5 Reasons Marco Rubio Could Have a Chance
Marco Rubio (R-FL) is a name that over the past few years or so has grown in notoriety faster than many others. Though he did not run for President in 2012, his voice was heard and his backing of Mitt Romney did have an effect on the electorate. Has his name reached the level necessary for his own Presidential Campaign? Maybe not, but there are some easy and basic reasons that he has a chance to win the Republican nomination as his announcement yesterday officially kicked off his campaign.
He is Young
When President Obama ran for President in 2008 he was 47 years old going against one of the old men of Congress, John McCain. Though age may not have been the only factor, Obama's youthfulness appealed to young voters. It made him look like a future seeking individual since he was closer to their own generation. This is what Marco Rubio will have going for him this coming election. At the age of 43, Rubio would rank in age with John F. Kennedy and Theodore Roosevelt, two presidents who were bold yet successful in the eyes of the public. Being born in the early 1970s, Rubio is not a veteran of war. Though this also may work to his disadvantage, much of the electorate now, especially those needing to be mobilized, have not been through the Vietnam or Korean Wars. They identify more with the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rubio's short time as a politician has still encompassed this major conflict providing the necessary knowledge about war and veteran affairs.
He is Hispanic
It was seen as a major milestone when Barack Obama became the first African American President. There are even some people who voted for him simply for that reason to make a statement that minorities mattered. Marco Rubio is a minority. At a time when immigration has become one of the largest issues in American politics, a Hispanic candidate rises from a party not usually known for being immigration friendly. In his announcement speech, one woman questioned his position given his circumstance. When asked if he would promise to send away all undocumented immigrants immediately he responded that no one to make and keep that promise. Recounting his upbringing by immigrant parents he reminded those in attendance of the concept of the "American Dream" and how that is still the vision for many foreigners. He words implicitly stated that the "American Dream" is not dead but needs to be more defined and the path paved more to make it easier for immigrants to legally gain access, either through citizenship or other ways, to parts or the whole of the American dream.
He is Cuban
Yes, this does mean he is Hispanic but this is also a separate qualification in light of recent events. President Obama has guided the nation into stronger ties with Cuba. Not only has Cuba been opened back up for some trade and some tourism but within the past week, Obama has become the first President since the end of the Cold War to travel to Cuba and to meet with the island nation's leader Raul Castro. Cuba is now a topic of positive conversation which then, if only a little, casts a more positive view on Rubio, If Rubio attains Presidential status, there is a possibility for new ties to become stronger due to common identity. Never rule out how much identity and social norms can effect international relations. The potential for strong ties gives Rubio an advantage that may sway some voters as elections near.
He is Not Extreme
Politics in the United States has become so polarized that no potential candidate dares step toward the middle anymore. A step toward the middle is a step in the opposite direction of the party. If you don't believe it, ask the Tea Party. The sad state of American politics needs healed and the Democrats have caught onto one key principle that we stand for in this country: Unity. Many Democratic candidates have been waiting to hear the announcement made Sunday by Hillary Clinton officially commencing her campaign. Other potential candidates have been heard saying that if Clinton runs, they will support her and not run themselves. Though a primary election process is beneficial, there is something to be said at how unified the Democratic party is. On the flip side, Republicans could not be more split. The Tea Party has issues with Establishment Republicans who have issues with Libertarians. For Republicans to win and not kill themselves and each other in the primary mud-slinging competition, they must rally behind one candidate fully the way the Democrats look to be doing. Of those currently on the ticket, Rubio is by far the closest to achieving this. Ted Cruz of the Tea Party has drawn strong criticism for past actions including a "forever filibuster" that some said aided in the process of a government shutdown. Rand Paul, a Libertarian, has been criticized for extreme ideas and dogmatic rhetoric. Rubio has, in both of these groups as well as the Establishment Republicans, been applauded for actions. No faction within the Republican party has risen up against him; a strong sign that he can carry a split party if necessary.
He is Foreign Policy Minded
The US Economy is no longer in recession but on a path of growth. There is still a lot of economic growth that needs to occur but there is a shift in American ideology. As a nation, the US is becoming more concerned about Foreign Policy. The Iran nuclear deal, relations with Russia and China, and Presidential visits to new leaders around the world have dominated headlines. Rubio's advantage is visualized through his seats in both the Foreign Relations committee and the Intelligence committee. Preaching American exceptionalism is among his ideologies while making sure the world is on the side of the US. Though young, being in these committees makes Rubio's resume seem strong in the field of foreign policy.
The races are barely beginning and there is still a year until the one Republican nominee is chosen but early analyses in basic areas show that Marco Rubio has a strong chance of lasting a while in this race. He has personal qualities that are needed and that are helpful. He has a past that could work to his benefit. And lastly, anyone can obtain the nomination if they do things right. I believe that he will campaign correctly enough to last throughout the primaries as one of the top Republican candidates.
He is Young
When President Obama ran for President in 2008 he was 47 years old going against one of the old men of Congress, John McCain. Though age may not have been the only factor, Obama's youthfulness appealed to young voters. It made him look like a future seeking individual since he was closer to their own generation. This is what Marco Rubio will have going for him this coming election. At the age of 43, Rubio would rank in age with John F. Kennedy and Theodore Roosevelt, two presidents who were bold yet successful in the eyes of the public. Being born in the early 1970s, Rubio is not a veteran of war. Though this also may work to his disadvantage, much of the electorate now, especially those needing to be mobilized, have not been through the Vietnam or Korean Wars. They identify more with the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rubio's short time as a politician has still encompassed this major conflict providing the necessary knowledge about war and veteran affairs.
He is Hispanic
It was seen as a major milestone when Barack Obama became the first African American President. There are even some people who voted for him simply for that reason to make a statement that minorities mattered. Marco Rubio is a minority. At a time when immigration has become one of the largest issues in American politics, a Hispanic candidate rises from a party not usually known for being immigration friendly. In his announcement speech, one woman questioned his position given his circumstance. When asked if he would promise to send away all undocumented immigrants immediately he responded that no one to make and keep that promise. Recounting his upbringing by immigrant parents he reminded those in attendance of the concept of the "American Dream" and how that is still the vision for many foreigners. He words implicitly stated that the "American Dream" is not dead but needs to be more defined and the path paved more to make it easier for immigrants to legally gain access, either through citizenship or other ways, to parts or the whole of the American dream.
He is Cuban
Yes, this does mean he is Hispanic but this is also a separate qualification in light of recent events. President Obama has guided the nation into stronger ties with Cuba. Not only has Cuba been opened back up for some trade and some tourism but within the past week, Obama has become the first President since the end of the Cold War to travel to Cuba and to meet with the island nation's leader Raul Castro. Cuba is now a topic of positive conversation which then, if only a little, casts a more positive view on Rubio, If Rubio attains Presidential status, there is a possibility for new ties to become stronger due to common identity. Never rule out how much identity and social norms can effect international relations. The potential for strong ties gives Rubio an advantage that may sway some voters as elections near.
He is Not Extreme
Politics in the United States has become so polarized that no potential candidate dares step toward the middle anymore. A step toward the middle is a step in the opposite direction of the party. If you don't believe it, ask the Tea Party. The sad state of American politics needs healed and the Democrats have caught onto one key principle that we stand for in this country: Unity. Many Democratic candidates have been waiting to hear the announcement made Sunday by Hillary Clinton officially commencing her campaign. Other potential candidates have been heard saying that if Clinton runs, they will support her and not run themselves. Though a primary election process is beneficial, there is something to be said at how unified the Democratic party is. On the flip side, Republicans could not be more split. The Tea Party has issues with Establishment Republicans who have issues with Libertarians. For Republicans to win and not kill themselves and each other in the primary mud-slinging competition, they must rally behind one candidate fully the way the Democrats look to be doing. Of those currently on the ticket, Rubio is by far the closest to achieving this. Ted Cruz of the Tea Party has drawn strong criticism for past actions including a "forever filibuster" that some said aided in the process of a government shutdown. Rand Paul, a Libertarian, has been criticized for extreme ideas and dogmatic rhetoric. Rubio has, in both of these groups as well as the Establishment Republicans, been applauded for actions. No faction within the Republican party has risen up against him; a strong sign that he can carry a split party if necessary.
He is Foreign Policy Minded
The US Economy is no longer in recession but on a path of growth. There is still a lot of economic growth that needs to occur but there is a shift in American ideology. As a nation, the US is becoming more concerned about Foreign Policy. The Iran nuclear deal, relations with Russia and China, and Presidential visits to new leaders around the world have dominated headlines. Rubio's advantage is visualized through his seats in both the Foreign Relations committee and the Intelligence committee. Preaching American exceptionalism is among his ideologies while making sure the world is on the side of the US. Though young, being in these committees makes Rubio's resume seem strong in the field of foreign policy.
The races are barely beginning and there is still a year until the one Republican nominee is chosen but early analyses in basic areas show that Marco Rubio has a strong chance of lasting a while in this race. He has personal qualities that are needed and that are helpful. He has a past that could work to his benefit. And lastly, anyone can obtain the nomination if they do things right. I believe that he will campaign correctly enough to last throughout the primaries as one of the top Republican candidates.
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