Problems I see with Rubio:
1-His thinking is linear and syllogistic. iRobot, not iTrump. He needs an iTrump for debate prep–one who is smarter, better informed and more nimble than the real deal. A multidimensional, out-of-the-box, complex-to-the-point-of-wacko thinker. Greg Gutfeld comes to mind…
2-He tends to freeze and to pull his punches. Likely causes: He wants it too much and he's running on amiability. I've yet to see him mount a full-throated attack on Clinton. If he cannot attack Trump, he will not attack Clinton and is he therefore useless.
8
The surge of establishment endorsements for Rubio just re-confirms (see also 2015 anointment of Jeb!) that the establishment underestimates the degree of anger, disgust, ... within the Republican electorate. In Nevada the non/anti-establishment candidates received 72% of the vote, which suggests Trump/not-Trump is the wrong analytical frame.
After Trump re-balances, as he's said he will, to show more glimpses of presidential demeanor, his electability ratings will rise. He's a consummate persuader who has been under-estimated at every step.
What is Marco Rubio Waiting For? 2020 or 2024
After Trump re-balances, as he's said he will, to show more glimpses of presidential demeanor, his electability ratings will rise. He's a consummate persuader who has been under-estimated at every step.
What is Marco Rubio Waiting For? 2020 or 2024
11
First things first. If Rubio pivots to attack Trump, that gives Cruz breathing space, and Rubio can't take on Trump and Ted simultaneously. If he can't pull ahead of Trump in the delegate count before the convention, he still has a chance if he is in the #2 spot and Trump fails to get a majority. What remains of the GOP establishment will still have some power and influence in a brokered convention and may be able to horse trade enough delegates to allow Rubio, or some other non-trump/non-Cruz nominee to emerge.
1
I found myself shaking my head in disbelief reading Ross' column because it classically illustrates why this country is in decline. When the likes of Rubio is held up as intelligent and eloquent when the man has demonstrated he has never had an original thought or missed a robo remark, any sense of merit is thrown out the window. Gone are the great statesman who came to government with ideas and the will to try and make things better for the country. Now, the narcissistically flawed openly mascaraed as deep thinkers and have the backing of big money to tell us so over and over and hope it sticks. So keep repeating your mantra Mr. Douthat but as the public and the comments on this post illustrate, you can keep saying it but we don't believe you.
35
Oh, I wish I could sympathize with Mr. Douthat and the disappointed republicans who don't like their own handmade creature, Mr. Trump. but I can't. They conjured up this latest low-bar candidate after years of tolerating, even celebrating, sub-sub mediocre, whistle-brained candidates. The swagger, the arrogant smirk, the money given to him, the business failures, the self-aggrandizing, the inability to put forth coherently a policy, any policy? Sounds like Trump, doesn't it? But that was W and W set the bar so low that now there seems to be no republican standard whatsoever. And before Trump, the republicans offered up the likes of Mr. Quayle, Mrs. Palin and the tea party, just to see how much nonsense people would accept.
Somehow, Mr. Douthat believes that Rubio is a better candidate than Trump. Please explain how. Rubio is just this year's model ultra conservative wind-up machine. Maybe the republican establishment sees Mr. Rubio as a little David going to battle with Trump Goliath. It should be bloody, watching Trump in a battle of wits with such a woefully unarmed opponent.
This reality show is really a dud except for the scary part. That part is any of the republican candidates on offer, outside of Kasich, actually becoming president.
Somehow, Mr. Douthat believes that Rubio is a better candidate than Trump. Please explain how. Rubio is just this year's model ultra conservative wind-up machine. Maybe the republican establishment sees Mr. Rubio as a little David going to battle with Trump Goliath. It should be bloody, watching Trump in a battle of wits with such a woefully unarmed opponent.
This reality show is really a dud except for the scary part. That part is any of the republican candidates on offer, outside of Kasich, actually becoming president.
32
Rubio can be quite eloquent and on-target, but he is easily rattled, and -- in an era when image counts for at least as much as substance -- far too fresh-faced to mount a convincing attack on Trump. His handlers must realize that he can only lose in such a confrontation. Rubio will go after Trump for the vagueness and incoherence of his ideas, and Trump will just do his Mussolini balcony shtick, strutting and smirking like in the old newsreels. Whereupon the media worthies will count it a loss for the whipper-snapper, and Trump will go on to win more primaries. What we need right now is not so much a Churchill as a Joseph Welch (the army’s counsel in the 1954 Army-McCarthy hearings), who will say to the Donald: “Have you no shame? At long last, sir, have you no shame?” The problem is that shame is an all but obsolete notion in the age of Twitter, Snapchat, reality TV, and political debates that are promoted and staged as Vegas slug-fests.
13
Yes, he'd be so much better if he became a clone of Trump/Cruz, wouldn't he?
The man with the second worst hair (implant or glued tufts, you decide!) in the party makes a standard weather vane appear permanently stationary.
His views, some of the time, are indistinguishable from the party patriarchal octogenarian who died decades ago (Reagan) and whose ideas at that time already were severely dated.
The world has moved on from those sad days; Rubio and company are the conservative brethren of those amusing guys still stumbling around in bell bottoms, ZZTop beards, and tie-dyed tees.
The man with the second worst hair (implant or glued tufts, you decide!) in the party makes a standard weather vane appear permanently stationary.
His views, some of the time, are indistinguishable from the party patriarchal octogenarian who died decades ago (Reagan) and whose ideas at that time already were severely dated.
The world has moved on from those sad days; Rubio and company are the conservative brethren of those amusing guys still stumbling around in bell bottoms, ZZTop beards, and tie-dyed tees.
9
You should be calling on Republicans to vote for a Democrat if the Party cannot come up with an alternative to Trump,Rubio, or Cruz.
We should all be fighting, with ever fiber of our beings, to avoid the national disaster that a Staunchly Conservative Republican President would bring to our nation.
It doesn't seem like you get the implications of just such an event.
We should all be fighting, with ever fiber of our beings, to avoid the national disaster that a Staunchly Conservative Republican President would bring to our nation.
It doesn't seem like you get the implications of just such an event.
36
But Rubio is NOT that talented or smart, except as a projection of certain Republican elites’ hopes and (increasingly) fears. (He’s not anywhere close to moderate, either.) On one hand, we have a mainstream GOP so bellicose that it won’t even consider the president’s SCOTUS nominee, on the other we have a shrill loutish man-boy as the party’s eventual nominee — and the Douthats of the world don’t want to acknowledge the connection. Donald Trump is not a sign that the end is coming for the party; he’s confirmation that it’s already here.
18
Ross,
You can't have everything you want, like most American voters we will all be forced to vote for the lesser of two evils.Hillary will defeat Rubio, with TV Adds, & signs showing Rubio's bewildered face as Christie took him apart. Under his picture would be written, if Christie can do this to him, what would Putin do to him when he doesn't have a tele prompter in front of him. There are only two Republican Candidates that could stand up to Putin, Cruz & Trump, Cruz with his superior debating skills, & Trump would brute force, he might even throw Putin out of a window.There is one other thing that Trump brings to the table that no other Republican can do, he will get Democratic votes from the millions of Democrats that hate Hillary.
If you want a Republican in office even a soiled one who sounds like a Democrat, Trump is your man, get used to it. this Democrat has already accepted the inevitable.
You can't have everything you want, like most American voters we will all be forced to vote for the lesser of two evils.Hillary will defeat Rubio, with TV Adds, & signs showing Rubio's bewildered face as Christie took him apart. Under his picture would be written, if Christie can do this to him, what would Putin do to him when he doesn't have a tele prompter in front of him. There are only two Republican Candidates that could stand up to Putin, Cruz & Trump, Cruz with his superior debating skills, & Trump would brute force, he might even throw Putin out of a window.There is one other thing that Trump brings to the table that no other Republican can do, he will get Democratic votes from the millions of Democrats that hate Hillary.
If you want a Republican in office even a soiled one who sounds like a Democrat, Trump is your man, get used to it. this Democrat has already accepted the inevitable.
3
In what way is Marco Rubio talented? He has an inoffensive personality, that is the best I can conjure up. He is not the foreign policy expert he claims to be, merely a parrot of the neo con nonsense that invaded Iraq and lauds keeping Guantanamo open In perpetuity. Speaking of Cuba, that open door must be slammed shut again, give the old policy another 20 years or so, even Raoul will have to be dead. Tear up the world accord with Iran, same with the Clmate agreement, what could go wrong. Really, Mr. Douthat how can you support these people? We had hail and thunder in February in my neck of the woods last night, buying waterfront property in Florida probably not a good idea, same goes for Norfolk, Va. That is just the tip of the climate calamities ahead, but hey we don't care about the rest of the world, we are exceptional after all!
26
Mr. Douthat obviously sees a totally different Rubio than the rest of the world does. When he states that Rubio is "frequently eloquent", he is delusional. The man has done nothing in his entire life. He didn't even show up at his day job, The Senate, before he started campaigning. Not even those who have endorse him can name an accomplishment. No one can quote him on anything. The party has disintegrated into chaos and depravity. Your little boy, Marco, can not save it...even if he were to win the nomination. He cannot stand up to the adults in the room on the other side.
27
My speculation is that Rubio will be happy to become Trump's VP, which may be a more realistic outcome for him than the presidency.
4
Mr. Douthat writes: "And the man who now, finally, has the support of the institutional party, the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida, has decided that Trump is still better mostly ignored than actively opposed."
This is classic bad journalism: Mr. Douthat describes Rubio as "very talented" and "frequently eloquent," but he does it in a parenthetical clause, tossing it off as if it were accepted fact. Not!
Rubio is talented if by that you mean he's slicker than butter on a door knob. He's very talented at hiding the fact that he's a far-right ideologue funded by and carrying water for some very wealthy people, and that his tax plan is warmed-over supply-side nonsense.
Rubio is frequently eloquent if by eloquent you mean able to spout a pre-memorized sound bite, whether it fits the situation or not - witness his disastrous debate performance.
I understand Mr. Douthat's frustration: the only grown-up in the Republican clown car is Kasich, and he appears to have no traction. However, the fact that Mr. Douthat could even consider getting behind Rubio... well, that's just sad.
This is classic bad journalism: Mr. Douthat describes Rubio as "very talented" and "frequently eloquent," but he does it in a parenthetical clause, tossing it off as if it were accepted fact. Not!
Rubio is talented if by that you mean he's slicker than butter on a door knob. He's very talented at hiding the fact that he's a far-right ideologue funded by and carrying water for some very wealthy people, and that his tax plan is warmed-over supply-side nonsense.
Rubio is frequently eloquent if by eloquent you mean able to spout a pre-memorized sound bite, whether it fits the situation or not - witness his disastrous debate performance.
I understand Mr. Douthat's frustration: the only grown-up in the Republican clown car is Kasich, and he appears to have no traction. However, the fact that Mr. Douthat could even consider getting behind Rubio... well, that's just sad.
18
He is afraid of interrupting the grown-ups. His senate job is gone. Licking Trump's boots might land him a VP job.
13
This is kind of pathetic. You compared the GOP clown car with Dunkirk and the British Empire in WWII? What a bit of (not unexpected) arrogance that is.
14
Ross, Mr. Rubio is losing in his home state of Florida. Now what do you, Mr. Podhoretz, Mr. Kristol, and the National Reviewers do?
15
Mr. Douthat-- Rubio's strategy is quite simple and sensible. If Donald Trump disappeared tomorrow, Ted Cruz would likely pick up the majority of his anti-establishment supporters, putting him into front-runner position. By taking out Cruz first, Rubio takes on an ultimately weaker opponent in the GOP primary. Of course his risk is that if Cruz remains viable and in the running long enough, Donald may remain out front. It's not Churchill-Hitler or Kutuzov-Bonepart, but a 3-way Mexican standoff.
You asked; "what is he waiting for"? Answer: To mature and "grow up."
11
Hey Ross, I don't like Trump either, but can we kindly refrain from comparing him to Hitler, even metaphorically?
8
In a book on Truth and Truthfulness, Bernard Williams observes that "self-deception is a homage fantasy pays to the sense of reality." Comparing Marco Rubio to Winston Churchill is merely the most recent example of self-deception on Mr. Douthat's part. After all, who can take a genuinely candid look at the field of GOP candidates without gagging? As even Governor Kasich exclaimed during the last Republican debate, "This is nuts!"
However, if Williams is right, then Mr. Douthat is at some level aware that he lives in fantasy land--and a strangely penumbral and dystopic one at that! Why else would he keep publicly lying to himself as well as us?
However, if Williams is right, then Mr. Douthat is at some level aware that he lives in fantasy land--and a strangely penumbral and dystopic one at that! Why else would he keep publicly lying to himself as well as us?
6
We could argue from here to November and beyond which of our two political parties is responsible for the economic distress most of the country faces, but the reality is the economic distress. Mr. Trump addresses that distress in terms the white working class base of the Republican Party understands. None Mr. Trump's competitors comes close.
Now Mr. Trump lies about what ails the nation, but his lies make sense to many of those who actually have to compete for construction, road crew and other jobs requiring hand labor with the "other."
Mr.Rubio and Mr. Cruz actually ARE the other for this plurality of the Republican base. They may tic many of the boxes Mr. Trump does, but they look like the people they think are taking their jobs. It's no wonder that many of these folks mention Bernie Sanders as their second choice. Sanders and Trump are the only serious candidates addressing their concerns.
I think the real question is what this 1/3 or more of the Republican base would do if Mr. Trump is not the nominee. Do you really see them swamping polling sites to cast a ballot for Mr. Rubio?
Now Mr. Trump lies about what ails the nation, but his lies make sense to many of those who actually have to compete for construction, road crew and other jobs requiring hand labor with the "other."
Mr.Rubio and Mr. Cruz actually ARE the other for this plurality of the Republican base. They may tic many of the boxes Mr. Trump does, but they look like the people they think are taking their jobs. It's no wonder that many of these folks mention Bernie Sanders as their second choice. Sanders and Trump are the only serious candidates addressing their concerns.
I think the real question is what this 1/3 or more of the Republican base would do if Mr. Trump is not the nominee. Do you really see them swamping polling sites to cast a ballot for Mr. Rubio?
4
No one, and I mean NO ONE is going to vote for a guy named "Marco." It sounds too much like the presumptive fourth member of the Three Stooges. Can anyone who has followed this man's political career ever forget his weird reaches for a water bottle during one of his oratories? He looked like something out of a bad TV commercial. Frankly, the way that Chris Christie eviscerated Marco is an indelible scar on his political career. It so very much reminded me of the scene from the movie The Stepford Wives, where the human protagonist stabs one of the robot wives in the stomach with a butcher knife. The stabbed robot looks up shocked and says "how could you do a thing like that?" and then proceeds to flail about while repeating that last line over and over again at different speeds. If that's not analogous to Marco's response, i don't know what is.
Check it out here http://youtu.be/VG7JAM6DQnM
Check it out here http://youtu.be/VG7JAM6DQnM
11
Four possible explanations:
1. Rubio is holding on to some scandalous matter that would disaffect even Trump's reptilian supporters - such as a video of Trump having sex with a prepubescent Muslim boy while waiving a Mexican flag.
2. Rubio's campaign strategy is on a par with Al Gore's and Mitt Romney's.
3. Rubio is positioning himself to tag along as the vice-presidential candidate on a Trump ticket.
4. Rubio, being a callow youth, actually is running for the 2024 nomination.
1. Rubio is holding on to some scandalous matter that would disaffect even Trump's reptilian supporters - such as a video of Trump having sex with a prepubescent Muslim boy while waiving a Mexican flag.
2. Rubio's campaign strategy is on a par with Al Gore's and Mitt Romney's.
3. Rubio is positioning himself to tag along as the vice-presidential candidate on a Trump ticket.
4. Rubio, being a callow youth, actually is running for the 2024 nomination.
9
Like I said before, Ross, you should write about anything else, until after the Conventions are over, this summer. Anything, that is, except the Catholic church, religion in general, family values (in not too particular) or, "...those people..."!
11
Donald Trump has known American media intimately since the early fifties. Trump knows his GOP better than it knows itself. The GOP cannot beat Donald Trump. Only America can beat Donald Trump.
I first subscribed to National Review fifty years ago and know how lies become truth after they have bounced against the walls enough times.
Trump is smarter, better informed and more believable than Rubio. Rubio hasn't even a slingshot to fell Goliath . Rubio is Grenada going into battle against the USA.
The only candidate that can beat Trump is Bernie because not only is he believable he has truth on his side. Bernie of course will be steamrollered by the media and the establishment.
Ross the time has come to start writing about President Trump and Reality America.
I first subscribed to National Review fifty years ago and know how lies become truth after they have bounced against the walls enough times.
Trump is smarter, better informed and more believable than Rubio. Rubio hasn't even a slingshot to fell Goliath . Rubio is Grenada going into battle against the USA.
The only candidate that can beat Trump is Bernie because not only is he believable he has truth on his side. Bernie of course will be steamrollered by the media and the establishment.
Ross the time has come to start writing about President Trump and Reality America.
6
When will Republicans accept that the only viable conservative candidate in this race is Clinton?
All of the Republican candidates are extremists in some fashion.
All of the Republican candidates are extremists in some fashion.
5
Will the real Marco Rubio please stand up?
It is far from clear whether Mr. Rubio is the "very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida" or if he is the flustered, overmatched, green-behind-the-ears politician who is in way over his head. It is revealing that, despite seeming not to know the answer to this question, Mr. Douthat is supporting him to be the President of the United States and the Commander in Chief of the US Military. Yikes.
Perhaps the most frightening prospect for Mr. Douthat is that, come November, when Mr. Trump's name is next to the "R" on his ballot, he will have to check the box next to the "D" or spend 4 years writing about President Trump.
It is far from clear whether Mr. Rubio is the "very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida" or if he is the flustered, overmatched, green-behind-the-ears politician who is in way over his head. It is revealing that, despite seeming not to know the answer to this question, Mr. Douthat is supporting him to be the President of the United States and the Commander in Chief of the US Military. Yikes.
Perhaps the most frightening prospect for Mr. Douthat is that, come November, when Mr. Trump's name is next to the "R" on his ballot, he will have to check the box next to the "D" or spend 4 years writing about President Trump.
5
"And the man who now, finally, has the support of the institutional party, the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida...."
You got to be kidding. Other than being attractive on tv and prying large sums of money from rich donors, Mr Rubio is a disaster. He is totally unqualified, has almost no record as a legislator in the Senate and the Republicans under his leadership in Florida were a disaster. If I had a staff of writers, which I sorely need, I could be as eloquent as Rubio. Probably more so because the lights are on inside my head
You got to be kidding. Other than being attractive on tv and prying large sums of money from rich donors, Mr Rubio is a disaster. He is totally unqualified, has almost no record as a legislator in the Senate and the Republicans under his leadership in Florida were a disaster. If I had a staff of writers, which I sorely need, I could be as eloquent as Rubio. Probably more so because the lights are on inside my head
14
What is Marco Rubio waiting for?
A replacement microchip?
Never mind, I prefer a president that isn't pre programmed.
A replacement microchip?
Never mind, I prefer a president that isn't pre programmed.
4
The way-too-clever historical references cannot hide the fact that the GOP is pretty much going to have to choose from a bunch of delusional mediocrities who make Sen McConnell look like Churchill.
3
Two brief comments:
1. All the mud slinging towards Trump in previous debates have had absolutely no discernible negative impact on Trump's standing with the American citizenry. What makes one believe more of the same will result in anything different? Answer: A lack of understanding of exactly what's going on with the American citizenry.
2. Even if the solidly establishment Republican candidate, Rubio, the favorite pick for oligarchs, international corporatists, and bankers, were to pull off a win, what does one think all the anti-establishment citizenry, of all stripes, will do next? Fall in line behind a perceived enemy of the people? Careful, Mr. Douthat, we might get what you hope for.
1. All the mud slinging towards Trump in previous debates have had absolutely no discernible negative impact on Trump's standing with the American citizenry. What makes one believe more of the same will result in anything different? Answer: A lack of understanding of exactly what's going on with the American citizenry.
2. Even if the solidly establishment Republican candidate, Rubio, the favorite pick for oligarchs, international corporatists, and bankers, were to pull off a win, what does one think all the anti-establishment citizenry, of all stripes, will do next? Fall in line behind a perceived enemy of the people? Careful, Mr. Douthat, we might get what you hope for.
5
What is Marco Rubio waiting for? So far his only interest seems to be self advancement. Until he finds a deeper reason for his being, and some backbone to support that reason, he might as well not be running. He's wasting his time and ours with this play. He's waiting to grow up.
6
The trouble with the idea of Rubio unleashing a barrage of attack ads against Trump is that Marco himself is quite vulnerable to the same. Wait till Trump brings up all the money that Rubio got from his sugar daddy in Florida, and how he blew a cool hundred grand on a speedboat instead of paying down his debts, as his sugar daddy intended for him to do. If Trump has shown anything in this campaign, it is his ability to hit back where it hurts.
This is going to be a "fun" few months yet.
This is going to be a "fun" few months yet.
10
If Marco Rubio is as "talented and eloquent" as Ross believes, wouldn't he have one at least one primary by now?
12
Ross, obviously you're not praying hard enough.
14
Did I see you compare Mr. Trump with Hitler? Ts, tsk. It's not nice for you to treat your own creation so poorly.
As for Marco Rubio, the "frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida". If you truly believe that, I'm incredulous. He's a scripted empty suit, bought and paid for by his wife's employer, the Florida billionaire.
As for Marco Rubio, the "frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida". If you truly believe that, I'm incredulous. He's a scripted empty suit, bought and paid for by his wife's employer, the Florida billionaire.
13
I think Rubio is a far more dangerous man with his hardcore neoliberal policies than Trump who is just a populist and show man who's rhethoric is much wilder than what he would actually do if elected.
9
Rubio is waiting for his handlers to tell him what to do. Nothing the establishment has tried has worked yet and I don't think they know what to do next. Marco Roboto will move on once he gets his instructions from the establishment.
As for the wealthy donors fearing Trump's insults? Boohoo - cry me a river. Its not that they fear his insults, its that they fear him opening up their closets and disclosing some skeletons of their own that they don't want public. If a person donates a large amount of $ to a Super PAC to attack a candidate, that wealthy donor has now part of a campaign (since they are trying to influence it) and should be considered fair game.
Wealthy elites can't have it both ways - they can't influence elections with obscene amounts of $ and not face any potential side effects. This ploy by Trump is great because its a check on wealthy donors and their ability to try to buy elections through unlimited donations to Super PACs. In a way, he is doing what the courts wouldn't do to restrict the power and influence of Super PACs.
As for the wealthy donors fearing Trump's insults? Boohoo - cry me a river. Its not that they fear his insults, its that they fear him opening up their closets and disclosing some skeletons of their own that they don't want public. If a person donates a large amount of $ to a Super PAC to attack a candidate, that wealthy donor has now part of a campaign (since they are trying to influence it) and should be considered fair game.
Wealthy elites can't have it both ways - they can't influence elections with obscene amounts of $ and not face any potential side effects. This ploy by Trump is great because its a check on wealthy donors and their ability to try to buy elections through unlimited donations to Super PACs. In a way, he is doing what the courts wouldn't do to restrict the power and influence of Super PACs.
10
Entertaining to watch the party of bullies, cowards, hucksters and sloganeers try to act like they figure people with courage would. Almost as entertaining as the stuff pundits who agree with them write about it all.
6
To quote a scene from Ghostbusters ...
"I'm sure there are many rewarding career opportunities available in both the food service and the hotel hospitality industries."
... waiting for Rubio.
Who knows? He could end up working for Trump in a different capacity.
"I'm sure there are many rewarding career opportunities available in both the food service and the hotel hospitality industries."
... waiting for Rubio.
Who knows? He could end up working for Trump in a different capacity.
10
There's a simple solution to the Trump dilemma, ending in the Presidency of Ryan.
Elect Trump and his VP, Sarah Palin. Then impeach them both. One shouldn;t have to wait long for adequate grounds.
Elect Trump and his VP, Sarah Palin. Then impeach them both. One shouldn;t have to wait long for adequate grounds.
3
Mr. Douthat, I really enjoyed your tweet fantasizing about assassinating Donald Trump. Keep up the good work.
1
Excellent point- the Kutuzov plan worked for Russia because they had strategic depth. Right now the fractured remains of the GOP are trying to Kutuzov plan when they have all the strategic depth of Israel.
2
As long as you are using WWII analogies...
The problem is, Rubio isn't Kutuzov with the vast Russian hinterland to fall back into. And he isn't Churchill, with the English Channel to retreat behind.
I fear very much that he's Weygand, with his front crumbling, his forces divided, and Guderian's panzers cutting off his allies.
The problem is, Rubio isn't Kutuzov with the vast Russian hinterland to fall back into. And he isn't Churchill, with the English Channel to retreat behind.
I fear very much that he's Weygand, with his front crumbling, his forces divided, and Guderian's panzers cutting off his allies.
7
It is just so clear to me that Rubio is in over his head. He comes across as shallow, immature and inexperienced, albeit a good speaker. His policies are in contradiction to his proclamation of a "new generation", and has no concept of the First Amendment to our Constitution. Throw in his history of absences from his Senatorial job, he has no work ethic.
12
First thing you need to do Ross, is pick up your dictionary and look up the words "talented" and "eloquent". They don't mean what you seem to think they do. Mr. Rubio certainly is neither.
Secondly, no matter how much you want to see him win, and no matter how much he tries to act as though he is winning, "fake it till you make it" just isn't going to work for him here. He hasn't won a single thing yet, and isn't projected to win anything on super Tuesday. He's an empty suit and he can't hide it very well.
Better get used to the Donald calling the shots for the GOP for now.
Secondly, no matter how much you want to see him win, and no matter how much he tries to act as though he is winning, "fake it till you make it" just isn't going to work for him here. He hasn't won a single thing yet, and isn't projected to win anything on super Tuesday. He's an empty suit and he can't hide it very well.
Better get used to the Donald calling the shots for the GOP for now.
11
This op-ed, like many I have seen in the Times lately, waffles between disbelief that a candidate like Trump could be successful and disbelief that the Republicans are unable to address the disintegration of their power centers as a result of the Trump phenomenon. He might be a proto-fascist, but that isn't so different from the equally fascistic, xenophobic, and self-aggrandizing positions of Rubio and Cruz. When Trump points out that the Bush Administration was largely responsible for the disasters of the years 2000-2008, he is merely stating a fact. I have no sympathy for Republican operatives like Rubio who cannot admit that their policies have done more harm than good and need to change. His fundamentalism regarding the Republican agenda--and his utter lack of vision or any whiff of inventiveness or creativity--should make him automatically unqualified to be president.
11
"the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida..."???
He's a wind-up toy doll regurgitating scripted platitudes.
The question isn't what Marco Rubio is waiting for, but what imaginary Marco Rubio Republican insiders are waiting for. He doesn't have it in him to do things differently. This is the candidate he is.
He's a wind-up toy doll regurgitating scripted platitudes.
The question isn't what Marco Rubio is waiting for, but what imaginary Marco Rubio Republican insiders are waiting for. He doesn't have it in him to do things differently. This is the candidate he is.
7
The reason is he wants to be Trump's vice-president and that should be obvious to Mr. Douthat.
2
"Trump is winning everywhere, he is winning easily — and very, very little is being done to stop him."
Why fight the will of the people Mr. Douthat? Do you think people shouldn't be allowed to pick who they want, and they should defer to 'pundits'?
Why fight the will of the people Mr. Douthat? Do you think people shouldn't be allowed to pick who they want, and they should defer to 'pundits'?
4
Marco Rubio is now, covertly, pursuing another office!
Why? What?
He surely envisions himself as the vice presidential running mate of Donald Trump.
As a v-e-r-y young man, Senator Rubio -- should he be elected as vice president -- might imagine himself in play as a prospective presidential nominee over the next 15 or so years. (Sort of like Harold Stassen!)
Another factor. not much discussed in such calculations, is that Senator Rubio's term as a US Senator from Florida ends in early January of 2017. That would deny him a platform, and also a salary and his fringe benefits, should he find himself in that circumstance if he doesn't gain the nomination for president or vice president.
As to why he hasn't played better on the national stage during 2016 -- lots of # 2s and #3s in primaries and caucus states -- it is because the electorate views him as an implausible presidential aspirant. To place a finer point on this matter, he conveys the appearance of an "empty suit."
A much more plausible Republican VP would come in the form of John Kasich. Not an empty suit!
Why? What?
He surely envisions himself as the vice presidential running mate of Donald Trump.
As a v-e-r-y young man, Senator Rubio -- should he be elected as vice president -- might imagine himself in play as a prospective presidential nominee over the next 15 or so years. (Sort of like Harold Stassen!)
Another factor. not much discussed in such calculations, is that Senator Rubio's term as a US Senator from Florida ends in early January of 2017. That would deny him a platform, and also a salary and his fringe benefits, should he find himself in that circumstance if he doesn't gain the nomination for president or vice president.
As to why he hasn't played better on the national stage during 2016 -- lots of # 2s and #3s in primaries and caucus states -- it is because the electorate views him as an implausible presidential aspirant. To place a finer point on this matter, he conveys the appearance of an "empty suit."
A much more plausible Republican VP would come in the form of John Kasich. Not an empty suit!
2
What is Marco Rubio waiting for? His next speech/talking points/set of values, take your pick. Floridians consider Marco a foolish disappointment as Senator and doubt his being reelected. This is likely to be Marco's last political rodeo before resigning to work for his billionaire auto tycoon political sugar-daddy.
6
My impression is that Rubio's not only essentially gutless--ran away fast from his one accomplishment in the Senate, remember--but that it's pretty hard to carry a banner when you haven't got anything to write on it.
It's why it's hilarious to see all the comparisons to our current President. Sorry, but Marco Rubio ain't in the league.
Or as I heard Chris Matthews bloviate correctly the other night, Rubio's (and Cruz') problems with Donald Trump begin and end with their being little, little men.
There's no heart to them, no core to be seen, which is why they constantly talk-talk about what they want. Trump's an obvious loon and phony, but he's got his voters hypnotized because he's an outsized loon and phony who at least talk-talks about the whole country.
It's why it's hilarious to see all the comparisons to our current President. Sorry, but Marco Rubio ain't in the league.
Or as I heard Chris Matthews bloviate correctly the other night, Rubio's (and Cruz') problems with Donald Trump begin and end with their being little, little men.
There's no heart to them, no core to be seen, which is why they constantly talk-talk about what they want. Trump's an obvious loon and phony, but he's got his voters hypnotized because he's an outsized loon and phony who at least talk-talks about the whole country.
4
"the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida," ...Wow, I had to read that twice. What are his talents? He is very malleable. He is solid Tea Party. So that is about 10% of the electorate. Rubio also talks all thetime about the 60% that don't like Trump, but by that same token 80% don't like Rubio. If he thinks that every single Bush, Kasich, Cruz, etc voter is going to go to him, he is just proving the point that he is delusional. Do the math, and it is really clear that there is no path to the presidency for Rubio except through a brokered convention. How do you think the Republican base is going to like it if Trump has just under 50% of the delegates and next comes someone with about 30% and then the nomination is taken away from Trump?? Ross, you have your new Republican party, and 50% of the people hate it so much that they will vote for Trump, the one who said that W Bush lied and that he knowingly lied. You are going to need to get in line and tow the line. Trump is Leader and you may not question The Leader.
6
Since Douhat tweeted for the assignation of the Republican front runner, he has lost all credibility and integrity. Hopefully the Secret Service will interview him and see how real this threat is. Can you imagine a similar musing about Obama in 2008? Why has the NYT not reprimanded him? I remember outrage at Palin for having bullseyes on her Democrat political hit list.
3
What is he waiting for? A better offer. He usually runs and gets bored and doesn't show up.. This campaign is sooooooooo long that he is already bored!
Please we don't need another child in the White House!
Please we don't need another child in the White House!
3
Rubio wants to be vice president in a Trump presidency. Why isn't that more clear to pundits?
3
Ah yes, the arriviste Senor Rubio. Anyone paying the slightest bit of attention to his candidacy would conclude that he has three distinguishing characteristics:
- He suffers from what we might call Dan Quayle or Sarah Palin syndrome. That is, he lacks sufficient IQ points to recognize his own mediocrity, and to realize he is in way over his head (and it seems pretty clear that he would be in over his head as the mayor of a tiny rural town in central Florida).
- He lacks any shred of dignity or integrity; this enables him to sell himself to wealthy old men.
- He has the ability to memorize lots of talking points written for him by others and rapidly spew them forth. And he blithely does so - despite the fact these statements are generally nonsensical, or outright lies, or a matter of opinion.
- He suffers from what we might call Dan Quayle or Sarah Palin syndrome. That is, he lacks sufficient IQ points to recognize his own mediocrity, and to realize he is in way over his head (and it seems pretty clear that he would be in over his head as the mayor of a tiny rural town in central Florida).
- He lacks any shred of dignity or integrity; this enables him to sell himself to wealthy old men.
- He has the ability to memorize lots of talking points written for him by others and rapidly spew them forth. And he blithely does so - despite the fact these statements are generally nonsensical, or outright lies, or a matter of opinion.
14
Perhaps out genteel achievers are simply aghast at the awful epithets coming from Trump. They got use to this sort of garbage from ''obstructionist criminals'' like Sen. Harry Reid (Bette Midler's phrase) but they never thought that they'd have to climb into the pigpen and wrestle with one. There may be different issues but the song's the same.
The other ''obstructionist criminals'' like Charles Schumer, Joe Biden, Patrick Leahy, etc. are wisely staying out of this one!
The other ''obstructionist criminals'' like Charles Schumer, Joe Biden, Patrick Leahy, etc. are wisely staying out of this one!
Ross, Marco is running for the vice presidency, plus, he doesn't want to wet himself on stage if Trump turns on him. As the Hawk would say, "he gone."
5
"and I’ve pointed out the things that Hitler is for that I don’t agree with..." Seriously, suggesting comparisons to Hitler in a column about the infighting in the Republican primary contests? Is this how demented the entire right side of the country has become? You should leave the comparisons to Hitler to us Democrats, because we know when and how to use them. Which reminds me, I see how Ted Cruz has reversed his earlier position that he did *not* intend "to send jackboots to knock on your door" to round up undocumented immigrants. Do those jackboots come with a nice brown shirt?
7
Rubio is a politician who has succeeded by having mentors clear the way for him. Leadership? Principle? The way he ran from his own immigration reform proposal as soon as he faced some heat speaks volumes about his leadership abilities.
9
There is still time for a massive Trump fail. Romney may be right about the impact of financial disclosures.
1
Rubio is going for Veep with Trump. This will help both of them enormously.
2
When was the last time we elected a person 5'6" president.
9
The Rubiobot is waiting on his software update to finish installing. I suspect his operating system may be corrupt. Douhat and other conservative establishment pundits were dreaming that the Rubiobot would be the killer app of 2016, but instead they're saddled with a hastily developed lemon.
6
Take a deep breath.
It was only 5 days ago that Bush dropped out.
It takes time to bring everything together.
It was only 5 days ago that Bush dropped out.
It takes time to bring everything together.
Rubio may not be playing the waiting game,but instead may not be capable of doing what desire he does.I doubt he can convincingly enough go as effectively enough on the attack against Trump while surviving Trump's withering response.Rubio comes across,from my Liberal perspective,as a GOP version of Michael Duchakis,in that while Rubio isn't all that much of a nice guy,he would probably pull off trying to be fierce about as convincingly as Michael's tank ride.
Another possible reason for Rubio not to attack Trump is that everyone who has so far is gone from the GOP race.
So it looks like Republicans who don't like Trump might have to wait for him to get crushed in November.
Another possible reason for Rubio not to attack Trump is that everyone who has so far is gone from the GOP race.
So it looks like Republicans who don't like Trump might have to wait for him to get crushed in November.
1
Ross, things are really getting desperate in the GOP when your analysis is reduced to how to stop Trump with Rubio. The problem with Rubio and Cruz, and all others in the GOP hunt, is that just do not know how to confront a native New Yorker. You can't overnight adopt the manner, the vocabulary, the sheer nerve, that ordinary New Yorkers carry with them each day, to get through the day. Any attack against Trump, puts the attacker in Trump's playground. I know, Rubio is smooth, and Cruz is nasty, but they are no match for The Donald.
3
When pundits decry a Trump nomination what they're really saying is don't let unwashed rank-in-file voters decide this, we the Establishment know better.
So when I read this or similar commentary on Trump I'm instantly reminded of Henry Kissinger's infamous quip about Chilean voters.
“I don't see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its people. The issues are much too important for the Chilean voters to be left to decide for themselves.”
So when I read this or similar commentary on Trump I'm instantly reminded of Henry Kissinger's infamous quip about Chilean voters.
“I don't see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its people. The issues are much too important for the Chilean voters to be left to decide for themselves.”
1
A "talented" Rubio? That empty suit robot? Only in Douthat's fevered dreams. Listen, this guy is a JFK Lite wannabe that is so diluted he might as well be a homeopathic solution.
6
Notice how Ross fails to mention that Trump got more of the Hispanic vote than Rubio. Cubans are almost universally loathed by Mexican-Americans because they get automatic citizenship as soon as they set foot on American soil.
5
Douhat - have you ever looked at Rubio's Florida record - back in the state legislature? He's a sneaky, nasty, lying piece of work - would sell out his backers in a minute. He did as he was bid by Bush and his superiors. Now he is sort of on his own and lost - because that is just what he is. A lost kid using his rich buddy's money to run for President. He only got his seat in a 3-way race, So far we are really seeing what the GOP bench has in talent - ugh.
5
Possible answers to the question:
1. To grow up.
2. To learn something.
3. To get a cabinet appointment.
4. To prepare for the next several presidential campaigns.
5. Some or all of the above.
1. To grow up.
2. To learn something.
3. To get a cabinet appointment.
4. To prepare for the next several presidential campaigns.
5. Some or all of the above.
1
I think the GOP can forget about Rubio. A new Quinnipiac poll shows Trump leads Rubio by 16 points in Florida.
2
I have to ask the following questions:
1) What would Jesus do with the sick?
2) How would Jesus react to the attempt to block universal coverage?
Those that try to walk in the path of Christ know that helping those that are downtrodden is a central concept to The Love of The Lord. The Prince of Peace would ask, and would find the Republicans in power to be Fallen.
They have chosen the path of Satan. Proverbs 6: 16-19 speaks to Cruz most of all, but Trump is #1 the proud look.
Let's hit them all.
1) Lust: See also Melania or Sarah P. They all lust them. One of these two actually engaged in an industry by which she sold her image to capitalize on lust.
2) Gluttony: Have you ever seen the obesity of the Republican standard voter? See also MUST EAT AT MALL, Black Friday,
3) Greed: This goes without saying. There is nothing except money to many of them.
4) Sloth: The wealthy class is not involved in any industry, other than pushing around their own wealth to make it go up by 0.001%. Also, none of the Republican candidates can be bothered to learn anything difficult or defend jobs that require labor.
5) Wrath: "I'm going to punch that protester in the face." Jim Crow, KKK.
6) Envy. Yes they want to be rich, too.
7) Pride. When you have no personal accomplishments always fall back on being proud to be "X" where "X" is any racial, ethnic or religious group.
1) What would Jesus do with the sick?
2) How would Jesus react to the attempt to block universal coverage?
Those that try to walk in the path of Christ know that helping those that are downtrodden is a central concept to The Love of The Lord. The Prince of Peace would ask, and would find the Republicans in power to be Fallen.
They have chosen the path of Satan. Proverbs 6: 16-19 speaks to Cruz most of all, but Trump is #1 the proud look.
Let's hit them all.
1) Lust: See also Melania or Sarah P. They all lust them. One of these two actually engaged in an industry by which she sold her image to capitalize on lust.
2) Gluttony: Have you ever seen the obesity of the Republican standard voter? See also MUST EAT AT MALL, Black Friday,
3) Greed: This goes without saying. There is nothing except money to many of them.
4) Sloth: The wealthy class is not involved in any industry, other than pushing around their own wealth to make it go up by 0.001%. Also, none of the Republican candidates can be bothered to learn anything difficult or defend jobs that require labor.
5) Wrath: "I'm going to punch that protester in the face." Jim Crow, KKK.
6) Envy. Yes they want to be rich, too.
7) Pride. When you have no personal accomplishments always fall back on being proud to be "X" where "X" is any racial, ethnic or religious group.
2
Ross,
He wants to go for Veep under Trump.
Or perhaps he just isn't as astute as he is pitched. Remember the bottled water?
He wants to go for Veep under Trump.
Or perhaps he just isn't as astute as he is pitched. Remember the bottled water?
1
As others have - and surely will - point out, the clinker in Douthat’s jazz mash-up composition to urge Rubio on is this discordant refrain: “... the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida.” Please sit down at your keyboard one more time, Maestro Douthat, and with two fingers only - no more elaborate runs up and down the key board - peck out a pure, simple melody based on your young hopeful’s actual accomplishments and let’s see if it has the makings of a Grammy winner ...
5
Churchill was not hoping to stay in the good graces of the Nazi "base" after defeating Hitler. Marshall Katuzov was not hoping to lead the French troops after beating Napoleon. Rubio and the other Republican contenders can't figure out a way to wage war against Trump while simultaneously ingratiating themselves with his millions of followers.
4
Maybe it is just me but I thought the answer to the question of what Rubio was waiting for is obvious. The race to become the Republican nominee is over. Trump has it wrapped up. A day or so ago Trump said that he wanted to pick an establishment guy for VP and fellow candidates were on his short list. Cruz isn't establishment and Trump hates Bush. I think Rubio got the message loud and clear. Marco Rubio is waiting for his name to be printed underneath Trumps on yard signs and bumper stickers for the general election.
3
Rubio seems primarily on a mission to make his parents proud and feel like he belongs in America. I believe he's as much in quest of legitimacy as he is of leadership.
3
Ross and the Republican 'establishment' simply cannot admit that Rubio is just a bad candidate with a razor thin record in the Senate and a script he sticks to no matter what. He is NOT that talented and every endorsement he receives, from 'the establishment' just hurts his chances even more. Face it. Trump IS going to be the Republican nominee and the party will have to deal with it.
5
I suspect Mr. Rubio declines to get rough with Mr. Trump for a simple reason: he sees him as his future boss.
Senator Rubio is angling for the VP slot and does not want to raise Mr. Trump's ire. He has apparently seen enough episodes of The Apprentice to know that that never works out well for the prospective hire.
Senator Rubio is angling for the VP slot and does not want to raise Mr. Trump's ire. He has apparently seen enough episodes of The Apprentice to know that that never works out well for the prospective hire.
3
How can a child of Reagan violate the eleventh commandment of 'Thou shalt not criticize a fellow Republican?'
3
Oh, Douthat, you may be as wet behind the ears as Marco Rubio. The "very talented" and "eloquent" Senator has no track record, flips and flops on many issues, panders to a sliver of the general electorate with his overwrought religiosity, and is wont to speak gibberish when his nerves get the better of him. If this is the best establishment Republicans can put forth, the effort is better saved.
8
Mr. Douthat claims that Senator Cruz is "talented". How so? What has he accomplished?
8
An excerpt from an article in yesterday's POLITICO:
"One of Marco Rubio's newest congressional endorsers struggled to point to one specific thing he has seen over the course of the last year from the Florida senator that, as MSNBC's Thomas Roberts asked, 'demonstrates presidential character.' Not only that, but he also called some of the Rubio's past actions 'frustrating.'"
"One of Marco Rubio's newest congressional endorsers struggled to point to one specific thing he has seen over the course of the last year from the Florida senator that, as MSNBC's Thomas Roberts asked, 'demonstrates presidential character.' Not only that, but he also called some of the Rubio's past actions 'frustrating.'"
2
Perhaps Rubio has finally realized that he's not up to the task. Of running or governing. Or much of anything else as far as I can tell.
If he speaks up Trump will "fire" him and he knows it. So he's keeping his head down.
Marco's main patron is a billionaire car dealer. Maybe he can get a sales job there (out on the used lot, not in the showroom). But I doubt even that is within his abilities.
How sad for our country that half of its leadership is hoping this empty suit will somehow become President.
If he speaks up Trump will "fire" him and he knows it. So he's keeping his head down.
Marco's main patron is a billionaire car dealer. Maybe he can get a sales job there (out on the used lot, not in the showroom). But I doubt even that is within his abilities.
How sad for our country that half of its leadership is hoping this empty suit will somehow become President.
4
I thought the conventional wisdom that Rubio is "very talented and ...eloquent" was pretty much discarded last month.
4
Ross you are wrong about Trump's demise just like you are wrong about most everything you write about. Why don't you find a new job where you won't be wrong so much?
4
"The talented Mr. Rubio?"
Marco wouldn't even have the talent to play himself in the movie. No matter how scripted, or how much he rehearsed.
Marco wouldn't even have the talent to play himself in the movie. No matter how scripted, or how much he rehearsed.
6
Talented and Eloquent speaker? Maybe if you squint your ears really hard and project on him what you want to hear.
1
Rubio? Really? This is what the establishment has been reduced to? And its self-appointed intellectuals like Douthat? I guess the lightweights deserve each other.
7
Talented and Eloquent speaker? Maybe if you squint your ears really hard
3
Whats Rubio waiting for? A "courage" transplant and enough time to memorize his Trump attacks. "Let me dispel the myth that Donald Trump...."
5
Marco Rubio has zero appeal to the majority of Americans. His track record is virtually non-existent and his politics is a hodgepodge. Oh, and it may change tomorrow. He is a lightweight without a backbone and a brisk wind gust would send him flying off his feet. I will give him credit for memorizing lines............he'd make a good actor.
3
He is running for VP.
1
It'd be more entertaining to watch the GOP hem, haw, and cower in the face of their very own Frankenstein's monster if it weren't for the fact that it or one of the GOP's other terrible candidates will inevitably end up on the ballot in November.
3
Wake up, Ross.... Rubio is 2016's gram-equivalent weight of Dan Quayle. Pretty face but empty head.
If you're waiting for him to do anything intelligent, you're in for a long wait.
He has no idea of how to be a candidate, let alone President.
If you're waiting for him to do anything intelligent, you're in for a long wait.
He has no idea of how to be a candidate, let alone President.
6
It is amusing to watch the Republicans - party and pundits - realize that their best hope is an empty suit who is so tightly scripted he repeats the same canned line four times in the midst of being mocked for being too canned, who sweats profusely, and who seems to think that talking loud and fast while glaring at the camera makes him look like a tough guy.
As Chris Christie memorably said, if Marco Rubio is the nominee, Hillary will "pat him on the head and then cut his heart out.”
As Chris Christie memorably said, if Marco Rubio is the nominee, Hillary will "pat him on the head and then cut his heart out.”
4
A drink of water, perhaps?? Empty suits require quite a lot.....of water, that is.
2
At this point, exactly what weapon remains for Markie to use against Our National Embarrassment? That Trump's cologne failed to get him dates with Miami High cheerleaders?
Red O. Greene, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Red O. Greene, Albuquerque, NM, USA
1
Rubio is waiting for his programming from Sheldon Adelson.
4
Marco Rubio has little to say because he is a very limited person. He's the proverbial deer in the headlights.
3
Trump is still better than Rubio. Rubio is the pretty face for an extreme right-wing agenda. Trump in a much more moderate candidate. If Rubio does get the nomination and his extreme views are out in the open, the GOP will which they had Trump.
1
"Talented and eloquent"-LOL. Marco Rubio is a tea party manufactured candidate, a talking haircut if ever there were one, far more John Edwards than Barack Obama. He is waiting for someone to wind him up and point him in some direction because he is blatantly incapable of doing it himself. If this is the Great White Hope of the GOP then consider this cycle lost. Marco can't fight back because someone might mess his hair up or get him repeating "the bunco squad" over and over again.
4
Poor Ross, betting on Marco Rubio. Republicans are up against a candidate in their midst who has become the Mohammad Ali of politics, Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee and in their flat footed way don't know what to do. Hopefully they will wind up flat on their backs.
But republicans set up this boxing match declaring any lie goes. So here we are with Ross and his compatriots fighting the most skilled liar of them all and becoming dizzy as they spin out of control.
But republicans set up this boxing match declaring any lie goes. So here we are with Ross and his compatriots fighting the most skilled liar of them all and becoming dizzy as they spin out of control.
6
Rubio's performance when attacked by Christie shows how vulnerable he is to the type of fire Trump would send his way if it weren't directed at Cruz (who can handle it better) right now. The reason Rubio is running this kind of campaign is because that's the kind of candidate he is -- very good at the inside game, but counting on his good-boy, smart-guy image to get him votes on the outside. It worked for him in Florida, but right now, that brand is not selling in the national GOP marketplace.
1
This is so funny. It assumes that 'Tony' Rubio (that is what he called himself growing up in working class Las Vegas) has it in him, to actually appeal to anyone discerning. He is a broken record of his own self. His ability to transcend his banal self is demonstratively lacking. So, what are you talking about?
5
Rubio has a poor grasp of the actual issues. He can sound "conservative" and look civilized, but his neo-con proposals and "pastor-in-chief" ads (yes, he ran them all the time here in iowa) are not going to appeal to a majority of americans. Most of us don't want an aggressive, interventionist foreign policy and there are nearly as many "nones" in the country as their are evangelicals. While Clinton may be attacked for being a woman and Sanders for being a Jew, neither of this attracts the animosity of many right-wing overs like Obama's African ancestory has. Rubio comes off as slick and polished, but rather ignorant and shallow. This won't wear well with independents. Other than Trumpists, the GOP has to rely on its base of
rapture-voters and social security haters to form its base.
rapture-voters and social security haters to form its base.
He's waiting to be told by his handlers, the Koch brothers, what to do.
5
"very talented and frequently eloquent" ??? The sanctimonious little twerp with an even more checkered past than Trump and a pure teaparty agenda? Other candidates may be more dangerous or embarrassing, but surely Rubio wins the sheer reprehensibility prize.
8
What is Rubio waiting for? He's waiting to be told what to say, how to say it, what to think, how to walk in his high heels and something more substantive to say other than he's young.
The Republican establishment wants Rubio because they can control him like any good puppet. The fact that many of us see right through that is of course a bit bothersome to the rich donors he must pay tribute to- but who else are they going to back? They hate Cruz personally and also realize the country doesn't want another pol from Texas. They hate Trump because he cannot be controlled. They wanted Jeb- but of course, they didn't get their way on that since those pesky voters had a say in that as well.
Face it- Trump is now the face of the GOP. The GOP has created this Frankenstein's monster and are horrified when they cannot control it. They are afraid that Trump will get trounced in the general election and they're right.
The Republican establishment wants Rubio because they can control him like any good puppet. The fact that many of us see right through that is of course a bit bothersome to the rich donors he must pay tribute to- but who else are they going to back? They hate Cruz personally and also realize the country doesn't want another pol from Texas. They hate Trump because he cannot be controlled. They wanted Jeb- but of course, they didn't get their way on that since those pesky voters had a say in that as well.
Face it- Trump is now the face of the GOP. The GOP has created this Frankenstein's monster and are horrified when they cannot control it. They are afraid that Trump will get trounced in the general election and they're right.
6
While your column is a wonderfully written call to action (I could hear the orchestra building to a crescendo...), the problem remains that your Rubio is just not very good. He is good enough to prop up and run for office, he's got the hair and the smile and he is a fine speaker. His campaign likes to say he has the same amount of experience as Obama, but Obama was a high achieving academic stand out and your guy bumbled through 4 colleges. If not for his rich patron, Rubio wouldn't even be on a national stage. Rubio cannot stop Trump because he is already at maximum battery power. Cue your orchestra and let's finish watching the astonishingly feckless Rubio and Cruz take each other out on the deck of the Titanic.
8
Since Marco Antonio Rubio is as immature, incompetent, ignorant,inexperienced and intemperate as J. Danforth Quayle and Sarah Louise Heath Palin, perhaps he is waiting to be called over, so that he can ask "Captain May I" before making is move too soon.
5
Seriously now, the only hope for the Republican Party is Marco Rubio becoming someone like Winston Churchill? Book it, fellas. The jig is up, the game is over. All hail Donald Trump, the king of Stupido-ignorantastan..
5
You guys really love to look at the world through the lens of Churchill vs the Nazis. Maybe it's time to develop some fresh analogies.
1
Once Humpty "GOP" Dumpty gets past his current fall, which remnant of the Conservative Coalition will these Conservative commenters embrace ?
Or, will there even be a market for conservative opinion ?
Or, will there even be a market for conservative opinion ?
1
Maybe he simply can't.
1
"What is Marco Rubio Waiting For?" Great question- look at all those flags! Marco is clearly ready to be President!
What's he waiting for? How about integrity, competence, experience. Maybe even a realization that he's not running for God's Vicar in the United States. Qualities you don't find in a powerpoint slide. Qualities your handlers can't give you in debate prep sessions. Qualities money can't buy.
And don't sully history by mentioning Winston Churchill in an article about Marco Rubio. In Churchill's wartime cabinet, Rubio would have been tasked to get lunch, but only after he first demonstrated that he was capable of getting coffee.
What's he waiting for? How about integrity, competence, experience. Maybe even a realization that he's not running for God's Vicar in the United States. Qualities you don't find in a powerpoint slide. Qualities your handlers can't give you in debate prep sessions. Qualities money can't buy.
And don't sully history by mentioning Winston Churchill in an article about Marco Rubio. In Churchill's wartime cabinet, Rubio would have been tasked to get lunch, but only after he first demonstrated that he was capable of getting coffee.
6
"...the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida..."
Yeah. Think cub scout.
Nothing exposes the emptiness of the "conservative" movement better than its waiting for Marco Rubio.... are there even any words?
Say this for Christie ... he exposed Rubio. Who cares, says Douthat.
Amazing.
Yeah. Think cub scout.
Nothing exposes the emptiness of the "conservative" movement better than its waiting for Marco Rubio.... are there even any words?
Say this for Christie ... he exposed Rubio. Who cares, says Douthat.
Amazing.
2
The normally perceptive Mr. Douthat is falling prey to the same fallacies that have doomed the GOP "attack" on Donald Trump from the beginning - the fallacy that there is anything "normal" or "conventional" about this primary or the mood of the GOP primary voters, or the majority of the GOP at this point in history. ANY attack from a conventional GOP candidate, pundit or surrogate (Romney's "tax bombshell") will be both ignored and taken as further evidence of Trump's credibility as an outsider. I don't know why so many GOP supporters keep hoping and praying for someone to "attack" Trump - ignoring the reality that this won't work to "bring him down." Their only hope is that The Donald somehow crosses a line that even his fans can't overlook and he implodes. The Donald is the logical result of the anti-Obama, anti-Washington paranoia cultivated by the GOP Establishment over these past 8 years. I am not sympathetic as they wring their hands in concern. I do worry for the nation.
1
the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida,
Are you kidding?????????????
Please examine his path to the State Senate in Florida, every step was almost accidental, then his record in his first term which consists of no leadership in advancing any new legislation. It was a complete fluke that he was chosen Senate President in his second term, mostly the Cubano Community flexing their political muscle. His campaign for US Senate was aided by Governor Charlie Christ, too moderate for most Florida Republicans, who in a show of lack of hubris had to run as an independent, thereby siphoning off voters who would have voted Democratic. Now he is what Ross Douthat wants as a Republican Presidential nominee?
Are you kidding?????????????
Please examine his path to the State Senate in Florida, every step was almost accidental, then his record in his first term which consists of no leadership in advancing any new legislation. It was a complete fluke that he was chosen Senate President in his second term, mostly the Cubano Community flexing their political muscle. His campaign for US Senate was aided by Governor Charlie Christ, too moderate for most Florida Republicans, who in a show of lack of hubris had to run as an independent, thereby siphoning off voters who would have voted Democratic. Now he is what Ross Douthat wants as a Republican Presidential nominee?
2
He's waiting for his next instructions from his super rich puppet masters.....oh, sorry....was this a rhetorical question?
2
He is still waiting for the magic decoder ring to come in the mail. He sent 50 boxtops in for it ages ago. The ring knows all of the answers.
7
Had the GOP a serious candidate with the force and vigor of Donald Trump, Douthat would not be crying in his beer and wondering what went wrong. Pool-Boy Rubio is a cypher, a nonentity, a person with no roots in America and no appeal to the American people. "It's My Turn" may be a slogan that appeals to the paid claque, but it's not going to make Rubio a serious candidate.
1
Divine intervention. Did you really have to ask?
1
Poor Marco, sweating like there's no tomorrow, and in reality there isn't. Rubio is losing his own state to the Reality TV King, The Donald. Marco, poor lad, the charming baby-faced cuteness can only pull so many memorized slogans out of his head, but to no avail. He's side-stepping, shuffling, looking for some way to get him out of the Senate, a job which already bores the living daylights out of him. His absence from it only makes his heart grow fonder for being the president, a dream this ambitious upstart is not going to envision. No, poor Marco, your ruse has been exposed before you could extricate yourself from the laborious duties you have been woefully neglecting since you entered the Senate.
Now what to do, Marco? Perhaps count your blessings, and consider how lucky you were to fool enough Floridians to elect you Senator. You're working way above your mental capacities already. Do your job, Marco, then maybe you'll be able tpo fool some of the people some of the time in the future, the far off future.
DD
Manhattan
Now what to do, Marco? Perhaps count your blessings, and consider how lucky you were to fool enough Floridians to elect you Senator. You're working way above your mental capacities already. Do your job, Marco, then maybe you'll be able tpo fool some of the people some of the time in the future, the far off future.
DD
Manhattan
3
Ross, I didn't even have to read your piece to know why Rubio doesn't attack Trump because Trump would eviscerate him. He would paint Rubio as the lap dog for the billionaire class. Can't you just imagine Trump saying ...
"So, Marco has decided to come out and attack me. I like Marco. Good looking guy, has a nice family, but do you know what he wants to do, folks? He wants you to pay the cost of running the government. That's right. Listen to this. He wants to lower the taxes on billionaires EVEN MORE. And get this. He wants to eliminate ALL taxes on investment income. Can you imagine that? Marco would not tax investors a SINGLE DIME in taxes if they made a million a year, ten million, EVEN A HUNDRED MILLION! So who, in Marco's world, would pay the cost of running the country? YOU, MY FRIENDS, AND EVERY OTHER HARDWORKING AMERICAN. BUT WE AREN'T GOING TO LET THAT HAPPEN, ARE WE? BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO SHOUT ACROSS AMERICA THAT MARCO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOU..."
"So, Marco has decided to come out and attack me. I like Marco. Good looking guy, has a nice family, but do you know what he wants to do, folks? He wants you to pay the cost of running the government. That's right. Listen to this. He wants to lower the taxes on billionaires EVEN MORE. And get this. He wants to eliminate ALL taxes on investment income. Can you imagine that? Marco would not tax investors a SINGLE DIME in taxes if they made a million a year, ten million, EVEN A HUNDRED MILLION! So who, in Marco's world, would pay the cost of running the country? YOU, MY FRIENDS, AND EVERY OTHER HARDWORKING AMERICAN. BUT WE AREN'T GOING TO LET THAT HAPPEN, ARE WE? BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO SHOUT ACROSS AMERICA THAT MARCO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOU..."
2
National Journal - Did Marco Rubio’s Donors Fund a Book That Put $800,000 Into Rubio’s Pocket?
BloombergView - Rubio admitted early on that he used proceeds from his memoir, "The American Son" ("Now available in paperback," he said), to help pay off $100,000 in student debt. That somewhat devalued his stories of a poor childhood: This method of debt reduction can hardly resonate with most young professionals, even if they haven't heard of the questions that have dogged Rubio since he received an $800,000 advance for the book.
What about commercials to this effect?
BloombergView - Rubio admitted early on that he used proceeds from his memoir, "The American Son" ("Now available in paperback," he said), to help pay off $100,000 in student debt. That somewhat devalued his stories of a poor childhood: This method of debt reduction can hardly resonate with most young professionals, even if they haven't heard of the questions that have dogged Rubio since he received an $800,000 advance for the book.
What about commercials to this effect?
Good lord, the ramblings of desperate man are never pretty to behold.
Maybe, just maybe, Trump is so far ahead of your golden boy is simply that: the majority of Americans just do not like (today's) Republican party. In fact, they are horrified. How else can you explain this support for Trump?
Maybe, just maybe, Trump is so far ahead of your golden boy is simply that: the majority of Americans just do not like (today's) Republican party. In fact, they are horrified. How else can you explain this support for Trump?
2
I'm sorry, Mr. Douhat. Rubio is not a very bright man. The fact that he can deliver some polished lines does not constitute "talent." If he ever does get the nomination, I doubt he would even get the Latino vote.
2
what is there to prevent trump to stand as an independent candidate? in case he is thwarted the republican ticket by the party high ups? he will do more damage to the gop by being an independent. i think so.
Ross, is it just me, or does Rubio look like he is way in over his head? I do not care what polling is currently seeing, but do you really want to see Rubio go up against the Clintons? A lot of the people that support Trump see Trump as being far more able to stand up against the Clinton onslaught that will ensue against either Rubio or Trump. The Clintons are going to tear into Trump or Rubio like a monkey on a cupcake, guaranteed. Be careful of what you wish for Ross, because a lot of us think that Marco will fold like a cheap lawn chair in a thunderstorm once the Clintons come after him.
3
Rubio is no Churchill. Rubio couldn't even deal with Chris Christie's attacks even when it was telegraphed to him. He'd be laughed at if he were in the British parliament, for his debating skills leave a lot to be desired.
Just be prepared to accept Trump as your party's nominee.
Just be prepared to accept Trump as your party's nominee.
2
The truth is Rubio won't go after Trump forcefully because Trump will beat him to a bloody pulp if he tries - its a battle Rubio knows he will lose. And thats why most people tread gingerly around Trump because so far he's the biggest bully in the school yard and nobody can stand up to him. All these bellicose republicans have met their match and he's one of their own. What irony!
5
I knew Marshal Kutuzov, he was a friend of mine...Marco Rubio is no Marshal Kutuzov. What you are seeing, Mr. Douthat, is that the man whom the Republican establishment earlier on saw as a shining, young savior is simply a calculating opportunist whose presidential bid is utterly premature. Cruz is an easier target and he's going after him, but Senator Cruz --- like him or not --- is far more likely to land blows on Mr. Trump than Senator Rubio is. Cruz has demonstrated himself to be a poised and skillful debater. Rubio has won exaggerated plaudits from the media (and from his cheering section) for mediocre debate performances: the takedown of Jeb looks less impressive when we consider how weak a candidate Jeb proved to be; Rubio's "command" of foreign policy impresses people, but hardly exceeds the information available in a few robust Google searches. And, for heaven's sake, please don't blame Mr. Kasich for taking votes from Rubio. Republicans should know that Mr. Kasich could be a strong candidate and an effective president (and as conservative as any we've had), but that's no longer pure enough. Fact is, Bush dropped out, and it's Trump not Rubio whose numbers jumped in Nevada. For years, the Republicans have stirred up a "working" class with anger, anxiety, fear, and bigotry, without, as you've pointed out, ever tailoring policies to them or even asking what they wanted. Mr. Trump has picked the low hanging fruit.
82
The Dunkirk analogy seems interesting for this reason: the pale comparison to Churchill; will ANYONE in the Republican party have the courage to mount a rescue attempt? After all, Trump might mean tweet them if they do.
2
Dear Rest of the World,
Rubio the Younger! Rubio the Feckless! Rubio the Pawn! Rubio the Bought and Paid For! Rubio of the Used Car Lots!
We promise we won't elect this little boy to be our President. Not even when he grows up.
Rubio the Younger! Rubio the Feckless! Rubio the Pawn! Rubio the Bought and Paid For! Rubio of the Used Car Lots!
We promise we won't elect this little boy to be our President. Not even when he grows up.
8
The WWII analogy is very strained, although I get the Trump-Hitler part. But I'm afraid there is no Churchill among the Republican candidates. You are just making the case for electing a Democrat. Either Democrat.
18
The "very talented" junior senator from Florida? Talented at what?
Talented at memorizing and then regurgitating what his teachers (i.e., sponsors) tell him?
Talented at being an empty suit?
Talented at pretending to be an "establishment" Republican?
Talented at pretending to be a hard-right Cruz-like Tea Partier but with a better smile and a sweatier handshake?
Talented at giving victory speeches after he loses?
If you find the junior senator "very talented," you probably need to get out more. Well, that, and reassess your standards.
Talented at memorizing and then regurgitating what his teachers (i.e., sponsors) tell him?
Talented at being an empty suit?
Talented at pretending to be an "establishment" Republican?
Talented at pretending to be a hard-right Cruz-like Tea Partier but with a better smile and a sweatier handshake?
Talented at giving victory speeches after he loses?
If you find the junior senator "very talented," you probably need to get out more. Well, that, and reassess your standards.
7
He's waiting for a billionaire to tell him what to do and say next, and provide the check for the correct amount. He's talented in the sense that he can get really, really rich guys to pay his credit card bills. He has a pretty face that looks good on the TV. In our declining republic, that's what establishment talent amounts to.
Trump on the other hand watches his audience reaction and adjusts his message to create sound bites and applause lines that are on the news every single night. He doesn't need millions to buy ads; he gets them for free. That's a real political talent; it is the Fox/Rove brainwashed audience that he watches where the problem lies.
Trump on the other hand watches his audience reaction and adjusts his message to create sound bites and applause lines that are on the news every single night. He doesn't need millions to buy ads; he gets them for free. That's a real political talent; it is the Fox/Rove brainwashed audience that he watches where the problem lies.
5
Ross, can't you see that Rubio is trying to keep his VP exit strategy alive. This seems much more likely at this point.
2
Mr. Douthat,
Back in October you penned the column, “Marco Rubio, the Unusual Front-Runner,” in which you opined that Rubio would become the nominee, even though he was trailing in the polls and lacked big donor support (omitting any mention of the Florida billionaire who has bankrolled Rubio’s political career). You further noted, with remarkable clairvoyance, that “It’s also easier to imagine him winning a national primary than it is to figure out which early state he’ll win: He’s a little too moderate for Iowa, a little too conservative for New Hampshire, perhaps not quite combative enough for South Carolina … and so he might end up in the Rudy Giuliani-esque position of banking on his native Florida. “ Florida will soon weigh in, but it looks like Floridians prefer Mr. Trump – who sometimes stays at Mar-A-Lago, his Florida estate, to Mr. Rubio, who sometimes drops by the Senate, but can’t even be relied upon to vote for a bill he sponsored.
The fact is, Mr. Rubio is an empty suit, as Chris Christie made clear for all to see in the New Hampshire debate. You can wish it were otherwise, but wishing will not change the fact that Mr. Rubio isn’t ready to lead the Republican party. For weeks you’ve asked Mr. Rubio to step up to the challenge of Donald Trump, but he’s continued to hang back. Face it, Ross, this dog won’t hunt.
Back in October you penned the column, “Marco Rubio, the Unusual Front-Runner,” in which you opined that Rubio would become the nominee, even though he was trailing in the polls and lacked big donor support (omitting any mention of the Florida billionaire who has bankrolled Rubio’s political career). You further noted, with remarkable clairvoyance, that “It’s also easier to imagine him winning a national primary than it is to figure out which early state he’ll win: He’s a little too moderate for Iowa, a little too conservative for New Hampshire, perhaps not quite combative enough for South Carolina … and so he might end up in the Rudy Giuliani-esque position of banking on his native Florida. “ Florida will soon weigh in, but it looks like Floridians prefer Mr. Trump – who sometimes stays at Mar-A-Lago, his Florida estate, to Mr. Rubio, who sometimes drops by the Senate, but can’t even be relied upon to vote for a bill he sponsored.
The fact is, Mr. Rubio is an empty suit, as Chris Christie made clear for all to see in the New Hampshire debate. You can wish it were otherwise, but wishing will not change the fact that Mr. Rubio isn’t ready to lead the Republican party. For weeks you’ve asked Mr. Rubio to step up to the challenge of Donald Trump, but he’s continued to hang back. Face it, Ross, this dog won’t hunt.
11
Rubio wants to be Trumps VP pick, so he's being nice. Isn't it obvious?
3
He's hanging in and waiting it out, staying nice and contrite, hoping for an invitation to be the vice presidential nominee with Trump. Rubio is now running his Plan B, with Plan A put on the shelf for the next four years.
3
Mr. Douthat, when will you realize that Marco Rubio is not The Man? And the reason he is "waiting" is that, like Jeb! before him, he simply doesn't have what it takes to be President? And can you please, for once, explain what makes him so talented? The electorate has yet to see it.
14
I guess he was waiting for the Koch Brothers.They came Rubio has just released what I think will be a very effective campaign video self-identifying as the only mature "Man for All Seasons".
Rubio’s blind spot for Trump rivals his disbeliefs on climate change. How close to his head will the political waters have to rise before Rubio admits that he has been wrong on so many issues?
4
“Republicans who are horrified at the prospect of a Trump presidency actually need a champion,” not just a likable-enough alternative. That would be Bernie Sanders. Vote for America.
4
Ummm, why not just back the front runner and move on?
Oh, that's right, Trump won't LISTEN to people like the Koch Brothers because he doesn't need or want their money. Almost forgot that he is IS one of the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE's favorite type of people, a BILLIONAIRE but, alas, his billions means he doesn't NEED other people's billions much like the fiscally challenged "Junior" Rubio your latest "candidate de jour".
Oh well, you can always start backing the "Bull Moose party" and hope for the best!
Oh, that's right, Trump won't LISTEN to people like the Koch Brothers because he doesn't need or want their money. Almost forgot that he is IS one of the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE's favorite type of people, a BILLIONAIRE but, alas, his billions means he doesn't NEED other people's billions much like the fiscally challenged "Junior" Rubio your latest "candidate de jour".
Oh well, you can always start backing the "Bull Moose party" and hope for the best!
5
So it's come down to the blow-hard-TRUMPeter or the Holier-than-thou-Rubio? This Floridian says a pox on them both.
6
"...the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida"? Mr. Douthat, please...this is a guy who wears a suit, memorizes lines, and barely ever shows up for whatever work he's engaged in. He's an unlikely savior at best.
Stepping back a bit, I'm having trouble understanding why you are so panicked...your wishes have been granted. Donald Trump is the ultimate evolution of the Republican Party, at least as it has existed since the 2nd half of the 20th century. Richard Nixon's Southern Strategy has been a resounding success: the party now represents the rabble of the Confederacy, (20% of whom think that the Emancipation Proclamation was a bad idea!) led by a professional con man. Who could ask for anything more?
Stepping back a bit, I'm having trouble understanding why you are so panicked...your wishes have been granted. Donald Trump is the ultimate evolution of the Republican Party, at least as it has existed since the 2nd half of the 20th century. Richard Nixon's Southern Strategy has been a resounding success: the party now represents the rabble of the Confederacy, (20% of whom think that the Emancipation Proclamation was a bad idea!) led by a professional con man. Who could ask for anything more?
16
I think Marco Rubio is already realizing the seven figure income he can start making as a lobbyist next year and doesn't really care if he wins.
5
What Is Marco Rubio waiting for? He's waiting for his campaign managers to tell him what to think, what to say and how to say it. Rubio is not presidential. He appears whinny and angry most of the time. And yes, he does repeat the same 5 or six points over and over. He is not a stellar intellect.
22
Let's face it. He's is afraid of Trump. We know it. Trump can probably make a mockery out of him and has the potential to harm his future political career. There is only one person who can stop Trump and it is Hillary. She has been attacked, viciously her whole political life and she will be able to go at it with him. Your will just need to switch parties Ross. Or elect a demagogue, and a dangerous one as your own analogies indicate.
16
Trump isn't attacking Rubio in his usual way - because he will be is VP pick?
33
It's your party, you can cry if you want to, cry if you want to, cry if you want to. You would cry, too, if it happened to you.
Poor Ross, Douthat. Finally realizing thatt the Republican Party is in shambles isn't any fun at all, but the signs have been there for years. No sympathy, though.
Poor Ross, Douthat. Finally realizing thatt the Republican Party is in shambles isn't any fun at all, but the signs have been there for years. No sympathy, though.
14
"The Little Napoleon" could be what Trump calls Rubio in tonight's debate for Marco's crazy remark a few weeks ago on CNBC when he twice proclaimed to John Harwood that " I would risk war with Russia to enforce a no-fly zone in Syria."
Rubio is a scary guy, hardly mainstream and willing to even think about all-out war with Russia. Somebody needs to call him out on his recklessness and Trump could be that person.
Rubio is a scary guy, hardly mainstream and willing to even think about all-out war with Russia. Somebody needs to call him out on his recklessness and Trump could be that person.
2
Ross, when you start comparing Rubio to Churchill, it just smacks of desperation. Rubio is just as non-presidential as the rest of the GOP candidates. Backing Rubio? You would be better of voting Democratic just to keep Trump from getting elected President.
Perhaps that should be the subject of your next editorial?
Perhaps that should be the subject of your next editorial?
5
Rubio is playing to the Trump VP spot
1
It's a treat to cruise the right wing web sites, National Review, The Weekly Standard, Red State, and watch the logorreah turning to diarreah. So frightened and confused by the Golem coming at them. My goodness! How did this happen? What to do, what to do? For a bonus, read the reader's commentary in Nat Review. A ground level view of the cognitive dissonance affecting the right today.
4
Rubio is not tough enough. He left the Tea Party when it didn't look like a winning group, he changed positions on immigration when the GOP "leaders" call for strict controls on immigration, he waits to see where the wind will blow for him and that's where he goes. He cast aside Jeb Bush when it was to his convenience and his gain. I think he's a bit of a fraud.
In his speech, he speaks so fast that it sounds like a rehearsed, memorized answer, similar to teenager in his first time on the stage.
Donald Trump has a big voice coming from a big, mean mouth. He's so rude that he's a kind of entertainment, shocking everyone. I don't believe that Mr. Rubio is tough enough or mature enough to stand up to Mr. Trump. Mr. Rubio is afraid to take the risk of being embarrassed.
In his speech, he speaks so fast that it sounds like a rehearsed, memorized answer, similar to teenager in his first time on the stage.
Donald Trump has a big voice coming from a big, mean mouth. He's so rude that he's a kind of entertainment, shocking everyone. I don't believe that Mr. Rubio is tough enough or mature enough to stand up to Mr. Trump. Mr. Rubio is afraid to take the risk of being embarrassed.
2
So you champion Marco Rubio, the little, crisp, repetitive candidate who argues that women who've been raped or been victims of incest must carry the child to term? You kinda like these rigid Christians? Good luck, darlin'. Have you heard that women do vote?
12
'very talented and frequently eloquent'??? Ross is once again making with the dreams. Rubio is a robot programmed to repeat himself at every opportunity. With Trump looking like a potential nomination winner, the hard-liners are afraid that having made himself rich, Trump might forget the basic 'establishment' precept: keeping the rich rich. Alas.
2
Once Bush dropped out his votes appear to have gone to Trump not to Rubio. Apparently, ever since Christie broke Rubio, Republicans are deciding they would rather risk a demagogue than Clinton or Sanders. They know Rubio can't win.
2
Is it time for the NY Times to move away from anti-Trump 24/7 and get back to what I have loved for these many years: true, throw the truth in the air and see where it settles, reporting? Really, am I the only reader who feels this way, that this news outlet is now the anti-Fox News. How many times to we need to read hopeful predictions that the Donald will 'self-immolate'? That Mr. Trump's golden golf course employs "gasp' immigrants, that Paul Ryan will broker a deal and be the nominee? End the charade, the wishful thinking, the obvious anti-Trump slant. Mr. Donald Trump is going to be the pick and the only chance for the republicans to win in November
2
When Israel invaded Egypt, the Russian advisers told the Egyptians to fall back and wait for winter.
Nope, that never happened... Israel did not invade Egypt. They did push back the Egyptian army that was invading them
1
Ross -- ARE YOU KIDDING? Rubio is waiting for Braman and his handlers to wind up his spring and write the script.
I fear Rubio as President more than I fear Trump. Rubio represents nothing beyond the politics of selling one's positions and votes to the richest patron. It will never happen, but I would vote for Trump over Rubio if that were the election in front of me (I'm a Democrat, I don't get to vote in the Republican primary, in which my vote would be Kasich, grudgingly.)
It's over Ross ... Rubio is not going to stop Trump. The idea that Rubio is going to get into a verbal punching match with Trump and come out the winner is pretty ridiculous too, given what we saw Christie do. Everybody has Rubio's number -- he's a pretty little boy who never has done a darn thing on his own; a cozener and weasel, without much brains.
Principled Republicans will vote for Kasich to make a point, and then prepare to vote for Hillary in the election. Trump's defeat will allow conservatives to rebuild some sort of party ... but it will be very different. Key parts of "shrubism" will need to be abandoned, and the party will still face the big problem of an alienated base eager to hear fascist "solutions."
Trump's victory will turn the GOP into a neo-fascist party.
I fear Rubio as President more than I fear Trump. Rubio represents nothing beyond the politics of selling one's positions and votes to the richest patron. It will never happen, but I would vote for Trump over Rubio if that were the election in front of me (I'm a Democrat, I don't get to vote in the Republican primary, in which my vote would be Kasich, grudgingly.)
It's over Ross ... Rubio is not going to stop Trump. The idea that Rubio is going to get into a verbal punching match with Trump and come out the winner is pretty ridiculous too, given what we saw Christie do. Everybody has Rubio's number -- he's a pretty little boy who never has done a darn thing on his own; a cozener and weasel, without much brains.
Principled Republicans will vote for Kasich to make a point, and then prepare to vote for Hillary in the election. Trump's defeat will allow conservatives to rebuild some sort of party ... but it will be very different. Key parts of "shrubism" will need to be abandoned, and the party will still face the big problem of an alienated base eager to hear fascist "solutions."
Trump's victory will turn the GOP into a neo-fascist party.
4
Is this the fourth day in a row that Ross has updated us on his seven stages of grief? For those who haven't been following, Yes. He has penned:
The Case for Rubio-Katich
Rubio-Katich Revisited
Looking on the Bright Side of Trump
Get over it. Rubio is just as bad if not worse than the others that are antigay,
antiabortion, not to mention really bad economic plans. Trump gets the GOP nod and then loses to the Democratic nominee because he, like the others, is anti-immigrant. You can't win.
The Case for Rubio-Katich
Rubio-Katich Revisited
Looking on the Bright Side of Trump
Get over it. Rubio is just as bad if not worse than the others that are antigay,
antiabortion, not to mention really bad economic plans. Trump gets the GOP nod and then loses to the Democratic nominee because he, like the others, is anti-immigrant. You can't win.
2
Dear Ross, just admit it: Trump is already unstoppable.
You somehow seem to have convinced yourself that when Cruz quits the race all of his supporters would flock to Rubio. That is wishful thinking; the vast majority of them will move from Cruz to Trump, because they do not want an "establishment" guy, which Rubio now has become.
You better start thinking about how you will convince yourself that you need to vote for Trump, though you very well know that a president Trump will be a catastrophe for the country and the world.
You somehow seem to have convinced yourself that when Cruz quits the race all of his supporters would flock to Rubio. That is wishful thinking; the vast majority of them will move from Cruz to Trump, because they do not want an "establishment" guy, which Rubio now has become.
You better start thinking about how you will convince yourself that you need to vote for Trump, though you very well know that a president Trump will be a catastrophe for the country and the world.
5
Sen. Rubio is a bureaucrat--all procedure and no substance. Describe three pieces of legislation he has strongly pushed, either in the Florida legislature or the US Senate, that were enacted into law and which DIRECTLY improved the lives of many people.
3
I've been waiting to see which of the Republican candidates would stand up to the bully and, to borrow a phrase, punch him in the face. Hasn't happened yet. Jeb! could have overcome his wimpiness factor, but he didn't. Cruz would be the most unlikable candidate, if not for Trump. So now it's up to Rubio.
There's so much material on Trump, from his failed business deals to his marital follies, his oversized vanity, his lack of any real answers to how he's going to accomplish all the outlandish things he's proposed -- "You'll see, you'll see. And it's going to be fantastic!" -- that it wouldn't take more than a steady drumbeat to knock him down. Maybe the other candidates don't think it would look "presidential" to play that game. Well, nothing looks more un-presidential than not being President!
I don't know if I'd make the Churchill reference. Perhaps a better one would be Mickey's pep talk to Rocky, in Rocky II, along the lines of, "Don't lay down to this guy, like some kinda, I dunno, mongrel!"
There's so much material on Trump, from his failed business deals to his marital follies, his oversized vanity, his lack of any real answers to how he's going to accomplish all the outlandish things he's proposed -- "You'll see, you'll see. And it's going to be fantastic!" -- that it wouldn't take more than a steady drumbeat to knock him down. Maybe the other candidates don't think it would look "presidential" to play that game. Well, nothing looks more un-presidential than not being President!
I don't know if I'd make the Churchill reference. Perhaps a better one would be Mickey's pep talk to Rocky, in Rocky II, along the lines of, "Don't lay down to this guy, like some kinda, I dunno, mongrel!"
1
Marco Rubio is a feckless little choir boy. My guess, he's worked out being President won't be fun.
He doesn't want to do it.
Let's be very honest, not that he's ever really tried. There was much concern about his campaigning in Iowa. Hint: he didn't.
He doesn't want to do it.
Let's be very honest, not that he's ever really tried. There was much concern about his campaigning in Iowa. Hint: he didn't.
4
Seriously, Ross, stop insulting the intelligence of NYT readers.....
Talented.....Churchill.....Napoleon.....You are more delusional than the GOP voters who still believe Reagan was a great president, Obama is not American and 9/11 did not happen on Bush watch.
You and Brooks, both have your head in the sand.....of Normandy.
Talented.....Churchill.....Napoleon.....You are more delusional than the GOP voters who still believe Reagan was a great president, Obama is not American and 9/11 did not happen on Bush watch.
You and Brooks, both have your head in the sand.....of Normandy.
7
"The very talented and frequently eloquent Junior Senator from Florida..."
Whomever ARE you talking about, Ross? He's as eloquent and intelligent as Ted Knight's Ted Baxter character on the Mary Tyler Moore show. He says what his handlers put in his mouth, and he does so in a manner that if he repeats the exact same words enough times they will mystically pick up, to use the motto of your alma mater, "veritas." So President Obama keeps "ramming things down our throat." Obama has also willfully acted to destroy this country. You know, any sentient being would see that if that claim was not wildly delusional, it would have been far, far easier to accomplish in 2009 with the Dow at 7000 than now with the Dow at 16,500, down from a high of 18,000. And why would he have rescued GM and Chrysler, let alone the banks?
He's not only unhinged from reality, he's poorly equipped to think on his feet, as Governor Crispie Creme demonstrated to devastating effect in the Bridge Cone Worker's final debate appearance.
He's waiting as he always does, for specific marching orders for the man whose Cabana he tends, car salesman and former NoFunLeague owner Norman Braman. When Braman, or Sheldon Adelson, tells him how to attack Trumplestiltskin, he will then do so, with monomaniacal zeal. Until then, he has no clue, and anyone who imputes any gravitas to him is similarly clueless, no matter which institution's sheepskin hangs on their wall.
Whomever ARE you talking about, Ross? He's as eloquent and intelligent as Ted Knight's Ted Baxter character on the Mary Tyler Moore show. He says what his handlers put in his mouth, and he does so in a manner that if he repeats the exact same words enough times they will mystically pick up, to use the motto of your alma mater, "veritas." So President Obama keeps "ramming things down our throat." Obama has also willfully acted to destroy this country. You know, any sentient being would see that if that claim was not wildly delusional, it would have been far, far easier to accomplish in 2009 with the Dow at 7000 than now with the Dow at 16,500, down from a high of 18,000. And why would he have rescued GM and Chrysler, let alone the banks?
He's not only unhinged from reality, he's poorly equipped to think on his feet, as Governor Crispie Creme demonstrated to devastating effect in the Bridge Cone Worker's final debate appearance.
He's waiting as he always does, for specific marching orders for the man whose Cabana he tends, car salesman and former NoFunLeague owner Norman Braman. When Braman, or Sheldon Adelson, tells him how to attack Trumplestiltskin, he will then do so, with monomaniacal zeal. Until then, he has no clue, and anyone who imputes any gravitas to him is similarly clueless, no matter which institution's sheepskin hangs on their wall.
6
Perhaps Rubio fallback position is to be Trump's Vice-President?
".. the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida .."
You continue to delude yourself. He hasn't bothered to show up in the Senate to do his job. He's a lap poodle for his billionaire financer. He'll change positions if he thinks it'll curry favor with the "base". His eloquence consists of rote repetition of his talking points, ad nauseam. His background story is proven to be nothing more than a wishful myth. To borrow a phrase from the land of his Cuban compatriot, "He's all hat, no cattle".
You continue to delude yourself. He hasn't bothered to show up in the Senate to do his job. He's a lap poodle for his billionaire financer. He'll change positions if he thinks it'll curry favor with the "base". His eloquence consists of rote repetition of his talking points, ad nauseam. His background story is proven to be nothing more than a wishful myth. To borrow a phrase from the land of his Cuban compatriot, "He's all hat, no cattle".
2
Marco Rubio is a deer staring into the headlights of an oncoming car.
5
Mr. Douhat, first of all, Mr. Rubio is neither talented nor eloquent. If repeating memorized memes, when pressed by his opponents, passes for eloquence in your world, then I suggest a refresher course for you. Our world has produced many great debaters and rhetoricians, but Rubio cannot hold a candle to any of them. Second, Mr. Rubio has no gravitas and he is perceived rightly or wrongly as a mere water boy for his billionaire handlers. If he can't handle Chris Christie on a debate stage he has no business being any where near the oval office.
163
You sure got that right. Ross thinks that Rubio is like Ali playing rope-a-dope. and will charge back in the late rounds. Rubio has been chewed up. He just hasn't been spit out yet.
1
Eloquent? Rubio is like an actor with no improv ability. Get him off track and all he can do is repeat the same phrase, again and again. He delivers the lines he has memorized, like that other great communicator, St. Reagan.
Like Mickey smashing the broomstick water carrier unsuccessfully, the GOP has become a great example of unintended consequences. It has carefully nurtured the far right for decades and has been rewarded. Now all the racism, jingoism, misogyny, anti-intellectualism, and fear of the "other" is all theirs in the form of Trump. Ross is hoping that perhaps Rubio will be the master magician to put things to right and all the dog whistles can again be hidden from plain view. Good luck with that.
Like Mickey smashing the broomstick water carrier unsuccessfully, the GOP has become a great example of unintended consequences. It has carefully nurtured the far right for decades and has been rewarded. Now all the racism, jingoism, misogyny, anti-intellectualism, and fear of the "other" is all theirs in the form of Trump. Ross is hoping that perhaps Rubio will be the master magician to put things to right and all the dog whistles can again be hidden from plain view. Good luck with that.
2
A little over 1.2 million GOP voters have now voted in the 4 states counted so far. How can anyone be declared any kind of "winner", by taking any plurality of this number of voters?
Are our collective internet minds gone so immediacy crazy that we can't sit back and watch and wait and see how things develop before we rush to judgment?
Have we no sense of proportion anymore?
I have no dog in that race, but the outcome certainly affects us all and I see this same thing happening among the Democrats who are chomping at the bit to anoint Hillary on the basis of 4 states returns - maybe the rest of us should just sit home on election day After all, it IS February.
Are our collective internet minds gone so immediacy crazy that we can't sit back and watch and wait and see how things develop before we rush to judgment?
Have we no sense of proportion anymore?
I have no dog in that race, but the outcome certainly affects us all and I see this same thing happening among the Democrats who are chomping at the bit to anoint Hillary on the basis of 4 states returns - maybe the rest of us should just sit home on election day After all, it IS February.
1
So many Republicans have earned the prestigious Neville Chamberlain Profile in Courage Medal this season, based on their whimpering response to Trump. Reince Priebus, Marco Rubio, the list goes on. There won't be enough medals to go around.
1
Micro Rubio is waiting because he lacks nerve, intelligence, and the ability to maintain coherent policies. In other words, he's not just short in stature. He's short on everything, especially gravitas. Those waiting for Micro to stand up, take on Trump, or behave with any semblance of character and leadership will be waiting forever.
He's very talented at doing nothing.
He's very talented at doing nothing.
9
A question: What accomplishment is the basis for your "very Talented" assessment of Sen.Rubio? Being able to woo a car salesman (Norm Braman) into being his family's benefactor? Yes, his wife works for the donor as well.
It's really very telling that an individual with such poor financial judgment is a contender to lead the party of fiscal responsibility.
It's really very telling that an individual with such poor financial judgment is a contender to lead the party of fiscal responsibility.
7
Rubio seems to understand that engaging Trump "mano a mano" is a losing proposition.
Not that "somebody" couldn't take him down, it definitely could be done, but not remotely by anybody in this current playing field, and especially by Rubio.
He saw what happened to Jeb, and understands the same thing will happen to him if he gets too frisky going directly after The Donald. A phony, relatively inexperienced pretty boy like Rubio is tailor made for Trump's Don Rickle's like insult comic schtick. He'll take him apart piece by piece.
Rubio's "strategy" basically amounts to praying for a Deus ex Machina bail out, which means hoping that Trump somehow self destructs.
After the unprecedented antics we've seen so far from Trump, it's clear that he has figured out how to bend the gravity of presidential politics.
Remarkably, it turns out that all he had to do was be himself. If you're honest and make people laugh, apparently they'll let you get away with just about anything.
This thing is over.
Not that "somebody" couldn't take him down, it definitely could be done, but not remotely by anybody in this current playing field, and especially by Rubio.
He saw what happened to Jeb, and understands the same thing will happen to him if he gets too frisky going directly after The Donald. A phony, relatively inexperienced pretty boy like Rubio is tailor made for Trump's Don Rickle's like insult comic schtick. He'll take him apart piece by piece.
Rubio's "strategy" basically amounts to praying for a Deus ex Machina bail out, which means hoping that Trump somehow self destructs.
After the unprecedented antics we've seen so far from Trump, it's clear that he has figured out how to bend the gravity of presidential politics.
Remarkably, it turns out that all he had to do was be himself. If you're honest and make people laugh, apparently they'll let you get away with just about anything.
This thing is over.
3
It is quite possible that Christie's final act - eviscerating Rubio's reliance on mindless, canned talking points - has Marcobot afraid of mixing it up with Trump, who makes Governor sit-down-and-shut-up seem like Mother Theresa. The longer this fiasco goes on, the more Trump appears inevitable and - consequently - the less Rubio appears willing to engage and have what may remain of his credibility shredded like a halloween Superman cape. Remember, he's young and he might not want to sacrifice his opportunity of doing this again in 2020 or 2024 by having voters recall how he was totally destroyed in '16. Think Rick Perry's "whoops" moment.
3
Trump, excepting Kasich, is by far the top of the GOP heap. He has an independent intellect and I think post-primary he would be formidable. His base must stay the course.
Rubio? Not ready, is the kind way to put it.
Kasich, despite some disagreeable policies, seems bright and caring. A good choice but those qualities have never been GOP favorites.
If Rubio goes after Trump, I agree, he better have a nuclear weapon.
Rubio? Not ready, is the kind way to put it.
Kasich, despite some disagreeable policies, seems bright and caring. A good choice but those qualities have never been GOP favorites.
If Rubio goes after Trump, I agree, he better have a nuclear weapon.
I don't think any of this makes any difference. When it comes to Rubio, there's no "there" there. He's so inexperienced that I don't think he's capable of being president. His entire career has been propped up by a billionaire auto dealer. He got a lot of favors (which he's never returned) from Jeb Bush. He can't even manage his own finances, let alone the government's budget.
11
Is Rubio be touted because of the alternatives? OK, but what has he done in his career? What qualifies him to be President, or is he simply the best of a bunch of bad alternatives? If Rubio was running by himself, would you choose him to be President?
I will say it again, our electoral process has failed the country. This is the worst Presidential field I have seen in over 40 years of voting.
I will say it again, our electoral process has failed the country. This is the worst Presidential field I have seen in over 40 years of voting.
119
rubios career has been a tea party, hispanic(cuban in florida) with no real accomplishments, look at his record in the florida legislature, what are rubio's policies? after all this time the only thing that has surfaced is his flip flop on immigration. would you seriously want to see him setting across from putin representing american interests?
As another article in today's paper points out, Trump is not running on a typical Republican agenda, and he is winning on that agenda. What he is for and against sound more like what Democrats run on, including preserve Social Security, Medicare, and Planned Parenthood, and taxing the wealthy. This situation should scream to the Rs that people don't want their current agenda, and that's what Rubio represents. Instead of pondering how to sell your rotten fish to more people, why not admit that people don't want that rotten fish and change the agenda.
Trump is odious in so many ways and I will vote for any Democrat rather than him. But he isn't selling the same old rotten Republican fish, and that is making a big difference. You can say he isn't a real Republican, but neither are the other candidates. They more resemble dictators and theocrats in disguise as politicians, and people are smart to reject their cruel platform. (Maybe it's not so much intelligence as an instinct for self-preservation.) I think Trump senses that and is campaigning on their fear, but also with a lot more common sense about what works than his bluster reveals immediately. He is a brilliant marketer and he knows to listen to his marks . . . errr. . . . customers, and give them something that will sell.
Why not admit that the Republican party is completely off the rails and do something to bring it back to earth in the 21st century, rather than trying to defend their cruel, losing game.
Trump is odious in so many ways and I will vote for any Democrat rather than him. But he isn't selling the same old rotten Republican fish, and that is making a big difference. You can say he isn't a real Republican, but neither are the other candidates. They more resemble dictators and theocrats in disguise as politicians, and people are smart to reject their cruel platform. (Maybe it's not so much intelligence as an instinct for self-preservation.) I think Trump senses that and is campaigning on their fear, but also with a lot more common sense about what works than his bluster reveals immediately. He is a brilliant marketer and he knows to listen to his marks . . . errr. . . . customers, and give them something that will sell.
Why not admit that the Republican party is completely off the rails and do something to bring it back to earth in the 21st century, rather than trying to defend their cruel, losing game.
3
Douthat makes some good points but everything about Rubio suggests he doesn't have a strong enough style to counteract the whirling dervish of bombast and intimidation named Trump. No, the only thing with a reasonable chance of defeating him is another massive machine named Hillary. The coming election is going to be like the mother of all reality shows. Real Candidates of the USA. Katie bar the door!
Marco Rubio is waiting for Trump to fall to a self-inflicted error, such as Trump's taxes. Part of the problem is press coverage. Trump need not buy advertising because the media puts him on the front page every day of every paper. Yeah, he is a disgrace but now that everyone is wanting his downfall, the press are feeding him, intentionally or not. He is now part of the daily one-two punch of news and endless opinion articles. Build up Rubio or a Rubio/Haley ticket.
1
what a simply gross thought.
Right now, Trump is leading Rubio and the field on pure dominance. He is perceived as stronger, and therefore tougher and better. Since no one can stand up to what he is saying with any effectiveness his words become the reality. Whereas, if another candidate really, genuinely disagreed with Trump, and called him out on the point - relentlessly - then you might have some doubt that sticks. But as it is now, it all seems like the other candidates either accept Trump or fear him enough to not challenge him. Personally, I would not be surprised if Cruz and Rubio are afraid of him, that they feel they could not hold their own against him in any kind of prolonged attack. They do not seem like the "man's man" who can stand up to another man. It is almost a gender dominance thing.
1
It appears that Sen Rubio does not have it in him to truly challenge Trump. He fumbles when a thoughtful response is required, rather than a well rehearsed talking point. His obsessive water drinking and heavy perspiration indicate a lack of self-confidence. Don't count on him to stop Trump.
3
If they needed a picture next to "empty suit" in the dictionary, it would be of Marco Rubio.
I'd vote for a roll of toilet paper before that vapid, smarmy, self-righteous and smug middle-aged boy-man.
I'd vote for a roll of toilet paper before that vapid, smarmy, self-righteous and smug middle-aged boy-man.
5
Problem is that Rubio's a pretty boy, but he's not too smart. He got worse than gutted by Christie: Christie held out the knife and Rubio actually gutted himself by getting in a robotic loop. I'm guessing that the smart money knows that Clinton would eat him alive in a debate -- his positions are crazily right wing, but he's not going to be able to defend them against some common sense questions.
It's probably going to be Trump, and Trump will fall once someone points out that Donald can't say three sentences in a row on the same topic.
It's probably going to be Trump, and Trump will fall once someone points out that Donald can't say three sentences in a row on the same topic.
3
I think Rubio sees the writing on the wall: Cruz votes go to Trump, Trump wins the nomination. Instead of attacking Trump, Rubio is playing for the VP nod, maybe run for president down the road. It would be very smart for Trump to ask Rubio to be his VP. The GOP establishment may get behind a Trump/Rubio ticket, and a windfall of super-PAC money would support their run. Just like that Trump becomes a more "traditional" contender, and Rubio gets his career politician stamp for life.
1
A disgusting thought.
I notice how many times commentators make note of "annoying" qualities of Mr. Rubio (upstart, piqsqueak etc.), and how many times his much-touted youth is turned against him. These are the kinds of "weaknesses" or perceived weaknesses that Mr. Trump's gloves off, reality show, WWE, slapstick campaign style will rip to shreds once he has trained his sights on him. And, Rubio lacks either the resume/experience or the personal/intellectual skills as a debater and campaigner (despite the desperately wishful thinking of the Republican establishment) to stand for a more than a few minutes in the face of the withering attacks will come. I suspect they haven't come yet, because Mr. Trump dismisses Rubio as someone who could be demolished with ease.
1
I think it is going to be a Trump/Rubio Ticket in the Fall to try and unite the Trump 1/3rd, Establishment 1/3rd Republican party and the 1/3 third conservatives will begrudgingly go along.
1
It appears a number of conservative pundits have a big problem with Trump and want to see him stopped. What I like about this most recent column is that the writer is looking for Rubio to stop Trump, and appears to have written off Cruz. As much as I am no big fan of Trump -- the absolute worst thing that could happen is if Cruz ended up the nominee. So if the race comes down to a fight between Rubio and Trump, that is fine by me.
1
I protested at George W. Bush's inauguration in 2001 because I felt that the election was hijacked and his 'presidency' would lead to disaster, and his ignoring the 9/11 warnings was just the tip of the iceberg of that proven trainwreck.
I voted for Barack Obama twice, with absolutely zero regrets, and weep at the thought of what further progress could have been made in this country had our president not been obstructed at every turn by an opposition that was out to make his presidency and federal government look like failures.
For this vile sociopath to have the gall to say that his campaign does not attack simply boggles the mind. I can't take any more automated, mean-spirited, venomous, blatantly false assaults on my president from this cretin.
I voted for Barack Obama twice, with absolutely zero regrets, and weep at the thought of what further progress could have been made in this country had our president not been obstructed at every turn by an opposition that was out to make his presidency and federal government look like failures.
For this vile sociopath to have the gall to say that his campaign does not attack simply boggles the mind. I can't take any more automated, mean-spirited, venomous, blatantly false assaults on my president from this cretin.
20
Rubio won't be going after Trump so he can be his vice-presidential nominee. In the meantime, he'll let Ted Cruz go after Trump so he is the only alternative left standing and then hope that others will do his dirty work. As a Floridian, I can tell you that Rubio is the slickest, most calculating man alive. He is also the most unqualified candidate of all except Ben Carson. He gave up his Senate seat to run for president so being GOP VP nominee will keep him current enough so he can run for Governor of Florida in 2018.
Marco Rubio is waiting to grow up, if that is possible. He needs more, and better, education; more, and broader, life experience.
1
If the robot man Rubio is the establishment candidate of the Republican party they may as well close their shop here in US and go somewhere else I am no fan of Jeb Bush but he is head and shoulders above Marc Rubio or Ted Cruz. Marc Rubio is hollow and shallow with absolutely no ideas and accomplishments. If I am republican I will choose Trump over Rubio or Cruz. Unfortunately the only reasonable candidate remaining, Governor Kasich, has no chance of winning the nomination.
"Talented." "Eloquent." Rubio? Surely Douthat jests.
But what Ross has done is fall in line with the (I must admit) effective Republican tactic of just repeating something over and over until the masses start nodding in agreement and parroting the lines.
But what Ross has done is fall in line with the (I must admit) effective Republican tactic of just repeating something over and over until the masses start nodding in agreement and parroting the lines.
2
Why are conservative commentators so frequently compelled to reference Nazis? At least this piece is about Republican introspection.
I also appreciate an analogy to wars other than WWII. However, I'd liken the Rubio campaign more closely to the Battle of Austerlitz than Borodino. Guess who plays the part of Alexander I?
If Trump wins, William Pitt's famous observation is easily applied to the Republican field. "Roll up that map; it will not be wanted these ten years."
I also appreciate an analogy to wars other than WWII. However, I'd liken the Rubio campaign more closely to the Battle of Austerlitz than Borodino. Guess who plays the part of Alexander I?
If Trump wins, William Pitt's famous observation is easily applied to the Republican field. "Roll up that map; it will not be wanted these ten years."
1
Trump initially sized up Rubio as "a lightweight," which we can all see is true. When he tries to sound serious, trying to add urgency and gravitas to his voice, it just sounds pompous. And for all the foul ideas Trump has put forward, Rubio has criticized The Donald's foul language, saying he could not tell his only children about the words - as if this is a pressing national issue!
Ross, you and David Brooks have both been waiting in vain for a Republican savior. That person just is not there and will never be an empty suit like Rubio.
Ross, you and David Brooks have both been waiting in vain for a Republican savior. That person just is not there and will never be an empty suit like Rubio.
1
This hesitancy could be strategic. Perhaps he has concluded that Trump is an anti-Superman who feeds off Kryptonite. Perhaps he sees the writing on the wall and in thinking about his VP prospects. The Occam's Razor answer is different, though: this speaks volumes about his lack of gravity and his fundamental unpreparedness for the presidency. The race has finally distilled down to one establishment alternative and by the luck of the draw he is fundamentally unqualified.
The GOP's toy boy does not have the fortitude to lash out at Trump. He is easily rattled when pummeled --- just remember his debate debacle with Christie, who in so many ways is so much like Trump in combative style -pugnacious, brazen, crass and relentless. Rubio is only eloquent when prepared with rote memorization.
114
Well Doubthat missed one end game that Rubio and Trump may have at the back of their minds. Yesterday the Donald said that he wanted an insider politician as his VP choice so that legislation could get through Congress. He might mean either Kasich (Ohio) or Rubio (Florida). My bet is on Kasich. Perhaps Rubio has been easy on Trump because he does not want to spoil his chance for a second place spot on the ticket.
1
Well, the issue of Marco Rubio's reticence to go after Trump is fairly clear.
Rubio, like so many of his genre, is simply a coward, preferring to attack women and children in his relentless political pursuit to both legislatively remove food stamps, aid to women with dependent children, health care, birth control, and abortion, even to save the life of the mother.
Nice guy the Republicans are calling "mainstream."
Rubio, like so many of his genre, is simply a coward, preferring to attack women and children in his relentless political pursuit to both legislatively remove food stamps, aid to women with dependent children, health care, birth control, and abortion, even to save the life of the mother.
Nice guy the Republicans are calling "mainstream."
1
Rubio may be calculating that he will beat Trump in a 1-on-1 campaign, but in the longer term needs the Trump voters to win the general election. He especially needs Trump to concede gracefully, rather than having him leave in a snit and mount a 3rd party campaign that would likely turn the general election over to Clinton.
1
What does it say about Rubio and the Republican Party generally that there's nary a word in this piece about substantive policy differences between him and Trump, that it's all about tactics? The remaining hope of the party and writers like Douthat who insist there is too still such a thing as a reasonable Republican seems to be that voters will decide Rubio seems nicer, doesn't insult as many people, is more presentable and, you know, electable than Trump. No discernible attempt to make the equivalent case for Rubio's positions. Maybe they're beginning to figure out what the rest of us have known all along. There's nothing reasonable about Republicanism any more, no matter who's trying to sell it.
4
I understand that false equivalencies are Mr. Douthat's bread and butter, but today's Trump/Hitler suggestion, however witty that was supposed to be, is remarkably crude at best. My bar for meaningful insights from Mr. Douthat is set rather low. Today it drops further.
7
It is fascinating to watch the Republican Civil War play out. Donald Trump has the mega-donors of the party all in a frenzy. He has essentially short-circuited the entire multi-billion dollar funding mechanism of the American political system.
The entire modern campaign funding system, from Citizens United to the mega-donors, PACs, consultants, captive media and news networks, is designed to protect the anonymity of the billionaires, as they buy influence and control the political system from behind the scenes.
Now here comes Trump, a billionaire himself, who needs no outside funding and does everything in the open. In fact, the ratings-starved cable networks actually give him free air time, which they can recoup through higher advertising rates for their debates, etc. Again, this circumvents the entire campaign finance machine of political ads and consultants, which the other candidates are required to use to get out their message.
By forcing his fellow billionaires to come out in the open regarding their donations and their political control of the system and by exposing the corruption of the entire campaign finance system, he is doing us all a favor, however much we may loathe his politics.
The entire modern campaign funding system, from Citizens United to the mega-donors, PACs, consultants, captive media and news networks, is designed to protect the anonymity of the billionaires, as they buy influence and control the political system from behind the scenes.
Now here comes Trump, a billionaire himself, who needs no outside funding and does everything in the open. In fact, the ratings-starved cable networks actually give him free air time, which they can recoup through higher advertising rates for their debates, etc. Again, this circumvents the entire campaign finance machine of political ads and consultants, which the other candidates are required to use to get out their message.
By forcing his fellow billionaires to come out in the open regarding their donations and their political control of the system and by exposing the corruption of the entire campaign finance system, he is doing us all a favor, however much we may loathe his politics.
1
Rubio may be the establishment's favorite republican...but, lest we forget, he is still a far right politician, so young and already so rigid in his ideas; so arrogant in his ignorance and inexperience, so anti-science, that it is pitiful and sad to the extreme. The G.O.P., in brief, has no credible candidates, just empty rhetoric and bluffing. But these candidates are not the exception in a party gone crazy, suffice it to listen to McConnell, a rabid denier of reality and Obama's prerogative to name a judge to the Supreme Court. Or the stupidity of innumerable attempts to destroy Obamacare, a program helping millions of working poor to enjoy health care. Trump will continue to humiliate Rubio and Cruz by accumulating delegates, in spite of his huge egomaniacal boasting of racist innuendos and empty, baseless promises. A sad state of affairs, no matter which way one looks at it.
4
It is very unfortunate for the Republican Party elders that it is, of all possible candidates, Marco Rubio who is their last man standing.
Rubio never could live up to the hype about his person as charismatic and a new young leader of the party. He comes across as overly ambitious, impatient, arrogant and entitled. He talks too fast, he sounds rehearsed, never thoughtful, as if he had better things to do than answering questions and "Stop asking me stuff, elect me for President already".
He will now inherit the support and money from the Bush camp. Things are falling into place for him, all by themselves, which will only increase his sense of being "deserving" of the nod. Not a strong candidate in other words.
Rubio never could live up to the hype about his person as charismatic and a new young leader of the party. He comes across as overly ambitious, impatient, arrogant and entitled. He talks too fast, he sounds rehearsed, never thoughtful, as if he had better things to do than answering questions and "Stop asking me stuff, elect me for President already".
He will now inherit the support and money from the Bush camp. Things are falling into place for him, all by themselves, which will only increase his sense of being "deserving" of the nod. Not a strong candidate in other words.
Douthat and other right wing commentators and Press, the Republican Party, and the Republican establishment are in desperation over a Trump nomination since they think Rubio or any of their designated mainstream candidates would give them a better chance at winning. They are as deluded about this as they are about virtually everything else: Trump would be their best candidate by far against the Democrats.
The NY Times, its mainstream commentators, and the Democratic Party are pushing Rubio as a mainstream candidate because underneath they are not deluded as to Trump being a much stronger candidate and would seriously challenge Clinton in the general election, and I believe beat her.
Nobody wants Trump, but both mainstream powers and constituencies are, in their fear and cowardice, doing everything required to guarantee him a victory.
The NY Times, its mainstream commentators, and the Democratic Party are pushing Rubio as a mainstream candidate because underneath they are not deluded as to Trump being a much stronger candidate and would seriously challenge Clinton in the general election, and I believe beat her.
Nobody wants Trump, but both mainstream powers and constituencies are, in their fear and cowardice, doing everything required to guarantee him a victory.
I have to say that the comments capture my own opinion pretty well: talent, what talent? Rubio has shown no ability except to see the next brass right and take money from his funder. He has, by his own admission, not worked very hard at the Senate; hewed to the neocon foreign policy claiming he invented it; showed a bitter, mean spirited edge about social policy; and stood back playing a long game on a short field. Clearly he has his eye on some other goal that will pay his ego well for little work. He treats political work like a reality show where nothing is real and it all ends in a big interview with Andy Cohen.
1
Rubio may be trying to preserve a bid from by Trump to be his vice presidential candidate by not alienating him. He is the perfect demographic fit. Assuming that "going after Trump" will help you defeat him has not been substantiated by any empirical data, if anything the reverse is true. What will eventually defeat Trump is the fading hope for a "national ephiphany" when the nation realizes that we can't afford to have another intellectually challenged executive like W. Can you imagine if the Iraq war and the financial crisis had never happened? Can you imagine if the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy had never been implemented?Remember the major contributor to income inequality, the reduction in the capital gains tax from 39.5 to 15%.? Hopefully, reality will overcome the anger and frustration.
1
These comments are too funny. Democrats (not liberals - I'm a Republican liberal) which are far, far, far worse than any liberal, have had their cake over the last week following Hillary's triumph and landslide 3.4% win over Sanders in Nevada (hehe).
Alright, now that the dust has settled and after a week or White man hate and false propaganda, we can talk politics again.
Yes, Rubio could be the Republicans best candidate. Yes, this would most likely be Hillary's most difficult opponent in the general election (even sly Bill said as much). Sanders lost a little traction, but we should not for a moment discount him (over the last week, along with a litany of "hate thy White man" articles published by the New York Times and other media outlets - wait isn't that racist and sexist? oh yeah, double standard), Sanders has been shockingly suppressed in the media again. It's actually rather sad, frankly, that so called "liberal" media outlets, are cutting into him like they have been. Which, to a degree proves my earlier statements that Bernie is just running as a Democrat. He is a true liberal in every regard and we should not consider him a "Democrat." Democrats have proven they are bullies and mostly liars. Think about the difference for a moment and think about someone close to you that favors Hillary and then Sanders. It will be pretty easy to see the difference. Good luck with that Hillary loss, guys, gals and everything in between...
Alright, now that the dust has settled and after a week or White man hate and false propaganda, we can talk politics again.
Yes, Rubio could be the Republicans best candidate. Yes, this would most likely be Hillary's most difficult opponent in the general election (even sly Bill said as much). Sanders lost a little traction, but we should not for a moment discount him (over the last week, along with a litany of "hate thy White man" articles published by the New York Times and other media outlets - wait isn't that racist and sexist? oh yeah, double standard), Sanders has been shockingly suppressed in the media again. It's actually rather sad, frankly, that so called "liberal" media outlets, are cutting into him like they have been. Which, to a degree proves my earlier statements that Bernie is just running as a Democrat. He is a true liberal in every regard and we should not consider him a "Democrat." Democrats have proven they are bullies and mostly liars. Think about the difference for a moment and think about someone close to you that favors Hillary and then Sanders. It will be pretty easy to see the difference. Good luck with that Hillary loss, guys, gals and everything in between...
1
We got that you were a "Republican liberal" when you wrote 'and everything in between'....Your affection for Bernie is a mystery. He's a career office-holder running as an outsider. Mediocre student by own admission. From a small white state. Not a Democrat. Old guy who could just take his pension and retire (been in office of various kinds long enough to be financially secure.) I like him too. Not enough to vote for him. But he doesn't scare me.
1
Not to pull a Godwin, but the analogy with Hitler is entirely apt. He gained a reputation for military brilliance when he was winning victories through politics, not military strategy. His opponents simply refused to band together and fight against him. And that made him seem invincible, until Britain finally fought back. Trump is experiencing the same kind of false victories; everybody was expecting him to self-destruct, so they didn't fight against him -- until it was too late.
It's up to Hillary now, and I think she's fully up to the task of taking on the mantle of Winston Churchill. She has a lot of experience dealing with obnoxious, sexist, racist men.
It's up to Hillary now, and I think she's fully up to the task of taking on the mantle of Winston Churchill. She has a lot of experience dealing with obnoxious, sexist, racist men.
1
Churchill, Russian generals, WWII battle analogies? The problem is Rubio's weak underbelly and the fact that he panics under fire. The type of politician to whom Patton might give a good slap in the face and tell to go get a pair. My point will be proved when Trump eventually comes after him for writing a letter of recommendation for his felon drug dealing brother-in-law without disclosing to the real estate commission that they are relatives. That's one big lie on Florida House of Representatives stationery. He and Cruz are birds of a feather on the lie factor. And the final bombshell: Hey Mario, what happened to the estimated $20 million in drug money the cops say your brother-in-lawe had hidden. Did you write any letters to your brother-in-law asking him to come clean to law enforcement on that?
It doesn't surprise me at all that republican voters are going for Trump when compared with whats left of their treasure trove of candidates. Leaving out sleepy and grumpy (Carson and Kasich), what do you have? Cruz, a self centered, two faced, lying, sleazy sociopath who says he's a christian but doesn't act like one, or Marco Rubio. Rubio, who doesn't show up for work, who said he would not run for reelection as a senator because he found the job to frustrating. as if president would be easier. Rubio, the senator with his own personal billionaire that has provided his wife with a job and been there to help poor Marco manage his money. The guy who gave the republican response to one of the presidents state of the union addresses and didn't realize his mouth was dry until after he started, than lunged for some water. He reminds my 75 year old mother of some neighborhood kid with a Eddie Haskill like personality.
If I was a republican voter I'd vote for Trump to.
If I was a republican voter I'd vote for Trump to.
9
The essence of this piece, boiled down, is that Trump is so bad that Rubio The Unready emerges from within the self-inflicted Republican food fight as presidential timber -- if he's sufficiently nasty? Really?
2
"What is Rubio waiting for ?" He is obviously waiting for someone to tell him what to do, or to at least hand him a new script, He is so obviously way out of his depth. He has no real record to point to, other than being elected to the senate. He has no details on implementing the few broad sound-bite "plans" he has articulated, no rebuttal to the obvious and myriad unintended (or intended) consequences of his regressive platform ( like further cutting taxes on the wealthy, like rolling back women's reproductive rights, like refusing to look at the gore and carnage an unregulated gun industry has visited on us) Nobody should hold their breath waiting for him to rise to the surface. He is drowning . In effect, he is the true poster child for the once Grand Old Party. The GOP may hate The Donald, but he is all they have.
3
Actually, I suspect that Mr Rubio IS playing the Russian winter strategy. He's going to let Trump take the nomination, get thumped by Clinton and/or Sanders in the election, and then Rubio comes back in 2020 as the still youthful voice of rationality for the GOP. It's not a bad strategy, probably the best of a bad lot.
3
In August 2014, Nick Hanauer (a billionaire) wrote in Politico that "The Pitchforks are Coming..." and the revolution will be sudden and unpredictable until it is upon us. It looks now that Nick was right and it's ironic that the largest pitchfork is held by a fellow billionaire with a chip on his shoulder! I think it has been a mistake to underestimate the anger of those who feel the American Dream has been destroyed (for real and imaginary reasons).
Rubio appears to be unready to lead a counter-revolution against Trump and his pitchfork army. Perhaps even Hillary with a solid army of non-white voters may not be up to the task.
My personal hope is that Trump will be stopped by a large increase in the turnout of young and minority voters, who may realize the stakes are real this time...Donald Trump just might follow through with what he tells us that he will do if elected.
Rubio appears to be unready to lead a counter-revolution against Trump and his pitchfork army. Perhaps even Hillary with a solid army of non-white voters may not be up to the task.
My personal hope is that Trump will be stopped by a large increase in the turnout of young and minority voters, who may realize the stakes are real this time...Donald Trump just might follow through with what he tells us that he will do if elected.
Douthat misses the forest for the trees. Rubio is not attacking Trump, but neither is Trump attacking Rubio. I believe that there is an understanding between them that when Trump gets the nomination, Rubio will be his Vice President pick. Rubio stays in the race and attacks Cruz long enough to keep the vote divided and assure a Trump nomination.
The Conservative electorate is frustrated, angry, and longing for a strong leader who will fight for their core beliefs. Bitterly disappointed 1st by McCain & then Romney both of whom refused to engage the opposition aggressively, the Conservative base is seeking a fighter who will not capitulate when the first punch is thrown.
This is the major appeal of Trump....He is fearless and he is unmerciful with his opponents.
Mr. Rubio demonstrated his complete lack of combativeness when he was skewered by Christie in New Hampshire and he subsequently paid the price.
His refusal to engage Mr. Trump directly only highlights his lack of courage & fortitude. He would rather duck, bob & weave his way through the primaries and hope that Trump self destructs.
Strength, determination & assertiveness are the most sought after attributes in this election cycle. Unfortunately, Mr Rubio falls woefully short on all 3 counts.
This is the major appeal of Trump....He is fearless and he is unmerciful with his opponents.
Mr. Rubio demonstrated his complete lack of combativeness when he was skewered by Christie in New Hampshire and he subsequently paid the price.
His refusal to engage Mr. Trump directly only highlights his lack of courage & fortitude. He would rather duck, bob & weave his way through the primaries and hope that Trump self destructs.
Strength, determination & assertiveness are the most sought after attributes in this election cycle. Unfortunately, Mr Rubio falls woefully short on all 3 counts.
I have been for Rubio from the start, for many reasons: intelligence; charisma; debating skills; good looks; policy positions; foreign policy knowledge; and because in his Senate campaign, he was a fighter against Gov. Charlie Crist, who turned out to be a stealth Democrat (Crist later changed his party registration to Democrat). Now, he's up against another stealth Democrat, Trump, but there seems to be little fight in Rubio's campaign.
Cruz is a fighter, as is Trump, but unlike Trump, Cruz is a real conservative. I live in California, and i am going to vote for the candidate most likely to defeat Hillary. If Marco doesn't take the gloves off, and Cruz is still in the race, I might vote for Cruz.
Cruz is a fighter, as is Trump, but unlike Trump, Cruz is a real conservative. I live in California, and i am going to vote for the candidate most likely to defeat Hillary. If Marco doesn't take the gloves off, and Cruz is still in the race, I might vote for Cruz.
I find it highly amusing to watch the movement conservatives and their spokespersons attempt to cast Marco Rubio as some sort of "reasonable" alternative to the Frankenstein monster their actions have created. Rubio's stated policies will continue the Tea Party / isolationist / militaristic / cut social services / cut taxes on the wealthy views that have come to dominate the once mainstream GOP party. I can only hope the GOP finally takes a hard look at itself after the coming coronation of HRC and recognize their party's failures to address the needs of Americans across all income levels. The GOP cannot truly change until they face the facts that their current path leads to failures.
2
I wish you could be specific in how you determine that Rubio is "talented and frequently eloquent," because frankly, I don't see it. Rubio has shown himself to be good at parroting talking points for the past many years. Something no one has witnessed is Rubio being quick-thinking, bold, or resilient.
It seems obvious that Rubio is not attacking Trump for one reason: he, like everyone else in the GOP, is afraid to attack Trump. And for good cause. Rubio has glaring weaknesses as a candidate, and when Trump trains his insults on Rubio we will all cringe, seeing what an unfair fight it will be. The school yard bully pummeling the teacher's pet pipsqueak. Rubio is right to stay in at recess. His only hope is in Trump's implosion.
It seems obvious that Rubio is not attacking Trump for one reason: he, like everyone else in the GOP, is afraid to attack Trump. And for good cause. Rubio has glaring weaknesses as a candidate, and when Trump trains his insults on Rubio we will all cringe, seeing what an unfair fight it will be. The school yard bully pummeling the teacher's pet pipsqueak. Rubio is right to stay in at recess. His only hope is in Trump's implosion.
I fail to understand any fear of taking on Trump. Trump's attacks on his critics are so shallow as to be laughable. It is past time for all serious candidates to demand Trump provide details of his grandiose proposals,to shame him for personal attacks, and to explain his very significant historical inconsistencies. It is also time for the media to stop marketing Trump's entertainment value and to challenge Trump's many deceptive and manipulative platitudes.
1
The issue is not why Rubio is so hesitant (personality, bad advice, etc., etc., etc.), but why Trump is so attractive. Many in the punditry have commented on, and expressed shock at, the generalized anger that is fueling both Trump's and Sander's campaigns. But, this has happened before (think the No-Nothing party, Huey Long, etc.). It's happening now in Europe. When people and communities are under stress, the veneer of modern civility begins to fall away, and more basic, primitive emotions take over. So idealogues like Mr. T ("hordes of Mexican rapists"), and Mr. S ("evil capitalists rigging the system") play on these emotions, and find they have an audience ready for their message. Hitler, Father Coughlin, Rush Limbaugh, Cesar Chavez, and many others have been successful using this tactic. It'll be interesting to see what happens this time.
1
The idea that Ted Cruz will bow out after Super Tuesday indicates a misjudgment of Ted Cruz's arrogance and competitive nature. This is the first term senator that insulted and thumbed his nose at republican leadership and refused to work with even other Republican members of the Senate. My guess is that Cruz will continue on long after losing on Super Tuesday, siphoning off delegates from Rubio and handing the nomination to Trump.
5
I don't understand why anyone would be invested in a callow politician who advocates delusional policies of historically unprecedented tax cuts, coupled with a balanced budget amendment, while promising to put the Nation on a war footing by immediately tearing up treaties; and who also fails to appreciate the looming disaster of climate change. At least if Trump gets the nomination the other side will have a chance of prevailing with a sane candidate.
You pay too much attention to the Republicans-- free publicity.
In the national election, it appears that we will have Clinton and Trump, the two candidates with the highest unfavorability ratings. Unfortunately, many of those who are supporting Sanders will vote for Trump, not Clinton. If Democrats don't wake up to Sanders higher support in national polls, and the fact that Sanders, not Clinton, beats the Republican candidates in polls, they will lose the election by supporting queen Hillary.
In the national election, it appears that we will have Clinton and Trump, the two candidates with the highest unfavorability ratings. Unfortunately, many of those who are supporting Sanders will vote for Trump, not Clinton. If Democrats don't wake up to Sanders higher support in national polls, and the fact that Sanders, not Clinton, beats the Republican candidates in polls, they will lose the election by supporting queen Hillary.
The way to beat Trump is two-fold: 1) Attack his actual policies or lack thereof. No one presses on them or their implications; they focus on his childish delivery, which, of course, would have its own implications on a national stage. 2) Show unending clips of Trump in his demeaning previous activities, and clips of his sex talk on Howard Stern.
The problem for Rubio with the first suggestion is that Rubio himself would be open to exposing the thinness and lack of facts and evidence his own ideas are based on.
The problem for Rubio with the first suggestion is that Rubio himself would be open to exposing the thinness and lack of facts and evidence his own ideas are based on.
1
Ross, sometimes the simplest answer is the best one. There is no WW II strategy going on here. (And that's very good because no one wants to read more of that extended analogy.) Rubio is afraid of facing down Trump just as all of the other primary candidates. Instead of doing his homework, pinning Trump down on his non-existent policies, and refusing to give in to his bluster, Rubio hopes that the other candidates will drop out and the arithmetic will give him a victory when those voters turn to the Rubio establishment. It's that simple, but of course it won't work.
You have consistently overestimated Rubio's talent and ability. If he confronts Trump head-on, as you suggest, Trump will walk away as the Alpha male and Rubio will revert to the Chris Christie target we have seen before.
You have consistently overestimated Rubio's talent and ability. If he confronts Trump head-on, as you suggest, Trump will walk away as the Alpha male and Rubio will revert to the Chris Christie target we have seen before.
1
Trump's appeal is limited to about one-third of primary voters. He will probably do well with the delegate count on March 1, but Rubio will also win some delegates, and after that it becomes a two-man race which Trump can't win. Either Carson and Kasich will get out, or voters will see that voting for them in future primaries is throwing their vote away.
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In a two way race, Trump vs. Rubio, Rubio will win the later primaries. This may go to the convention with no one having 50%, but that's when the two-thirds majority will pick the candidate - and it won't be Trump.
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In a two way race, Trump vs. Rubio, Rubio will win the later primaries. This may go to the convention with no one having 50%, but that's when the two-thirds majority will pick the candidate - and it won't be Trump.
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1
The elephant in the room here, and completely ignored by Douthat, is the reality that Rubio doesn't have the temperament or knowledge to be President. He, as well as the Canadian candidate, are inheritors of a liberal immigration policy that favored Cubans over other Latin American refugees. Neither Cuban is of presidential material. Their arrogance is overwhelming. The clueless GOP somehow miss the fact that Cubans have snubbed other Hispanics for centuries and these two in particular are not at all likely to result in support from the large bloc of Americans with Mexican antecedents.
1
The main point of Jeb! raising $100-plus millions before he declared his candidacy was to scare off any other possible viable and credible candidates from entering the race.
And guess what? Except for Kasich, Jeb!'s campaign was completely successful!
Of course, the unintended consequence of scaring off viable and credible candidates, is that Jeb!'s strategy created a vacuum that was filled by unviable and un-credible candidates. Et voila! Trump, Cruz and Rubio.
The unsolvable dilemma now is that candidates who have no substance now, other than what they claim not to like, or what they will "stand for" in return for campaign donations, are trying to take down the leading candidate who, whatever else we can say, has the aura of authenticity, because he is clearly his own man.
Marco "Put on a Happy Face" Rubio never had a plan, except hope that his donor-handler-puppet-masters would pull him across, that he could fake his way through, that the other candidates might stumble. He would never know how to take down a Donald Trump (And yet he wants people to believe - he desperately wants to believe himself - that he is capable of dealing with other powerful people, domestically and overseas.). And apparently, his donor-handler-puppet-masters don't know how to take Trump down either. I'll bet even the Mossad is stumped.
And guess what? Except for Kasich, Jeb!'s campaign was completely successful!
Of course, the unintended consequence of scaring off viable and credible candidates, is that Jeb!'s strategy created a vacuum that was filled by unviable and un-credible candidates. Et voila! Trump, Cruz and Rubio.
The unsolvable dilemma now is that candidates who have no substance now, other than what they claim not to like, or what they will "stand for" in return for campaign donations, are trying to take down the leading candidate who, whatever else we can say, has the aura of authenticity, because he is clearly his own man.
Marco "Put on a Happy Face" Rubio never had a plan, except hope that his donor-handler-puppet-masters would pull him across, that he could fake his way through, that the other candidates might stumble. He would never know how to take down a Donald Trump (And yet he wants people to believe - he desperately wants to believe himself - that he is capable of dealing with other powerful people, domestically and overseas.). And apparently, his donor-handler-puppet-masters don't know how to take Trump down either. I'll bet even the Mossad is stumped.
3
Let's dispel with this notion that Rubio doesn't know what he is doing. He knows exactly what he is doing!
He can't attack Trump because he is completely powerless to respond to the blowhard when he swings back. Sure, his team can press "record" and arm him with some hits that once again sound like they are coming from a "very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida" (please), but when the wildly unpredictable Trump does the one predictable thing he does, that is punch back like no other person ever to run for President would dare to do, Rubio will be clueless as to how to respond. Will Trump attack his wife, mother, father, priest, tailor or his perhaps his urologist? How will he possibly stop the flow of sweat and suppress the thirst when the surprise punch comes at his stomach on national television and it is one that his team hasn't pre-programmed a response for.
Let's dispel with this notion that Marco Rubio is anything more than an empty suit.
He can't attack Trump because he is completely powerless to respond to the blowhard when he swings back. Sure, his team can press "record" and arm him with some hits that once again sound like they are coming from a "very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida" (please), but when the wildly unpredictable Trump does the one predictable thing he does, that is punch back like no other person ever to run for President would dare to do, Rubio will be clueless as to how to respond. Will Trump attack his wife, mother, father, priest, tailor or his perhaps his urologist? How will he possibly stop the flow of sweat and suppress the thirst when the surprise punch comes at his stomach on national television and it is one that his team hasn't pre-programmed a response for.
Let's dispel with this notion that Marco Rubio is anything more than an empty suit.
1
It's not clear what Republican group is going to pay for those massive TV ads against Trump. His fellow billionaires have been unwilling to spend much, if anything, against him, probably because they know he will eventually retaliate like businessperson and not a politician. Further, Trump could simply start running commercials of his own; he's spent far less than almost anybody else.
If Trump trounces on Super Tuesday, as expected, then Robot Rubio and Crooked Cruz are both finished. Republicans aren't foolish enough to reject their own elected nominee at their convention: even if were legal the backlash would be brutal. It's not like they could run as outsiders when they rejected the only real outsider. Within a month or so the nomination process should be all wrapped up.
If Trump trounces on Super Tuesday, as expected, then Robot Rubio and Crooked Cruz are both finished. Republicans aren't foolish enough to reject their own elected nominee at their convention: even if were legal the backlash would be brutal. It's not like they could run as outsiders when they rejected the only real outsider. Within a month or so the nomination process should be all wrapped up.
"And the man who now, finally, has the support of the institutional party, the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida,"....I am with Douthat, what is Marco Rubio waiting for? When will the robot show us some of his great talent and eloquence?
2
It used to be that parties fought on tactics rather than strategy -- that each party had a common vision on what's good for the citizens, but differ on how to get there. There are such wide chasms between parties that it is now incomprehensible to imagine any form of unity on any issue. America is literally tearing itself apart and even regardless of who wins the election - Republican (Trump, Rubio, Cruz) or Democrat (Clinton, Saunders), no one seriously imagine any progress being made on governing. As an outside observer, I hope for America's sake that Trump does win the election, as it will force both parties in both houses to find some common ground in governing, at least for four years. On the other hand, it could be four years of total chaos, with all branches (SCOTUS included) handcuffed and in disarray. Because of this calamity, the US's influence is waning -- keep in the back of your mind that the whole world is watching.
4
Another alternative is that both Cruz and Rubio (and for that matter Kasich and Carson) believe there is a strong possibility of a brokered convention, in which case staying in to accrue delegates/bargaining chips makes sense, i.e., could either result in being the nominee or at least on the ticket. If the candidate really believed this was going to happen, going after Trump isn't necessary to success, but being beaten up by Trump would pose a serious risk.
The obvious problem with this alternative is that it depends on the four remaining candidates collectively winning more than 50% of the delegates, a very iffy proposition.
The obvious problem with this alternative is that it depends on the four remaining candidates collectively winning more than 50% of the delegates, a very iffy proposition.
1
Hey, let's face it, ideological politics is dead in the water. The Republicans have an ideology that has found no traction even among its base. Low taxes, small government, balanced budgets don't cut it with the base of the Republican party. With the defeat of the so called establishment candidates, the Republicans now see quite clearly that the base of the party wants something that is anathema to the Republican elite--activist government that helps the average white man, not the entrepreneurs and the well heeled country club set. Class warfare and the latent racism at the base of the party is now exposed for all to see--and for Trump to exploit. It is not Trump we should fear, but rather his angry mostly white supporters who are similar in their mindset to the Germans who elected the National Socialists and propelled Hitler to power. It is not hyperbole to state that the social contract of this country is in peril. Sensible conservative Republicans should start thinking about voting Democratic in the next election or at least not voting for Trump.
4
You're out. Sorry, Godwin's Law. Can't do anything about it. Bye.
This might be from left field.
I haven't seen this possibility mentioned anywhere else.
If part or most of Rubio's strategy is to become Trump's running mate, a factor could be that Trump, if elected, would probably be the most likely President to be impeached and convicted - starting Inauguration day for some plotters. Actually earlier, for manic political junkies like me.
Both many Republicans and many Democrats might vote for getting rid of him.
The grounds for impeachment would probably be legion.
But his hair should be enough.
And then, of course, the Vice becomes the real thing.
I haven't seen this possibility mentioned anywhere else.
If part or most of Rubio's strategy is to become Trump's running mate, a factor could be that Trump, if elected, would probably be the most likely President to be impeached and convicted - starting Inauguration day for some plotters. Actually earlier, for manic political junkies like me.
Both many Republicans and many Democrats might vote for getting rid of him.
The grounds for impeachment would probably be legion.
But his hair should be enough.
And then, of course, the Vice becomes the real thing.
4
It's looking like Trump is unstoppable. Remember when the Republican party leaders insisted that Trump pledge that he would not run as an Independent if he was not their eventual nominee? Of course they were positive beyond a shadow of doubt that Trump wouldn't eventually dispatch all of their favorite candidates. But he has, and it's because a large faction of their base, the ones they never had to court in the past, have decided Trump is their man.
So I'm predicting that one or more of these conventional Republican money men will persuade Rubio (or some other prominent Republican, possibly even one who has already been rejected, such as Jeb!) to run as an Independent. Their fears are palpable.
Wouldn't that be poetic?
So I'm predicting that one or more of these conventional Republican money men will persuade Rubio (or some other prominent Republican, possibly even one who has already been rejected, such as Jeb!) to run as an Independent. Their fears are palpable.
Wouldn't that be poetic?
4
If there is a third party candidate, he is far more likely to be Michael Bloomberg.
That would be interesting.
That would be interesting.
This is the long game. Rubio is a Senator from a crucial state, who is doing very well in a presidential primary at 44 years of age. He's running against a guy who is nearly 70, for the right to oppose someone who is nearly 70. The Dems have no bench, which is why their stalking horse is a 73-year old socialist from Vermont.
Unlike Trump and Clinton (and Sanders), Rubio has twenty more years in his political career. If he makes it to the convention for a floor fight on the second ballot (because Trump doesn't get to 51%), anything could happen. But more importantly, if he emerges from this season with the reputation as someone who was dignified, likable and reasonably presidential, he is the presumptive nominee in 2020. That's a pretty good position to be in at age 44.
Unlike Trump and Clinton (and Sanders), Rubio has twenty more years in his political career. If he makes it to the convention for a floor fight on the second ballot (because Trump doesn't get to 51%), anything could happen. But more importantly, if he emerges from this season with the reputation as someone who was dignified, likable and reasonably presidential, he is the presumptive nominee in 2020. That's a pretty good position to be in at age 44.
3
He won't be a Senator for long and I don't think he can maintain momentum for eight years as an aging pretty-boy religious wacko gadfly with a failed senatorial career, no other accomplishments and a reputation as a financially dependent puppet of billionaires.
What's he going to do between November 2016 and 2023? The chicken-dinner circuit at evangelical churches? Lobbying? Spokesman for a bottled-water company? He's already peaked and hopefully will be in history's dustbin in a few weeks.
What's he going to do between November 2016 and 2023? The chicken-dinner circuit at evangelical churches? Lobbying? Spokesman for a bottled-water company? He's already peaked and hopefully will be in history's dustbin in a few weeks.
6
Presumptive nominee against an incumbent in 2020.
More likely, 2024.
Even more likely, Rubio's hoping Trump will choose him as a running mate.
More likely, 2024.
Even more likely, Rubio's hoping Trump will choose him as a running mate.
Any comparison to Churchill is ridiculous. Even a quick review of Chruchills accomplishments prior to being Prime Minister shows a wealth of experience and accomplishments that Rubio simply doesn't have. Please name one thing Rubio has accomplished as a Senator? Please clarify one nationally reconized policy position he has taken and maintained? The only one that comes to my attention was his attempt at immigration reform. However, he abandoned that position, even though it was his own position, due to opposition from the right wing. Churchill would never have done that.
A youthful face and good cadence when giving a speech does not meet what I consider the necessary qualifications for leading the free world, let alone being our President. Being the only alternative left to Donald Trump does not a President make.
A youthful face and good cadence when giving a speech does not meet what I consider the necessary qualifications for leading the free world, let alone being our President. Being the only alternative left to Donald Trump does not a President make.
174
My guess is that Trump is doing well because most Republicans are angry and feel like cussing and fighting and that looks like Trump to them.
3
Lord Douhat has the best supply of Republican ayahuasca...and it shows in his daily hallucinogenic ruminations as he orbits Republistan, a collapsed star of intellectual, moral and economic bankruptcy still emitting random energy waves of cognitive dissonance, marketing propaganda and pure poppycock.
Donald Trump is the Republican nominee.
The reason the battery-operated Marco Rubio isn't doing anything is because even though he came with batteries and instructions from Norman Braman and Sheldon Adelson, Rubio comes without a human soul, human wisdom and mental instability.
When Marco Rubio speaks, it's a robot talking.
He brings an unnatural forced speaking style devoid of reflection, nuance and reconsideration.
He's catatonically opposed to open relations with Cuba and Iran; he wants the Cold War back, and he wants to top it off with an actual new war against whoever his pre-recorded instructions tell him to invade.
Rubio rejects evolution, climate change science and the possibility that President Bush had any responsibility for ignoring national security warnings in the summer of 2001 as GWB chopped wood in Crawford Texas.
Rubio does NOT favor abortion exceptions in the case of rape or incest -- welcome to Marco Rubio's New American 4th century.
Marco Rubio is one of the scariest candidates for the Presidency America has ever had, supremely unqualified by temperament, IQ, personality type and his extremely reckless ambitious streak.
Stop hallucinating, Ross.
Donald Trump is the Republican nominee.
The reason the battery-operated Marco Rubio isn't doing anything is because even though he came with batteries and instructions from Norman Braman and Sheldon Adelson, Rubio comes without a human soul, human wisdom and mental instability.
When Marco Rubio speaks, it's a robot talking.
He brings an unnatural forced speaking style devoid of reflection, nuance and reconsideration.
He's catatonically opposed to open relations with Cuba and Iran; he wants the Cold War back, and he wants to top it off with an actual new war against whoever his pre-recorded instructions tell him to invade.
Rubio rejects evolution, climate change science and the possibility that President Bush had any responsibility for ignoring national security warnings in the summer of 2001 as GWB chopped wood in Crawford Texas.
Rubio does NOT favor abortion exceptions in the case of rape or incest -- welcome to Marco Rubio's New American 4th century.
Marco Rubio is one of the scariest candidates for the Presidency America has ever had, supremely unqualified by temperament, IQ, personality type and his extremely reckless ambitious streak.
Stop hallucinating, Ross.
271
Entirely correct, although I question whether he is "one of the scariest" presidential candidates"--give the sociopathic and unpredictable Donald Trump some credit (he has earned it).
2
We can't keep these borrowed-and-never-to-be-used-again terms all straightened out, but we figured out Sock hates one side all the time and goes along with the other other side all the time. Whew! That was hard!
Is there anything else to you besides hate and hyperbole?
Things are getting bad for our Reformicon Douhat. Now he's beating the metaphors to death. Dunkirk, Kutusov, 1812, Churchill, W.C. Fields. Where will it end?
53
He didn't mention Hitler.
Oh my Gosh, he did mention Hitler! How did you leave that out, John?
Perhaps Pharsalus ?
So Douthit would have Rubio wallow into the swamp, where he'll be eaten by a superior opponent, as opposed to providing an alternative choice in expertise and temperament. How like the NYT, to call for civility only when it suits them.
If the country is that mad at DC, then DC should get the message - Stop your self-serving elitism, or we'll throw you all out.
If the country is that mad at DC, then DC should get the message - Stop your self-serving elitism, or we'll throw you all out.
5
Trump should put Rubio on the ticket.
Like Alice, Ross, you followed the rabbit down the hole, and now you have become part of the scenery in Wonderland. You prefer the Dormouse (Rubio) to the Mad Hatter (you know who) in a land that is ruled by the Red Necktied Queen (Mitch McConnell).
Your disingenuousness that Rubio doesn't attack is unbecoming in a Jesuit. Sure he does, just at those not in the room:
"Let's dispel with this fiction that Barack Obama doesn't know what he's doing. He knows exactly what he's doing."
Rubio's Endless Loop describes a President who should be impeached, a President who has gulled the country into making changes that voters actually don't want even if they voted for the man who told them that these changes (and more) would ensue if they pulled the D lever.
So, yes, Ross, I guess you might say that Rubio is a good representative of a party that won't be satisfied until it gets its country back. I see pictures of Depression Oklahoma mothers old before their time sitting in front of shacks where their filthy children stare with empty eyes and African-American children hunted down and hanged by grinning white yokels with a sense of entitlement. I see prosecutions for sexuality and that curious American predilection for conflating church and state that added "under god" to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954.
Yes, Barack Obama knows exactly what he's doing, Marco, and you're not smart enough to appreciate it. Thanks for playing.
Like Alice, Ross, you followed the rabbit down the hole, and now you have become part of the scenery in Wonderland. You prefer the Dormouse (Rubio) to the Mad Hatter (you know who) in a land that is ruled by the Red Necktied Queen (Mitch McConnell).
Your disingenuousness that Rubio doesn't attack is unbecoming in a Jesuit. Sure he does, just at those not in the room:
"Let's dispel with this fiction that Barack Obama doesn't know what he's doing. He knows exactly what he's doing."
Rubio's Endless Loop describes a President who should be impeached, a President who has gulled the country into making changes that voters actually don't want even if they voted for the man who told them that these changes (and more) would ensue if they pulled the D lever.
So, yes, Ross, I guess you might say that Rubio is a good representative of a party that won't be satisfied until it gets its country back. I see pictures of Depression Oklahoma mothers old before their time sitting in front of shacks where their filthy children stare with empty eyes and African-American children hunted down and hanged by grinning white yokels with a sense of entitlement. I see prosecutions for sexuality and that curious American predilection for conflating church and state that added "under god" to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954.
Yes, Barack Obama knows exactly what he's doing, Marco, and you're not smart enough to appreciate it. Thanks for playing.
30
Nobody needs to say that political horse-race analysis wantonly forgets the issues and sinfully forgets the needs of the people of this country -- Mr. Douthat, in his feckless way, has just written it today.
17
I find that whenever I talk to people who may think Rubio might be OK because the media has labeled him as the "mainstream" alternative to Trump and Cruz, all I have to do is mention that Rubio has proposed eliminating all taxes on capital gains and investment income, which would in effect mean that the very richest Americans would pay in effect no income taxes (rather than the low rates they already pay), and they completely change their mind of him.
The response I get is "What!? Why would he want to do that? And how come I don't know that?"
Media please do your job, and spend some time making Americans aware of the policy positions of Rubio and the other candidates rather endless coverage of the "horse race".
The response I get is "What!? Why would he want to do that? And how come I don't know that?"
Media please do your job, and spend some time making Americans aware of the policy positions of Rubio and the other candidates rather endless coverage of the "horse race".
51
This column proves that the pundit class and media are just not getting it! Rubio received the coveted endorsement of Nikki Haley. Did zilch-nada for him. Bush had gazillions in a war chest. Crickets from the GOP primary voters. Can't even blame turnout which seems to be higher than in 2012. Trump is winning because he is who the GOP primary voters want. And apparently across most of the subpopulations of GOP primary voters.
Seriously - this is such a no brainer. Over the past few decades the GOP establishment bamboozled the middle and working class into voting GOP through culture wars and selling trickle down economics. It's not working anymore. All Trump did was find a new boogey man: immigrants and trade agreements. Gay marriage, abortion and tax cuts for the wealthy are so over. Trump looks like a guy who will get stuff done and Rubio looks like a guy who thinks he deserves to be president.
Last, the "talent" of Rubio is another media and pundit class "truth." Clearly the electorate is not feeling it.
For the record I am a democrat and not a tea partier, but I can understand where they are coming from....
Seriously - this is such a no brainer. Over the past few decades the GOP establishment bamboozled the middle and working class into voting GOP through culture wars and selling trickle down economics. It's not working anymore. All Trump did was find a new boogey man: immigrants and trade agreements. Gay marriage, abortion and tax cuts for the wealthy are so over. Trump looks like a guy who will get stuff done and Rubio looks like a guy who thinks he deserves to be president.
Last, the "talent" of Rubio is another media and pundit class "truth." Clearly the electorate is not feeling it.
For the record I am a democrat and not a tea partier, but I can understand where they are coming from....
28
Here in Georgia, conservative PACs are running attack ads on Trump and Cruz, and promoting Rubio. I think Rubio's plan is to have the attacks on Trump and Cruz come from other sources, and he takes the high road. Will it work? I don't know if anyone is going to slow down Trump, unless the other Republican candidates drop out ASAP.
4
"very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida"
I think a clear rebuttal to both parts of this (talented & eloquent) to this is the following:
When asked about climate change, Rubio famously refused to comment saying, "I am not a scientist." Well, he is not a diplomat, doctor, economist, mathematician, garbage collector, farmer, policeman, social worker, soldier, engineer, fireman, nurse, builder, businessman, accountant, architect, factory worker, plumber, secretary, file clerk, sociologist, logician (obviously), painter, etc., etc., etc.
Do you really want this person to be President of the United States, Ross?
I think a clear rebuttal to both parts of this (talented & eloquent) to this is the following:
When asked about climate change, Rubio famously refused to comment saying, "I am not a scientist." Well, he is not a diplomat, doctor, economist, mathematician, garbage collector, farmer, policeman, social worker, soldier, engineer, fireman, nurse, builder, businessman, accountant, architect, factory worker, plumber, secretary, file clerk, sociologist, logician (obviously), painter, etc., etc., etc.
Do you really want this person to be President of the United States, Ross?
41
This guy Rubio says TONS more about what he intends to do and how he thinks than you EVER heard from ''blank slate'' Barack Hussein O the last two times you obediently waited in line to vote for him, asking not one question and never wanting to hear what was going to happen to your family finances as a result.
Maybe it was better not knowing, like the Titanic slipping away from Liverpool heading west.
Maybe it was better not knowing, like the Titanic slipping away from Liverpool heading west.
Exactly. Rubio is a suit stuffed with other people's money and a head stuffed with their ideas, which he parrots to keep the money coming. Reminds me of the annoying kid nobody really liked who hung around the edge of your group repeating what others said to seem like he belonged.
1
I saw a Rubio interview this morning - he said that he expects his poll numbers to pick up "as the field begins to narrow." I was blown away - literally a dozen candidates have already dropped out, and Rubio is still waiting for the field to narrow!
It was not an inspiring moment for Rubio fans.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
It was not an inspiring moment for Rubio fans.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
24
Or maybe Marco realizes his own limitations and is terrified at the prospect of a full frontal attack by Donald wherein Donald tales his lunch money and his pants.
26
Just as long as Boy Wonder gets to keep his boots.
My old politics bones remember someone else who followed this path. Anyone remember President Rudy Giuliani?
11
Even if Trump's campaign ends up going down in flames - which doesn't seem likely at this time - he will have done us all a YUGE favor by calling out the donors behind the super PACs.
As Douthat mentions, the silent rich behind those super PACs millions aren't used to being criticized by name by a candidate who is not their candidate - they want to do their dirty work quietly. That's the whole point of a super PAC. I doubt that donors like Marlene Ricketts, of the Chicago Cubs family, ever dreamed of being specifically mentioned on Twitter by a presidential candidate with 6.3 million followers and warned about spending money against him.
Trump also seems to have the Koch brothers in a bind, because they realize he'll publicly turn on them next if he has a hint that they're aiming their considerable financial power at him and supporting Rubio. The Kochs can't risk having Trump's supporters, who are so important to their national grass-level efforts by falling in line behind them, turn against them, too. And if you can't control the message, what use is giving millions to a super PAC? Republicans usually love bullies - if they're on their side. They've now developed a bully they can't fully control and seem terrified of him.
As Douthat mentions, the silent rich behind those super PACs millions aren't used to being criticized by name by a candidate who is not their candidate - they want to do their dirty work quietly. That's the whole point of a super PAC. I doubt that donors like Marlene Ricketts, of the Chicago Cubs family, ever dreamed of being specifically mentioned on Twitter by a presidential candidate with 6.3 million followers and warned about spending money against him.
Trump also seems to have the Koch brothers in a bind, because they realize he'll publicly turn on them next if he has a hint that they're aiming their considerable financial power at him and supporting Rubio. The Kochs can't risk having Trump's supporters, who are so important to their national grass-level efforts by falling in line behind them, turn against them, too. And if you can't control the message, what use is giving millions to a super PAC? Republicans usually love bullies - if they're on their side. They've now developed a bully they can't fully control and seem terrified of him.
36
I give you some credit, Mr. Douthat. Unlike Mr. Brooks, you're at least trying to face the situation, to come up with a "solution" to your party's Trump "problem," however vainly.
The Napoleon's-army-in-Moscow analogy is cute, if characteristically sophist. The only problem with an update is, with global warming, Marshal "Marco" Kutuzov might not be so wise to count on the once-inevitable Russian winter, which this year might arrive late. Or, not at all. Anyway, it will soon be Spring.
But at least you're at the game board, trying to protect your last pawn and get him Queened. You're not off opining on different types of marriage. Points for effort.
The Napoleon's-army-in-Moscow analogy is cute, if characteristically sophist. The only problem with an update is, with global warming, Marshal "Marco" Kutuzov might not be so wise to count on the once-inevitable Russian winter, which this year might arrive late. Or, not at all. Anyway, it will soon be Spring.
But at least you're at the game board, trying to protect your last pawn and get him Queened. You're not off opining on different types of marriage. Points for effort.
17
Why do pundits, especially right-leaning ones, often credit Rubio with being "eloquent," "strong debater," etc. I find him robotic and scripted. And then there is his record...of not showing up to work but collecting that taxpayer-funded paycheck. He needs to grow up.
60
Wow! Douthat calls Trump, Hitler. One thing about Conservatives, they're not conservative in their language.
As to Rubio attacking Trump, Douthat might rethink that. Rubio has, as others have pointed out, a glass jaw. As David Brooks has pointed out, Rubio shows he is nervous under pressure. Rubio sweats and loses his train of thought when under attack. Even if Trump self-immolates, do Republicans really want a Commander in Chief who shakes in his boots?
As to Rubio attacking Trump, Douthat might rethink that. Rubio has, as others have pointed out, a glass jaw. As David Brooks has pointed out, Rubio shows he is nervous under pressure. Rubio sweats and loses his train of thought when under attack. Even if Trump self-immolates, do Republicans really want a Commander in Chief who shakes in his boots?
47
Can you even imagine the absolute laughingstock mincemeat Hilary or Bernie would make of Rubio in even the most informal of debates? Let alone an all-out floor-mopper right before the election?
It would make Biden's take-down of Malarkey-boy Ryan look like a love fest.
It would make Biden's take-down of Malarkey-boy Ryan look like a love fest.
Dohat's metaphors have always been a bit strained, much like his conservative "values"
Great comment.
Let us not forget, however, that the POTUS is not Commander in Chief. He commands no one. We do not live under a military dictatorship. He is the head of the Executive Branch of our Government.
Ahhhh---Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces. That's different.
Let us not forget, however, that the POTUS is not Commander in Chief. He commands no one. We do not live under a military dictatorship. He is the head of the Executive Branch of our Government.
Ahhhh---Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces. That's different.
Rubio is waiting for a spine and a brain. The man is nothing. There is no one there. If Christy didn't make that plain to you, Ross, nothing will. Your man-crush is not only an empty suit, he is an equally empty head. Rubio is a child in a man's body. Give it up! He is not going anywhere.
The only good in all of this is that the Kochs are wasting more of their interest money - in a market for oil that is going down, just like their pet robot.
The only good in all of this is that the Kochs are wasting more of their interest money - in a market for oil that is going down, just like their pet robot.
77
Rubio is afraid of Trump. He attacks Hillary Clinton with ease and he is not even running against her yet. He attacked Jeb Bush without pause. But Rubio knows that Trump will destroy him if he attacks. I'm not convinced that Rubio really wants to be president as he lacks a fire in the belly for the job. I don't see him really hungry to be president.
98
His stomach is not the organ in which Rubio is lacking something.
Rubio does not want any job at all if it requires showing up. What he wants is a soft life with a massive bank account. As prez he could sign off on what the Kochs put under his nose and plan to make millions later like the Clintons.
2
Your problem is not that Rubio has yet to play Churchill. Churchill would not have waited to play Churchill, he would have been Churchill from beginning to end.
Your problem is that you have no champions running, and you're pining for Rubio to be something he's not.
Your problem is that you have no champions running, and you're pining for Rubio to be something he's not.
254
The reason Rubio hasn't attacked Trump is that he's scared of him. No more, no less. And Rubio is working towards 2020 or 2024 - he's far too immature, impatient, and inexperienced to be President. On the other hand, he does photograph well.
4
he is scared or waiting for every one else to fall
1
Jeezey Peezy, Ross, what on earth are you doing comparing the weasel smiling boy in the empty suit to Winston Churchill? That is an unbelievable and hilarious stretch of your imagination, and a grotesque insult to Winston Churchill! The memorizer of political memes doesn't have a ghost of a chance at the RNC Presidential ticket 5 months from now. He and his colleague and archenemy Rafael Cruz, Jr. are both such evangelical zealots who believe America is a Christian country, not a democracy of e pluribus unum, that there is no Constitutional ruling joining evangelical Christianity and government that they don't deserve votes in GOP primaries or caucuses. One wonders, slightly, whether the Republican Debate tonight will mean bupkes, as all of the previous debates meant. And Ross, please refrain from quoting Winston Churchill when you weren't alive when he was the Mighty Man of the Western World along with Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Winnie is spinning in his boiler suit, bowler and cigar in his grave.
9
The Republican establishment should love Trump. It is mystifying why they don't. After all, Trump promotes racism, bullying, ignorance, and greed. All core Republican values.
I think the answer is that, sick as he is, Trump is his own man. The Republican establishment wants a puppet.
I think the answer is that, sick as he is, Trump is his own man. The Republican establishment wants a puppet.
7
Really, now. Trump is for sure a serious threat, mainly to the Republican Party and secondarily to the country itself, but it's absurd to compare the Trump "threat" to the Nazi threat to Britain in 1940.
I think the GOP at last has Trump with his back to the ropes with Mitt Romney's statement that there's a "bombshell" in Trump's tax returns. You can be certain Romney would not have used such a loaded term if he didn't know there's truth behind it.
Expect to see the heat turned up very quickly.
I think the GOP at last has Trump with his back to the ropes with Mitt Romney's statement that there's a "bombshell" in Trump's tax returns. You can be certain Romney would not have used such a loaded term if he didn't know there's truth behind it.
Expect to see the heat turned up very quickly.
1
How on earth would Romney know what's contained in Trump's returns?
The major diff between Mitt and Trump is that Mitt's a smooth liar.
I'm an independent and don't like what's on offer on the Democratic side--an extremist and yesterday's left over pizza. Although marginally better than Cruz, Rubio is still unacceptable. His policy positions are all over the map and changeable and he has no known accomplishments as a politician on the national stage. It is the conservative side of the Obama dilemma: someone who speaks well, looks good on camera but is not ready for the job.
At this point, I hope Mr. Bloomberg runs.
At this point, I hope Mr. Bloomberg runs.
2
So you prefer an arrogant billionaire who is different from Trump in that he is more elegant and more insidious. Please, Bloomberg is just as arrogant as Trump and he's even less interested with the average Joe or Jane. He has played liberal voters into thinking that he's better than the average Republican but they need to remember this is a man who campaigned for term limits in NYC and then when they applied to HIM he negotiated with the then City Council to ignore the will of the people to give him another term. No, he's no better; in fact, he's worse!
I can't wait to see how Trump destroys Rubio in the next debate, the way he eviscerated Jeb Bush.
I'm not really clear what a muscular anti-Trump campaign would even add at this point. What could a multi-million dollar ad campaign say about him that hasn't already been said? His supporters manifestly don't care about how ridiculous and offensive he is, nor that he's not at all consistently adherent to what we're told are the principles of modern American conservatism.
I'm not really clear what a muscular anti-Trump campaign would even add at this point. What could a multi-million dollar ad campaign say about him that hasn't already been said? His supporters manifestly don't care about how ridiculous and offensive he is, nor that he's not at all consistently adherent to what we're told are the principles of modern American conservatism.
11
Rubio is also put at a disadvantage by a MSM that would far rather have Trump be the Republican candidate than him. That's why Trump's constant array of present and past outrageousness is downplayed in favor of Mrs Rubio's parking tickets. But, once it's Trump vs Clinton, we can expect the full force of Trump as Golem. Starting with Trump's leading role in the Obama birther nonsense, a topic that one might have thought would have reappeared by now.
5
@ melk
Cincinnati
A Republican plays the lame old media alibi. I never knew Rubio had parking ticket problems but on the other hand every night the media is focused on some latest outrageous statement by Trump. So either you're not taking in any media or you're engaged in misrepresentation.
Cincinnati
A Republican plays the lame old media alibi. I never knew Rubio had parking ticket problems but on the other hand every night the media is focused on some latest outrageous statement by Trump. So either you're not taking in any media or you're engaged in misrepresentation.
11
Marco Rubio is a baby-faced religious fascist and Tea Party extremist.
Donald Trump is foul-mouthed, a television buffoon.
Right now, I'd rather have someone foul-mouthed rather than foul-spirited. No fan of Trump, I would take a chance on him over Rubio.
Donald Trump is foul-mouthed, a television buffoon.
Right now, I'd rather have someone foul-mouthed rather than foul-spirited. No fan of Trump, I would take a chance on him over Rubio.
46
Couldn't have happened to a nicer Party.
31
Senator Rubio has a dark side too and his time in the Florida legislature, if exposed, would tarnish his "golden boy" image. He is staying out of the fight so as not to expose his shortcomings and hopefully sneak into the nomination. Why is it taking the media so long to delve into Senator Rubio's past?
156
JUST DO IT! Marco. Just do it! To me, Marco Rubio comes across as a person with great emotional reserves, who favors a warm smile to the crowds over the insane lightning bolts being thrown at each other by Trump and Cruz. I saw him at one rally where he got heated up. His delivery had an edge to it that surprised me. Of George Stephanopoulos it has been said, Don't be taken in by his choir boy looks. I don't know if Marco can sing, but he's got the look of innocence about him. I think that there is much merit to letting the other GOP front runners let them wear themselves out. After all, who remembers anything Cruz has said in response to Trump's tirades. All right, so a Churchill he's not. Marco that is. If Churchill were alive today, what would he tweet? How would he deal with the blogosphere and Internet? I wonder if Rubio is planning to tweet his way to victory. Does anybody know the numbers in the Tweetosphere? When you find out tweet me!
1
So now Douthout must use analogies and a storeyline to convince his readers that junior Rubio is a capable candidate. This is like the "Ship of Fools" getting lost in the Arctic and meandering amongst the icebergs. A talented and eloquent Rubio? Talented in what exactly? Wasn't Christie's point about the "little robot that could" enough for you? Attended a Kasich rally recently in SC and he came out spoke for about 15 minutes and then took questions from the audience for the next hour. At a Rubio rally he came out went through his shtick about Obama, his dark vision of how "bad" a shape America is in and then went through his old tired 1959-style vision of how he will save everyone from ruin. Then he walked off the stage. A better performance has never been given before by a robotron running for POTUS. The contrast was startling. Ross you've got to be kidding. Ethically, you should be doing everything in your power to keep "Junior" away from the controls.
11
Marco Rubio has problems balancing his own check book and seems to be what some might call the "boy toy" of a wealthy plutocrat who has "helped" him out with his past economic excesses (for which, I assume, he will be properly grateful).
Marco Rubio calls for a large standing army and a plethora of tanks, planes and warships in a world in which NONE of these things any longer win wars.
Marco Rubio continues to kowtow to the prejudices of elderly Cuban "refugees" that are still fighting Fidel Castro.
Marco Rubio is the son of an immigrant who iis doing his best to make sure the sons and daughters of other immigrants are deprived of the blessings he received.
Marco Rubio argues against big government and spending waste in Washington and yet he is willing to spend millions on maintaining the Guantanamo concentration camp and building the equivalent of a Great Wall of China from San Diego to Brownsville. Meanwhile big business has its way thanks to the lack of government regulations and oversight
.
Marco Rubio reveals his basic ignorance of history and the political realities in today's world every time he opens his mouth.
Marco Rubio is a Southern Baptist on Saturday and a Catholic on Sunday. What's next - Scientology?.
Marco Rubio is a Senator who was elected to a job he seldom shows up for.
Is Marco Rubio a better choice than Donald Trump for President of these United States?
I think it is a toss up as to which of these two would make the worst president.
Marco Rubio calls for a large standing army and a plethora of tanks, planes and warships in a world in which NONE of these things any longer win wars.
Marco Rubio continues to kowtow to the prejudices of elderly Cuban "refugees" that are still fighting Fidel Castro.
Marco Rubio is the son of an immigrant who iis doing his best to make sure the sons and daughters of other immigrants are deprived of the blessings he received.
Marco Rubio argues against big government and spending waste in Washington and yet he is willing to spend millions on maintaining the Guantanamo concentration camp and building the equivalent of a Great Wall of China from San Diego to Brownsville. Meanwhile big business has its way thanks to the lack of government regulations and oversight
.
Marco Rubio reveals his basic ignorance of history and the political realities in today's world every time he opens his mouth.
Marco Rubio is a Southern Baptist on Saturday and a Catholic on Sunday. What's next - Scientology?.
Marco Rubio is a Senator who was elected to a job he seldom shows up for.
Is Marco Rubio a better choice than Donald Trump for President of these United States?
I think it is a toss up as to which of these two would make the worst president.
7
The real reason Rubio is not attacking Trump is that he knows it's futile and Trump will win, and what he really wants is to be picked VP.
4
Somehow Mr Douthat thinks the not-unusual spectre of a shrewd candidate mainly qualified by wealth and bluster is going to provoke Churcillian eloquence (and a newly effective response) out of the Republican second runner? Might not we start with the simpler hypothesis that Mr. Trump is simply the better representative of what the (non-urban. less-educated, white) electorate is thinking and feeling? No question the fractured Republican "establishment" (I won't analyze that term) is a factor, but would anyone be hugely surprised if Mr Trump beat Mr Rubio in some two-way primaries? Populism isn't pretty, but it is the story, so far, in this election.
5
Talented? Eloquent? Marco Rubio, boy wonder, is so rigidly wrong on so many issues that much as it sickens me to say it, Trump might actually make a better president. That is how low the Republican party has sunk.
13
Marco, the guy too bored with the Senate to run again, is Ross's last hope for an alternative to Donald. Pathetic writing.
14
Mad Max Trump is way out ahead in his monstrous race machine, and you expect that little fellow Rubio to catch him in his Smart car? Forget it. There's no horsepower there, no surge possible. That tiny vehicle can't hold much either, and does best around town. You wouldn't want to take it on a cross country trip.
1
Rubio is a denier of the threat from Global Climate Change and the need to do something about it. Rubio is not talented he is irresponsible.
Rubio also is a denier of a woman's right to make a decision on whether to have an abortion based on her own religious beliefs rather on Rubio's religious beliefs. Rubio is not talented he is against the most fundamental of human rights freedom of religion.
Rubio is not fit to president of the United States.
Rubio also is a denier of a woman's right to make a decision on whether to have an abortion based on her own religious beliefs rather on Rubio's religious beliefs. Rubio is not talented he is against the most fundamental of human rights freedom of religion.
Rubio is not fit to president of the United States.
18
As Miami sinks, he denies science. That's so unAmerican.
Marco Rubio reminds me of that kid in high school that talked about how good of an athlete he was, convincing everyone he was the next Tom Brady or LeBron James.
But then tryouts start and everyone realizes he should be content with riding the bench for the JV team.
But then tryouts start and everyone realizes he should be content with riding the bench for the JV team.
145
"...the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida" who is wishes for a theocracy, destroy a woman's right to chose (and maybe even give birth, if you read his statements), a proposing taxing only people who work for a living. Thank you Mr. Douthat and your fellow commentators for labeling a man moderate when he is actually a pretty face and good public speaker.
2
"The still-extant not-Trump majority in the G.O.P" seems a hope but no reality., and the plea for Rubio to man-up seems more hysteria than reasoned analysis, for Trump has more than twice Rubio's following (only 46% ONLY 46% in the last caucus? It's close to a majority, Ross. 4 points off -- within the range of error, in a poll.))
That's the first mistake. The second, is believing Rubio has anything substantial behind his vacuous smile and robotic iteration of talking points. Policies to ponder? Data to show analytical powers? Social vision? International savvy? What can Rubio offer to match Donald's manic and sometimes profane, obscene, even racist red meat?
Remember the audience? GOP diehards have real needs and no solutions in mind. They wouldn't listen to Rubio if he offered what he lacks. You built Trump. You own him. Don't blame Rubio.
That's the first mistake. The second, is believing Rubio has anything substantial behind his vacuous smile and robotic iteration of talking points. Policies to ponder? Data to show analytical powers? Social vision? International savvy? What can Rubio offer to match Donald's manic and sometimes profane, obscene, even racist red meat?
Remember the audience? GOP diehards have real needs and no solutions in mind. They wouldn't listen to Rubio if he offered what he lacks. You built Trump. You own him. Don't blame Rubio.
4
The Republican predicament was facilitated by Mr. Douthat, Mr. Brooks and others who said (and still say, more nervously) that Trump would implode. Believing that the party favored opponents who played a waiting game. Christie showed that Rubio is not a counterpuncher unless he has a memorized response, as he does for Cruz and Obama, and Trump is too unpredictable. If newspapers evaluated op-ed writers for anything other than click-through we might get a new set. As it is, we keep clicking out of fascination to see if they are learning anything, and may move on when the dust settles.
2
Rubio, says Douthat, is "the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida." You know, that falsehood might have flown before the Dasani Dive a while back, when the kid stretched for a gulp of water while maintaining eye contact with the teleprompter, or before the famed Chris Christie takedown a few weeks ago. However, the bottled water has gone under the bridge, and Marco is revealed for what he is: a corporate tool, young and mean, with an excellent rote memory.
2
At this point, unless angling for vice-presidency with Trump, what harm does it do any candidate to call out Trump for what he is: a disingenuous, xenophobic fascist....
2
The cake is already baked. Trump wins big on Tuesday and has an uncatchable lead in delegates. The last opportunity to change that outcome came right after New Hampshire, and would've required Rubio, Bush, Christie, and Kasich to unite behind one of the four in an anti-Trump bloc. And even that probably wouldn't have worked.
It's going to be Trump vs. Hillary. And Hillary will beat him in what will be the dirtiest campaign ever fought, worse than anything that happened in 19th century elections, worse than anything Nixon ever did.
Meanwhile the country continues its sad decline. The skies are growing darker over America.
It's going to be Trump vs. Hillary. And Hillary will beat him in what will be the dirtiest campaign ever fought, worse than anything that happened in 19th century elections, worse than anything Nixon ever did.
Meanwhile the country continues its sad decline. The skies are growing darker over America.
2
The fly in the ointment that Ross offers us this morning is the assumption that knocking Cruz out of the race would strengthen Rubio.
Based on the polling data I've seen, there is some reason to think a lot of the voters currently leaning towards Cruz, would actually be leaning towards Trump if the junior senator from Texas folds his tent.
As a parade of pundits have noted in the last month--the challenge for Cruz was to demonstrate he could appeal to more than just evangelicals. So far, he hasn't,
On the flip side, Trump demonstrated in South Carolina that even evangelicals find him appealing.
Based on the polling data I've seen, there is some reason to think a lot of the voters currently leaning towards Cruz, would actually be leaning towards Trump if the junior senator from Texas folds his tent.
As a parade of pundits have noted in the last month--the challenge for Cruz was to demonstrate he could appeal to more than just evangelicals. So far, he hasn't,
On the flip side, Trump demonstrated in South Carolina that even evangelicals find him appealing.
2
Entirely apart from the current Republican circus, your history leaves out a major player. Winter was certainly a factor in Napoleon's defeat, but what really clobbered the French was Typhus. This disease is spread by lice in crowded, unsanitary conditions, and it killed most of Napoleon's troops. We naturally think of the history of warfare in terms of military strategy, but we forget that microbes are silently changing the course of human events in dramatic ways. OK, now back to the Republican reality show.
1
Eventually, over a long but limited period of time, people who imagine a supernatural power exists affecting natural life will simply fade away. Their minds and attitude will change for the better in that they will realize that the path to natural truth and well being is to be found within one's self-thought. Douthat obviously doesn't hear the same things I hear when Rubio speaks in public. At one point in South Carolina, Rubio said he would be guided by God to perform the tasks he would face as President. Really? Is this the kind of thinking we need in the most powerful position on earth? Surely, you can't be serious!
5
Maybe the title of this op-ed should be "The Talented Mr. Rubio" because he's as fake as Ripley was.
11
Ross Douthat,
In all your thousands upon thousands of words on the subject of the Republican candidates you have given zero-- zero-- reasons why Rubio is worthy of the nomination, much less the presidency. Other than that he is not Donald Trump.
If either Cruz or Rubio, with their terrifyingly regressive policies, were to gain the office, I will apply for political asylum-- in Cuba. And I think it would be granted.
In all your thousands upon thousands of words on the subject of the Republican candidates you have given zero-- zero-- reasons why Rubio is worthy of the nomination, much less the presidency. Other than that he is not Donald Trump.
If either Cruz or Rubio, with their terrifyingly regressive policies, were to gain the office, I will apply for political asylum-- in Cuba. And I think it would be granted.
6
Churchill saw the dangers Britain faced clearly to chart a course for the future that the people believed in.
This is also Trumps (imaginary war) campaign. According to him, America is in peril and his ambiguous and empty course will "Make America Great Again" - one wonders back to which "great" era? - without offering any actual plan. Other than building a Wall with Mexico's money, becoming the greatest jobs president by imposing tariffs on China, and people not dying in the streets.
Based on what both Trump and Rubio have said - make America great or Obama's willfully changing America for the worse (Rubio) and going back to where we were (the Bush - Cheney times), they would set us on a path to bankruptcy - something Trump certainly knows about.
This is also Trumps (imaginary war) campaign. According to him, America is in peril and his ambiguous and empty course will "Make America Great Again" - one wonders back to which "great" era? - without offering any actual plan. Other than building a Wall with Mexico's money, becoming the greatest jobs president by imposing tariffs on China, and people not dying in the streets.
Based on what both Trump and Rubio have said - make America great or Obama's willfully changing America for the worse (Rubio) and going back to where we were (the Bush - Cheney times), they would set us on a path to bankruptcy - something Trump certainly knows about.
1
"the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida"
This seems likely to be true only in comparison to the other Republican candidates not named Trump. You may need to face the reality that Rubio just isn't all that talented and just isn't all that appealing.
This seems likely to be true only in comparison to the other Republican candidates not named Trump. You may need to face the reality that Rubio just isn't all that talented and just isn't all that appealing.
6
Neither Rubio nor Cruz can get anything done because they have no experience in actually making progress. Having spent the past 6 years in the Senate as part of a GOP that is committed to obstructionism, they are part of the new breed of Republican that believes you need not be productive, you need only throw a wrench in the works. They've done it to the orderly process of government, and now Donald Trump has one-upped them by using the same strategy in the nominating process.
2
Napoleon-in-Moscow, with statistics standing in for precipitation? I don't get the analogy. For one thing, most of the Cossacks are on Trump's side this time. When Jeff Davis(putative president) predicted that the Union troops would be ejected from Atlanta, Grant (future president) apparently said "Mr. Davis does not make it quite plain who is to furnish the snow for this retreat." Snow is not expected in most of Georgia for the primary.
1
What Marco Rubio and none of the other Republican candidates have been able to articulate is a "vision" of the future, both their positive visions and Trump's negative vision. What would an alternative world of Donald Trump look like, feel like to millions of Americans? Will he actually get Mexico to pay for this wall? Will there actually be a wall? Will he actually remove 11 million illegal immigrants from their homes, evacuate them at gunpoint like they did in Amsterdam and other countries in the 40s?
It might also be of use to question what Trump has promised in the past that he wasn't able to deliver on. But most importantly, why hasn't anyone been able to convert the outrageous policy statements Trump's made into the United States of Dystopia?
Perhaps for one reason: the policies that many of the Republican candidates hold are simply not different enough from Donald Trump's.
It might also be of use to question what Trump has promised in the past that he wasn't able to deliver on. But most importantly, why hasn't anyone been able to convert the outrageous policy statements Trump's made into the United States of Dystopia?
Perhaps for one reason: the policies that many of the Republican candidates hold are simply not different enough from Donald Trump's.
1
The numerous endorsements are probably making Rubio (who lacks life time experience and confidence) more sure of himself. Many people are no longer into "establishment" and Rubio plans to change social security as Kasich intends to reduce it. Cruz is far too right and people want someone more centered like Trump. However, the media and establishment do not wish to hear it.
2
When you sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind?
The plutocrats in the GOP have spend decades riling up their base at election time and then basically ignoring their concerns until the next election cycle. Now Trump is capitalizing on the anger of the GOP base and to Douthat that makes him like unto Hitler. And Marco Rubio is somehow going to morph into Churchill and rescue the GOP leadership?
My gut reaction is that Trump, beloved by a plurality of the Republican base and pretty much reviled by the rest of the country, would be the best candidate for a Democrat to face in November. My fear, as I watch him defy expectations, is that he will end up being more formidable then I think.
The plutocrats in the GOP have spend decades riling up their base at election time and then basically ignoring their concerns until the next election cycle. Now Trump is capitalizing on the anger of the GOP base and to Douthat that makes him like unto Hitler. And Marco Rubio is somehow going to morph into Churchill and rescue the GOP leadership?
My gut reaction is that Trump, beloved by a plurality of the Republican base and pretty much reviled by the rest of the country, would be the best candidate for a Democrat to face in November. My fear, as I watch him defy expectations, is that he will end up being more formidable then I think.
166
Trump is a wiley fox. Watch out for him and keep your back against the wall.
Would he be a good or even decent President? In my book, no way.'
Just remember, only one of the major banks in NYC will still lend money to him because the others have been stiffed a few times. I agree with his statement that he has made a lot of money. However, he has also lost a lot of money and been in bankruptcy at least once, leaving many investors swinging with no rescue for them.
Would he be a good or even decent President? In my book, no way.'
Just remember, only one of the major banks in NYC will still lend money to him because the others have been stiffed a few times. I agree with his statement that he has made a lot of money. However, he has also lost a lot of money and been in bankruptcy at least once, leaving many investors swinging with no rescue for them.
4
Perhaps the Rubio campaign is stuck, trying to find at least one thing positive (or even anything) that Rubio has done for Florida or in the senate. They'll be looking for a while, but will come up empty handed.
134
It's impossible to something Rubio has done for Florida or the Senate when he doesn't show up for work...but still collects that paycheck of course.
1
Rubio is glib talker, without substance and too young for the presidency. Trump i bold, foxy, reality oriented, unconstrained by ideology, and has a record of making money to prove it. For those who are trying to find dirt to throw on Donald Trump, --forget it, as he has a a lot of warts, but so what? We will get action, not words; leadership not an overweening media that has somehow gone from its reporting functions to the unbearable arrogance of assuming that it can talk and represent the American people. Long live Trump and may he win.
1
Trump will lead all right, I expect he will lead the country as he has those who invest in his deals--right into the pond filled with crocodiles.
3
Odd, isn't it all? Trump with his "say anything that come to mind" and total lack of governing experience, against empty-suit Rubio who accomplishes nothing and says even less.
If Cruz exits, it simply ends up being a vote for Trump, or vote against Trump campaign.
If Cruz exits, it simply ends up being a vote for Trump, or vote against Trump campaign.
4
I live in Florida and watched Rubio as a senator. The best that can be said about him is that he is better than Crist would have been. He would lose to Hillary. If elected by some miracle the Demofascists already know he can be rolled.
Looking at Marco's demeanor of late, I can't help thinking that he has already thrown in the towel to win the nomination and is now merely hoping for a good enough showing to get the vice-presidential pick. The proof of this statement will be whether he seriously attacks the Donald tonight. If he does then I will rethink my stance. If not, Marco has given up on the idea of winning.
3
How could anybody compare the empty shirt that is Marco Rubio to Churchill? The idea is ridiculous on its face. Why not compare Rubio to a recent one term senator that ran for president and won- twice. Senator Obama used soaring, inspirational rhetoric, combined with a policy message that found its roots in community organizing and never came off as canned or inspired by backroom campaign managers calculating the next tack in response to the latest political wind shift. He had a message. What's Rubio's message? The Republican Party has managed to unleash in the electorate rebels spoiling for a fight and offered them up a squad of General McClellans, one glorified quartermaster after another, assemblers of well equipped armies, without the leadership qualities to take them into battle and prevail. And Trump? He's taught them the Rebel Yell and not much more... your party's Gettysburg is right around the corner. This piece leads one to believe Mr. Douthat, you know it is so.
4
Had Trump not arisen from the television studio, the GOP would be drooling over Cruz and Rubio as their standard bearers. Who can push further to the right? Who can slash social programs, give bigger tax cuts to the rich, send more boots on the ground to turn sand into glass in the middle east? Who can better bring forth a theocracy in America?
It would have been a wonder to behold.
It would have been a wonder to behold.
6
Ross, maybe you could write up something short for him to repeat over and over and over again. Something like "I am not Donald Trump. I am the anti-Trump. Also, I'm not politically correct. And Obama really knows what he's doing and it's really bad. Just remember, I am not Donald Trump."
4
I usually disregard politicians who bring out questionable sleaze on their opponent's personal life, and I usually care more about the politician's message more than the politician's private life, but in Trump's case, isn't there just too much to ignore? He brags about his own affairs; any so-called attack would simply amount to quoting him. Why don't his opponents paint him for what he is, a sex maniac and serial adulterer? Just as Giuliani's opponents failed to capitalize on his extreme personal shortcomings, so do Trump's. The Party of Personal Values? I think not.
4
Rubio is talented? I love starting the day with a good laugh.
12
Since Marco Rubio hasn't won a single primary he's probably now reduced to angling for the Veep slot on a Trump/Rubio ticket. If that somehow doesn't work out, maybe Trump can offer him a cabinet post or an advisory position in a Trump administration.
2
Maybe Rubio's just not a very good presidential candidate, ever think of that?
Trump can demolish Rubio whenever he likes because his kindred spirit, Christie, has already done it. So Rubio's happy to stay out of Trump's crosshairs and Trump's happy to let him wound the far-more-dangerous Cruz. Meanwhile Rubio continues to lose primaries -- he hasn't come close to winning anything -- and loses his shot at the nomination.
We are, after all, talking about a guy who needs John Kasich to drop out of the race to make it easier for him to finally win something.
Trump can demolish Rubio whenever he likes because his kindred spirit, Christie, has already done it. So Rubio's happy to stay out of Trump's crosshairs and Trump's happy to let him wound the far-more-dangerous Cruz. Meanwhile Rubio continues to lose primaries -- he hasn't come close to winning anything -- and loses his shot at the nomination.
We are, after all, talking about a guy who needs John Kasich to drop out of the race to make it easier for him to finally win something.
2
The esteemed Mr. Douthat hit the nail on the head:
"Donors are skittish about spending money on anti-Trump ad campaigns — because, Politico reports, they fear his insults and rumor-mongering."
Mr. Rubio robotically spouts phrases that have been programmed into him by his financial backers. The anti-Trump statements will start if/when he is reprogrammed.
"Donors are skittish about spending money on anti-Trump ad campaigns — because, Politico reports, they fear his insults and rumor-mongering."
Mr. Rubio robotically spouts phrases that have been programmed into him by his financial backers. The anti-Trump statements will start if/when he is reprogrammed.
2
What Rubio is waiting for is what the billionaires want him to say. The problem is that they just don't know anymore. The never expected Trump's take-over of their party. They were certain that he would just be short-term, they underestimated the anger and frustration of their own supporters. And, now they're huddled together, trying to figure out how in the world to stop him. They're pretty much stuck with Rubio now. An inexperienced unknown who just came out of the woodwork they bought and have paid for. Eloquent? Talented? Can you hear my laughter? They created the monster that is Trump. And, I'm not sure, at this stage anyway, that the Republicans can stop him, even with their big money. People are sick and tired, infuriated over the state of our democracy. They want someone they believe, right or wrong, that will stand up for the people. Do I support him? Absolutely not. But I don't think they can stop him. They thought they could get who and what they paid for. Total and absolute miscalculation. Instead they got Trump. You reap what you sow.
237
Ross, you cannot be serious. Rubio as Churchill? Marco Rubio isn't fit to shine his shoes, much less be mentioned in the same sentence with him. This is how far we've sunk, that your "party's" soon-to-be nominee for the highest office in the land, Bloviator-in-Chief is more like it, can be undone only by a callow, still-wet-behind-the-ears one-term junior senator who doesn't show up for work anymore. Looks like game over to me.
,
,
6
What is Ross Douthat waiting for?
A champion who will smash the sexual revolution, overturn Roe, allow evangelicals and reactionary Catholics to dictate our private lives.
What is he willing to give up?
Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick, helping the oppressed, avoiding war.
What is he willing to do?
Serve the rich, trod the poor, reduce women to vessels, make men their gods, persecute homosexuals, sacrifice soldiers, and support a stooge.
A champion who will smash the sexual revolution, overturn Roe, allow evangelicals and reactionary Catholics to dictate our private lives.
What is he willing to give up?
Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick, helping the oppressed, avoiding war.
What is he willing to do?
Serve the rich, trod the poor, reduce women to vessels, make men their gods, persecute homosexuals, sacrifice soldiers, and support a stooge.
7
One wonders when Mr. Douthat will finally understand that it is the conduct of his party that has led to this. That via the angry obstructionism that has taken the place of governing in Congress, and via the scorched-earth opposition to Obama that future generations will see as frankly racist, the Republican Party has drawn into itself a huge number of people who actually LIKE Trump. Who believe that a blustering bully with no articulate ideas is exactly the kind of person who should be President!
When you consider that Mr. Douthat himself appears to take the extreme and irrational point of view that not only a small collection of barely differentiated cells, but, apparently, even a fertilized egg is equivalent to a human being, it ceases to seem so strange.
When you consider that Mr. Douthat himself appears to take the extreme and irrational point of view that not only a small collection of barely differentiated cells, but, apparently, even a fertilized egg is equivalent to a human being, it ceases to seem so strange.
5
Remember when Marco Rubio made that awful response to the State of the Union Speech a couple years ago? I think that was when he peaked as a political performer. Ross, you are a smart guy and your analysis is entertaining but it's time to face the inconvenient truth: Donald Trump is the best candidate your awful party has got.
7
That a candidate like Trump is the GOP frontrunner has been a long time coming, but it doesn’t seem to be inspiring much real reckoning among conservative pundits. How about acknowledging that the electorate are no longer buying the ‘moderate’ (?) policy positions of ‘establishment’ candidate Rubio? More wars (because our military is too weak, my God!), more tax cuts for the wealthiest, no alternative to the dreaded Obamacare, no abortion exceptions even in cases of rape and incest, etc. Maybe you can’t fool 'the American people' forever?
6
The last of the Good Republicans
ON THIS DAY
On Feb. 25, 1870, Hiram R. Revels, Republican of Mississippi, became the first black member of the United States Senate as he was sworn in to serve out the unexpired term of Jefferson Davis.
ON THIS DAY
On Feb. 25, 1870, Hiram R. Revels, Republican of Mississippi, became the first black member of the United States Senate as he was sworn in to serve out the unexpired term of Jefferson Davis.
2
Whatever Marco Rubio is waiting for, it is not coming because it doesn't exist. The "talented and frequently eloquent" Rubio is a product of Mr. Douthat's imagination.
As much as he and other members of the Republican establishment want to create a fictionalized Rubio who is some kind of conservative JFK, this is self-delusion and desperation.
Rubio lacks substance, experience, and depth. He is the annoying, self-promoting, too eager student government president who isn't one of the athletes, the cool kids, or the smart kids, but wants badly to be a big deal. Guided only by ambition, he is whatever you want him to be if it will make him important.
Chris Christie's only contribution to this race was exposing Rubio perfectly. That was no anomaly, that was the essential Marco Rubio. The establishment savior is a chimera.
As much as he and other members of the Republican establishment want to create a fictionalized Rubio who is some kind of conservative JFK, this is self-delusion and desperation.
Rubio lacks substance, experience, and depth. He is the annoying, self-promoting, too eager student government president who isn't one of the athletes, the cool kids, or the smart kids, but wants badly to be a big deal. Guided only by ambition, he is whatever you want him to be if it will make him important.
Chris Christie's only contribution to this race was exposing Rubio perfectly. That was no anomaly, that was the essential Marco Rubio. The establishment savior is a chimera.
447
Rubio's strategy has reflected an institutional mindset (echoed somewhat by even Mr. Douthat) that Trump has a ceiling, that ceiling is somewhere between 30-35%, and if you can winnow the field just a bit, and pound on Trump and drive his numbers down (to Cruz/Rubio territory?) that the air will go out of Trump's Zeppelin. But, Trump has been shrewder than that. He's found a product that he can sell well and a market that he can exploit. Trump's not aiming at the entire Republican electorate--rather, he's hit a nerve among the many people (including some Democrats) who feel left behind by the elites. Their concerns--jobs, immigration--the things that impact in their daily lives--have not been addressed. The whole argument that the Republican Party makes is that Obama is the worst person on Earth (Hillary is second) and if you only get rid of them and apply "conservative principles" (which largely consists of tax cuts for the wealthy and a Calvinist approach to social policy) we will restore ourselves to economic and moral vigor. This is Rubio's fundamental argument as well. But it fails, the same way Douthat's basically fails. Trump voters don't want arcane lectures in theory and pretty speeches. They want results. Maybe Rubio, in taking Trump on directly, can show them he will fight for them. But now, he's just a status quo candidate wrapped up in a nice-looking ribbon
http://goo.gl/BNO7xh
http://goo.gl/BNO7xh
1
"...the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida..."
Q: How old is the planet?
Marco Rubio: Oh man I don't know. I'm not a scientist.
Q: How old is the planet?
Marco Rubio: Oh man I don't know. I'm not a scientist.
12
Ross, following up on your military analogy, two thoughts:
First, the "establishment" of both parties went into the 2016 campaign in the same way that the armies of Poland, France, and England went into the 1939 campaign. In short, they expected trench warfare instead of blitzkrieg.
Second, I would say that Rubio (and the Republican establishment find themselves not in 1940's France or 1812 Russia, but in 1973 Vietnam. The non-troglodytes of the GOP had better head for the embassy roof and listen for the approaching choppers!
First, the "establishment" of both parties went into the 2016 campaign in the same way that the armies of Poland, France, and England went into the 1939 campaign. In short, they expected trench warfare instead of blitzkrieg.
Second, I would say that Rubio (and the Republican establishment find themselves not in 1940's France or 1812 Russia, but in 1973 Vietnam. The non-troglodytes of the GOP had better head for the embassy roof and listen for the approaching choppers!
2
Rubio as Churchill? You gotta be kidding.
2
Thats one of the sad thing about Republicans - they should be kidding, but they never are.
1
As an historian, the parallels to the 1912 election seem striking. Trump plays the role of Roosevelt although his insurgency is of a profoundly different type. Rubio is Taft, the candidate of orthodox Republicans who will not accept Trump as the nominee because he is not a true believer. Clinton, of course stars as Wilson. Read Goodwin's Bully Pulpit to see how it all turns out.
1
The Reformocon who can't change? Still pining for Marco? It's a pity. I think Trump has done us all a favor. He's shown us that there is such a thing as Republican PC too. He's pulled the curtain back and we see the game Republicans have been playing for years; his game is so much more explicit. No more dog whistle appeals to their racist base; he's out front with his racism. Trump says it was on Dubya for 9/11 and . . . "The horror! The Horror!" Republicans are appalled that he is saying these things while children are still at the table. This whole charade Republicans have been playing now for decades has been stripped bare; the Republican party appeals to fear and ignorance of its base while doing nothing, not a thing, for them except to give them solace that at least they won't have any health insurance under Rubio and then there's that promise of a war with Iran. I think that the Democrats are taking notes. No more Mr. Nice Guy and no more wonkism as a strategy to negotiate. I think they can imagine a Democrat like Mr. Trump in a locked room with Mitch McConnell . . . and they like what they see.
6
He is waiting for Trump to become the nominee and then ask him (Rubio) to be his Vice President. He will then have a far more manageable job than the one he is currently unqualified for. He will be responsible for winning Florida for the ticket and for calling back the "Republican Establishment" when they freak out at what Trump actually wants to do once he is President
7
On policy Rubio is not any better than Cruz. The only real difference is his style isless offensive. And Rubio vs. Trump? To be honest I'd rather have Trump. He's a narcissistic and a bully, and intemperate. But he will change is positions if it suites his large objective. While some may find that troublesome, I think that is much better than a doctrinaire conservative that believes compromise is a dirty word. It could be the Republican base feels the same.
6
Ross, no one is rooting for Rubio to dispatch Trump more than I am, but we need not hyperventilate. The underlying dynamic of the campaign has not changed since August. Since August, it has been apparent that Trump had a high floor and a low ceiling. He will consistently win at least 25 percent of the vote, but no evidence has emerged that he will exceed 35 in the overwhelming majority of states. All the evidence suggests that Nevada was an outlier. Whatever strategy Rubio employees has risks, but the one he has employed is probably the best bet. With the exception of Nevada, all of Trump's success can be attributed to a splintered opposition. Cruz must be marginalized for Rubio to have a clear shot. And even if Cruz is not marginalized, Rubio can still do well enough to deny Trump the nomination. Some Southern states are looking like a three-way tight race. If late deciders again break for Rubio in Georgia--and even Texas--he could actually win, which would be seismic. On Tuesday he needs win a state or two and win delegates in every state by meeting the minimum threshold. Even if he does not win a single state; it is delegates that matter, and the delegates are awarded proportionately on Tuesday. If Trump only gets one third of the delegates on Tuesday, he is not on his way to the nomination. Yes, Trump will get the headlines and that isn't good, but delegates are more important than headlines.
2
"So what is Rubio waiting for? What is his campaign thinking?"
Maybe Rubio knows that once he goes head to head against Trump, that the skeletons in his closet will be released, for all to see? His lack of personal financial skill and his brother-in-law's arrest may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Christie showed the way to stop Rubio. Trump would make a terrible president, but he is an unparalleled bully.
Maybe Rubio knows that once he goes head to head against Trump, that the skeletons in his closet will be released, for all to see? His lack of personal financial skill and his brother-in-law's arrest may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Christie showed the way to stop Rubio. Trump would make a terrible president, but he is an unparalleled bully.
5
Marco Rubio is right. If you have to battle Mike Tyson (choose your boxing legend) you don't choose box as your preferred weapon. If he could fight and win against Donald Trump it'll be in policy. He can't win a fight in name calling, bickering, or outright intimidation.
Character assassination was tried already by everyone and his uncle and it failed since Donald Trump could only be attacked on personal issues because he is not a politician. Refer to the previous point: Trump is champion in reflecting such attacks back to the one who tried bring him down.
So the terrain of the fight has to be "policy". But Trump has tied his own huge camp firmly to his own policy proposals. So what's left is the voters of Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz and the other candidates. Amongst them Ted Cruz has the biggest following.
So either he could oust Ted Cruz, or he lost the fight already.
It isn't that complicated, isn't it?
Character assassination was tried already by everyone and his uncle and it failed since Donald Trump could only be attacked on personal issues because he is not a politician. Refer to the previous point: Trump is champion in reflecting such attacks back to the one who tried bring him down.
So the terrain of the fight has to be "policy". But Trump has tied his own huge camp firmly to his own policy proposals. So what's left is the voters of Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz and the other candidates. Amongst them Ted Cruz has the biggest following.
So either he could oust Ted Cruz, or he lost the fight already.
It isn't that complicated, isn't it?
21
Very talented and frequently eloquent? Rubio? Are we talking about the same person? Florida? Cuban roots? Canned talking points? Waxen demeanor?
Rubio has been a holographic projection of what a candidate should look like since he came on the scene. He says whatever the audience wants to hear. He is heavily scripted because he needs to be. He has neither the experience or the savvy to have formed his own opinions. He is, like GW Bush before him, likely to lean heavily on others to tell him what he needs to think. That worked out well.
The establishment is chasing Rubio because he is malleable, not because he is good. Being the least worst option to the powers that be is hardly and endorsement, but it is their endorsement.
Rubio has been a holographic projection of what a candidate should look like since he came on the scene. He says whatever the audience wants to hear. He is heavily scripted because he needs to be. He has neither the experience or the savvy to have formed his own opinions. He is, like GW Bush before him, likely to lean heavily on others to tell him what he needs to think. That worked out well.
The establishment is chasing Rubio because he is malleable, not because he is good. Being the least worst option to the powers that be is hardly and endorsement, but it is their endorsement.
5
Ross..you are clueless. Rubio is a loser: His full-throated support of Gang of 8 amnesty bill immediately disqualifies him from the job. He has never given any policy prescriptions, and if the GOP establishment backs him, he is surely toast.
The problem here is the GOP "kingmakers". They despise Cruz...the only conservative in the race...but will never back him.
The problem here is the GOP "kingmakers". They despise Cruz...the only conservative in the race...but will never back him.
1
Ross, you and your ilk created Trump (Newt says so), so you own him. And when he breaks the country, like GWB, you'll still have your job.
2
Neither Cruz nor Rubio can go after Trump on the issues because they all spout the same nonsense: deport 12 million people, make us so strong other countries fear us and do what we want them to do, keep people from entering our country based on their religion, our country should use the bible as it's guide-you know, become a theocracy. It's all the same fascist message.
1
You are comparing Trump to Hitler? Isn't that a bit extreme? And besides, you're not seriously comparing Rubio's oratorical skills to Churchill's, right?
1
Waiting to grow up?
5
Comparing Rubio to Churchill? Yikes! Even if it only in a historical event perspective, it's like comparing Bevis and Butt Head to Albert Einstein. Saddest conclusion I ever came to in politics is that Donald Trump is a better candidate and would be a better president than either Rubio or Cruz. Rubio is a vacuous adolescent who is told what to say by people who care not for this country. Cruz is David Koresh evil.
Bernie and Hillary are the only adults left. I'll take either.
Bernie and Hillary are the only adults left. I'll take either.
6
Rubio is, as Christie has shown, an empty suit playing to an ignorant and hateful Republican base.
5
By no means am I a Trump supporter, but do you think it is at all possible let that the GOP primary voters just don't agree with Rubio's policies? His tone may be less bombastic and more"presidential" than Trump's, but what exactly is he offering that will make the lives of "the poor people" better? Zero capital gains taxes? Neocon foreign policy resulting in wars which disproportionately impact "the poor people?" Seriously the reasonable Marco may scare me more than Trump.
9
Regardless of which Dear Leader that GOP gets, it is toast.
It is no longer the party of Lincoln, William Buckley, or for that matter, Reagan.
It is no longer the party of Lincoln, William Buckley, or for that matter, Reagan.
1
I see I am not the first to do a spit-take upon the characterization of Rubio as "talented." As others have already done the heavy lifting, I'll just add my voice to the chorus of "at what's?"
Rubio is an entirely empty suit well out of his comfort zone, propped up by money that fears, with good reason, Donald Trump. These people appear to believe there is a lot of room between Rubio and Trump, the truth is they are both oriented towards the well-off, but while the donors know Rubio is bought and paid for (and they are right), Trump is a wild card.
I see the Times has an article today on whether money is a problem in politics given Jeb Bush's ineptitude. Let me provide an answer: Yes, it is. Donors like to own their candidates and that is a problem for those of us not in a position to purchase one.
Rubio is an entirely empty suit well out of his comfort zone, propped up by money that fears, with good reason, Donald Trump. These people appear to believe there is a lot of room between Rubio and Trump, the truth is they are both oriented towards the well-off, but while the donors know Rubio is bought and paid for (and they are right), Trump is a wild card.
I see the Times has an article today on whether money is a problem in politics given Jeb Bush's ineptitude. Let me provide an answer: Yes, it is. Donors like to own their candidates and that is a problem for those of us not in a position to purchase one.
7
Too late now Mr. Douthat. Trump seems to be coasting to the nomination. As a liberal Democrat who has watched the GOP race with a combination of amusement and horror, I much prefer Trump to Cruz and Rubio. Cruz is a dangerous Dominionist and Rubio is a robotic water-boy for any billionaire who will back him. Trump is a raging narcissist to be sure, but I think the United States might still be viable after a four year Trump term. Time to deal with reality Ross.
9
"What Is Marco Rubio Waiting For?" That's easy: he is waiting for the Wizard of Oz to give him a brain.
But then, if he had a brain, he would not be running as the tool of the super-rich and of the Military-Industrial Complex. Duh!
So, my advice to Rubio is this: don't listen to the pundits. They have no real skin in this game. Stick to your plan: attack Cruz! (You don't want to attack Trump, because he would wipe the floor with you.) Just stick to your principles, and keep telling us why we need more wars and more tax cuts for the super-rich.
But then, if he had a brain, he would not be running as the tool of the super-rich and of the Military-Industrial Complex. Duh!
So, my advice to Rubio is this: don't listen to the pundits. They have no real skin in this game. Stick to your plan: attack Cruz! (You don't want to attack Trump, because he would wipe the floor with you.) Just stick to your principles, and keep telling us why we need more wars and more tax cuts for the super-rich.
6
Perhaps Rubio's team has considered the odds that "friendly fire" will do the trick . It does happen.
As Reagan would say, Ross, "There you go again". You keep trying to manufacture a GOP candidate out of nothing.
If you would ever pause and read the comments on your pieces, you might start to realize that Marco is largely viewed as (and is) an inexperienced vacuous boy with little work ethic, and someone who is by every measure unfit even for the office he now holds, let alone POTUS.
And from whatever substance can be gleaned from his over-scripted remarks on the campaign trail, Rubio is really no different from Trump or Cruz.
If you would ever pause and read the comments on your pieces, you might start to realize that Marco is largely viewed as (and is) an inexperienced vacuous boy with little work ethic, and someone who is by every measure unfit even for the office he now holds, let alone POTUS.
And from whatever substance can be gleaned from his over-scripted remarks on the campaign trail, Rubio is really no different from Trump or Cruz.
9
Mr. Douthat tells us Marco Rubio is, "(T)he man who now, finally, has the support of the institutional party, the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida."
We're waiting still to see the talent at anything other than rising politically with Tea Party bromides and a pretty face. He has been generally anti-eloquent whenever given the big stage, flipped and flopped on issues and legislation, and often looked like a boy among the adults.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump continues to represent the Republican party in which voices have been mostly silent as the hate-speech from Trump frames the debate.
Mr. Trump exposes the anger, racism, and hatred the GOP has used to maintain its base. He got almost half the support in the Nevada caucuses.
Donald Trump is simply taking full advantage of what the GOP has done to itself.
We're waiting still to see the talent at anything other than rising politically with Tea Party bromides and a pretty face. He has been generally anti-eloquent whenever given the big stage, flipped and flopped on issues and legislation, and often looked like a boy among the adults.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump continues to represent the Republican party in which voices have been mostly silent as the hate-speech from Trump frames the debate.
Mr. Trump exposes the anger, racism, and hatred the GOP has used to maintain its base. He got almost half the support in the Nevada caucuses.
Donald Trump is simply taking full advantage of what the GOP has done to itself.
4
Don't Marco's repeated failures to heed your sagacious counsel belie your assertion that he's "very talented"?
3
It could be that the calculating and nakedly ambitious Rubio knows that he can't beat Trump in the end and that his best bet would be to angle for a VP nod from the Donald. But Rubio could create problems for that scenario if he goes on the attack against Trump. He knows his best shot now would be to play Robin to Trump's Batman. Oh, and don't forget the huuuge exposure Rubio's history of questionable financial dealings creates for his candidacy, an exposure that Trump would exploit to the max if Rubio ever went after him. This is Rubio's Achilles Heel and his biggest fear.
4
Rubio has an unenviable task ahead - there is this sense that they are counting on something big will take Trump down, while Cruz falls flat. How does a Rubio win the primary after the next round of states? Is he holding out for that VP spot to catapult him into national office, probably!
1
For some reason Trump hasn't really gone after Rubio. Maybe calls him young and sweaty once in a while. But, not like he's gone after Cruz. There are theories that Rubio is a possible Trump VP pick and he's laying low for that reason. Rubio is just plain weak. He cannot withstand an assault without the circuits going on overload.
4
"there’s no reason to play Churchill yet "
Does anyone believe that Rubio could ever play the role of Churchill. It is really impossible to envision him roaring like a lion at Trump. I think we got a good preview of how that may play out during his meltdown with Christie. There is a good reason, during this campaign, that his handlers keep him under wraps from the press. Rubio has been dancing around the ring because he performs poorly under pressure. To confront a slugger risks a knockout punch.
Does anyone believe that Rubio could ever play the role of Churchill. It is really impossible to envision him roaring like a lion at Trump. I think we got a good preview of how that may play out during his meltdown with Christie. There is a good reason, during this campaign, that his handlers keep him under wraps from the press. Rubio has been dancing around the ring because he performs poorly under pressure. To confront a slugger risks a knockout punch.
9
Perhaps Marco Rubio is failing to gain traction against Mr Trump because he has little to offer the American people, and they know it. What exactly are Mr Rubio's accomplishments? Yes, he was elected to public office, but what has he done for Americans after being elected? "Eloquence" only goes so far if substance is elusive.
It may be that even a lot of Republicans can see the folly of some of Mr Rubio's proposals -- like doing away with all taxes on capital gains, dividends, and estates while reducing tax rates for the wealthy. Who is going to pay for roads, bridges, and the military under Mr Rubio's plan? It is not difficult to see that the lower and middle classes would take it in the neck. Emphatically touting "family values" cannot overcome such fundamental nonsense. That's one kind of misdirection many Americans are finally fed up with.
It may be that even a lot of Republicans can see the folly of some of Mr Rubio's proposals -- like doing away with all taxes on capital gains, dividends, and estates while reducing tax rates for the wealthy. Who is going to pay for roads, bridges, and the military under Mr Rubio's plan? It is not difficult to see that the lower and middle classes would take it in the neck. Emphatically touting "family values" cannot overcome such fundamental nonsense. That's one kind of misdirection many Americans are finally fed up with.
4
Rubio is waiting for Jesus to return to earth and make everything right (including making Rubio President).
5
Rubio is not attacking Trump directly for the same reason that large Republican donors are not funding attacks on Trump. Rubio is afraid of Trump attacking him in a way that can destroy his career forever. Trump has shown a willingness to say and do anything. Rubio does not want to give Trump an excuse to launch a devastating attack on him that will make it impossible for him to run again in 2020.
2
Come on.... the Republican establishment LOVES Trump. A president Trump will be making deals left and right, selling to the highest bidder. That's something the Republicans can understand and deal with....
And the Republican members of Congress, playing the role of middlemen, will be swimming in $$$$.
But the Trump voters want to vote HATE and FEAR, cheering loudly all the while. History has seen this movie before, and the ending is not pretty.
And the Republican members of Congress, playing the role of middlemen, will be swimming in $$$$.
But the Trump voters want to vote HATE and FEAR, cheering loudly all the while. History has seen this movie before, and the ending is not pretty.
3
President Trump...why don't the GOP like the sound of that?
1
When pundits decry a Trump nomination what they're really saying is don't let unwashed rube voters decide this, we the Establishment know better.
So, in that, Douthat's column reminds me of Henry Kissinger's infamous quote about Chilean voters.
“I don't see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its people. The issues are much too important for the Chilean voters to be left to decide for themselves.”
So, in that, Douthat's column reminds me of Henry Kissinger's infamous quote about Chilean voters.
“I don't see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its people. The issues are much too important for the Chilean voters to be left to decide for themselves.”
6
Marco Rubio, who at this point doesn't have much of a prayer at winning the GOP primaries, is hoping desperately for a multimillion dollar lobbying position once his shellacking is complete. Attacking his Republican colleagues won't help him earn the top dollars he craves above all else.
Once he obtains such a lucrative appointment we won't hear much from him again (see George Lemieux, Mel Martinez, etc.).
Once he obtains such a lucrative appointment we won't hear much from him again (see George Lemieux, Mel Martinez, etc.).
1
Marco Rubio is waiting to win his first primary.
3
Marco Rubio may be very talented and the establishment's choice, but he is relatively new to the national stage, and has not yet developed an authentic voice for himself. He is still in thrall to his advisers and doesn't seem to have deep-seated convictions about which he can talk passionately and honestly and -- fearlessly. Donald Trump has been honing his tough-guy act for years; Mr. Rubio is still trying to find his backbone.
Well, i would say, Rubio hasn't got his orders from the Koch's yet or his billionaire car dealer, i wonder what they are waiting on?
1
'the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida'
Keep repeating that and after some time you might start to believe it, just a little.
Keep repeating that and after some time you might start to believe it, just a little.
4
What's Rubio waiting for? Well, obviously the requisite audio file confronting the Trumpster hasn't been composed and uploaded yet. Sad Robot!
2
"the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida" who's retrograde and regressive ideas about marriage rights, civil rights, women's health issues, taxation, foreign policy, immigration, healthcare, social welfare, workers rights, etc . . . . are all pulled from the Republican wheelhouse. These are morally reprehensible, indefensible positions to advocate for; How many LGBT individuals have been abused, have died due to the rhetorical recklessness of politicians who hold views similar to Mr. Rubio's, how much more abuse will we allow to fall on immigrants, working class women, people of color? I'm tired of your apologia for these morally reprehensible individuals and policies. Mr. Rubio - this "frequently eloquent junior Senator" is simply a less visibly vile iteration of Donald Trump, Senator Rubio is simply your preferred pig with the appropriately and artfully applied lipstick.
5
Rubio is a patchwork quilt of Republican ideology that he appears to have memorized but not learned. If he and his supporters are afraid of being attacked by Trump, that is more condemning of him than Trump. No one wants a President who is afraid of anyone. On the other hand, no one wants one who is all bravado but no substance as is Trump. The truth is that the Republican party, which has spent the last seven years being against everything Obama has lost sight of how to be for anything except destroying what we have. This preposterous array of Republican candidates, each being less appealing and less qualified than the other, is the by-product of the Republicans' institutional negativism. Expect the Republican party to effectively implode over the next eight years. Something very different will arise from its ashes or something entirely new will be born.
1
"...I’ve never been a campaign that attacks people " This guy can not drink enough water to drown himself. The Grand Oblivion Party platform is based on attacking humanity ranging from women, minorities, LGBT, the poor, etc. Maybe Rubio means the 1% people.
5
Pinning one's hopes on Rubio to confront Trump, head on, is not a winning strategy. He can't go on the attack against Trump. We've seen how he handled Christie in that situation. How many more instances like that can he weather?
The fact is that no one in the Republican party is mentally equipped to deal with Trump. He's the wild card no one saw coming. He breaks all the rules that would have sunk any other candidate.
With ever-increasingly nasty tactics, the Republicans cultivated an electorate of mean spirited racists who view negotiation and compromise as weakness. Republican policies actually hurt these Amercans though, and that's finally dawned on them.
Decades of gradually ejecting moderates from the party, who lacked sufficient purity, is not going to be solved by one weak politician who can't think on his feet. Rubio is where he is by doing the formula things that appease the party establishment. That will never appease Trump supporters. Attacking Trump because he isn't whatever warped definition of "conservative" the Republican Party uses these days won't work. The unwashed masses the Party invited into the fold do not adhere to the Party because of policies, they are attracted by its mean, angry rhetoric.
Decades of hateful politics won't be turned around by the weakling, figurehead candidate chosen by the Party elite. If Trump becomes Commander and Chief next fall, it was decades in the making.
The fact is that no one in the Republican party is mentally equipped to deal with Trump. He's the wild card no one saw coming. He breaks all the rules that would have sunk any other candidate.
With ever-increasingly nasty tactics, the Republicans cultivated an electorate of mean spirited racists who view negotiation and compromise as weakness. Republican policies actually hurt these Amercans though, and that's finally dawned on them.
Decades of gradually ejecting moderates from the party, who lacked sufficient purity, is not going to be solved by one weak politician who can't think on his feet. Rubio is where he is by doing the formula things that appease the party establishment. That will never appease Trump supporters. Attacking Trump because he isn't whatever warped definition of "conservative" the Republican Party uses these days won't work. The unwashed masses the Party invited into the fold do not adhere to the Party because of policies, they are attracted by its mean, angry rhetoric.
Decades of hateful politics won't be turned around by the weakling, figurehead candidate chosen by the Party elite. If Trump becomes Commander and Chief next fall, it was decades in the making.
3
Mr. Douhat. What are you waiting for? It's time to put country over party and acknowledge that none of the Republican candidates are remotely suitable to be the president of the United States.
10
Since the beginning, Ross has waited for the Republican electorate to "wake up" and be done with their understandable, but foolhardy flirtation with Trump. It's not happening because a sizable part of the base are not really conservative. When someone who is actually qualified to be President, Hillary Clinton, eviscerates Trump in debate and exposes him for the know-nothing fool he is, his candidacy will quickly be laid to rest. My guess is that a good portion of that Republican base will vote for her too (she is white, after all).
2
Rubio is weak tea indeed up against someone like Churchill who always went forward all flags flying, many times lost spectacularly and fought on anyway. Before Chamberlain folded in the face of Hitler's threat and then Norway happened, Churchill was seen by many of the Tories as a hothead who could not be trusted. However, in addition to his decisive, if sometimes unsuccessful moves, Churchill was most important a towering intellect, self-aggrandizing, but brilliant.
On the other hand, Rubio is intellectually wanting, has no real belief system for which he is willing to fight and has shown very little in the way of guts even as a campaigner. Only if the Democratic Party is lucky this year, will it have Rubio to face as the GOP candidate and party leader. As the national polls are showing, Trump will be a much more formidable candidate, a disastrous president, but a tough guy to beat because he has no internal restraints. He simply does not care about the implications of what he says or does, good for candidate in this election cycle fueled by fear and anger, terrifying in a president.
On the other hand, Rubio is intellectually wanting, has no real belief system for which he is willing to fight and has shown very little in the way of guts even as a campaigner. Only if the Democratic Party is lucky this year, will it have Rubio to face as the GOP candidate and party leader. As the national polls are showing, Trump will be a much more formidable candidate, a disastrous president, but a tough guy to beat because he has no internal restraints. He simply does not care about the implications of what he says or does, good for candidate in this election cycle fueled by fear and anger, terrifying in a president.
4
Mr. Douthat. You have summed this tangle up perfectly. It is like the emperor that wore no clothes or the kid that failed the first grade and all the rich grandparents want to send him to private school because he looks the part. That comes to the divide of which GOP candidate would you want /a funded not stand alone puppet or a fund your own campaign like Trump that will tell it like it is in language everyone understands? Then there is Hillary who knows the ropes and has the hoospah to make things work.
3
Phyllis, farther south from you, they spell it "chutzpah". As for what Ross has, it is indeed hoospah.
This column has 2 problems: 1) implicitly comparing Trump to Hitler; and 2) explicitly putting Rubio in the same frame as Churchill.
Comparing Trump to Hitler makes it impossible to take you seriously. It isn't just a breathless rhetorical device, but a complete failure to comprehend either the unprecedented historical scope of the scourge that is Hitler. Trump may be a lot of things, but he is just another windbag with bad hair so far. The difference between him and the rest of the Republicans is merely that hes shouts what the rest whisper and pretend to deny.
Putting Rubio in the same frame as Churchill might be even worse. Rubio couldn't even stand his ground on immigration reform after the first 5 minutes. Churchill made his statement and his stand in the darkest hours of the war where his nation might starve and the Nazis were 20 miles away, across the channel at Calais. With friends like Douthat, who needs enemies like Trump!
Comparing Trump to Hitler makes it impossible to take you seriously. It isn't just a breathless rhetorical device, but a complete failure to comprehend either the unprecedented historical scope of the scourge that is Hitler. Trump may be a lot of things, but he is just another windbag with bad hair so far. The difference between him and the rest of the Republicans is merely that hes shouts what the rest whisper and pretend to deny.
Putting Rubio in the same frame as Churchill might be even worse. Rubio couldn't even stand his ground on immigration reform after the first 5 minutes. Churchill made his statement and his stand in the darkest hours of the war where his nation might starve and the Nazis were 20 miles away, across the channel at Calais. With friends like Douthat, who needs enemies like Trump!
9
I stopped reading this silly assessment after this line - the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida.
The only thing that is blaringly true about the above statement is the word "junior". As in 'now do your homework junior and maybe someday you'll have the experience and intelligence to run for president".
The only thing that is blaringly true about the above statement is the word "junior". As in 'now do your homework junior and maybe someday you'll have the experience and intelligence to run for president".
7
Hmmm, what is Marco waiting for? Oh, I dunno — substance, maybe? He reminds me of the kid who's allowed to play with the adding machine when his dad takes him to the office on Saturday. "The Dwarf in a Helium Hat" is the title of a Rockford Files episode from decades ago... it fits Rubio perfectly.
12
Ross Douthat apparently thinks Rubio is a genuine conservative. The rest of the country knows that Marco Rubio is a pretty face in a suit----propped up by dark money masters----with absolutely no substance, and an inability to remember anything but stale talking points. Douthat sees the future, and those of us old enough see a remake of Robert Redford in "The Candidate."
So according to Ross, Marco Rubio's only chance to beat Trump depends on Ted Cruz accepting defeat and gracefully (or greasily) bowing out of the primary?
Ted Cruz? The anti-establishment wrecking ball who wants to shut down government over funding to planned parenthood?
Ted Cruz has been willing to destroy his own party to promote himself. He is his own agenda.
Having Donald win the nomination, or even having a Democrat win the general election only strengthens Cruz's credibility and credentials as the crusading outsider.
I see Cruz and Rubio hoping to ride it out to the convention. Not sure about the delegate math though.
But if Trump wins the most delegates, and is denied the nomination, I'd fully expect Trump to run as an independent. And if Bloomberg jumps into the race as well, oh boy, can you just imagine a four cornered general election?
Ted Cruz? The anti-establishment wrecking ball who wants to shut down government over funding to planned parenthood?
Ted Cruz has been willing to destroy his own party to promote himself. He is his own agenda.
Having Donald win the nomination, or even having a Democrat win the general election only strengthens Cruz's credibility and credentials as the crusading outsider.
I see Cruz and Rubio hoping to ride it out to the convention. Not sure about the delegate math though.
But if Trump wins the most delegates, and is denied the nomination, I'd fully expect Trump to run as an independent. And if Bloomberg jumps into the race as well, oh boy, can you just imagine a four cornered general election?
3
Rubio knows that if he attacks Trump, Trump will strike back below the belt......repeatedly and Rubio cannot tolerate that kind of criticism.
1
You cannot win by losing forever. This seems a timely wake-up call and it is to be hoped that Rubio's advisers are tuned into it.
The problem however may be that Rubio is by his nature nothing at all like the impassioned often abusive and demoralizing Trump.
The problem however may be that Rubio is by his nature nothing at all like the impassioned often abusive and demoralizing Trump.
People are turning to Trump because the Republican Party refuses to move forward with any policy other than tax breaks for billionaires. They have had two years with total control of congress and the senate and not a single bill has been voted on for job growth, minimum wage, infrastructure or debt relief for student loans. Pay day lenders, student loan debt, wage stagnation, and outsourcing/h1B have killed the middle class and the Republican Party refuses to budge from the master plan. Paul Ryan is the problem....and all of the other refuse to vote loser GOP. They don't like Hillary...they don't know Bernie and they hope that Trump can bully congress into doing their jobs.
2
Rubio is getting advice from his paymasters Sheldon Adelson, Paul Singer and Norman Bramen but even an empty suit like Rubio knows you can't come out and tell the American public we are gonna attack Iran.
4
Please devote a column explaining why you and others insist that Mr. Rubio is "very talented," with specific examples and a timeline of his alleged accomplishments and talents, other than never having worked a day in the private sector and being bought and paid for by one Florida billionaire, Norman Braman, who has long bankrolled Rubio's private finances, created a job for Rubio's wife, funded a visiting professor position for him at FIU which Rubio often failed to show up for, bailed him and his wife out of financial difficulty, and donated to his campaigns.
Rubio is George Bush Extra Lite - a guy you might want to have a beer with, but whom you better not rely on for intellectual vigor, substance, attendance, or the ability to think calmly and clearly when in a difficult situation with no scripted answers at the ready. He simply has no business being in the Oval Office.
Rubio is George Bush Extra Lite - a guy you might want to have a beer with, but whom you better not rely on for intellectual vigor, substance, attendance, or the ability to think calmly and clearly when in a difficult situation with no scripted answers at the ready. He simply has no business being in the Oval Office.
37
Or George Bush, With Bubbles. He makes Bush [Yale BA, Harvard MBA - with help, but still] look like a genius. This is the best anti-Trump the Establishment GOP folks have to offer? Talk about settling! Kasich would have been their better bet, but it's too late now, because too much $ and time was wasted on Jeb, the worst campaigner in a long while. Citizens United may be terrible, but this season has shown that $ talks only so much and can't buy an election, when the prevailing mood is misread this badly.
Why don't you ask about Trump's accomplishments? I suppose it's because, in the business of governing, he has none. Rubio governed the Florida House as Speaker, and has years of experience in the U.S. Senate. Cruz has less Senate experience than Rubio, and about the same attendance record. Why don't you mention that? And as for being like Bush, you will find that Rubio has a far more conservative record than W.
This is a long way from over, and I would urge you to look at both Cruz and Rubio more carefully. I think either one would make a very good president.
This is a long way from over, and I would urge you to look at both Cruz and Rubio more carefully. I think either one would make a very good president.
The GOP working class base is finally waking up to the fact that they have been duped by candidates adhering to the by now rancid GOP ideology and unfulfilled promises.
Marco Rubio offers more of the same: shrink government. lower taxes on the well-to-do, no government initiatives to help working class Americans, cut programs for the less well-to-do, etc. Why would any of that class vote for him? Given the constant drumming against illegal immigrants that no Democratic candidate can countenance the GOP base will not vote for a Democrat. So their only alternative is Trump. Rubio may be a fresh face but he is selling the same old recipe. It remains to be seen if that recipe still appeals to a majority of Republican voters.
Marco Rubio offers more of the same: shrink government. lower taxes on the well-to-do, no government initiatives to help working class Americans, cut programs for the less well-to-do, etc. Why would any of that class vote for him? Given the constant drumming against illegal immigrants that no Democratic candidate can countenance the GOP base will not vote for a Democrat. So their only alternative is Trump. Rubio may be a fresh face but he is selling the same old recipe. It remains to be seen if that recipe still appeals to a majority of Republican voters.
27
"Donors are skittish about spending money on anti-Trump ad campaigns — because, Politico reports, they fear his insults and rumor-mongering."
Sure, Politico said that. It would. The Party insiders have not yet faced up to what the donors are seeing -- they don't want to spend their money to tear down the Republican candidate.
Donors see that Trump won. They are not going to spend money to help the Democrats defeat a Republican, not even Trump.
A donor with serious money to place, and the serious mind to place it, looks at Rubio and sees, Rubio? Really?
Then they look Trump rolling over all of the lame clowns, and they face the inevitable. They don't like it, but they face it.
Sure, Politico said that. It would. The Party insiders have not yet faced up to what the donors are seeing -- they don't want to spend their money to tear down the Republican candidate.
Donors see that Trump won. They are not going to spend money to help the Democrats defeat a Republican, not even Trump.
A donor with serious money to place, and the serious mind to place it, looks at Rubio and sees, Rubio? Really?
Then they look Trump rolling over all of the lame clowns, and they face the inevitable. They don't like it, but they face it.
37
Well said, Mr. Thomason. You've always had a gift for seeing various sides of an issue.
As a long-time Floridian I would be tempted to further evaluate Rubio's "potential" as a candidate. I'm mystified as to where he got the idea that he has anything to offer as a public servant.
As a long-time Floridian I would be tempted to further evaluate Rubio's "potential" as a candidate. I'm mystified as to where he got the idea that he has anything to offer as a public servant.
2
but how strange is it that they are handing the General to the queen of the
walking dead?
Anyone who thinks Trump's mangling of this cluster dumpster of a Republican party will play the same way against organized opossition is kidding themselves...
walking dead?
Anyone who thinks Trump's mangling of this cluster dumpster of a Republican party will play the same way against organized opossition is kidding themselves...
Your description of Mr. Rubio as "the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida" needs to be elaborated upon in a future column. What, exactly, is his talent? It clearly is not showing up for work since he had poor attendance as a college teacher and has missed many votes since he decided he wanted to become President. And his former opponent Governor Christie showed us the limits of his eloquence.
185
Agreed, agreed!
Rubio isn't following a hold strategy. He's just timid and lazy.
Rubio isn't following a hold strategy. He's just timid and lazy.
"...the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida"
Really?? Wow!!! Who knew?? :-)
Really?? Wow!!! Who knew?? :-)
122
Guess Ross is going to look pretty bad when his boy Rubio fades and Trump preens. I would say it was predictable, but then I would come across as arrogant like Douthat. I leave Ross with this little ditty: for those who are successful (I guess being a columnist for the NYTimes is pretty successful), be always on your guard, success walks hand in hand with failure, along Hollywood Blvd. (Ray Davies)
10
As long as Ailes Murdock and Glen Limbaugh are philosophical 'trend setters' for the Republican Party, it's going nowhere. Actual, traditional Republicans will be better off voting Dem this cycle, for democracy's sake, in hopes that the Party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower can reconstitute itself somehow, somewhere away from the levers of power. End of story.
37
I have a feeling that Marco Rubio is himself waiting to be saved from this campaign. So, I doubt very much if he will be doing any saving of others. Frankly, he has neither the inclination nor the ability to be a saviour. He strikes me as an unprincipled man who is only interested in one thing, himself. Naturally, the Republican party is looking to Rubio because the only other person standing, that is not Trump, Ted Cruz, comes across as an overly smug Lucifer spouting scripture. But that just shows the lack of depth, talent, ability, purpose, principle, honesty . . . in the Republican party today rather than, in any way, reflecting Rubio's suitability as a candidate for president, never mind his suitability for the office itself. So, it shouldn't surprise anybody if the senator from Florida does not rise to the occasion and Trump marches on to the GOP nomination. It would be a case of the pigeons coming home to roost; and should the GOP break up over this, it would be just desserts for a party that is even now showing such utter contempt for the people and the constitution by effectively denying the president's right to nominate Scalia's replacement on the SCOTUS.
501
"even now showing such utter contempt for the people and the constitution by effectively denying the president's right to nominate Scalia's replacement on the SCOTUS."
When have the Republicans "denied" President Obama's right to "nominate" Scalia's replacement (which he hasn't done yet btw)? He can nominate whoever he wants, including liberal Republican Gov. Sandoval of Nevada, but the Senate has the authority to "advise and consent" on the nomination before Obama can "appoint" that nominee to the Court. And the Constitution imposes no deadline on the Senate to render its decision. The Republicans in the Senate are doing what Sen. Schumer urged in 2007, then Sen. Obama urged in 2006 with respect to Alito, and then Sen. Biden urged in 1992 when GHW Bush was President.
When have the Republicans "denied" President Obama's right to "nominate" Scalia's replacement (which he hasn't done yet btw)? He can nominate whoever he wants, including liberal Republican Gov. Sandoval of Nevada, but the Senate has the authority to "advise and consent" on the nomination before Obama can "appoint" that nominee to the Court. And the Constitution imposes no deadline on the Senate to render its decision. The Republicans in the Senate are doing what Sen. Schumer urged in 2007, then Sen. Obama urged in 2006 with respect to Alito, and then Sen. Biden urged in 1992 when GHW Bush was President.
" . . .an overly smug Lucifer spouting scripture . . ." Also Snideley Whiplash comes to mind.
Trump's success has shown that a disturbing number of people within the Republican Party are comfortable with the National Socialism. Even more disturbing is that this party of so-called patriots is ready to collaborate with the invader in the manner of Vichy.
Rubio makes Neville Chamberlain look tough. He's the pretty puppet of billionaires and Ken doesn't become President so Barbie can decorate the White House.
Rubio makes Neville Chamberlain look tough. He's the pretty puppet of billionaires and Ken doesn't become President so Barbie can decorate the White House.
22
New York Times, I love you, but your comments fall flat and insincere. You don't like Rubio. You are CLEARLY against anyone the Republican party might nominate. Yet here you are shilling for Rubio (in a sense). Why? Two reasons:
1) You fear that Trump will actually take the nomination, and you are "for" anyone but Trump;
2) You know that Rubio stands less of a chance against Hillary than Trump.
1) You fear that Trump will actually take the nomination, and you are "for" anyone but Trump;
2) You know that Rubio stands less of a chance against Hillary than Trump.
5
While this column appears in the Times, it's the work of a columnist, who pushes his own views, as bizarre and off base as they may be.
1
Rubio knows it's not going to hppen for him this year. He won't even win his home state. Moreover, and probably most mportantly, it's clear he has no idea how to effectively attack Trump. none of them do.
However, he's giving up his Senate seat and as a career politician, he's making a calculation that there's a good chance Trump will pick him for VP, which in his world is certainly better than leaving professional politics alltogether, which is all he knows. Not a bad VP choice either - Latino, young, from Florida, popular with the mainstream of he GOP, etc...
So staying on Trump's good side keeps him in the game..
However, he's giving up his Senate seat and as a career politician, he's making a calculation that there's a good chance Trump will pick him for VP, which in his world is certainly better than leaving professional politics alltogether, which is all he knows. Not a bad VP choice either - Latino, young, from Florida, popular with the mainstream of he GOP, etc...
So staying on Trump's good side keeps him in the game..
29
And, for a longer term view, I'd add that he's vying for a slot on Fox after the elections...
Looks more like the Civil War to me. Lincoln said McClellan had a case of the slows. So does Rubio.
7
It's hard to feign interest in the dissection of a struggle between a frightening peacock, an amphibian and a cabana boy. I don't even want to bother saying who's who.
74
I've watched this catastrophe coming for years. At the top the Righties stressed ideology. But the rank and file couldn't or didn't want to absorb all that. They liked their own sense of the party's issues. The relationship between the mass candidate and the mass voter is mysterious. Who knew that all one had to do was pull out the stops by adapting theatrical chops and projecting a powerful, commanding style to overpower old style pols with dignity and manners who simply couldn't adapt fast enough. The charismatic candidate is now a part of American politics. The Press, voters, institutions had no idea how ready they were to accept this. It seems akin to the 'Arab Spring' westerners first had hopes for until ISIS sprouted from it.
10
I guess Marco is waiting for his programmers to provide a nice 25 second sound bite.
The problems isn't that Marco doesn't know what he doing. He knows exactly what he's doing.
The problems isn't that Marco doesn't know what he doing. He knows exactly what he's doing.
17
Here's a strategy for how Rubio could prove he has sincerely learned his lesson on immigration:
http://www.unz.com/isteve/how-rubio-could-save-his-campaign/
Rubio should call for the immediate elimination of all special immigration privileges for Cuban to prevent another Mariel-like flash mob of Cubans inundating America.
http://www.unz.com/isteve/how-rubio-could-save-his-campaign/
Rubio should call for the immediate elimination of all special immigration privileges for Cuban to prevent another Mariel-like flash mob of Cubans inundating America.
12
Let me use the words "you" and "your" towards you and the GOP establishment as a whole:
Be advised. Your problem isn't Trump.
Your problem is your voters.
For seven years you have been lying to your voters, ginning them up, inflaming them, telling them that they are facing the Frankenstein monster of the American way.
And they believed you. And they got their torches and pitchforks out,
and then you passed out the torch oil and matches.
Now you have an impossible task.
You have to tell them you were really kidding, lying to them, that there wasn't a monster.
But of course you cannot do this, because they'd totally turn from you.
So you're stuck.
Congratulations.
Be advised. Your problem isn't Trump.
Your problem is your voters.
For seven years you have been lying to your voters, ginning them up, inflaming them, telling them that they are facing the Frankenstein monster of the American way.
And they believed you. And they got their torches and pitchforks out,
and then you passed out the torch oil and matches.
Now you have an impossible task.
You have to tell them you were really kidding, lying to them, that there wasn't a monster.
But of course you cannot do this, because they'd totally turn from you.
So you're stuck.
Congratulations.
87
".....the very talented and frequently eloquent junior Senator from Florida."
I honestly don't understand how a rational person could hold that opinion of Mr. Rubio at this point.
His best case as a Trump alternative is, perhaps, that he is not actually mentally ill. I don't know how that can be converted into a positive campaign theme.
I honestly don't understand how a rational person could hold that opinion of Mr. Rubio at this point.
His best case as a Trump alternative is, perhaps, that he is not actually mentally ill. I don't know how that can be converted into a positive campaign theme.
66
So Ross is counting on Rubio to be his super-hero, seconds from annihilation, suddenly reviving and winning the day. Remember, Ross, how easily Chris Christie demolished your callow youth of a super hero.
337
Exactly. And you thought the Boy in the Bubble was a scathing attack? Get ready for the Boy in the Bubbles....
There will be fake shock and whinging about comparing Trump to Hilter.
But haw haw haw -- Rubio as Churchill? That's the thigh slapper here.
Rubio isn't qualified to make Churchill's tea.
Wrong metaphor.
And in any case, there isn't much difference between the two, except that one is the take charge type with no manners, and the other is a born acolyte who has his eye on the cabinet where the communion wine is stored.
Or, if you want to stick with World War II, Rubio is more like Goebbels in this instance, gently discussing with his boss a minor wording change in a speech.
But haw haw haw -- Rubio as Churchill? That's the thigh slapper here.
Rubio isn't qualified to make Churchill's tea.
Wrong metaphor.
And in any case, there isn't much difference between the two, except that one is the take charge type with no manners, and the other is a born acolyte who has his eye on the cabinet where the communion wine is stored.
Or, if you want to stick with World War II, Rubio is more like Goebbels in this instance, gently discussing with his boss a minor wording change in a speech.
26
"Rubio isn't qualified to make Churchill's tea.
Wrong metaphor."
Actually quite droll.
Wrong metaphor."
Actually quite droll.
1
Okay, some Republican pundits are honestly examining their party, finding disturbing issues and coming to terms with them. Thank you David Brooks.
Others, like Ross Douthat, are not being honest. He compares the state of the party to WWII. I am sorry, but that was a real catastrophe with countries and lives at stake. The state of the Republican party is just sad. And it is so sad because it has been caused by Republicans who equate gay marriage, immigration, abortion, and taxes to WWII and the end of days. Please.
When each of the non-Trump candidates starts acting like an adult with a conscience; when ordinary Republicans speak the truth about the cravenness not just of Mr. Trump, but of their platform; and when the heartless and soulless mouthpieces for the Republican Party decide to hold hands with the ENTIRE American public, I'll take the Party seriously.
Mr Douthat, what are YOU waiting for?
Others, like Ross Douthat, are not being honest. He compares the state of the party to WWII. I am sorry, but that was a real catastrophe with countries and lives at stake. The state of the Republican party is just sad. And it is so sad because it has been caused by Republicans who equate gay marriage, immigration, abortion, and taxes to WWII and the end of days. Please.
When each of the non-Trump candidates starts acting like an adult with a conscience; when ordinary Republicans speak the truth about the cravenness not just of Mr. Trump, but of their platform; and when the heartless and soulless mouthpieces for the Republican Party decide to hold hands with the ENTIRE American public, I'll take the Party seriously.
Mr Douthat, what are YOU waiting for?
40
Ross, you disappoint me. You're an intelligent, well-educated man; and you desperately want Rubio to be President--presumably because, to you, he's the best of a very bad lot who has a chance to win.
He's not sure of climate change; he's against abortion even in cases of rape or incest; he's anti-immigrant, even though he's a child of immigrants; he'll get rid of Obamacare and the Iran accord but has given no viable alternatives; he's handled his own finances poorly; and he--and his wife--are indebted to a local billionaire who's given him the majority of his funding.
What is he FOR? The decades-old, failed policy toward Cuba.
Ross, I get that you're a conservative. But, this year, as an intelligent man, perhaps you should grit your teeth and vote for someone ELSE.
He's not sure of climate change; he's against abortion even in cases of rape or incest; he's anti-immigrant, even though he's a child of immigrants; he'll get rid of Obamacare and the Iran accord but has given no viable alternatives; he's handled his own finances poorly; and he--and his wife--are indebted to a local billionaire who's given him the majority of his funding.
What is he FOR? The decades-old, failed policy toward Cuba.
Ross, I get that you're a conservative. But, this year, as an intelligent man, perhaps you should grit your teeth and vote for someone ELSE.
816
Well said, bnyc! Rubio is the classic "been nowhere, done nothing" empty suit. He makes the B.O. of 2008 look like a man of vast experience and proven achievement. I would take Trump (though not Cruz) over Rubio.
1
I will never read Ross again. Ouch.
3
Rubio is probably anti illegal immigrant rather than anti-immigrant. There is a difference.
1
Really, Ross? You're counting on a robot that is challenged by a water bottle to vanquish Trump. You might like to consider switching to a more realistic party, one whose basic ideas haven't been proved over and over to be failures; whose basic ideas have some chance of coping with the modern world. Or you can continue with a party that thinks the solution to every problem is to cut taxes, and that has no possibility of dealing with the country's crumbling infrastructure, and has nothing but Marco Rubio to offer as an alternative to Donald Trump. Trying to imagine either of those guys as a possible President of the United States ought to make you long for a different party.
28
As hard as it is for a copy-paste journalist to grasp, the Democrat and Republican presidential nomination will go to the candidate who gets the support of a majority of convention delegates. 5% have been allocated in the Republican contest so far, and after the first few ballots at the convention they can be released from supporting their pledged-to candidate. Rubio is not following the dittohead journalist "there has to be frontrunner soon" playbook because that playbook is obsolete for this election, no matter how blindly the dumbed-down news media cling to it.
2
The oft called deep bench...the vaunted deepest and most talented Republican talent pool in decades is led by "the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida"....
Excuse me if I don't get it Ross... How can a rational observer conclude that a wooden, robotic politician without the sense or will to fight for the privilege of representing their party be considered anything but a puppet....someone programmed to repeat their lines... There is no there in Marco...only an empty suit.
Excuse me if I don't get it Ross... How can a rational observer conclude that a wooden, robotic politician without the sense or will to fight for the privilege of representing their party be considered anything but a puppet....someone programmed to repeat their lines... There is no there in Marco...only an empty suit.
36
People want a leader and Trump is one while Rubio is not. If he was, he'd be fighting to the death for the soul of his party not trying to eke out a bloodless win as the clock winds down.
9
Let's be specific: The people who support Trump want a man on horseback.
""But does he realize it? Is he prepared for what he’ll have to do, and what Trump will do to him?
Any attempt by the remaining GOPsters to attack Trump on his now famously stated positions regarding 9/11 and the Iraq war will lose, lose, lose. Trump reset the entire political primary campaign for the Republicans because he rolled the dice by successfully attacking W, knocking out the Bush Dynasty, and eviscerated all GOP foreign policy arguments that will now sound like a W apologia. "Mr. Trump has stated that the horrors of 9/11 and the turmoil in the middle east are legacy of the failed...etc. How do you respond Senator Rubio?" Rubio's prepared answer will receive triumphant cheers in the debate venue, but Trump will receive more primary votes The only way Trump fails is if he inflicts a mortal wound on himself, or if he's jettisoned by the GOP establishment. There's a very good chance that the later will occur now that he's played his Trump card and blasphemed W.
Any attempt by the remaining GOPsters to attack Trump on his now famously stated positions regarding 9/11 and the Iraq war will lose, lose, lose. Trump reset the entire political primary campaign for the Republicans because he rolled the dice by successfully attacking W, knocking out the Bush Dynasty, and eviscerated all GOP foreign policy arguments that will now sound like a W apologia. "Mr. Trump has stated that the horrors of 9/11 and the turmoil in the middle east are legacy of the failed...etc. How do you respond Senator Rubio?" Rubio's prepared answer will receive triumphant cheers in the debate venue, but Trump will receive more primary votes The only way Trump fails is if he inflicts a mortal wound on himself, or if he's jettisoned by the GOP establishment. There's a very good chance that the later will occur now that he's played his Trump card and blasphemed W.
9
To be honest I think Rubio is a little on the whimpish side and afraid of going toe to toe with anyone.
Wait until Hillary gets hold of Rubio. He will fade quite quickly I believe.
Wait until Hillary gets hold of Rubio. He will fade quite quickly I believe.
48
Hillary? Wait til Trump starts to hit her on her endless weak points. He'll do the job of the feckless and complicit media, since they clearly won't.
Totally agree...he's not waiting for anything cause he's got nothing to give and he's hoping the 'establishment' will somehow get rid of the 'Trump problem' but look how that worked out for Jeb. Certainly there must be some Navy SEALS or Marine leaders out there that the republicans can find next time around with some actual leadership skills instead of these phony stuffed suit poll takers they push on us.
1
What Is Marco Rubio Waiting For? To grow a pair. You hit the nail on the head.
2
Douthat and his Republican brethren are finally finished choosing their date for this prom and they picked Rubio! This proves the grown ups have truly left the room. Douthat exemplifies the positions of the Republican establishment, which, it turns out, the rank and file were never really behind. The family values crowd is behind the guy who has the hots for his daughter. It is just too rich, literally. Douthat, your congregation has left the church.
54
Don't worry.
The engagement ring will be repossessed before the marriage ceremony.
The engagement ring will be repossessed before the marriage ceremony.
1
It was said that the Republicans required proportional selection of delegates before 15 Mar, but South Carolina was plurality takes all. So, with about 1/3 of the vote, Trump has 64% of the electable delegates (of course, lots of the delegates are appointed ex officio rather than elected, and none of those delegates are currently inclined to vote for Trump).
But the 2/3 of Republicans who hate Trump are still split 4 ways, with the leaders among the four remaining anti-Trump candidates having much less than 1/3 of the vote, and Trump is likely to do very well next Tuesday.
Kasich's supporters should all go to Rubio if he drops. But it's harder to predict where Cruz's and Carson's supporters will go if they drop. If it's a two person race, will Trump have a majority? Or will it be a 5 person race until the convention, with the rules for awarding delegates giving Trump more than 60% of the electable delegates?
Still not clear.
(But the Times should be grateful: this nomination contest is certainly selling lots of newspapers.)
But the 2/3 of Republicans who hate Trump are still split 4 ways, with the leaders among the four remaining anti-Trump candidates having much less than 1/3 of the vote, and Trump is likely to do very well next Tuesday.
Kasich's supporters should all go to Rubio if he drops. But it's harder to predict where Cruz's and Carson's supporters will go if they drop. If it's a two person race, will Trump have a majority? Or will it be a 5 person race until the convention, with the rules for awarding delegates giving Trump more than 60% of the electable delegates?
Still not clear.
(But the Times should be grateful: this nomination contest is certainly selling lots of newspapers.)
5
How do we get from your long, direct Rubio quote and your unflattering comparison to Churchill, a truly inspirational speaker, to:
" ...the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida"?
And then to questioning his campaign strategy?
You've made a fairly strong case that he's neither eloquent nor talented.
" ...the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida"?
And then to questioning his campaign strategy?
You've made a fairly strong case that he's neither eloquent nor talented.
79
Exactly, why do Douthat, Brooks, Bruni all like Rubio so much? They call him eloquent and talented. The man is clearly neither. There's nothing going on upstairs with Rubio. If Romney was hollow and an empty suit, Rubio is an empty suit times 10
6
You are comparing Rubio with Churchill?
You are comparing a political party that is reaping the inevitable whirlwind of its own willing Foxification with a nation that was at the time standing alone against one of the greatest evils this world has ever seen?
You are clearly more deluded than anyone already thought.
You are comparing a political party that is reaping the inevitable whirlwind of its own willing Foxification with a nation that was at the time standing alone against one of the greatest evils this world has ever seen?
You are clearly more deluded than anyone already thought.
343
I wish there were a way to "Recommend" this ten times over. Dan Quayle was no Kennedy and Marco Rubio certainly is no Churchill!
Marco is waiting for a software upgrade to be released by Apple just as soon as the company gives their secret code to the government.
42
Rubio has done the math and probably realizes that his chances of winning the presidential nomination are minimal unless he aggressively attacks Trump. But he is holding off attacking Trump because he wants to be chosen by Trump as his VP candidate, and he knows that any attack on Trump would cause Trump to look elsewhere. Clearly, Rubio cares less about the future of the Republican Party than he does about his own future.
42
...But this will only be a helpful strategy for Rubio if Trump is nominated and loses (as most Republican deep thinkers seem to assume would happen), thus leaving Rubio as the next-in-line for 2020. If Trump actually managed to win the election, the resulting few years would be such a fiasco for the United States that anyone associated with the administration would be forever tainted, including Vice-President Rubio.
2
@Susan G: Exactly so; you've hit the nail on head.
1
I was going to comment but you, Susan G, have said what I was going to say. I agree with all you have said but I would add one or two more things. Rubio is afraid of Trump; he has seen first hand Trump's overwhelming of Jeb ("Maybe she should be running" referring to Barbara). Also, I think Rubio is not sure he really wants to be President. He and Ben Carson are similar in that respect.
1
It hit me a few days ago that Rubio is not running to be President; he's running to be on the ticket.
He is in his early 40s and has many years left [like 30] to be a viable presidential candidate. If Rubio attacks Trump now, Trump will release a fusillade of highly effective insults. Rubio's appeal would wither. If Rubio keeps quiet, however, he and Trump can continue to attack Cruz who will continue to implode.
My guess is that Rubio's team when it's a Trump Rubio race Rubio, will have two attractive options. Somehow the party and voters may coalesce around him; or, if Trump wins the nomination, Rubio will be the natural VP choice --conservative, young, "establishment enough" with Washington experience, Latino and last but, certainly not least, a Floridian [which along with Trump's apparent popularity there] would help lock up that state. We know how critical Florida is in Presidential politics.
Finally, does anyone really think Trump would want 8 years in the White House if elected? Rubio would then be his "anointed" successor --still shy of 50 years of age. If he's on the ticket and loses, he'd still be well positioned for a run in 2020. This way, he wins no matter what happens. This is a craven, manipulative strategy, consistent with his record and certainly no profile in courage.
He is in his early 40s and has many years left [like 30] to be a viable presidential candidate. If Rubio attacks Trump now, Trump will release a fusillade of highly effective insults. Rubio's appeal would wither. If Rubio keeps quiet, however, he and Trump can continue to attack Cruz who will continue to implode.
My guess is that Rubio's team when it's a Trump Rubio race Rubio, will have two attractive options. Somehow the party and voters may coalesce around him; or, if Trump wins the nomination, Rubio will be the natural VP choice --conservative, young, "establishment enough" with Washington experience, Latino and last but, certainly not least, a Floridian [which along with Trump's apparent popularity there] would help lock up that state. We know how critical Florida is in Presidential politics.
Finally, does anyone really think Trump would want 8 years in the White House if elected? Rubio would then be his "anointed" successor --still shy of 50 years of age. If he's on the ticket and loses, he'd still be well positioned for a run in 2020. This way, he wins no matter what happens. This is a craven, manipulative strategy, consistent with his record and certainly no profile in courage.
58
Rubio is the same age as Obama when he ran. Rubio's just running a meek presidential campaign.
2
If you're right then Rubio is no student of American history -- to modern memory, only one -- ONE -- failed vice presidential candidate has ever gone to be elected president.
His name was Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Rubio is many things. Among the things he is not is another FDR.
Oh, and it is assured that if he were picked as a vice-presidential candidate that the ticket would fail -- that is a given. No fact-based electoral analysis sees a Republican winning the White House for some time.
So, like Ryan, like Palin, etc etc -- failed VP candidates head for obscurity (or back to Congress). Their presidential dreams die hard.
We must thank the Founders for that.
His name was Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Rubio is many things. Among the things he is not is another FDR.
Oh, and it is assured that if he were picked as a vice-presidential candidate that the ticket would fail -- that is a given. No fact-based electoral analysis sees a Republican winning the White House for some time.
So, like Ryan, like Palin, etc etc -- failed VP candidates head for obscurity (or back to Congress). Their presidential dreams die hard.
We must thank the Founders for that.
7
Napoleon burned Moscow before winter defeated him. Is that Trump's fate? To burn the GOP before abàndoning it?
17
Have no fear, campers. The GOP would vote for a Charles Manson if he offered less taxes for the 1%. This has been the only story since Jan.1981.
177
Rubio is neither talented nor eloquent as is abundantly clear from his memorized responses to every question. He is an obnoxious little twit and, in his own way, as dangerous as Trump.
267
It's not Moscow in 1812. It's Stalingrad, 1942. I'm still convinced von Paulus will surrender. But back to your analogy: Marshal Kutuzov's Generals January and February were destined to arrive (ah, the good old days before global warming). There's nothing inevitable about Trump's downfall. Marco Rubio should attack Trump relentlessly at the next debate. Waiting would be dangerous. Though it may not do any good (most True Trump Believers don't watch debates nor will they care if the establishment says Trump did terribly), attacking Trump and, hopefully, exposing his lack of seriousness, his unabridged ignorance about the issues, is the best strategy.
Leaving the front runner to grow stronger, considering how much of a front runner he actually is, is putting too many things in jeopardy, not the least of which is the Republican Party (and the country). I think Rubio's camp sees Cruz as more of an intellectual challenge, which he obviously is, and thinks that once he is gone, they can turn, guns blazing, towards Trump. But can one bet that substantive verbal "wins" against Trump will change his supporters' minds? Do they have minds?
It is precarious to let him gain any more strength, so I concur: Rubio should go on offense against Trump, and he should do so posthaste. Can Trump really get the nomination? How phantasmagorical this seems. Marco Rubio is the last best hope. Don't let us down, son.
Leaving the front runner to grow stronger, considering how much of a front runner he actually is, is putting too many things in jeopardy, not the least of which is the Republican Party (and the country). I think Rubio's camp sees Cruz as more of an intellectual challenge, which he obviously is, and thinks that once he is gone, they can turn, guns blazing, towards Trump. But can one bet that substantive verbal "wins" against Trump will change his supporters' minds? Do they have minds?
It is precarious to let him gain any more strength, so I concur: Rubio should go on offense against Trump, and he should do so posthaste. Can Trump really get the nomination? How phantasmagorical this seems. Marco Rubio is the last best hope. Don't let us down, son.
1
"...the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida..."
Have I missed something somewhere?
Have I missed something somewhere?
176
Exactly! When does having to memorize your answers, memorize your whole stump speech, be completely unable to speak in a freewheeling, stream-of-conscious way, make you talented or eloquent?
2
"...the very talented" Marco Rubio? Oh, Ross, in a future piece, please explain why or how, because this column does not. "Talented" at being a show piece of a billionaire auto dealer? "Talented" at authoring substantial legislative proposals for the betterment (not only of the U.S.) of his Florida constituents? "Talented" at being, at bottom, an ignorant rube of the first water? "Talented" at denying that nature is a force that can be harnessed indefinitely, one that bows to ideology? "Talented" at adhering to Constitutional principles like "separation of church and state" in his phony declarations of piety and religiosity? "Talented" at piling on with racial animus directed at President Obama ("he's not one of us")? "Talented" in some vague way that Donald Trump is not (independently wealthy)? "Talented" in a raggedly inventive way in presenting an origin story that takes a rather pedestrian fact and, from that simple, unremarkable ordinary set of circumstances, creates a shining halo announcing himself as an extraordinary, one-off piece of work that even the child of immigrants can point to as being an American success story? If these examples, Ross, are your bullet points for "talent," you're easily pleased and the virtue of "talent" has lost its way.
49
I love how people like Douthat expected Rubio to win Nevads because his family lived there for 6 years when he was a kid. The public doesn't care where a guy lived for a few years when he was 9 years old
1
"Trump is winning everywhere, he is winning easily — and very, very little is being done to stop him." Do you mean "stop him" as on the (D) side where everybody and their dog in the (D) establishment is doing everything possible to stop Bernie Sanders? Sanders who is now leading nationally in the last three polls? That kind of "stop him"?
The (R) voters want Trump. Is Douthat saying that democracy is good only so long as the voters choose the establishment's candidate? Reince Priebus disagreed with that on CNN yesterday. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chris Matthews, the NYT and the entire (D) establishment agree with Douthat.
I'll agree that this is a strange primary season. I've called Trump a fascist since last summer, and yet here I am agreeing with the head of the RNC. Trump is winning fairly.
I've voted (D) in a majority of elections since the '80s, and yet I couldn't agree less with anti-democratic tactics of the DNC. The (D) establishment's thumb must be seriously cramping from pushing so hard on the scales to help Clinton against the ever more popular Sanders. The completely undemocratic super-delegates are just a more blatant example of the (D) establishment motto, "You can have any candidate you want, as long as it is our choice."
The strangest and most amazing thing is that it is not working. Despite the fear mongering, media black-outs, slander and out and out lies, the (D) electorate increasingly refuses to do what they're told. It's about time.
05:00 EST
The (R) voters want Trump. Is Douthat saying that democracy is good only so long as the voters choose the establishment's candidate? Reince Priebus disagreed with that on CNN yesterday. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chris Matthews, the NYT and the entire (D) establishment agree with Douthat.
I'll agree that this is a strange primary season. I've called Trump a fascist since last summer, and yet here I am agreeing with the head of the RNC. Trump is winning fairly.
I've voted (D) in a majority of elections since the '80s, and yet I couldn't agree less with anti-democratic tactics of the DNC. The (D) establishment's thumb must be seriously cramping from pushing so hard on the scales to help Clinton against the ever more popular Sanders. The completely undemocratic super-delegates are just a more blatant example of the (D) establishment motto, "You can have any candidate you want, as long as it is our choice."
The strangest and most amazing thing is that it is not working. Despite the fear mongering, media black-outs, slander and out and out lies, the (D) electorate increasingly refuses to do what they're told. It's about time.
05:00 EST
32
The Republican party and its policies were the impetus and the breeding ground of the Tea Party and the success of Donald Trump and now the establishment wing of the party is playing the victim card.
19
Obviously, you are looking for leadership in a place where you will never find it.
50
Thank you. Well said. A person is either a leader or he is not. He is not.
Instant replay:
Rubio: Three times that I've had this question — and I will try to answer it again for you, as clearly as I can, because the question you're asking is, "What kind of qualifications does Marco Rubio have to be president," "What kind of qualifications do I have," and "What would I do in this kind of a situation?" And what would I do in this situation? [...] I have far more experience than many others that sought the office of president of this country. I have as much experience in the Congress as Dan Quayle did when he sought the vice-presidency. ....
Moderator: ?
Opponent: Senator, I served with Dan Quayle. I knew Dan Quayle. Dan Quayle was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Dan Quayle.
Rubio: Three times that I've had this question — and I will try to answer it again for you, as clearly as I can, because the question you're asking is, "What kind of qualifications does Marco Rubio have to be president," "What kind of qualifications do I have," and "What would I do in this kind of a situation?" And what would I do in this situation? [...] I have far more experience than many others that sought the office of president of this country. I have as much experience in the Congress as Dan Quayle did when he sought the vice-presidency. ....
Moderator: ?
Opponent: Senator, I served with Dan Quayle. I knew Dan Quayle. Dan Quayle was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Dan Quayle.
18
Hilarious! Thank you.
2
Any candidate with half-a-brain, or even outdated RAM and programming like Rubio, knows that the embrace of the pundit class is lethal in the current election cycle.
14
What is robot-boy Rubio waiting for, you ask? He's waiting for a RAM upgrade and new programming, of course.
As Chris Christie illustrated with devastating effect a few weeks back, virtually all the robot-boy's available memory space is currently being used for system operations and programmed yet nonsensical attacks on President Obama. He is currently functioning exactly as designed - especially after the "reach for the glass of water" bug was eliminated a couple of years back. Norman Braman should be happy that his investment in an artificial life form has gone as well as it has.
However, without him going into the laboratory for yet another time-consuming hardware and software upgrade, what you see with robot-boy is all you're likely to get - an empty suit capable of little more than spouting inappropriate religious platitudes intermixed with witless yet calumnious attacks on the Obama presidency.
Ross, the Rubio experiment should illustrate just how far scientists have come with artificial intelligence - but also just how far they still have to go create a robot capable of running for President against a professional entertainer like Donald Trump.
As Chris Christie illustrated with devastating effect a few weeks back, virtually all the robot-boy's available memory space is currently being used for system operations and programmed yet nonsensical attacks on President Obama. He is currently functioning exactly as designed - especially after the "reach for the glass of water" bug was eliminated a couple of years back. Norman Braman should be happy that his investment in an artificial life form has gone as well as it has.
However, without him going into the laboratory for yet another time-consuming hardware and software upgrade, what you see with robot-boy is all you're likely to get - an empty suit capable of little more than spouting inappropriate religious platitudes intermixed with witless yet calumnious attacks on the Obama presidency.
Ross, the Rubio experiment should illustrate just how far scientists have come with artificial intelligence - but also just how far they still have to go create a robot capable of running for President against a professional entertainer like Donald Trump.
283
Makes me crazy at these debates when the candidates go after Obama. Hasn't anyone told them they aren't running against Obama? They aren't even running against Hillary or Bernie. They are running against the other clowns on the stage for a nomination. What part of that don't they understand?
1
Bravo, Signore Carnicelli.
1
Talented, eloquent Mark?
No bite and a prearranged bark?
A climate denier
Whose views are for hire,
Charisma? Not even a spark!
No bite and a prearranged bark?
A climate denier
Whose views are for hire,
Charisma? Not even a spark!
387
"Pre-arranged bark" . . . very apt.
5
Nice, Larry!
Perfect actually.
Perfect actually.
3
Charisma? Caramba!
Mr Douthat, whom are you kidding? Talented at what? Perhaps you mean he is talented at self promotion. His eloquence is often jejune of any substance when examined closely.
It is clear to me that you are grasping at straws. Your party has distanced itself from your vision and the junior senator from Florida is your last hope for the party's success if not its redemption but the tea leaves do not read well.
It is clear to me that you are grasping at straws. Your party has distanced itself from your vision and the junior senator from Florida is your last hope for the party's success if not its redemption but the tea leaves do not read well.
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Ross looking for Rubio to save the GOP from Trump is a fool's errand. The only thing rubia was waiting for is for Sheldon Adelson to open up his checkbook. This great GOP firewall, in the persona of an intellectual lightweight and rather irritating personality, is a playing along.
Probably because he can't. The reason Churchill rallied the British was because he was Churchill. I cannot see anything in Rubio's background that demonstrates an ability to sway supporters, motivate voters, convince an electorate that he is the man. If his strategy is to be the last man standing in a Trump face off, I think he is whistling in the wind.
For someone who says he doesn't like attacks in a campaign he is sure practiced in attacking the president. Of course that doesn't count during primary season. But I also think people simply can't change who they are.
And if I were Sheldon Adelson, frankly I'd be holding on to my money.
Probably because he can't. The reason Churchill rallied the British was because he was Churchill. I cannot see anything in Rubio's background that demonstrates an ability to sway supporters, motivate voters, convince an electorate that he is the man. If his strategy is to be the last man standing in a Trump face off, I think he is whistling in the wind.
For someone who says he doesn't like attacks in a campaign he is sure practiced in attacking the president. Of course that doesn't count during primary season. But I also think people simply can't change who they are.
And if I were Sheldon Adelson, frankly I'd be holding on to my money.
317
Adelson apparently hasn't parted with any of his loot yet.
If it wasn't for the awful possible consequences of Trump gaining the GOP nomination I would more easily get some enjoyment from Mr Dothan's obvious discomfort at finding his beloved party of conservatives having to sleep in the bed that their mindless obstructionism has made.
Mr Douthat, Trump is where he is because of the high level of disgust on the part of the Republican electorate with their political class. That class includes, I am sure, the apologists and pundits. So Mr Douthat, the GOP needs to clean its house so that a conservative party means something other than the obstructionism, and it doesn't look as if your present complement of candidates are capable of taking on that task.
Mr Douthat, Trump is where he is because of the high level of disgust on the part of the Republican electorate with their political class. That class includes, I am sure, the apologists and pundits. So Mr Douthat, the GOP needs to clean its house so that a conservative party means something other than the obstructionism, and it doesn't look as if your present complement of candidates are capable of taking on that task.
200
If it wasn't for the awful possible consequences of Trump gaining the GOP nomination I would more easily get some enjoyment from Mr Dothan's obvious discomfort at finding his beloved party of conservatives having to sleep in the bed that their mindless obstructionism has made.
Mr Douthat, Trump is where he is because of the high level of disgust on the part of the Republican electorate with their political class. That class includes, I am sure, the apologists and pundits. So Mr Douthat, the GOP needs to clean its house so that a conservative party means something other than the obstructionism, and it doesn't look as if your present complement of candidates
Mr Douthat, Trump is where he is because of the high level of disgust on the part of the Republican electorate with their political class. That class includes, I am sure, the apologists and pundits. So Mr Douthat, the GOP needs to clean its house so that a conservative party means something other than the obstructionism, and it doesn't look as if your present complement of candidates
18
I love Ross’s pronouncements. “New Hampshire has fallen”. The South has fallen, but may rise again, at least in Bob Bentley‘s mind (Alabama governor).
The timing and numbers don’t actually favor anyone but Trump. Not unusually, the best candidate but not necessarily the best president likely will win this contest. After the loss of Jeb!, the only one I see on the right competent to serve as president is Kasich, and he’s a whisper away from “suspending” his campaign, as is Carson, once he sells enough books to satisfy his self-pride. The Cruz-Rubio dynamic is irrelevant if Trump keeps racking up pluralities in primaries. What everyone is seeing is a juggernaut in odd hair rolling down the road to a triumphal convention where he’s locked up enough delegates by mid-April to break out the Moët 1943 and forget about everything other than who would be subservient enough to play Veep.
What is Marco Rubio waiting for? The presence and sand that was never anticipated as necessary to counter a Donald who has proven so overwhelming on the hustings. But it’s too late for recriminations: we have the candidates we have, and none of them appear to be of the caliber necessary to take this guy on successfully. People are what they are, as we saw with Jeb!; and expecting more from Rubio is wishful thinking.
Just imagine how the rug business is going to take off in America in just a few months.
The timing and numbers don’t actually favor anyone but Trump. Not unusually, the best candidate but not necessarily the best president likely will win this contest. After the loss of Jeb!, the only one I see on the right competent to serve as president is Kasich, and he’s a whisper away from “suspending” his campaign, as is Carson, once he sells enough books to satisfy his self-pride. The Cruz-Rubio dynamic is irrelevant if Trump keeps racking up pluralities in primaries. What everyone is seeing is a juggernaut in odd hair rolling down the road to a triumphal convention where he’s locked up enough delegates by mid-April to break out the Moët 1943 and forget about everything other than who would be subservient enough to play Veep.
What is Marco Rubio waiting for? The presence and sand that was never anticipated as necessary to counter a Donald who has proven so overwhelming on the hustings. But it’s too late for recriminations: we have the candidates we have, and none of them appear to be of the caliber necessary to take this guy on successfully. People are what they are, as we saw with Jeb!; and expecting more from Rubio is wishful thinking.
Just imagine how the rug business is going to take off in America in just a few months.
25
Kasich has a lot of people fooled, he isn't a moderate, he is a hedge fund wolfe, in sheep clothing.
10
Perhaps The Donald cold renounce his Republican party membership and resurrect the W(h)igs?
2
Bob:
That was worth more than a couple of "thumbs".
That was worth more than a couple of "thumbs".
It is a sign of the sorry state of the Republican party that a person with a retrograde social and economic agenda is considered mainstream. I guess that in politics, as in everything else, all matters are relative. In his concern that Trump may, indeed, emerge the nominee, Douthat is desperately seeking bright spots to alleviate the political panic that assails him. But to find the robotic, rote-spewing Rubio "talented" is a bit too much. I wonder in what field Rubio has shown his talents. If elected, the politically pliable Rubio will discard even his tired conservative positions, and follow the likes of Cruz, Lee, Session, etc. into Kochian underworld.
311
I don't think Rubio will go away. If he doesn't get the nomination this year, we'll see him possibly in 2020, or 2024. He's young, and he believes he deserves the presidency.
3
The only difference between Rubio and Cruz is that Cruz doesn't try to hide his sleaze factor. Rubio says everything that Cruz says but with a boyish face. That's the difference!
Oh, I suspect there is one other difference: Cruz is not as malleable. He has ideas of his own and might act on them. Rubio will do as he is told by the Kochs and show up for work on payday. All he has ever wanted is money, especially if he doesn't have to do much to get it.
Oh, I suspect there is one other difference: Cruz is not as malleable. He has ideas of his own and might act on them. Rubio will do as he is told by the Kochs and show up for work on payday. All he has ever wanted is money, especially if he doesn't have to do much to get it.
6
I think so, too. Our only hope is that he will grow up, politically and otherwise, in the meantime.
I have to admit to a good measure of schadenfreude as the collective Republican establishment are left wringing their hands now that it is all but certain that Donald Trump has hijacked their party. 45 years of dog whistling on race, 35 years of denigrating, defunding and deligitimizing government, 20 years of rejection of reality based policies concerning climate change, energy conservation, and evolution, 15 years of demagoguery on immigration, and 8 years of nihilistic and cynical obstruction of any and all political initiatives emanating from the other side of the isle or the White house have produced a Republican core where truth and sane, principled political stances can no longer carry a plurality in a Republican primary.
Ross, update us on how you feel when you pull the lever for Trump in November.
Ross, update us on how you feel when you pull the lever for Trump in November.
836
There's no Freude like Schadenfreude!
1
Thank you! There is all is...a perfect summary of everything that brought us to this sorry and scary state of affairs.
9
"Ross, update us on how you feel when you pull the lever for Trump in November."
Thanks for the LAUGH!
Thanks for the LAUGH!
1
Douthat is right to panic, because there's little joy in Mudville (the GOP) now that Jeb has struck out. The fall of that empire over the past six to eight months proves what we've known for some time - the mob that follows Trump, laughs at his indiscretions, and is fooled by his appealing to their desire to win repeatedly, at the expense of any details that might be required on how to accomplish that elusive goal, is a force with momentum that the rest of the party cannot derail. Rubio is basically defenseless in the path of that train - he doesn't stand for anything, and hasn't done anything - what disenfranchised voter would care to waste a vote on him.
If 46% of voters in Nevada is Douthat's definition of "holding", then he's sorely delusional. In fact, the 30-20-20 split that defined South Carolina is likely to repeat itself next Tuesday in several SEC states. Cruz can only wilt so much in the face of Trump's heathen challenge - evangelicals are not amused by Trump's lack of propriety and God fearing pap.
In one sense, there's the poetic justice for the GOP wanting to engage Reagan's ghost, while handing the country over to the 0.01% for the last 15 years. But in their progressive greed and corruption, as abetted by their Congressional representatives, the GOP elite forgot one thing - it is possible to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. That is what they have done, and undoing that in the face of someone like Trump and angry voters looms as an impossible task.
If 46% of voters in Nevada is Douthat's definition of "holding", then he's sorely delusional. In fact, the 30-20-20 split that defined South Carolina is likely to repeat itself next Tuesday in several SEC states. Cruz can only wilt so much in the face of Trump's heathen challenge - evangelicals are not amused by Trump's lack of propriety and God fearing pap.
In one sense, there's the poetic justice for the GOP wanting to engage Reagan's ghost, while handing the country over to the 0.01% for the last 15 years. But in their progressive greed and corruption, as abetted by their Congressional representatives, the GOP elite forgot one thing - it is possible to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. That is what they have done, and undoing that in the face of someone like Trump and angry voters looms as an impossible task.
90
>
Like the rest of them he is waiting for the convention. Is this some kind of mystery?
Like the rest of them he is waiting for the convention. Is this some kind of mystery?
11
I think he is waiting for someone to want to vote for him. Don't hold your breath.
52
"Candidates with a near-zero chance at the nomination, from Ben Carson to Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, are still carving up the electorate in ways that clear Trump’s path."
Trump is clearing his own path. I do not say this as a supporter, but as someone who can look at percentages and do simple math.
Trump is clearing his own path. I do not say this as a supporter, but as someone who can look at percentages and do simple math.
110
Marco Rubio is a coward and is most likely now angling for the VP spot in a Trump administration. Ruffling the feathers of the peacock is not good politics. Not too worry Mr. Douthat it shall be left to the Democrats (as it has been done before) to slay the dragon that obviously frightens you too.
266
Rubio is a good Christian. He's waiting for Godot (the feminine plural of God).
36
No one would know Rubio's name were it not for massive infusions of dark money, subversively laundered through the "charities" of the Kochtopus that got him elected to the Senate in the first place.
His platform is that of David and Charles Koch, with a slight Miami Cuban accent.
No regulation, more pollution, no taxes, gutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, more war more torture, robbing American women of their reproductive freedom.
His hometown newspaper summed him up best,
"Mr. Rubio's youthful vigor masks a political vision that parties like it's 1959".
Miami Herald, lead editorial, 2.3.12
His platform is that of David and Charles Koch, with a slight Miami Cuban accent.
No regulation, more pollution, no taxes, gutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, more war more torture, robbing American women of their reproductive freedom.
His hometown newspaper summed him up best,
"Mr. Rubio's youthful vigor masks a political vision that parties like it's 1959".
Miami Herald, lead editorial, 2.3.12
627
Don't you just love it how Tim Scott and Nikki Haley paraded the Rubio around on stage declaring they were just like the "united colors of Benetton?' Except the diversity stops with me, myself and I. Haley denying Medicaid expansion for the poor and crusading against Planned Parenthood and Rubio, who wants nothing to do with the millions of other Latino immigrants, even children who were two-years-old when they were brought to the U.S., through no fault of their own. In Nevada, even Latinos weren't buying the Rubiobot's diversity play and picked Trump . I agree with Craig Geary- Trump serves y'all well., too well.
19
Douthat completely misses the obvious with his in depth analysis. He can't see the forest for the trees. Rubio knows at this point he probably can't win so he is positioning himself for a place in Trump's cabinet. Maybe even as a VP on the ticket. Rubio knows he is over his head and not ready yet to be president. Four years in a Trump cabinet might put him in a position to build up his gravitas enough to be a feasible candidate in 2020. Worst case scenario he gets a job with Fox as a commentator.
3
"the very talented and frequently eloquent junior senator from Florida"
If Douthat were british, this would be a devastating put down.
I gather from the rest of the article though, that Douthat did not lace his praise with poison on purpose.
If Douthat were british, this would be a devastating put down.
I gather from the rest of the article though, that Douthat did not lace his praise with poison on purpose.
148
You nailed it! Even the Guardian didn't come up with such faint praise.
9
Rubio does not really want to be president at this time. He knows that the Big Blue Wall will stop the GOP. He does want to get some pocket change and possibly the VP nomination from Trump. That way, he will be the leading GOP candidate in 2020. By this time, the anti-immigrant wing will be purged and the GOP will be more likely to win a national election with a Hispanic like Rubio.
10
It seems to me that what Rubio is waiting for is someone to vote for him.
112
Carl.
You made me smile, nay, chuckle this morning.
Thanks!
You made me smile, nay, chuckle this morning.
Thanks!
What I don't agree with is Douthat's description of Rubio as "very talented and frequently eloquent." In what way is he talented, and how can he be called eloquent when he can't even remember his mapped out talking points? Am I the only who looks at Rubio and sees a pitiful pipsqueak?
813
No. You are not the only one that thinks so, which is why Rubio is nowhere in the contest.
15
No, you're not the only one who looks at Rubio and sees a pitiful pipsqueak. But what more would you expect from an AIPAC lab mouse?
11
Did Ross watch Chris Christie taking down Marco? That was a must see TV.
1
Mr. Douthat,
While it is true that Mr. Rubio has not been running a negative campaign against Donald Trump, the sheer amount of media attacks against Trump has been staggering. It's just that none of it actually sticks.
The National Review ran an entire edition that's free to anyone who wants it of anti Trump rhetoric from conservative policy wonks. Their web page as I examine the link at 4:03 AM EST on 2/25 is "It's time for an Anti-Trump Manhattan Project". News articles of inflammatory statements have been plastered across every major media outlet, both liberal and conservative, across the US, and many globally. The Economist loathes Trump, and Fox news was hard on them to start off with because they didn't think he was serious and wanted him gone. Their opinion of him has just lowered since he accused a moderator of PMS.
A better question is, why does Rubio need to attack him? Has Donald Trump gotten *any* good press emphasizing his positive points from any non Trump source? Criticism from the GOP establishment slides off Trump like water off a ducks back. If Rubio starts negative campaigning, it's not going to improve his (feeble) traction among GOP voters. Right now the best course of action for him is to stick to his guns and campaign positively, hoping that he, Cruz, Carson, and Kasich seize enough delegates to force a brokered convention of all things.
While it is true that Mr. Rubio has not been running a negative campaign against Donald Trump, the sheer amount of media attacks against Trump has been staggering. It's just that none of it actually sticks.
The National Review ran an entire edition that's free to anyone who wants it of anti Trump rhetoric from conservative policy wonks. Their web page as I examine the link at 4:03 AM EST on 2/25 is "It's time for an Anti-Trump Manhattan Project". News articles of inflammatory statements have been plastered across every major media outlet, both liberal and conservative, across the US, and many globally. The Economist loathes Trump, and Fox news was hard on them to start off with because they didn't think he was serious and wanted him gone. Their opinion of him has just lowered since he accused a moderator of PMS.
A better question is, why does Rubio need to attack him? Has Donald Trump gotten *any* good press emphasizing his positive points from any non Trump source? Criticism from the GOP establishment slides off Trump like water off a ducks back. If Rubio starts negative campaigning, it's not going to improve his (feeble) traction among GOP voters. Right now the best course of action for him is to stick to his guns and campaign positively, hoping that he, Cruz, Carson, and Kasich seize enough delegates to force a brokered convention of all things.
28
I find myself agreeing with many facets of your analysis.
But the People get what they deserve.
Which is why the best Dem candidate my "progressive" controlled party can produce is an older white lady whose negative numbers rival those of Donald Trump on issues of trust and credibility.
Marshall Kutuzov had a great Russian populace to mobilize while he stalled for time.
I'm just waiting around for the great GOP and Dem middle to begin pulling both parties to the rational center. As you write, their is not much time.
But the People get what they deserve.
Which is why the best Dem candidate my "progressive" controlled party can produce is an older white lady whose negative numbers rival those of Donald Trump on issues of trust and credibility.
Marshall Kutuzov had a great Russian populace to mobilize while he stalled for time.
I'm just waiting around for the great GOP and Dem middle to begin pulling both parties to the rational center. As you write, their is not much time.
3
Ross is desperate for someone other than Trump. Two very likely happenings are in the cards: (1) Rubio will very happily accept to be Trump's VP running mate; (2) Trump-Rubio will go down in flames in the general election. Ross will reluctantly accept outcome (1). He will claim to be very disappointed with outcome (2), but in the end will be extremely relieved that the Democrats won.
37
Mr. Douthat will have a much easier time professionally, criticizing Sanders or Clinton for the next four or five years, or longer, than he will apologizing and making excuses for Trump-Rubio (Would Trump choose Rubio as his Veep? Wouldn't teaming with a loser tarnish Trump's brand?), for the next four years. But things could turn out worse for Mr. Douthat. Rubio could pull off the nomination and win the election.
2
Word on the street is The Donald is vetting Carmen Electra for veep.
1
If the Republicans had been willing to deal with Obama as a legitimate candidate and elected President whose policies they really disliked, they would have exiled birthers and Muslim Obama types to the fringes of their party in 2008. But they didnt, and this failure is coming back to haunt them. They trained their followers to think in terms of images and feelings and simple slogans and to turn off attempts to reason with them about anything controversial. Now they want to talk what they think of as sense to their followers, and the followers are turning them off.
George W. Bush ignored CIA warnings and did not keep us safe. His Iraq adventure was a mistake. As long as Republicans cannot admit these things and learn from them, they cannot deal with reality. Trump supporters sense this.
The Republican establishment has few answers to any problem other than the problem of how to retain power. The last time they had power was a series of disasters, and they have on principle refused to study or learn from their mistakes. Their answer in the economic sphere is a simple feel-good free enterprise model which is not at all how the world actually works. They increase the national debt like crazy when they are in power, and scream about how horrible the debt is when they arent.
George W. Bush ignored CIA warnings and did not keep us safe. His Iraq adventure was a mistake. As long as Republicans cannot admit these things and learn from them, they cannot deal with reality. Trump supporters sense this.
The Republican establishment has few answers to any problem other than the problem of how to retain power. The last time they had power was a series of disasters, and they have on principle refused to study or learn from their mistakes. Their answer in the economic sphere is a simple feel-good free enterprise model which is not at all how the world actually works. They increase the national debt like crazy when they are in power, and scream about how horrible the debt is when they arent.
527
Of course "they trained their followers to think in terms of images and feelings" because that is what works. When your policies are crushing your constituents you have got to fill their heads with fear and loathing of scapegoats. To give Trump begrudging credit, he occasionally speaks the truth, Iraq and the closing Carrier plant in Indianna being examples, which is a definite no-no to the Rebuplican establishment.
10
Douthat seems to realize that Trump is a 'rabid dog' but he does not seem to realize that Rubio is still very much a 'dog' of a candidate.
No, for Douthat, anybody with the GOP label on them is definitely better than anybody else. No matter how terrible that candidate actually is.
If Hitler turned up as a Republican, would Douthat support him? Perhaps not, because Trump could easily be Hitler. But that's not saying very much about Douthat's choices.
No, for Douthat, anybody with the GOP label on them is definitely better than anybody else. No matter how terrible that candidate actually is.
If Hitler turned up as a Republican, would Douthat support him? Perhaps not, because Trump could easily be Hitler. But that's not saying very much about Douthat's choices.
132
It's more like Rubio is playing Elvis "Toast" Patterson to Trump's Willie Gault.....in Florida we saw what a phony Rubio was before he ever went to Washington, and now the rest of GOP World is waking up to the same thing......a suit, with no there there.....
79
Sorry Ross, Rubio might challenge Trump, though I doubt it, but don't try to tell me he is a superior choice. His policies are just as extreme as Trumps and Cruz's, he just comes in a nicer package.