point in my life I would have voted to anyone like Mrs Clinton or Mr Obama. I escaped USSR, so I know what "share the wealth" leads to.
Rubio might not be my first choice, but he is all right.
Now I am paid 3-4 times average salary and 10x average taxes. At no point in my life I would have voted to anyone like Mrs Clinton or Mr Obama. I escaped USSR, so I know what "share the wealth" leads to.
Rubio might not be my first choice, but he is all right.
Has he done anything illegal or improper with his finances? I don't see the point of this article. John Kerry registered his $7 million yacht in neighboring Rhode Island to avoid paying $500,000 in taxes in Massachusetts. The Clinton's have not been as transparent as they promised they would be re their foundation and massive, questionable donations. Elizabeth Warren claimed to be Native American to help secure a job at Harvard for $350,000 a year.
19
Warren did not secure her post at Harvard based on he real or imagined heritage.
The rules are different for Liberals because they have good intennnnnntions
I am not politically motivated nor have I ever aspired to run for office. But I've always kept my personal finances in order and have been exceptionally responsible with managing any household debt - mortgages, student loans, credit cards, etc - that I've ever accrued. I consider it a virtue as well as a safeguard against any unknown or unforeseen calamity that may happen.
With all that said, how can a man who has always aspired to higher political office which of course means, ultimately manage public finance and debt, be so careless and reckless with his own money? If he is that sloppy with his own accounts how can anyone expect him to be careful with the public's?
To quote Sir Thomas More from "A Man For All Seasons" when speaking to young Richard Rich, "A man should go where he isn't tempted." I'm sorry to say that when it comes Mr. Rubio I see an awful lot of Mr. Rich in his character.
With all that said, how can a man who has always aspired to higher political office which of course means, ultimately manage public finance and debt, be so careless and reckless with his own money? If he is that sloppy with his own accounts how can anyone expect him to be careful with the public's?
To quote Sir Thomas More from "A Man For All Seasons" when speaking to young Richard Rich, "A man should go where he isn't tempted." I'm sorry to say that when it comes Mr. Rubio I see an awful lot of Mr. Rich in his character.
12
You'd rather the man be careless and reckless with other people's money (tax payers), to the tune of $500 million as President Obama lost via his "investment" into Solyndra?
1
Headline should have read, "Rubio found to be a normal American"
but then that would support his campaign efforts.
but then that would support his campaign efforts.
22
How many normal Americans have a billionaire bailing them out when they behave badly?
1
Rubio does not have a typical financial situation that reflects an average American.
very good comment.
As with many narcissists, he is not capable of taking responsibility for his actions. What a shallow, self-centered twit.
The guy can't tell one credit card from another. Just imagine him with his finger on the button.
The guy can't tell one credit card from another. Just imagine him with his finger on the button.
12
Borrow and spend. Leave the clean up for someone else, or pay for it with eventual proceeds from corruption. Sound familiar?
6
Simply put, Marco Rubio, even with all the money from his sugar daddy, could not pass a basic background investigation for federal employment. His financial misdeeds may not (yet) rise to the level necessary to keep him out of elected or appointed office, but it certainly ought to serve as a ginormous red flag to primary voters.
17
I am a 60 year old person who is fiscally conservative and a reasonably careful driver.
I made a bad investment buying a modest two-bedroom second home in 2005. The home lost about 40% of its value in the 2008 financial crash and is barely limping upward seven years later.
I have also had six moving violations since the mid-1990s and two cell-phone violations for which I received a warning. Most times I was at fault although one or two were the result of overzealous policing for dollars.
I am not perfect and neither is Mr. Rubio. But my flaws, and his, pale in comparison to those of the Clintons, as catalogued in even the NYT.
This article is "useful" only for giving die-hard Democrats talking points with which to justify their support of a candidate whom they know deep down is morally and ethical corrupt woman who represents all that the Party stands against.
I made a bad investment buying a modest two-bedroom second home in 2005. The home lost about 40% of its value in the 2008 financial crash and is barely limping upward seven years later.
I have also had six moving violations since the mid-1990s and two cell-phone violations for which I received a warning. Most times I was at fault although one or two were the result of overzealous policing for dollars.
I am not perfect and neither is Mr. Rubio. But my flaws, and his, pale in comparison to those of the Clintons, as catalogued in even the NYT.
This article is "useful" only for giving die-hard Democrats talking points with which to justify their support of a candidate whom they know deep down is morally and ethical corrupt woman who represents all that the Party stands against.
20
I hate all politicians, for obvious reasons - they are egotistical, power-mad, liars. I don't like Marco Rubio because he's a politician and because of his stance on immigration - very self-serving.
But, if I did like Rubio, this article made me like him a little bit more.
But, if I did like Rubio, this article made me like him a little bit more.
5
This is nothing more than a classic case of being entitled. Rubio just simply feels that he is entitled to all these material things, and I'm sure he picked this up from living in flashy Miami and the rich kids that he went to college and law school with. I saw it myself during college and graduate school. Some may call it a personal or character flaw, and it very well may be, and if it is then it's for Rubio to resolve, I just don't need him doing it from the Senate, much less the White House.
16
This sense of entitlement also allows him and his wife to skirt multiple traffic violations.
1
2008 was the right year to elect a President who admittedly smoked and enjoyed smoking marijuana.
Why not 2016 as the right year to elect a President who's hit every financial pothole that the rest of us have?
If those experiences haven't grounded him, nothing will.
Why not 2016 as the right year to elect a President who's hit every financial pothole that the rest of us have?
If those experiences haven't grounded him, nothing will.
7
it's not that he's hit the potholes -- it's that he let them swallow him.
I never had a billionaire sugar daddy tow me out of one of those holes and I don't know anyone who has.
Mr. Rubio has been on the public dole all his adult life. Maybe his party ought to insist that he not spend his welfare benefits on steaks, shrimp or potatoes, much less a speed boat.
17
Joe is poisonously cynical here.
"The public dole" refers to welfare payments to poor people, not to a salary paid for employment.
And, unlike Joe, I will grant Rubio the right to buy potatoes.
"The public dole" refers to welfare payments to poor people, not to a salary paid for employment.
And, unlike Joe, I will grant Rubio the right to buy potatoes.
1
It amazes me the responses from some here who are supporting Rubio's money management "skills."
I guess these supporters thinks there is a publisher waiting in the wings to hand each of us a windfall of nearly $1 million for our life story then not to use that windfall to pay off one's debts or fund a dime for their children's education, but blow it on a $50000 speedboat.
I guess these supporters think that each of us have a company credit card that we can pay for personal expenses like family trips and paving one's driveway or having one beckon call a billionaire sugar daddy to employ his wife and shovel a "couple" of bucks his way.
I guess these supporters thinks that someone whose home is a step away from foreclosure and who cleans out his retirement fund, all on annual salaries starting at $90,000 and ending up at $300,000 is the perfect person to bleat about "fiscal responsibility."
And this is the type of person these supporters idolize?
Only in Bizzaro World can one ever idolize a selfish deadbeat.
I guess these supporters thinks there is a publisher waiting in the wings to hand each of us a windfall of nearly $1 million for our life story then not to use that windfall to pay off one's debts or fund a dime for their children's education, but blow it on a $50000 speedboat.
I guess these supporters think that each of us have a company credit card that we can pay for personal expenses like family trips and paving one's driveway or having one beckon call a billionaire sugar daddy to employ his wife and shovel a "couple" of bucks his way.
I guess these supporters thinks that someone whose home is a step away from foreclosure and who cleans out his retirement fund, all on annual salaries starting at $90,000 and ending up at $300,000 is the perfect person to bleat about "fiscal responsibility."
And this is the type of person these supporters idolize?
Only in Bizzaro World can one ever idolize a selfish deadbeat.
21
Public carping, cultural and immaturity issues aside, this is more reflective of what a financial advisor just described to me -- the same indulgence that 3rd generation small-business owners are suffering as failure among their group rises. The onslaught of money, the special treatment that comes, in this case, from public 'stature' and the failure to appreciate that if you are going to go for a life in the public in today's world, be prepared for endless scrutiny. Even people of modest means or concerns about debt load seek financial advisors that help them obtain and maintain balance. A person with fewer contacts would have had to probably declare bankruptcy and live with the consequences. Why aren't our public figures -- all of them -- disqualified if they can't manage their private lives and/or finances? What's the consequence here? An unflattering article? We should all be so lucky.
4
This article tells us a lot about Marco Rubio. And we should be afraid. Very afraid.
I have no problem overlooking a few "mistakes," but Mr. Rubio and his wife are serial offenders. And in my experience, people with continual money problems don't get fixed. So long as Mr. Rubio does not have "enough" money--and we never have enough--then he will always be subject to undue influence by special interests. That should be a concern to everyone.
It's worth noting that Pres. Obama dealt with similar circumstances. But he was much more disciplined than Mr. Rubio, paid off his student and other debt, and has never let personal money issues influence him.
Republicans claim they are the party of personal responsibility. They're not.
I have no problem overlooking a few "mistakes," but Mr. Rubio and his wife are serial offenders. And in my experience, people with continual money problems don't get fixed. So long as Mr. Rubio does not have "enough" money--and we never have enough--then he will always be subject to undue influence by special interests. That should be a concern to everyone.
It's worth noting that Pres. Obama dealt with similar circumstances. But he was much more disciplined than Mr. Rubio, paid off his student and other debt, and has never let personal money issues influence him.
Republicans claim they are the party of personal responsibility. They're not.
16
If you need to cash out your retirement fund in order to buy a refrigerator, you just don't now how to manage money. Maybe Rubio believes that if he becomes president, he won't need to plan for his old age!
10
What kind of person needs a $68,000 refrigerator?
1
I like the phrase "NYT Picks" referring to the newspaper's favorite comments. But the phrase can also refer to nitpicking. So what if Marco Rubio and his wife have some money now and can buy a speedboat? So what if over the past 19 years, Marco has had 4 speeding tickets? The Times (which gave $100,000 to the Clintons) is nitpicking. Marco Rubio is a decent man, a smart and articulate man, an honest man who is running for President. He has my vote.
15
Sure, so what if he used his employer's credit card and so what if he acted stupidly and had a rich guy bail him out.
Let's try him out on your finances first and then we'll see if he's up to the job of President shall we?
Let's try him out on your finances first and then we'll see if he's up to the job of President shall we?
Being fiscally responsible matters whatever the numbers if running for President. Driving a 50K car makes me wonder what role keeping up appearances plays…
And then there was the first rosy picture painting exercise that I recall, which had to do with his parents’ immigration, dates and ? I would call that embellishing. That’s always been 2 strikes which is plenty.
There’s always leeway given and what we will give some on or not is varied… I don’t think he’s at all close enough to being grounded in who he is as a person at this juncture. And it has nothing to do with chronological age. One of our sons knew who he was at 5 and hasn’t deviated from that core since.
And then there was the first rosy picture painting exercise that I recall, which had to do with his parents’ immigration, dates and ? I would call that embellishing. That’s always been 2 strikes which is plenty.
There’s always leeway given and what we will give some on or not is varied… I don’t think he’s at all close enough to being grounded in who he is as a person at this juncture. And it has nothing to do with chronological age. One of our sons knew who he was at 5 and hasn’t deviated from that core since.
8
Rubio is perfect for the US: He can honestly say "debt and deficits do not matter". Of course the T-party may not agree, but he has a nice smile.
5
What a nothing this man is. The Plastic Cuban. It is nearly incomprehensible to me that Rubio has any job at all, much less so laughably as a United States Senator; an incredibly sad commentary on the US Voter. As he twitches and stumbles and mumbles his way through what seems like meaningless life, he seems the pure fact, the perfect child of the self-worhsipping and empty souls that define the American GOP. I look at him and see nothing. Nothing at all.
16
A new low for the once-great NYTimes. This is a fairly lame effort to scandalize a Republican who looks and smells pretty good compared to the loathesome and corrupt Mrs. Clinton.
13
the NYT pieces on the Rubio's are starting to have a whiff of perhaps racism. its subtle but it seems lurking under the narratives (traffic violations, personal finances). there is a distinct hint that the NYT is uncomfortable with a hispanic becoming president. what a shame.
11
A Republican who can't handle money? Hard to believe. /endsarcasm
8
So let's see... Rubio was dead broke and in debt as a young adult coming out of law school. He was able to pay off his debts from the proceeds of a book and speaking engagements.
Hillary Clinton was, by her own account, also "dead broke" and in debt as a 53 year old adult -- not young adult -- coming out of the White House. She also used proceeds from a book and speaking engagements to pay off her debts.
Somehow the NYT only managed to single out one of these people for derision. I would say it's shocking, but it's too be expected from this heavily biased bird cage liner.
Hillary Clinton was, by her own account, also "dead broke" and in debt as a 53 year old adult -- not young adult -- coming out of the White House. She also used proceeds from a book and speaking engagements to pay off her debts.
Somehow the NYT only managed to single out one of these people for derision. I would say it's shocking, but it's too be expected from this heavily biased bird cage liner.
16
You have a pretty hard time staying on the subject. The name Marco Rubio is in the title.
Rubio would be bankrupt if it wasn't for his sugar daddy.
Reading comprehension is a serious problem in the U.S.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
Reading comprehension is a serious problem in the U.S.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
DR, you mean like Jim McDougal?
So Rubio spent 10% of his book advance on a luxury item? That leaves, what, $720,000 for paying the bills? Funny, no one seemed terribly interested in how the Clintons could afford to buy two expensive houses while later claiming to be “dead broke” as they exited the White House — Bill to a lucrative speaking career, Hillary to the Senate, and both to humongous book advances that dwarfed Rubio’s deal.
13
Next you will mention Jimmy Carter as boogyman to change the subject away from Marco Rubio's liberal personal spending and debt habits.
Pretty much a joke written by someone that has no concept of what it is like to be ambitious and come from a middle America family. It is very unfortunate that the same kind of scrutiny wasn't given to Obama. But then, it is far more difficult to get the records of a black man that spent most of his life in Africa and had his college papers sealed. And then we did have the fact, as videos show, that Mr. O was in attendance for years in a church of the Rev. Wright, the Rev. that openly says he hates me because my skin is white, says the America is responsible for 911, and railed our country and its people routinely in his church.
8
If he was a Dem and this appeared in the WSJ or something, the people bashing him here would call it a hit piece (like the one on his parking tickets last week). Seriously does the NYT (and its liberal apologists) have no shame?
10
It really helps to pay attention. When the NYT covered Anthony Weiner's misdeeds, Democrats didn't hesitate to kick him to the curb.
"Oh, just the type of disciplined person the people of the nation can surrender their full trust to .... fasten your seatbelt!"
4
Yes Rubio is just like many of his generation- been given $800,000 for a book advance, $300,000 rookie lawyer jobs, and "teaching " positions with all the state benefits that accrue.
Despite the security of a lifetime of government jobs with complete healthcare included, Mr. Rubio struggles.
He is of the Reagan prototype, a photogenic empty vessel who's "core beliefs" are malleable to suit the highest bidder.
As a Floridian, I've had a ringside seat.
Despite the security of a lifetime of government jobs with complete healthcare included, Mr. Rubio struggles.
He is of the Reagan prototype, a photogenic empty vessel who's "core beliefs" are malleable to suit the highest bidder.
As a Floridian, I've had a ringside seat.
21
Why are driving records and financial behavior important? They are clues to character.
Speeding is of course a major cause of avoidable accidents in which other people are often badly injured or killed. To be a chronic speeder is to show little concern for the wellbeing of others.
To be financially imprudent is to show poor judgment and perhaps an inability to implicitly understand that actions have consequences.
Both of these issues show a lack of self-control; a need for immediate gratification; the belief that *rules don't apply to me*.
Certainly Bill Clinton had all these traits, and he had a ruthless, intelligent spouse who kept rescuing him from his jams.
The Rubios--equally imprudent people--have rich patrons rescuing them.
These are not healthy dynamics. We found with Bill Clinton that his overwhelming need to be liked made him support policies that caused decades of harm to individuals--as with DADT--and the nation at large--as with NAFTA and drastic welfare reform that often didn't achieve the goal of producing self-sufficient people.
The Rubios apparently have an overwhelming need to be rescued. The Clintons, as distasteful as I find them, are at least intelligent people. The Rubios--apparently not so much.
Speeding is of course a major cause of avoidable accidents in which other people are often badly injured or killed. To be a chronic speeder is to show little concern for the wellbeing of others.
To be financially imprudent is to show poor judgment and perhaps an inability to implicitly understand that actions have consequences.
Both of these issues show a lack of self-control; a need for immediate gratification; the belief that *rules don't apply to me*.
Certainly Bill Clinton had all these traits, and he had a ruthless, intelligent spouse who kept rescuing him from his jams.
The Rubios--equally imprudent people--have rich patrons rescuing them.
These are not healthy dynamics. We found with Bill Clinton that his overwhelming need to be liked made him support policies that caused decades of harm to individuals--as with DADT--and the nation at large--as with NAFTA and drastic welfare reform that often didn't achieve the goal of producing self-sufficient people.
The Rubios apparently have an overwhelming need to be rescued. The Clintons, as distasteful as I find them, are at least intelligent people. The Rubios--apparently not so much.
7
this is great, boat, leased audi, student loan Now, NYT, could you please do the same analysis on Mrs. Clinton?
Let's start - she and Mr. Clinton left WH broke. Take it away...
Let's start - she and Mr. Clinton left WH broke. Take it away...
13
Doesn't have a clue how to handle money and lives way beyond his means by having others pay the way.
Yup sounds like the perfect GOP candidate to me.
He's got their borrow and spend policies down pat.
Yup sounds like the perfect GOP candidate to me.
He's got their borrow and spend policies down pat.
10
A big shout-out goes to the NYT for this deeply researched hit piece. I know it wasn't your intent, but not an insignificant number of your readers are getting to know - and trust - Sen Rubio. You're really helping us get to know this pretty extraordinary American who deals with the same ordinary things as the rest of us. And he does it with honor, which I can't say about rich elitists like Clinton, Warren, Sanders, Biden, etc, etc.
10
Mr. Rubio’s allies said that his financial blunders are the scars of a self-made man, who rose to prominence despite lacking the wealth and connections that eased the path for so many of his rivals.
----------------------------------
No it's not. I'm a self made man and I've never spent irresponsibly like Marco. These are the scars of a person lacking self and impulse control, while telling others, including government, that they spend too much. A fiscally irresponsible, imprudent individual....definitely GOP candidate material.
----------------------------------
No it's not. I'm a self made man and I've never spent irresponsibly like Marco. These are the scars of a person lacking self and impulse control, while telling others, including government, that they spend too much. A fiscally irresponsible, imprudent individual....definitely GOP candidate material.
16
Is this what I need to know to be part of an informed electorate? The fact that cocky people overspend and hustle to cover debts while driving fast in leased luxury cars is a known known.
Neither Marco Rubio nor any one among the GOP candidates will get my vote because those thriving in the GOP club disregard the common good, elevate the Randian virtue of selfishness, and, astonishingly, take a vow to Norquist (say what, truncate their oath of office with an inflexible vow?!).
I want accounting of a useful sort. Help us count the ways we can revitalize our nation for all. Be specific.
Neither Marco Rubio nor any one among the GOP candidates will get my vote because those thriving in the GOP club disregard the common good, elevate the Randian virtue of selfishness, and, astonishingly, take a vow to Norquist (say what, truncate their oath of office with an inflexible vow?!).
I want accounting of a useful sort. Help us count the ways we can revitalize our nation for all. Be specific.
3
It's refreshing there is a candidate who struggles like many of the neglected middle class citizens of this country. Many of our former presidents weren't rich and had financial problems. I am more interested in candidates who offer a clear vision of how to cope with unemployment, strategies to help the middle class, job creation,the growing terrorism threat to our country,etc.
The Clintons claimed they were dead broke when they left the White House. Now of course they are multimillionaires ..How do they relate to the average American? Mr. Rubio sounds like most everyday citizens who struggle to make ends meet and also are tempted to buy high ticket items.
I am not sure who I will vote for, but I'd rather learn more about a candidate's agenda than his/her personal life.
After all, Bill Clinton was reelected so why should Mr. Rubio's tickets and spending habits be another NYT hit piece. I guess you have nothing more to say about Chris Christie. Who's next?
The Clintons claimed they were dead broke when they left the White House. Now of course they are multimillionaires ..How do they relate to the average American? Mr. Rubio sounds like most everyday citizens who struggle to make ends meet and also are tempted to buy high ticket items.
I am not sure who I will vote for, but I'd rather learn more about a candidate's agenda than his/her personal life.
After all, Bill Clinton was reelected so why should Mr. Rubio's tickets and spending habits be another NYT hit piece. I guess you have nothing more to say about Chris Christie. Who's next?
6
Seriously, whether or not you think this guy was just a son-of-poor immigrants, lousy money manager or just another lying, money grubbing, low life who played fast and loose with someone else's money....would you pull the lever for him to be the President of the United States of America?
Is Rubio what it comes down to, in terms of quality candidates? I don't think so.
Is Rubio what it comes down to, in terms of quality candidates? I don't think so.
13
Hmm, $80,000 for Marco is alot of money. Yet, Hillary cries poor on TV only having a million or so in change after her husband leaves the White House. What's the point of this article? Is this to show Marco has the same flaws as Hillary? If so, you are off by at least 3 digits monetarily in wealth disparity between them and 1 digit for IQ in writing this article.
8
But for the fact that he's probably covered by the fed for health insurance, I'd swear he is actually one of those clueless Americans that vote against their own best interest. That said, he's still a duplicitous taker that hypocritically denigrates the social/financial/academic programs promoted by the left and from which he owes a different sort of debt.
8
I worry more about politicians who have no money problems. Maybe the author of this article prefers people like Bill Clinton who can make five hundred thousand a speech.
Not sure if I will vote for Rubio yet but he has good answers and doesn't stumble giving them.
Not sure if I will vote for Rubio yet but he has good answers and doesn't stumble giving them.
8
Rubio is just Sarah Palin in a suit. A pretty face, but that's about it. Rubio running against Hillary would be a walkover for the former Secretary of State.
9
Rubio says the Feds need to cut spending, but can't control his own finances. I grew up poor, but I didn't splurge once I got a high school job at McDonald's. I bought a used Ford Pinto.
Also, he wrote a somewhat decent immigration policy a while back, but then disowned it once the GOP criticized it. So, this guy doesn't have enough backbone to stick up for his own ideas and can't handle finances.
What are the good parts about him?
Also, he wrote a somewhat decent immigration policy a while back, but then disowned it once the GOP criticized it. So, this guy doesn't have enough backbone to stick up for his own ideas and can't handle finances.
What are the good parts about him?
8
Nelson Mandela presided over a famously dysfunctional family. FDR cheated on his wife, was given an allowance by his mother his entire adult life and his five children had 19 marriages between them. Hillary Clinton dabbled in high risk commodities futures. JFK was a serial adulterer and never had to earn a living. Martin Luther King Jr drove his wife crazy by not setting aside money for retirement or their children's college funds and was also a serial adulterer. Thomas Jefferson fathered children with one of his slaves. Winston Churchill was an alcoholic and spendthrift who was always in debt. Rudi Guiliani cheated on his wives but, we can all agree, showed great leadership on 9-11.
Human beings are imperfect and complex. They cheat. They drink. They spend money they don't have. They lie to their loved ones. They ignore their children. They're self-centered.
They're also compassionate and kind and care for people they've never met. They show courage. They have resolve. They don't quit. They lead.
This is life.
Human beings are imperfect and complex. They cheat. They drink. They spend money they don't have. They lie to their loved ones. They ignore their children. They're self-centered.
They're also compassionate and kind and care for people they've never met. They show courage. They have resolve. They don't quit. They lead.
This is life.
12
I disagree re: Nelson Mandela.
Mandela was in prison for 27 years. He was arrested in 1962 and sentenced in 1963. His children by his second wife at the time of his arrest were 3 and 2 years old. His first wife had left him, fearing for her life and that of her 2 kids because her husband dared to challenge a deeply unjust system.
I visited Mandela's house in Soweto on Vilakasi Street. You can see bullet holes in the wall and inside there is a marker indicating an internal wall that was removed. This internal wall was built so the 2 & 3 year old could jump behind it when the South Africa apartheid police came to shoot at the house at night. That is the children's earliest memories - ducking out of bed and huddling behind an internal wall, built for their protection. There are rumors about the death of Mandela's firstborn by his first wife - that is was not an accident but the work of the notorious South African Defense Forces who were implicated in many murders and domestic terrorism incidents targeting the indigenous African population
Nelson Mandela's family dysfunction is the true legacy of apartheid. His children all show signs of PTSD from their early childhood trauma. They never had the privilege of being raised by their father. He was in jail because he demanded his rights as a human being and citizen of South Africa.
Mandela was in prison for 27 years. He was arrested in 1962 and sentenced in 1963. His children by his second wife at the time of his arrest were 3 and 2 years old. His first wife had left him, fearing for her life and that of her 2 kids because her husband dared to challenge a deeply unjust system.
I visited Mandela's house in Soweto on Vilakasi Street. You can see bullet holes in the wall and inside there is a marker indicating an internal wall that was removed. This internal wall was built so the 2 & 3 year old could jump behind it when the South Africa apartheid police came to shoot at the house at night. That is the children's earliest memories - ducking out of bed and huddling behind an internal wall, built for their protection. There are rumors about the death of Mandela's firstborn by his first wife - that is was not an accident but the work of the notorious South African Defense Forces who were implicated in many murders and domestic terrorism incidents targeting the indigenous African population
Nelson Mandela's family dysfunction is the true legacy of apartheid. His children all show signs of PTSD from their early childhood trauma. They never had the privilege of being raised by their father. He was in jail because he demanded his rights as a human being and citizen of South Africa.
1
Churchill was an antiSemite and a racist and his politics were more fascist than conservative but he was a great war time leader and I am thankful the British electorate understood he was what they needed.
If the electorate wishes their country to dissolve Marco Rubio may be exactly what is needed but clearly Rubio, Walker, Perry and Santorum are not uniters. Even Cruz, Turner and Bush don't present the same danger to the union.
If the electorate wishes their country to dissolve Marco Rubio may be exactly what is needed but clearly Rubio, Walker, Perry and Santorum are not uniters. Even Cruz, Turner and Bush don't present the same danger to the union.
1
I'm not a Rubio supporter, but I think this article is a little unfair. So he's a human being and wasn't born rich. He's had difficulty with money - who hasn't in this economy. I just wish he would use these challenges less for pandering and more for supporting public policy like universal healthcare, better public schools in Florida, more affordable college tuition, stronger college aid programs, and student loan reform. But alas he's a Republican with a billionaire benefactor so all of that is unlikely.
3
Oh and by the way-- My parents were also poor and immigrants. Somehow I've managed just find without a boat and I drive a Honda Civic. Magically I've been able to do without an Audi and several mortgages.
11
Here's the lesson for American voters: Romney was too rich, Rubio is too poor, and Hillary's fortune is just right to be President.
13
Mr. Rubio is dangerous. One would think his background would influence him to be frugal and financially responsible. But that seems to be the opposite. A man for whom the cookie jar had always been closed, goes wild when it finally open - eating all of the cookies; leaving nothing for anyone else to enjoy is not a sound man. Not good quality for a president. Not to say that the majority of the people who have held that post have been blessed with such quality. But at least, we'd like to think that these men have such potential.
5
My God. First, he drinks water. Then, he gets some parking tickets. Now, we learn that he bought a speed boat? Does this mans depravity know no bounds?
14
Rubio is too immature to become president. And we don't need another senator without executive experience who has to learn on the job.
I believe you should practice what you preach. And if you can't lead by example go do something else.
Go Bernie!
I believe you should practice what you preach. And if you can't lead by example go do something else.
Go Bernie!
6
If the already public money matters of Marco are making Republicans nervous, imagine what the myriad skeletons in the Rubio closet might do.
3
Adages? Rubio wants to put us through the wringer. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. No pain, no gain. He certainly has shown a level of competence by dealing with personal financial crises.
Two thing: Uh, I don't think our nation is ready for more financial crises. No, we don't want on the job training for this candidate.
Two thing: Uh, I don't think our nation is ready for more financial crises. No, we don't want on the job training for this candidate.
5
-Reckless Driving( putting people lives in danger): check
-Reckless Spending (putting his family future at risk): check
-Reckless presidency? Nope. Voters shouldn't give him that opportunity.
-Reckless Spending (putting his family future at risk): check
-Reckless presidency? Nope. Voters shouldn't give him that opportunity.
9
I am no fan of Marco Rubio or what he stands for, but this whole story (much like the student loan op-ed the Times published this past Sunday) smacks of tone-deafness to the new economy and what it takes to success under the old rules. Members of the younger generations (and by that I mean my own gen X and the subsequent Y and Millennial groups) who do not come from personal wealth simply must get creative in order to advance in any career field. The opportunities are simply too competitive, the resources too few. Quite frankly, although I don't condone the lavish purchases that he and his wife made, I come away from reading this with a bit more admiration for the tenacity and resourcefulness that Mr. Rubio has shown to get as far as he has. This is the new American dream - no longer will mere hard work get you up the ladder. So we either need a new ladder or the ability to excuse those who use grappling hooks and ropes to climb the existing one.
5
Yes. Rubio's tenacity and resourcefulness to find a billionaire fairy god-father.
I also do not condone his lavishes purchases. Nor, for that matter, do I condone his absent-minded (at best) misuse of campaign funds for personal expenses, nor his failure to pay his local government fees despite 9 requests, nor his wife's claim that they overlooked the fees, nor his association with an ultra-rich benefactor, nor his lousy real estate investment decisions, nor his serial squandering of his wealth in general, nor his unorthodox PACs from which family members were paid and which were used to reimburse his personal expenses, nor his drawing of a suspiciously high salary to teach at International University, nor... nor....
Rubio seems like a typical American- spending what he wants with no correlation to what he earns.
6
Oh, my, an eighty thousand dollars boat!
What incredible extravagance!!!
We are so grateful to you for exposing this.
How refreshing that you are not trying to vet the candidates. Since you did nothing to investigate the Obama.
Ludicrous. If you had any integrity you would be embarrassed but who needs that?
What incredible extravagance!!!
We are so grateful to you for exposing this.
How refreshing that you are not trying to vet the candidates. Since you did nothing to investigate the Obama.
Ludicrous. If you had any integrity you would be embarrassed but who needs that?
17
"If you allow politicians to spend money, they’ll do it.” Don't we know it. Let this kid go get a real job and learn a few things first. He is not suited to elected office.
5
He was had real jobs,the present President - not really.
Inconvenient Fact:
Financial Expert Quoted in NYT Rubio Hit Job is Obama Donor
A story in Tuesday’s New York Times probing Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R., Fla) “struggles with finances” during his career quotes a financial expert critical of Rubio who donated money to President Obama.
Harold Evensky, a financial adviser “who reviewed Mr. Rubio’s public financial disclosures” at the newspaper’s request, donated $500 to Obama in 2007 according to online records, but the Times does not note that in its piece.
BY: David Rutz
Financial Expert Quoted in NYT Rubio Hit Job is Obama Donor
A story in Tuesday’s New York Times probing Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R., Fla) “struggles with finances” during his career quotes a financial expert critical of Rubio who donated money to President Obama.
Harold Evensky, a financial adviser “who reviewed Mr. Rubio’s public financial disclosures” at the newspaper’s request, donated $500 to Obama in 2007 according to online records, but the Times does not note that in its piece.
BY: David Rutz
7
I know the attempt of this article and I think it has had the opposite affect of some people like myself. It shows he is human and ,ore of an average citizen than most of the well to do candidates. We struggle with meeting monthly bills and trying to get everything to make our family comfortable. We sometimes overspend to get the items we have long desired and will sometimes make bad financial decisions for. Even with all this, he has shown himself as an above average representative of the people. I will have to keep him at the top of my short list of valuable people in our federal government. I may or may not elect him as President but I will definitely have a little more respect for the guy knowing he is "one of us."
5
I am deeply liberal. I dislike almost everything Marco says he stands for. But I can't beat him up for having ambition and shooting above his station. While I personally find it surprising that someone with $300k/year in income saved so little, its what we're taught to do here in the US. In short, this article proves one thing - Marco was Normal.
6
Gee, if only he were given millions in advance money for his book like Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama...all of his financial worries would be gone. It's a shame that he cannot make $250,000 for an hour for a speech. Darn it, some people actually have to do work in order to make things meet.
11
Rubio was given $800,000 and he blew that.
1
Or if he would only charge $750K per speach while his wife would be selling America). But no, he decided actually earn it and pay his debt. Outrageous!!
Blew how?? Paid his debt and bought a boat??
What?! Mr Rubio didn't set up a "foundation" to collect "donations" from foreign governments? He bought a house for his mother and a 24 foot boat? Scandalous.
10
He should have had purchase a yacht like Kerry, who served in Viet Nam, and should have charged $750K per speach while selling America.
How stupid of him actually of paying his debt with his earnings?
How stupid of him actually of paying his debt with his earnings?
"Among the serious contenders for the presidency, Mr. Rubio stands out..."
Hardly. Rubio "stands out" for nothing, in fact he presents the greatest, most predictable truth in Washington, certainly since 1948: say swell things about the state of Israel, it doesn't matter how big an idiot you are, how devoid you are of any worldly experiences or vision, you will be made serious -- nay, you will be made into a viable presidential candidate.
Nonsense, you say?
See Marco Rubio.
Hardly. Rubio "stands out" for nothing, in fact he presents the greatest, most predictable truth in Washington, certainly since 1948: say swell things about the state of Israel, it doesn't matter how big an idiot you are, how devoid you are of any worldly experiences or vision, you will be made serious -- nay, you will be made into a viable presidential candidate.
Nonsense, you say?
See Marco Rubio.
6
And yet the man he repeatably disparages was not only able to rise from even humbler means to even loftier accomplishments. He was able to do so without once cutting corners, being flashy or vain, or even running up questionable debt.
Funny that.
Funny that.
8
A reckless Romney reject. Entitled. Arrogant. Dishonest. Taking money from a sugar daddy.
On top of all that, he, and especially his wife, were cited in multiple reckless driving events, as mentioned several days ago in the Times.
Looks like the scarred and scary Jeb will be the losing opponent to Hillary after all. Or perhaps it will be that guy who thinks that breaking unions is the equivalent to fighting ISIS.
Either way, it's going to be fun watching Hillary slam either one of them down in the debates.
On top of all that, he, and especially his wife, were cited in multiple reckless driving events, as mentioned several days ago in the Times.
Looks like the scarred and scary Jeb will be the losing opponent to Hillary after all. Or perhaps it will be that guy who thinks that breaking unions is the equivalent to fighting ISIS.
Either way, it's going to be fun watching Hillary slam either one of them down in the debates.
9
Relish this Mr. Rubio. They certainly can't say you are one of the 1%. Sounds like you know what average Americans go through every day! Can't have it both ways people, had he been a multi-millionaire who gets 500,000 a speech, you would say hes "out of touch".
8
His fellow Republicans characterization of him as " ordinary" says it all. George Bush was kinda ordinary too. I think he showed good judgment in limiting the size of the boat to 24 feet. Bring on the ship of State.
4
This guy is toast. Thanks NY Times. Great job cutting though all the optics to the reality of this man.
8
The blurb on the front page leading to this article is titled "Rubio Dogged by Questionable Financial Decisions." This is the second article in a week attacking Marco Rubio for perceived "offenses" committed in his youth, for which he has taken responsibility and that he has rectified.
Further, the examples provided in these two articles have done nothing more than show Rubio to be a regular person with all the foibles of regular people. But, unlike many, Rubio has taken it upon himself to correct any bad situations in which he found himself, i.e. paying his debt and going to driving school.
Based on the above, I can only believe that this article needs to be retitled. So, let me fix that for ya...
"Rubio Dogged by Questionable New York Times' Editorial Decisions: Attacked for being a regular person, rather than a plaster saint"
There. Now, how about the article in which the Times goes back over the last forty years of Hillary Clintons *real* offenses, many of them likely criminal? Like making hundreds of thousands of dollars on shady real estate deals, for just one example. There are many to choose from -- Go!
Further, the examples provided in these two articles have done nothing more than show Rubio to be a regular person with all the foibles of regular people. But, unlike many, Rubio has taken it upon himself to correct any bad situations in which he found himself, i.e. paying his debt and going to driving school.
Based on the above, I can only believe that this article needs to be retitled. So, let me fix that for ya...
"Rubio Dogged by Questionable New York Times' Editorial Decisions: Attacked for being a regular person, rather than a plaster saint"
There. Now, how about the article in which the Times goes back over the last forty years of Hillary Clintons *real* offenses, many of them likely criminal? Like making hundreds of thousands of dollars on shady real estate deals, for just one example. There are many to choose from -- Go!
15
Let's see now: Rubio has student loan debt, mortgage and equity lines of credit, splurged on a motor boat, took money out of his retirement account to pay off some bills and provide for his children, sold a house for less than he paid, learned about money through trial & error (because it ain't taught in any school) and he has had trouble with credit card debt.
Marco Rubio sounds like a normal, average, every-day American Citizen to me, who would make the perfect President because he is the perfect person who would understand the 99% of us. Rubio isn't some rich, corrupt, money sucking presidential candidate who hides behind deleted emails or legalize. It's about time we Americans can elect a candidate just like ourselves. Most of Americans have had the same financial struggles as Rubio.......even buying a motor boat when we knew better.
Kudos Mr. Marco Rubio! Thank you so much for keeping it real and for being someone we Americans can finally identify with. You have my vote. Good luck to you!
Marco Rubio sounds like a normal, average, every-day American Citizen to me, who would make the perfect President because he is the perfect person who would understand the 99% of us. Rubio isn't some rich, corrupt, money sucking presidential candidate who hides behind deleted emails or legalize. It's about time we Americans can elect a candidate just like ourselves. Most of Americans have had the same financial struggles as Rubio.......even buying a motor boat when we knew better.
Kudos Mr. Marco Rubio! Thank you so much for keeping it real and for being someone we Americans can finally identify with. You have my vote. Good luck to you!
10
It's amazing how ignorant people are. Did you read the part about his billionaire bailing him out? How normal and average is that?
2
He was paid $800,000.00 to write a book. He has a billionaire subsidizing him. He is not a "normal, average, every-day American.
1
“It’s a two-edged sword,” said Dennis Baxley, a Florida House member and fellow Republican who served in the Legislature with Mr. Rubio. “That’s part of the excitement of Marco.”
Really, financial incompetence is part of the excitement of Marco ? I think I'll pass.
I've been following Marco Rubio for quite some time - I don't see the charisma or intelligence. I do see an immature political opportunist that can't seem to control his financial shenanigans.
For Mr. Rubio to conduct his personal finances in such a reckless way, all the time knowing he was headed towards higher office shows sheer stupidity. What was he thinking ?
Really, financial incompetence is part of the excitement of Marco ? I think I'll pass.
I've been following Marco Rubio for quite some time - I don't see the charisma or intelligence. I do see an immature political opportunist that can't seem to control his financial shenanigans.
For Mr. Rubio to conduct his personal finances in such a reckless way, all the time knowing he was headed towards higher office shows sheer stupidity. What was he thinking ?
6
Glad to see so many fiscal conservative liberals out there. I think this is a good sign we will elect a a balanced budget conservative.
4
There aren't any fiscal conservatives running on the Republican ticket. Corporate welfare, unfunded wars and expensive industrial disasters are not fiscally conservative.
Great article. But who decided that Marco Rubio was "charismatic"? Mrs. Rubio?
4
I don't care over much about Rubio's personal peccadilloes & extravagances. The real issue--'he sometimes intermingled personal and political money'--gets buried in this story.
5
All you have to see to evaluate Marco Rubio is his moment in the sun where he had a chance to respond to one of Obama's state of the Union messages. As a Obama supporters I would be the first to admit Obama and his policies have a lot of flaws that can be seized on by opponents on the left or right. Instead of appearing serious Rubio appeared less insightful and diligent than a 11 year old schoolboy thrusted into that role. At the end of the speech he awkwardly reached for his water at the most inopportune time again making his speech seem awkward, contrived and amateurish. I have seen no evidence that he has grown as a person since that speech.
3
Talk about hypocrisy. Read some of the most critical comments. The ones from Hillary supporters are actually hilarious. What's the matter guys, only rich democrats need apply for the job? No matter how questionable their path to wealth?
Except for being a Republican, Marco's story is not that different from Hillary's. Both had rocky starts to their careers.
And if the shoe were on the other foot, and it was Marco that was almost 26 years older, not to mention rolling in the bucks like Madame Secretary, how likely would it be that democrats would say he was to old and too rich compared to the more vigorous, younger candidate?
Except for being a Republican, Marco's story is not that different from Hillary's. Both had rocky starts to their careers.
And if the shoe were on the other foot, and it was Marco that was almost 26 years older, not to mention rolling in the bucks like Madame Secretary, how likely would it be that democrats would say he was to old and too rich compared to the more vigorous, younger candidate?
12
You've read some of the comments but you don't seem to have read the article. This explains a lot about why there are so many low information voters out there.
Senator Rubio's financial shenanigans are reminiscent of Senator Nixon's slush fund, which led to Nixon's maudlin "Checkers" speech. "Ignore the rest of the tax-free gifts, America. It's all about the dog. We were gifted a dog. We love the dog. And we're going to keep him!"
7
Why is financial adviser Harold Evensky "staggered" by Rubio's finances when he's studying a period that transpired ten years ago — when Rubio earned $300,000 a year from his law practice? Probably because — as reported by the Washington Beacon — Evensky donated $500 to Obama in 2007. Funny how the Times fails to mention that little nugget.
14
"That was then; this is now." He fixed the problem, which is, as many have observed here, a new-American, new-middle class citizen; apparently, Romney had a "come to Jesus" talk with him, and he went—at least to a financial counselor. The most problematic part of this is a university's allowing a private donor to underwrite a faculty positions that are not negotiated and funded chairs—someone needs to look into their regional accreditation in light of that, or at least have another "Jesus" talk with the university president and VP for advancement. But maybe they/he have learned from that, too.
2
Rubio Inc. reminds me of the 'mark-to-market' era of financial disclosures on ENRON. Eventually, the expectation of future revenues had a chance meeting with reality and the house of cards fell. But, this being national politics, I expect the Rubio business model still has legs as political investors diversify risk and park some strategic funds into the Rubio machine just in case the voting public chooses to elect the most unqualified person to the Oval Office in disregard to common sense.
5
It's fun to imagine a Fox show like Hannity defending this infantile behavior.
If there were only a few instances, then I would forgive it, but there is a pattern of behavior that is unacceptable for anyone in a responsible governmental position.
If there were only a few instances, then I would forgive it, but there is a pattern of behavior that is unacceptable for anyone in a responsible governmental position.
11
I think many young people can relate to Marco Rubio's economic decisions. As the youngest presidential candidate, he comes from the first generation of politicians that will know what crushing student debt feels like. As a Millennial who went more than $50k into debt for a degree, I think a young politician who can understand our struggles is sorely needed.
Rubio doesn't have the good fortune to have wealthy parents, nor the good fortune have had the economic benefits and low university tuition that Boomers did. Many of his financial decisions were poorly made, but I won't judge.
Rubio doesn't have the good fortune to have wealthy parents, nor the good fortune have had the economic benefits and low university tuition that Boomers did. Many of his financial decisions were poorly made, but I won't judge.
5
Not judging his background and upbringing that might explained why he made those unwise and ill-advised financial decisions. But a leader requires qualities to make the wise decision for his country and people and not just someone with whom we can relate.
"Dogged by Questionable Financial Decisions"?
At what point, will the political dialogue stop referring to these escapades as personal "financial decisions" and instead identify them as part of the systemically toxic effect that floods on money -- much of it 'dark' and semi-secret -- are having on our political processes (and politicians) at ALL levels? It's our very process that's corrupt--and corrupted!
You can't read the news on any given day without reading stories of financial improprieties (Christie, Silver, Skelos, Bruno, Heastie, Rowland, Hastert), people in disgrace getting windfall financial deals (cf. Petraeus and various regulators going to work for the banks and law firms they were supposed to be regulating and/or as lobbyists (Cantor & co) !), or outright crookedness and corruption (cf. most of the names on the list above!)
This isn't a question of personal peccadilloes, or even individual corruption --- although that IS a big part of the story -- but rather of pervasive, systemic corruption that's rotting our political processes and the fabric of our nation!
At what point, will the political dialogue stop referring to these escapades as personal "financial decisions" and instead identify them as part of the systemically toxic effect that floods on money -- much of it 'dark' and semi-secret -- are having on our political processes (and politicians) at ALL levels? It's our very process that's corrupt--and corrupted!
You can't read the news on any given day without reading stories of financial improprieties (Christie, Silver, Skelos, Bruno, Heastie, Rowland, Hastert), people in disgrace getting windfall financial deals (cf. Petraeus and various regulators going to work for the banks and law firms they were supposed to be regulating and/or as lobbyists (Cantor & co) !), or outright crookedness and corruption (cf. most of the names on the list above!)
This isn't a question of personal peccadilloes, or even individual corruption --- although that IS a big part of the story -- but rather of pervasive, systemic corruption that's rotting our political processes and the fabric of our nation!
7
Did you hear the one about the guy who got elected to Congress and went broke? Of course not because it has never happened. Super PAC? I'll have the soup.
6
What is interesting to the amount of judgmental comments directly against Marco Rubio on this message board is that some people feel more superior to others by criticizing those who fit into the American silent majority when it comes to personal financial struggles. I'm sorry, but don't we all as a working class nation are struggling to pay rent, a mortgage, paying off student loans, tax collections, utility bills, medical bills, credit card debt, and child day care costs? Even poor seniors are financially struggling in this economy. And yet, only the wealthy like the Obamas or Clintons don't seem to be affected by it.
For Rubio's sake, his personal story of financial struggles speak volumes for most Americans because we all know how it feels when you are broke, your income has decline, and you have to find ways to generate revenue in order to survive independently. As an independent voter, I would rather pick Rubio as my choice for President than Hilliary, Jeb, Cruz, Paul, or any other primary candidate who gorged themselves into wealth and power. At least Rubio knows what is like to be poor.
For Rubio's sake, his personal story of financial struggles speak volumes for most Americans because we all know how it feels when you are broke, your income has decline, and you have to find ways to generate revenue in order to survive independently. As an independent voter, I would rather pick Rubio as my choice for President than Hilliary, Jeb, Cruz, Paul, or any other primary candidate who gorged themselves into wealth and power. At least Rubio knows what is like to be poor.
8
Poor with reckless financial decisions
It is such a shame that people are defending his outrageous spending when he
Was in debt.
It is such a shame that people are defending his outrageous spending when he
Was in debt.
I grew up in a working poor household. To get ahead, I used grants, student loans, and credit acrd debt (my MBA and housing were essentially paid for w/ credit card debt). So I really can't fault Mr. Rubio.
11
So Rubio, unlike Mrs. Clinton, has the same kinds of financial problems that the rest of us have, and the New York Times thinks that's a problem? Get a clue, guys: there is not one single voter anywhere in the country who is bothered by this except for the faux outrage voiced by all the liberal Democrats.
12
Which publisher paid Marco $800k? Would we be shocked if its one owned by a Conservative eg Murdoch? Moreover, how many books were sold - again , would we be shocked if not many?
7
Hillary's book was a flop and she got $15 million. No comment on that though right Burt?
2
it seems mister Rubio haven't learned a thing. liquidate a retirement account just a few weeks ago? The colleague who said that's the excitement of Rubio? Be afraid people. he is showing you who he is. This guy smells like Nixon.
8
At least we know he earned it and wasn't trading large sums of $$ for influence. Believe me, nobody would pay 300k to the Democrat candidate for a speech that is at best boooring and only one hour long.
8
Actually he's the lap dog of a billionaire who has given me quite a bit of money.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-polit...
That is the most important point I took from this story. NYT did Rubio a favor and proved him to be an honorable man.
This article and other articles about the Rubio's not bothering to pay traffic tickets or bothering to abide by the rules of the road, or pay what they owe to anyone show me that they are irresponsible and totally feel privileged and above the law. I do not by the immature line. We ALL had to grow up. He has had enough time to learn to play by the rules. I agree the country does not need a spoiled kid with a lot of traffic fines and a great big boat. He sounds greedy and W A Y over his head and just a little too ambitious .
11
Perhaps if Senator Rubio had hired Bill Clinton as his financial guru he would have learned how to rack in the funds as the Clinton Family has done.
7
Sounds like Mr. Rubio is just like one of us: Trying to do the best for his family, paying off his debts... I'm surprised by the "negative" tone of the piece: I think that his life is an example of how the American Dream can still be accomplished, not something to be ashamed of.
1
How many of the rest of us have millionaires paying our bills, hiring our spouses for $90k/year jobs, bailing us out and paying off our debts? I don't and no one I've ever known in my life does. Do you?
Every single thing about Mr. Rubio, to me, screams "con artist," a Sarah Palin without the brains.
Every single thing about Mr. Rubio, to me, screams "con artist," a Sarah Palin without the brains.
1
I guess if he becomes president he'll pay off the country's debt by having it sign a sweetheart book contract.
6
This is the type of con artist who hopes to cash in on being a politician. yes, we know next to a wall street banker or a lobbyists its the quickest way to get rich. What amazes me is the low caliber totally unqualified people running for Presidents as a "Republican". Don't the Republicans have any pride? any discretion? There must be some one who is qualified and is a Republican, somewhere in this country.
10
He is no different than everyone else today who is not a billionaire--making financial decisions that are subject to scrutiny because enough is never enough.
1
Nonsense. The point is that by most people's standards he has earned "enough" in the past 10 years -- nearly $3 million, that we know of -- to provide amply for his family, stay out of debt and prepare for old age,
Instead he is making costly impulse purchases, raiding his retirement funds, failing to meet ordinary obligations like business license fees, incurring lots of traffic tickets and otherwise showing the self-control, prudence and management ability of the average 15-year-old.
Instead he is making costly impulse purchases, raiding his retirement funds, failing to meet ordinary obligations like business license fees, incurring lots of traffic tickets and otherwise showing the self-control, prudence and management ability of the average 15-year-old.
My parents also had relatively little money when I grew up. But instead of becoming a spendthrift, I chose to save money, and I now have a decent savings. The financial lessons of childhood made a big impact on me. What's Rubio's problem?
10
If you think his financial acumen is that of a teenager, check out his driving record.
13
4 tickets in almost 20 years -- big deal. I wish my teenager was that good.
I suppose to put this in context, we could compare this to Hillary's driving record. But we can't do that, since Hillary has not been behind the wheel in almost 30 years, as she has been chauffeured by government drivers at taxpayer expense for all that time.
I suppose to put this in context, we could compare this to Hillary's driving record. But we can't do that, since Hillary has not been behind the wheel in almost 30 years, as she has been chauffeured by government drivers at taxpayer expense for all that time.
I am very disheartened that with a full year and half to go until the election we're now SO ENTRENCHED into the cycle that each and every little tidbit can become the LEAD STORY in The New York Times, to the detriment of dealing with current issues and how we should be dealing with them NOW or other very important news that in my view is much more important and pressing than a "page two" story like this one! I'm not saying to ignore the candidates or their constant comings and goings BUT we are being bombarded constantly and thereby being deflected from other much more immediate matters that should be of greater importance both in the reporting by the media and the contemplating by the readers.
2
"As he rose in politics, he sometimes intermingled personal and political money — using a state Republican Party credit card years ago to pay for a paving project at his home and for travel to a family reunion, and putting his relatives on campaign payrolls."
I am confused. Isn't this a crime? Why wasn't he prosecuted?
I am confused. Isn't this a crime? Why wasn't he prosecuted?
9
Mr. Rubio is a politician that seems to be doing more politicking than politics, a bad omen. And depending so heavily on one patron (Mr. Braman) so his spendthrift ways could be sustained. Spending beyond his means is irresponsible; having him do so as president is unthinkable for the good of the country. Rubio is definitely ill-equipped to pretend readiness for high office...and the responsibilities it entails. Restraint seems foreign to him.
8
Sounds like a great plan for your average millennial to pay off college debt--just write a book. No need for government programs.
He also provides good reasons for tax cuts today too. Just pay them off tomorrow with someone else's credit cards.
He also provides good reasons for tax cuts today too. Just pay them off tomorrow with someone else's credit cards.
7
Rubio sounds like another Bob McDonnell in the making. McDonnell is the former VA governor convicted, along with his wife, of influence peddling and soliciting lavish gifts from a wealthy campaign contributor. Rubio also has his own “sponsor”, Miami billionaire Norman Braman, who has contributed at least $10million to Rubio’s past and current candidacies.
Rubio’s flaw appears to be thinking he is entitled to live the same lifestyle as his campaign contributors, even though he doesn’t have the money. If people want to pursue their dream, e.g.: liquidating a retirement account and buying a power boat – it’s not what I would do but it’s their life. That said, choice like that belie traits I do not want in a political leader.
Rubio’s flaw appears to be thinking he is entitled to live the same lifestyle as his campaign contributors, even though he doesn’t have the money. If people want to pursue their dream, e.g.: liquidating a retirement account and buying a power boat – it’s not what I would do but it’s their life. That said, choice like that belie traits I do not want in a political leader.
20
Republican bashing season has officially begun for the far left. Suddenly a wide choice of candidates is a bad thing. What do Democrats offer? The same old tired retread in the form of Hillary Clinton. Or you could go for the extreme left and choose Bernie Sanders. Now that's diversity!
7
Yes, Bernie Sanders. A man who isn't beholden to big money, who has worked to improve the lives of ordinary Americans. What a concept huh?
Many of the comments seem to assume that children of families of modest or even deprived means but who manage to earn or otherwise come into money as adults squander that money on frivolous or luxurious things. Such comments indicate that such people show an inability to budget or to restrain themselves.
In fact, many of such children have the maturity and self-restraint to appreciate their good fortune and to handle their new-found funds judiciously, perhaps allowing themselves a very modest splurge.
According to the article, Mr. Rubio has not shown such maturity and self-restraint. If that is the case, one must ask if he has the maturity and good judgment to be president of a local bank, let alone President of the United States.
In fact, many of such children have the maturity and self-restraint to appreciate their good fortune and to handle their new-found funds judiciously, perhaps allowing themselves a very modest splurge.
According to the article, Mr. Rubio has not shown such maturity and self-restraint. If that is the case, one must ask if he has the maturity and good judgment to be president of a local bank, let alone President of the United States.
7
There is something awesome about the spectacle of presidential wannabes (Romney, Bush, Cruz, Rubio, etc) loudly trumpeting their credentials as fiscal conservatives (not to mention exemplary Christians) while wallowing in the most excessive displays of ostentation, vulgar materialism, and self-indulgence. This guy is only 44, but comes with a laundry list of goodies that would embarrass a sultan of the old school - numerous houses, pools, speedboats, fancy cars, private schools for his 4 children, a wife with a vanity company, a wallet full of credit cards, too many loans to count, and, of course, the all-important sugar daddy underwriting the whole extravaganza.
You have to wonder if they ever wake up in the middle of the night and think to themselves what a total fraud they are and what a total pig-like mess their whole existence is..... nah. That would require an ounce of discernment and self-respect.
You have to wonder if they ever wake up in the middle of the night and think to themselves what a total fraud they are and what a total pig-like mess their whole existence is..... nah. That would require an ounce of discernment and self-respect.
13
If the NYT had investigated and featured articles on the Clintons and the Obamas prior to their presidential runs, with the same detailed intensity as they have done with the Rubios, I would read this article with no thought of bias.
However, when I think about the financial transactions of the Obamas (Chicago real estate deals with Tony Rezko, a convicted felon) and Michelle's no show $300k/yr hospital job, and the Clintons cattle futures, White water and their current residences, not to mention the Clinton slush fund foundation, it makes me wonder about the integrity of this newspaper.
An entire article on the Rubio's traffic tickets and now this, clearly another hit piece, makes me wonder again if the Clinton slush fund Foundation made another humanitarian contribution to the NYT.
Clearly the Democrats are worried about their candidates viability and they perceive Marco Rubio to be a very real threat. There can be no other logical explanation for dedicating so much resources to reporting such scandalous news.
However, when I think about the financial transactions of the Obamas (Chicago real estate deals with Tony Rezko, a convicted felon) and Michelle's no show $300k/yr hospital job, and the Clintons cattle futures, White water and their current residences, not to mention the Clinton slush fund foundation, it makes me wonder about the integrity of this newspaper.
An entire article on the Rubio's traffic tickets and now this, clearly another hit piece, makes me wonder again if the Clinton slush fund Foundation made another humanitarian contribution to the NYT.
Clearly the Democrats are worried about their candidates viability and they perceive Marco Rubio to be a very real threat. There can be no other logical explanation for dedicating so much resources to reporting such scandalous news.
11
I would love to have the details of a bank that would allow a $135,000 home equity loan on a home that was just purchased with no down payment, simply through the magic of an instant reappraisal. The appraisal for the sale was incorrect? But let's be clear: he's not leveraging his connections. Not at all.
5
Please show me the Presidential candidate that has not "leveraged connections". Mr. Rubio will most likely face Ms. Clinton if he should achieve the Republican nomination. How will his "leveraged connections" stack up against hers? How about his financial management? This article, if anything, serves to draw attention to the contrast between Mr. Rubio and Ms. Clinton - a contrast that works well for him.
My parents were not wealthy, but they didn't raise financial idiots.
13
This story finally had me reflect on the phenomenon of Rubio. It's apparently not because he's brilliant. More because he's young, somewhat photogenic - as is his wife, a first generation Latin of immigrant parents, has children, has a persona that comes across as innocent, seems to be a fairly malleable vessel for Republican masters/funders and their wishes/policies and isn't nearly as crazy as Palin, Bachmann or others within the Republican realm. Oh - and he's from the electorally significant state of Florida.
I've been a bit perplexed by all the commotion about Ryan and his supposed financial genius, Walker and his acclaimed deft governance and Rubio. In reality, none seem terribly intelligent or aware, but they make photogenic, seemingly earnest vessels. All Republican fabrications, the narratives of which most of the U.S. media tend to accept and rebroadcast without a second thought. A bit like The Manchurian Candidate.
On the other hand, people like the Clintons are terribly dangerous, because they actually think for themselves - and are thus naturally portrayed as calculating and conniving. An interesting contrast.
I've been a bit perplexed by all the commotion about Ryan and his supposed financial genius, Walker and his acclaimed deft governance and Rubio. In reality, none seem terribly intelligent or aware, but they make photogenic, seemingly earnest vessels. All Republican fabrications, the narratives of which most of the U.S. media tend to accept and rebroadcast without a second thought. A bit like The Manchurian Candidate.
On the other hand, people like the Clintons are terribly dangerous, because they actually think for themselves - and are thus naturally portrayed as calculating and conniving. An interesting contrast.
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Reckless, not sure if that's a characteristic we need in the white house.
6
A subtext of this story is that without political connections, i.e., people willing to pay him more than he was worth and enabling him to earn more in return for political favors, he would be much worse off. You can read between the lines and see a politician unable to distinguish between "earning" and "taking bribes."
6
Funny that everyone jumps on Hillary when it's Jeb and Marco who recklessly disregard campaign finance laws.
Do not elect anyone with wanton contempt for the laws of the United States of America.
Do not elect anyone with wanton contempt for the laws of the United States of America.
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As other people have commented, it gives one pause to think of a man being the most powerful man in the world and yet who cannot manage his personal finances. We should all know that with the long period of campaigning that we have in the USA, that all of the candidates will be vetted this way, so get used to it! Some of it will be fair and true and other times it will not be so. Now, why did Rubio think he had to have an Audi 7???? Wouldn't a Toyota Corolla do just as well for getting him around? If that is an indication of his values, then he would make a lousy president. He will probably become a Fox "News" commentator after the election. That should allow him to indulge in the kind of life style he seems to like.
6
If only the times would spend as much energy looking into Hillary Clinton's shenanigans. SHe puts him to shame by orders of magnitude
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Do you remember the time Rubio gave the rebuttal speech following the State of the Union speech by President Obama in which he drank remarkable amounts of water? It seems he can't hold his money either. The man has no self control. It's not just immaturity. It's reckless and careless.
6
Since when is a 24 ft, center console, a luxury boat? and since when is a standard Audi SUV an egregious expense? The NYT should be ashamed of the amount of time they wasted in American productivity by publishing such a non-sense article.
I don't see anything illegal or immoral in what he has done.
I don't see anything illegal or immoral in what he has done.
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It is "egregious" when you are running for president as a "fiscal conservative" and you make a six figure salary but your wife writes checks that bounce, you don't put a dime away for your children education until months before you announce your candidacy, you use corporate credit cards for personal use and your first priory, after getting nearly a $1 million windfall, is not fund your children's eduction or pay off all of your debt, but to blow it on purchases like a $50,000 speedboat.
It is 2015 and Rubio is not running as a fiscal anything he is running as an anticommunist and a supporter of the Feudal Barons.
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His poor, immigrant parents — his father a bartender, his mother a hotel maid — had little money to manage, he told them.
My parent were poor. They had one debt, a house mortgage that they paid off early. I an sure that Sen. Rubio's parents lived similarly. Blaming your parents for your fiscal management problems priceless!
My parent were poor. They had one debt, a house mortgage that they paid off early. I an sure that Sen. Rubio's parents lived similarly. Blaming your parents for your fiscal management problems priceless!
7
I feel bad for his parents.
What strikes me most about this article is how insignificant the numbers are. Numbers for many veteran players in the game are an order of magnitude higher. The Clintons recently raked in $35 million in speaking fees in about one year, for instance.
Yet a member of the House earns only about $174,000, far less than it costs to live in DC and also in the state one represents. Members like Rubio who aren't wealthy find other ways to hang on. "Duke" Cunningham lived in DC on the yacht "Duke's Stir", which belonged to a defense contractor. Other Members slept in their offices. Two sources of outside income keep cropping up: speaking fees, and book deals. I'm a little suspicious of both.
So the low pay serves to discourage ordinary people from trying to get into the game or softly corrupt them if they do get in. This is one reason we really don't have 'a government of, by or for, the people'.
Yet a member of the House earns only about $174,000, far less than it costs to live in DC and also in the state one represents. Members like Rubio who aren't wealthy find other ways to hang on. "Duke" Cunningham lived in DC on the yacht "Duke's Stir", which belonged to a defense contractor. Other Members slept in their offices. Two sources of outside income keep cropping up: speaking fees, and book deals. I'm a little suspicious of both.
So the low pay serves to discourage ordinary people from trying to get into the game or softly corrupt them if they do get in. This is one reason we really don't have 'a government of, by or for, the people'.
6
These are no mistakes or lapses. And 'My apologies' for not paying for a business license. That is laughable.
Yes, most of us forget to pay a bill from time to time. But if you run a business, you learn quickly not to miss your most important payments, such as taxes and fees. Why? Because the government does not forgive or forget and the penalties are just not worth it!
It leaves you with one big question: how is Mr. Rubio going to spend our taxes if he does not know how to limit or manage his own spending?!
And ultimately, where is the accountability? Unlike Mr. Rubio, it seems, the US government cannot turn to a wealthy uncle or friend. The US government hopefully should be the one we all can turn to, when in need or so honored.
Yes, most of us forget to pay a bill from time to time. But if you run a business, you learn quickly not to miss your most important payments, such as taxes and fees. Why? Because the government does not forgive or forget and the penalties are just not worth it!
It leaves you with one big question: how is Mr. Rubio going to spend our taxes if he does not know how to limit or manage his own spending?!
And ultimately, where is the accountability? Unlike Mr. Rubio, it seems, the US government cannot turn to a wealthy uncle or friend. The US government hopefully should be the one we all can turn to, when in need or so honored.
5
It's not just the poor financial management that makes him unqualified to be president; it's the financial mismanagement in the context of being overly ambitious politically and wanting luxuries he could not afford--a fancy boat, a fancy house, a fancy car--and all at once. It's what these things say about his character, especially when combined with the lies he has told about his background, which were well reported some time ago but which the Times almost never mentions in its coverage of Rubio's campaign. Add to that the many missteps of using the "wrong" credit card, not paying certain bills, and, of course, the abundance of traffic tickets. It's the pattern.
8
Right. Totally lacking in foresight, delayed gratification, long-range planning ability and other qualities one would want in a top gov't official.
No news here. Just another dude trying to make himself wealthy by trading on his connections. He's obviously clumsy in his execution, but other than that he's just like everyone else running for office. Rich, poor their only in it for themselves.
They are all greedy, ego-soaked, self-centered people this one's just a little dumber...
They are all greedy, ego-soaked, self-centered people this one's just a little dumber...
3
Rubio's hypocrisy in decrying the out-of-control spending by the US govt., while leaning on a billionaire to fund him while he goes out and buys speedboats he can ill afford, is quite troubling. His misuse of funds is even more troubling; it's stealing, plain and simple, and it evidences a distinct lack of character, honesty and integrity. Sorry, apologizers, but these are basic values we should demand from a President.
4
Rubio obviously doesn't understand how to handle money for his own household & public life so how would be able to handle the nation's money. It's scary to say the least. Add to that basic dishonesty about his finances & his immigrant background & you have another George Bush.
4
If this article is supposed to hurt Rubio by comparing his income and the sources of his income to that of the Clintons, the Times is going to have to do better than this. All this article does is present the major differences between someone who works for a living and someone who feels entitled to a living. Have at it.
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A lack of impulse control is very common. But it can also cause legitimate questions on qualification to be president. It's why Clinton's philandering and overeating were real issues: they indicated that this person who had to have self-control and discipline had neither. Same with GWB's drug and alcohol abuse. (Almost) everyone blows it a few times in their youth before they get it together. But still mismanaging money into your 40s?! I'll pass on that guy being president, thanks.
7
this, combined with the traffic tickets make him seem like a very careless person, especially since he lives in the public eye. and please don't use works like "fiscal responsibility" and recommend draconian life styles for the poor when you are massively indebted and buying power boats.
7
Oh please.. Rubio received one traffic ticket every 5 years. Two of which were dismissed. One of which was for going 8 miles over the speed limit. The other was for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.
I'm beginning to like Rubio more and more. He is someone I can relate too
7
Wow, it is a sad commentary that some feel they can "relate" to fiscal deadbeats and hypocrites.
I'm not voting for him and disagree with most of his positions. However, this article could be written about any upper middle class American. He is no different. The cost of housing and schooling and just about everything else burdens the upper middle class more than any other segment of this country. His loans are the way to deal with it. Thus, it is not a burden. In theory, this is bad financial management; but, guess what, this is what all the banks and mortgage companies have encouraged Americans to do. I would be shocked if you could find someone living in a major metropolitan area (married with kids) and making between $150,000 and $250,000 without credit card debt and/or home equity loans and able to save any substantial sums. The government and the banks have made it impossible.
3
No my New York friend, the vast majority of upper income Americans make it a point to be fiscally responsible adults, which is not the case with the arrested developed Mr. Rubio.
Gee, the Rubios struggle with debt, including college loans, how unusual in America. So, for the Times, Romney was too rich, Rubio is too poor - wonder who is "just right?" Hilarious.
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He could have leased a Honda Civic or a Chevrolet Cruze instead of the Audi. But he thinks he's too good for that.
Does not pay his mortgage obligations
Uses State Amex for personal use
Accumulates high debt
He is a perfect Republican presidential candidate. He can blame the evil government for his bad behavior. So the solution is to get rid of government
Brilliant!
Uses State Amex for personal use
Accumulates high debt
He is a perfect Republican presidential candidate. He can blame the evil government for his bad behavior. So the solution is to get rid of government
Brilliant!
8
I am a yellow-dog democrat and find it hard to imagine ever voting for a republican, but even I find this piece about Rubio deeply flawed and fundamentally blind to the realities of life for those who are not born rich. Of course he had student debt. Of course he bought houses with no money down. He, like most of us, did not get a down payment from his parents. This story about Rubio just proves Piketty's point: Its not about income, its about wealth. Those who come from wealth will accumulate lots more wealth; those of us who do not come from wealth and would like to actually have a house will go into debt and will live precariously. Yes, he made stupid choices about the boat and the Audi; but these are deeply human stupidities, not immoralities. He works around rich people all the time, of course he is tempted to have some of what they have. It is very easy for people who have never been short of money to think that they are somehow morally superior or deeply wise when, in fact, they are just lucky.
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Somehow I doubt you are a "Yellow Dog" Democrat.
Because, any "Yellow Dog" Democrat worth their salt know the value of money and never respects an individual who chooses to live beyond their means by buying fancy toys and big houses and somehow can't find a way to pay on time a tiny $637.50 fee to the local government.
Because, any "Yellow Dog" Democrat worth their salt know the value of money and never respects an individual who chooses to live beyond their means by buying fancy toys and big houses and somehow can't find a way to pay on time a tiny $637.50 fee to the local government.
Well this explains why Mr. Rubio lunged at that bottle of water during his Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address. He'd already spent all his money on houses, boats and cars and couldn't afford his own water.
5
This is an easy fix. The Clintons were dead broke when they left the White House. So all Rubio needs to do is give a couple of speeches at $500K-$750K and all will be good again.
13
You gotta love these lefties. They are so incensed that Rubio bought an $80,000 boat, yet probably voted for John Kerry in 2004 although he bought a $7 million boat and registered it in a state which enabled him the avoid Massachusetts' taxes.
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The difference being Kerry could afford the boat, even with the taxes. And besides, I thought trying to avoid taxes was the highest calling of a Republican.
Did Kerry use his company credit card for personal expenses? Did he go deep into debt and have a sugar daddy bail him out?
Did he have the money to pay for the boat?
Rubio's the symptom, his party the infection and the American people the afflicted.
2
So to sum up..... Mitt Romney was too rich to be President because he could not understand issues facing regular people.
Marco Rubio is not rich enough to be President because he has faced issues like regular people.
Marco Rubio is not rich enough to be President because he has faced issues like regular people.
13
Who knew that a $300,000 a year salary and a billionaire on beckon call was something that every "regular" people has....
2
I don't know many "regular people" with 6 figure book advances, billionaire patrons, multiple homes, and fishing boats that cost 80K. I know a lot of people who work very hard at jobs where they haven't had a raise that meets or beats the rising cost of living in several years despite earning big bucks for their bosses, who keep cutting their benefits and piling on the workload. They face issues like paying rent/mortgage on 1 home/apt, keeping food on the table, and paying for health insurance. For them, going out to eat occasionally and maybe taking a modest vacation once a year is as luxurious as it gets. Rubio's wealth or lack thereof isn't the issue. It's his general hypocrisy to think that he the insight and knowledge of the economy and government spending to be POTUS, when he can't even seem to balance his own checkbook or live within his means.
You could be on to something there, now why don't we all become Clintons and we can make a fortune selling influence. I don't know if that's as bad as leasing an Audi or buying a boat.
The last thing Obama supporters should be doing is looking down their noses at anyone when it comes to finances.
The Obama presidency will leave America with the worst debt in history, more than the previous 43 presidents combined.
The Obama presidency will leave America with the worst debt in history, more than the previous 43 presidents combined.
8
Oh, the consequences of too much money (Hillary) and too little money (Marco).
1
There's a bigger irony here: the finances of the US are not like managing personal finances. But Republicans - railing against what they perceive as wasteful spending - seem to think they're the same thing. Rubio demonstrates that he shouldn't be running any sort of financial operation. By the Republicans' own criteria, he is unfit for office.
Serving as CEO of the largest organization in the world - the US government - is not like running personal finances. It's a lot more complicated. But running your personal finances responsibly seems to be a reasonable prerequisite for the job.
Serving as CEO of the largest organization in the world - the US government - is not like running personal finances. It's a lot more complicated. But running your personal finances responsibly seems to be a reasonable prerequisite for the job.
6
Wow, finally! The New York Times prints a critical article about a Republican candidate instead of always attacking Hillary.
8
The Republicans are trying to palm him off as Cesar Chavez.
He has Cesar Chavez's family finances, but that is where the comparison ends.
In Immokalee Florida, Hispanic America are held as slaves by growers (I'm not speaking metaphorically). That is how bad the abuse of Hispanics is in the State of Florida. The Republican Party controls the entire state of Florida, but will not lift a finger to help the abused farm workers.
He has Cesar Chavez's family finances, but that is where the comparison ends.
In Immokalee Florida, Hispanic America are held as slaves by growers (I'm not speaking metaphorically). That is how bad the abuse of Hispanics is in the State of Florida. The Republican Party controls the entire state of Florida, but will not lift a finger to help the abused farm workers.
7
I have a lot of respect for Mr. Rubio's difficulty as an immigrant and the son of working class people, but where is his sympathy for other immigrants who have worked hard and not been able to become citizens He does not propose a path to citizenship for them no matter how hard they have worked.
I also have a lot of sympathy for Marco Rubio's financial mess, but I don't want a President who is a wholly owned subsidiary of a billionaire. That lets out a lot of Republican candidates, not just Mr. Rubio.
I also have a lot of sympathy for Marco Rubio's financial mess, but I don't want a President who is a wholly owned subsidiary of a billionaire. That lets out a lot of Republican candidates, not just Mr. Rubio.
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