Rubio skips immigration in favor of conservative standbys at CPAC

 

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, R, served up a familiar portion of conservative red meat to CPAC attendees on Thursday, endearing himself to activists who could help propel him to a higher political office in the future. 

Rubio received a rock star's welcome before speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he used his 15-some-minute slot to extol traditional conservative positions on taxes, education, abortion, same-sex marriage and trade with China. 

"We don't need a new idea. The idea's America, and it still works," said Rubio, to major applause, anticipating that liberals would criticize his remarks for offering no new ideas.

Sen. Marco Rubio draws applause from a crowd Thursday at the annual CPAC event.

But the Florida senator declined to ruffle any feathers, too. He didn't even mention the immigration overhaul on which he's worked, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented residents currently in the United States.

Rather, Rubio argued to conservatives that there is no need to abandon their bedrock principles amid a bout of soul-searching within the GOP about how to broaden the party's appeal. The Florida senator repeatedly noted that the world has changed, but made the case for why standby Republican policies should stay the same. 

"Just because I believe that states should have the right to define marriage in a traditional way does not make me a bigot," he said. 

"The people who are actually close-minded in American politics are the people that love to preach about the certainty of science in regards to our climate, but ignore the absolute fact that science has proven that life begins at conception," Rubio added.

Providing his prescription for the GOP as it searches for a winning path forward, Rubio said: "Our challenge is to create an agenda applying our principles — our principles, they still work — applying our time-tested principles to the challenges of today."

In essence, Rubio firmly staked himself in the camp of Republicans who argue that the party's makeover is more cosmetic than policy-based. 

And the one issue on which Rubio has been willing to defy party orthodoxy — immigration — went unmentioned.

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  • 16 votes
#1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:53 PM EDT

Nice Ursula... I totally get it... he has no ass-to-risk!!!

  • 27 votes
#1.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:55 PM EDT

This crew at CPAC is easily entertained, they like the 'in your face' politician, but that only takes you so far. I see Ted Cruz got his head handed to him by Sen Feinstein this morning, these flame throwers only last for so long with a limited segment of the voting population, in national elections reality bites.

  • 43 votes
#1.2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:03 PM EDT

Please don't let facts get in the way of your principles, Sen. Rubio...

  1. making gays second-class citizens doesn't make you a bigot...
  2. thinking a zygote is a person doesn't make you unscientific...
  3. and when you're washed off your beach-front property by rising oceans, blame it on something other than climate change.

Yeah, hang onto those ideals and allow folks with a whit of intelligence to govern!

  • 70 votes
#1.3 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:04 PM EDT

It was like watching a re-run of Rubio's response to the SOTU speech.

Nothing but a sweating like a pig and a swilling from the glass of water.

I have seen Jr. High Debate teams who have more talent then little Marco!

  • 52 votes
#1.4 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:06 PM EDT

I can't get past his extreme right wing beliefs, but I REALLY REALLY can't get past the weirdness of his mouth and the sound that comes out of it. It's like there is something off with his teeth or his mouth, maybe the tongue. I don't know, it's just a real turnoff.

On another note, does anyone else think that the GOP is trying too hard with this Rubio character? It's as if they figure if they throw out a Latino then everyone else will think that the Republican party has magically changed their ways. Sorry, doesn't quite work that way.

  • 52 votes
#1.5 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:16 PM EDT

Miserable little weasel, what the hey does he know about immigration anyway--been fibbing up his heritage--got caught. What is it with the GOP that thinks Rubio is some kind of bridge between the Hispanic vote and the Party? What is it--Cuban disliked by all other Hispanic groups--just ask a Puerto Rican, Cubans over-bearing, arrogant, superior, preferential immigration treatment--auto green cards, and get this one folks, in some households Spanish only, active refusal to assimilate. Can't stand the guy, have already told he needs to find another day job come 2016, disgusting, perfect elephant dung drop, belongs at CPAC. His behavior is going to do him in along with his over-blown sense of self worth.

  • 39 votes
#1.6 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:21 PM EDT

"We don't need a new idea. The idea's America, and it still works," said Rubio, to major applause, anticipating that liberals would criticize his remarks for offering no new ideas."

===============

Way to go out on a limb there Senator...you might as well as busted out with "The idea is the cosmos, and it still works"

"Just because I believe that states should have the right to define marriage in a traditional way does not make me a bigot," he said.

=====================

Sure....just as much as you believe States should have the right to tell all Cuban Americans that the first jobs they should fill should be any shoe shining job.

You're a bigot because you're in favor of slating State sanctioned benefits based solely off of the sexual orientation of the citizen.

  • 32 votes
#1.7 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:22 PM EDT

but ignore the absolute fact that science has proven that life begins at conception," Rubio added.

science -- what are republicans doing talking about science? that is the anti-christ!

what next? Economist claiming that if we keep printing endless streams of money, it will reduce the value of the $'s that are out there?

  • 13 votes
#1.8 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:25 PM EDT

Gingerbread Mama, Ted Cruz is nothing but a condescending ass. I was happy to see Sen. Feinstein school his ass and put him in his place. The guy is a dick.

Now, Lil Michelle, don't go making me like you! HA! :)

  • 39 votes
#1.9 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:25 PM EDT

AlaskaGirl . . .

On another note, does anyone else think that the GOP is trying too hard with this Rubio character? It's as if they figure if they throw out a Latino then everyone else will think that the Republican party has magically changed their ways. Sorry, doesn't quite work that way

I'm pretty sure that's EXACTLY what they are thinking. And to the other part of your post, he IS creepy looking!

  • 28 votes
#1.10 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:27 PM EDT

Definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result. Good luck with that.

  • 38 votes
#1.11 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:33 PM EDT

"The people who are actually close-minded in American politics are the people that love to preach about the certainty of science in regards to our climate, but ignore the absolute fact that science has proven that life begins at conception," Rubio added.

I, too, agree that life begins at conception. Where I differ is tellling other people what they should or shouldn't do with that life. Now, just as I won't get into your business to tell you what to do.... don't try and get into my pockets and tell me what to do with my money.

No, I won't help pay for your contraceptives, no I won't pay for your abortion, no I don't want to pay for your health insurance... matter of fact, I don't want to pay for anything of yours... and when I do, I don't want it mandated by the federal government.. I'll donate to charity!

Ty =)

  • 8 votes
#1.12 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:39 PM EDT

I LOVE it when ReThuglicans call what they believe "principles" . . . . <snark>

but when Progressives talk about their values, ReThuglicans call that "tired old Democratic DOGMA."

HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT?

.

RETHUGLICANS = REGRESSIVES = BACKWARDS

.

PROGRESSIVES ARE MOVING FORWARD! :-)

  • 26 votes
#1.13 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:39 PM EDT

Wow! Talk about con artists',,, Rubio is leader of the pack.

  • 22 votes
#1.14 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:43 PM EDT

Hey Bella . . .

I don't want to pay for anything of yours... and when I do, I don't want it mandated by the federal government.. I'll donate to charity!

Feel the same way about you, dear. So stay off of the roads, out of the National Parks, out of schools that receive ANY government assistance, and please never ever ask a firefighter or police officer for help. I don't mind paying for that for others because that is what BUILT this country.

  • 36 votes
#1.15 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:44 PM EDT

...ah, yes, the vitriol hatred of those who preach tolerance is truly enlightening...

  • 13 votes
#1.16 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:44 PM EDT
Comment author avatarArthur66Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

^^^ Nothing but name-calling from Democrat posters ^^^ Not one poster can argue the merits ^^^

  • 3 votes
#1.17 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:46 PM EDT

So let's see, if I were to stand in front of all my X girlfriends and say "Honiey, we don't need a new idea. the idea's us, and it can still work" ... the answer would be? Yup, derisive laughter! ... hold on,my current gal is beating on the door to get into that hall.

  • 11 votes
#1.18 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:50 PM EDT

"We don't need a new idea."

Well, not to worry, folks - if you're at CPAC, you're in no danger of that happening.

  • 31 votes
#1.19 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:51 PM EDT

Arthur66

^^^ Nothing but name-calling from Democrat posters ^^^ Not one poster can argue the merits ^^^

===========

I didn't call him names at all and think I laid out my argument to why his argument is silly quite well.

And I'm not quite certain what merit you think the Senator argued out. Hell, by his own argument he should have been in the favor of the repeal of DOMA since it was not at the State level, but the Federal.

I'll repeat my stance, if marriage had no State/Federal benefits associated with it, that would be wonderful, do with it what you will. But it does have State/Federal benefits associated with it based off of nothing but sexual orientation.

  • 19 votes
#1.20 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:57 PM EDT

"Anybody got any ideas?" ...

... "Anybody?... Anything?..." ...

..."We don't need no stinkin' ideas! Yeah!"

  • 16 votes
#1.21 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:58 PM EDT

With any luck, the pied-piper of hypocrisy will maintain his rock-star status among the country's hate-mongering half-wits for a long time to come.

  • 8 votes
#1.22 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:59 PM EDT

I couldn't agree more. Republicans don't need a new idea they need to knock it in the head.

  • 8 votes
#1.23 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:59 PM EDT

E Pluribus Unum

I don't want to pay for anything of yours... and when I do, I don't want it mandated by the federal government.. I'll donate to charity!

and

^^^ Nothing but name-calling from Democrat posters ^^^ Not one poster can argue the merits ^^^

Together we stand, united we fall, a house divided cannot stand. I can argue the merits of an idea for a bit, but when some one says "it's gods way" the conversation has ended. I wont name call, but I will say that retreating to the god position is the cowards way out and leads no where.

  • 14 votes
#1.24 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:04 PM EDT

He didn't even mention the immigration overhaul on which he's worked, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented residents currently in the United States

Marco Rubio share the same view of Jeb Bush about illegal immigrants, they can get permanent Visa if they pass the requirement , they agree also if they want citicenship ,they have to apply in their country of origin , going to the back of the line of the ones that already aplly to came here legally. Unfair is give advantage to the illegals the ones that cut corner jumping the fence cheating the system over the ones that are doing the right thing, immigrate legally to the United States.

  • 5 votes
#1.25 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:16 PM EDT

Fiesty, first step is filling out an application. Second, get your resume ready (don't worry about the time between jobs). Third, make sure you have a nice dress or Hillary pants (no sweats).

    #1.26 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:39 PM EDT

    "The people who are actually close-minded in American politics are the people that love to preach about the certainty of science in regards to our climate, but ignore the absolute fact that science has proven that life begins at conception," Rubio added.

    Absolute fact? I must have missed that news headline.... What is an absolute fact is that republicans can't tell the truth about anything and actual facts mean absolutely nothing to them. They just won't be happy until they can spy on you in your bedroom and incarcerate you for using birth control and trying sexual positions they find to be immoral. Just a bunch of lying, whiny hypocrites trying to continue to do the same as they've always done and obviously haven't learned a thing from. They are they're own worst enemy.

    • 4 votes
    #1.27 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:56 PM EDT

    That's okay, Marco. You just keep telling yourself that the Republican party doesn't need any new ideas. Keep pushing that same ol', same ol'. Just keep saying the same thing only louder. It worked so well in the last election, I'm sure it will do the same next time.

    • 4 votes
    #1.28 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:25 PM EDT
    Comment author avatarMy turnWiExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

    Who let the Demoqueens out of their cage?????

      #1.29 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:28 PM EDT

      Because playing to nothing but the angry white guy is really working well for them so far....

      • 4 votes
      #1.30 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:32 PM EDT

      I'm beginning to think some under-cover Democrat is in charge of not only CPAC but the entire Republican Party. How else could you explain such stupidity?? Oh no -- just because Republicans have gotten their asses handed to them in 4 of the last 6 presidential elections and lost the popular vote in 5 of the last 6 isn't a cause for alarm. Just because the fastest growing demographic in the nation voted against them by a 70% margin - that's no cause for alarm. Just because the only group they can count on -- old white people -- are dying off and being replaced by people who vote for the other side -- that's no cause for alarm. Hell yes Republicans-- everything is fine!!! Just keep on doing what you've been doing. Democrats love it.

      • 11 votes
      #1.31 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:33 PM EDT

      Allen, it was up to the states to pass DOMA. It was not a federal law that forced states to act one way or the other. Therefore, the argument that Rubio would be against DOMA is incorrect. If it were federal, we would not have same-sex marriage in any state in the Union.

      The state should also be able to decide on abortion as he indicated. It is not a federal issue.

        #1.32 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:33 PM EDT

        The problem is that Rubio doesn't have any new ideas. What a tool. An idiot making the other idiots feel good about themselves.

        • 5 votes
        #1.33 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:49 PM EDT

        Time for the GOP to update their symbol - from an elephant to an ostrich.

        • 6 votes
        #1.34 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:50 PM EDT

        The GOP better smarten up and stop walking around with blinders on acting like we still live in the 17th Century. At some point they need to kick the radical crowd to the curb and regroup much like the Dems in the 80s.

        • 2 votes
        #1.35 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:06 PM EDT

        redvirgina: There is no line to get back into. If there were, you wouldn't see so many Cubans, athletes, actors or wealthy folks becoming citizens.

        • 1 vote
        #1.36 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:07 PM EDT

        AlaskaGirl . . .

        "On another note, does anyone else think that the GOP is trying too hard with this Rubio character? It's as if they figure if they throw out a Latino then everyone else will think that the Republican party has magically changed their ways. Sorry, doesn't quite work that way."

        Think Michael Steele!! He was their token black guy to show the world they were diverse, but it wasn't believable any more than Rubio is believable. Rubio is whiter than I am, he is Hispanic in name only. I found it nauseating the way they threw Steele out there every chance the got after Obama was elected in 2008. The ploy was so obvious that only their brainwashed Foxbots fell for it. If anything Steele chased more black votes away from the GOP than he attracted.

        • 5 votes
        #1.37 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:24 PM EDT

        We don't need no stink'en new ideas! The old ones work just fine. God have I been in that job before.

        • 4 votes
        #1.38 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:40 PM EDT

        Okay, so here's what I don't understand about the "states' rights" argument.

        If it's up to the states to define marriage,..........

        why did the GOP enact DOMA?

        Isn't that the federal government overruling states' right to define marriage?

        Doesn't all that double-think make your head hurt? At least once in a while?

        • 5 votes
        #1.39 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:44 PM EDT

        Mr. Rubio,

        Can I ask you the question Megan Kelly of FOX News asked Carl Rove?:

        "Is that just math you do as a Republican to make yourself feel better?"

        • 4 votes
        #1.40 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:59 PM EDT

        "We don't need a new idea. The idea's America, and it still works," said Rubio, to major applause, anticipating that liberals would criticize his remarks for offering no new ideas."

        Interesting..their ideas do not get them elected. They are still the party of NO.

        • 2 votes
        #1.41 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 6:21 PM EDT

        Only a path back to Mexico for 13,000,000 squatters!

          #1.43 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 6:28 AM EDT

          Keep watching and listening to Marco Rubio.

          You will find that he functions as the spokesperson for ideas that he actually does not comprehend. When left to his own devices, Rubio's comments are evasive, convoluted, and sometimes even bizarre.

          The more he speaks, the more he will bury himself.

            #1.44 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:48 AM EDT

            "Beware the Ides of March!"

              #1.45 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 12:17 PM EDT
              Reply

              Ricky Ricardo plays babaloooooo to a "packed" house!!!

              Now the republicans love them some Cuba! I wonder if Mexicans love Cuba as much? Otherwise, what's the point with this goof?

              • 18 votes
              Reply#2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:54 PM EDT

              ^^^^ Racist Democrat Alert ^^^^ You're a perfect fit for the Bob Byrd-wing of the Democrat Party.

              • 3 votes
              #2.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:48 PM EDT

              ^^^^ Racist Democrat Alert ^^^^ You're a perfect fit for the Bob Byrd-wing of the Democrat Party.

              Even a broken clock...

                #2.2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:07 PM EDT

                Arthur, it's not Racism, its criticism LOL... THats Ok, Mr. Sigma Cum Laude Chick Blunder will come back with some real pearls of wisdom regarding his comment... whats more deplorable 10 liberal dumfux thought it was a GREAT Comment...

                Hey Chick Blunder, so thumbs up on my Avatar? I know you like it...

                • 2 votes
                #2.3 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:15 PM EDT

                Arthur66

                "^^^^ Racist Democrat Alert ^^^^ You're a perfect fit for the Bob Byrd-wing of the Democrat Party."

                ...And you're an imbecile with the expected reading comprehension skills to accompany it... And an odd penchant for "up" arrows...

                Which part was racist Artie? That Rubio is as Cuban as necessary given the wind direction, or that Mexicans are waaay to smart to be impressed by a hood ornament on a foreign auto?

                • 11 votes
                #2.4 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:31 PM EDT

                "Racist Democrat Alert ^^^^ You're a perfect fit for the Bob Byrd-wing of the Democrat Party."

                That wing of the Democratic Party died off 45 years ago and was replaced with Nixon's Southern Strategy. Today it's known as the Republican Party. When LBJ signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965, he said he just handed the South over to the Republican Party for at least 2 generations. He was absolutely correct.

                • 9 votes
                #2.5 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:37 PM EDT

                Hey Marco Rubio -- remember the classic definition of insanity --- doing the same things over and over while expecting different results??? I think you may want to see a shrink!!

                • 4 votes
                #2.6 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:39 PM EDT

                Caesar Augustus-

                "Arthur, it's not Racism, its criticism LOL... THats Ok, Mr. Sigma Cum Laude Chick Blunder will come back with some real pearls of wisdom regarding his comment... whats more deplorable 10 liberal dumfux thought it was a GREAT Comment...

                Hey Chick Blunder, so thumbs up on my Avatar? I know you like it..."

                Et tu Moronicus?...

                You forgot to call me "re-reg-Ruken", re-reg "hyper-bully"... And I asked around, apparently there's so much stuff up your avatar already that my thumb wouldn't fit if i tried.

                If you continue to insist on driving up the cost of ownership I'll be forced to rent you out to cover expenses...

                • 4 votes
                #2.7 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:27 PM EDT

                There - are you happy?

                Kim,

                Nice try, but this miserable son of a bitch wouldn't be happy in a whorehouse with a fist full of C-Notes!

                  #2.9 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:07 PM EDT

                  As Kim says paw in cheek...

                    #2.10 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 10:49 PM EDT
                    Reply

                    "Just because I believe that states should have the right to define marriage in a traditional way does not make me a bigot," [Rubio] said. No, Mr. Rubio, what that makes you is an advocate of big-government mind control. Why is it OK for Big Brother to control who can love whom in the United States of America?

                    • 21 votes
                    Reply#3 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:55 PM EDT

                    Talk about bongo-ing to the base!! He sure tried to make certain he had no 'splainin' to do...

                    • 14 votes
                    #3.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 1:58 PM EDT

                    Yep, they're all about small government until it comes to who you love and your health care choices.

                    • 18 votes
                    #3.2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:32 PM EDT

                    When he believes that that a legal marriage of a couple becomes null and void simply because they moved to another state and he doesn't see anything wrong with that, then yeah, he's a bigot.

                    I wonder if he's going to revisit the 19th Amendment (universal suffrage). After all, if it should be up to each state to decide if gays should be allowed to marry, shouldn't it be up to each state to decide if women should be allowed to vote? States are great for maintaining highways. They're not so good at protecting individual rights.

                    • 4 votes
                    #3.3 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:22 PM EDT

                    Barry, is gay marriage a constitutional amendment? The 10th amendment states "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.".

                    The determination of voting rights is the jurisdiction of the states, unless there is a constitutional amendment that dictates voting rights. This is why we have some states that allow felons to vote while others do not.

                      #3.4 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:46 PM EDT

                      Hey CPAC lovers, teatards, birthers, ditto-heads, Fox cultist, Glen Beck worshipers and all around Obama haters don’t forget ---- March Madness starts soon and President Obama will be filling out his brackets. Be sure you whine and cry, bitch and complain, moan and groan and carry on and on about how he’s wasting time and not taking care of the nation --- just like you have, every March, since 2009.

                      • 8 votes
                      #3.5 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:54 PM EDT
                      Reply

                      The Florida senator repeatedly noted that the world has changed, but made the case for why standby Republican policies should stay the same.

                      So one is to keep buying buggy whips and hay even though we've had automobiles for over 100 years?

                      • 18 votes
                      Reply#4 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:09 PM EDT

                      Adler . . .

                      So one is to keep buying buggy whips and hay even though we've had automobiles for over 100 years?

                      Pretty much! And as we heard from the GOP in the last election, the country should be stuck in the 1950's as well. Women controlled by men and staying home to raise the kids and make sure dinners on the table at the right time.

                      We're closer to 2050 than we are to 1950 - wonder how long that BS mantra is going to hold up?

                      • 14 votes
                      #4.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:15 PM EDT

                      Layton, they (GOP) are stuck on stupid and they can't figure out how to move the needle. If they can't figure that out, what makes them think that we would want any one of them in the big seat? They really need to get over themselves.

                      • 16 votes
                      #4.2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:22 PM EDT

                      No, it simply means you should have the choice to choose, not be federally mandated. More power should be given to the states, not have a huge federal government trying to dictate to you what you can or can not do.

                      • 3 votes
                      #4.3 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:47 PM EDT

                      Bella.Angel

                      No, it simply means you should have the choice to choose, not be federally mandated. More power should be given to the states

                      Why? So that the States can choose for you?

                      • 11 votes
                      #4.4 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:55 PM EDT

                      So one is to keep buying buggy whips and hay even though we've had automobiles for over 100 years?

                      Pretty much! And as we heard from the GOP in the last election, the country should be stuck in the 1950's as well. Women controlled by men and staying home to raise the kids and make sure dinners on the table at the right time.

                      If one person could make a living wage for a family of 4 or 5 then I could get behind the idea that a woman could stay at home. One problem is that it takes 2 incomes and the education an care of our children is not in the back seat, but rather riding in the bed of the pickup. Dictators prefer unarmed subjects and capitalists prefer desperate workers.

                      • 7 votes
                      #4.5 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:13 PM EDT

                      Typical liberal reply about something that is not even remotely close to what that statement meant. It means that the federal government should, as Bella indicates, remain within the confines of the constitution.

                        #4.6 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:08 PM EDT

                        Oh, and just let each state run roughshod over its citizens? I don't think so. We've all seen some of the lame ass things governors and state congress have tried to pass in their state, issues that are a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution. Besides, if states were left to their own devices, do you really think that without any federal input that local and state taxes would not sky rocket, not to mention medical care?.....the list goes on.

                        • 4 votes
                        #4.7 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:23 PM EDT

                        Adler -

                        That is brilliant! Spilled my water all over.

                        Which reminds me, since this party wants to remain in the past and blah, blah, blah the 2nd amendment to death, why don't they trade in their assault rifles for some black powder and a musket. Would fit better in a well-regulated militia that they claim we need so bad.

                        • 2 votes
                        #4.8 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:37 PM EDT

                        Excellent point AKgirl... States are NOT intended to have freedom from the U.S. Constitution... As inferred by the "U" right before the "S"... If allowed to totter off toward special interest groupings rather than states, they would become enclaves, compounds, sink-holes, Texas... Or any other number of unsavory things...

                        The constitution is a marvelously well thought-out guide for well-intended open-minded intelligent people... Failing that, it is the reference by which people other than that and their actions are brought to heel as necessary to preserve the Union on the whole.

                        The cry of "States rights" on National issues are in and of themselves usually premature and highly suspect.

                        • 3 votes
                        #4.9 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:45 PM EDT

                        Examples of the GOP "remaining within the confines of the Constitution" as Danno and Bella want.

                        The Patriot Act...

                        Warrantless Wire Tapping...

                        Constantly agitating for a Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage. Which would be the first time in our nation's history that the Constitution would be amended to take rights away from a class of citizens.

                        Crying wolf,TWICE now,over the Obama Administration's agreeing with GOP governors nationwide and letting them amend the work requirements for welfare recipients in their states,so long as the changes don't add costs and/or loosen the requirements.

                        Wanting to have a national ban on a women's right to choose.

                        Just a few examples,could come up with many more.

                        • 3 votes
                        #4.10 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:55 PM EDT

                        Thanks, Chick. I just get so tired of the right wingers yelling, "Less government! No government! Don't tell us what to do!" That's their mantra until they need government and then they trip over each other to be first in line with their hands out. Such hypocrisy.

                          #4.11 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 7:29 PM EDT

                          More power should be given to the states, not have a huge federal government trying to dictate to you what you can or can not do.

                          The states should have LESS power. When it comes to protecting my rights, I trust Washington, DC, far more than most state governments which seem to be dominated by parochial interests.

                            #4.12 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:41 AM EDT
                            Reply

                            "The people who are actually close-minded in American politics are the people that love to preach about the certainty of science in regards to our climate, but ignore the absolute fact that science has proven that life begins at conception," Rubio added.

                            Rubio is going to lose some votes over this comment. Any far right supporter know that life begins at erection.

                            • 18 votes
                            Reply#5 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:13 PM EDT

                            Job1-Actually far right supporters have 3 choices for when life begins:

                            1) Starts at the erection and ends at the Resurrection OR

                            2 Starts in the basket and ends in the casket OR

                            3) Starts in the womb and ends in the tomb!

                            • 2 votes
                            #5.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:55 PM EDT

                            My earliest memory is as a twinkle in my Father's eye...

                              #5.2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:47 PM EDT
                              Reply

                              Goes to show they still don't have a clue.

                              • 16 votes
                              Reply#6 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:22 PM EDT

                              another kid who should have had some sense beat into him by his padre.

                              • 9 votes
                              Reply#7 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:23 PM EDT

                              Anyone who really wants/needs a GOP that has a snowball's chance in heII of making electorate inroads, much less leading constructively with their current elected officials, should probably just hibernate for a while. We'll wake you sometime in 2017 or 2018, when they finally get their act together.

                              • 9 votes
                              Reply#8 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:28 PM EDT

                              Let them keep their ideas they will continue to loose elections better for the rest of America

                              • 13 votes
                              Reply#9 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:29 PM EDT

                              The word is lose not "loose". 4th grade education ?

                                #9.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:04 PM EDT

                                Sticky keybooard ... let it ride. This no place to saddle a pet peeve.

                                • 5 votes
                                #9.2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:10 PM EDT

                                truthseeker, if you truly parse the simple statement and read it as irony, loose is a much better description than lose for us Moderates as we see the GOP stealers suck hind tit. They so love to play loose, eh??

                                  #9.3 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:42 PM EDT
                                  Reply

                                  Robber Rubio isn't going to have a chance to run for President. He has to much baggage to explain if he can get anybody to believe him.Do not know how he can explain/cover up the way some members of his family came/didn't come here and whether they were or were not legitimate exhiles. There is a time he will have to tell the truth,not the exhile truth but the American citizen type. What happened to the $95.000 truth.Where did all his money come from.His house expenses etc. Lots more questions to come yet.

                                  • 9 votes
                                  Reply#10 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:29 PM EDT

                                  Marco Rube is just as bad as our Governor, Zippy the pinhead and Lt. Governor (who just resigned yesterday to avoid arrest). Most of the real Floridians can't stand this pompas ass, and his phony refugee story either. As a matter of fact, most Cubans really don't really care for him, and the only reason the GOP keeps him is as a token minority. And sorry TeaBaggers, he is in no way, shape or form Presidential material (but of course this is the party that wanted Michelle Bachmann, Dicksuk Santorium, Pizza Guy, Myth Robme et al as their leader!)

                                  • 2 votes
                                  #10.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:02 PM EDT
                                  Reply

                                  The putz takes off to pander to the CPAers, what the hey. 2nd Generation Cuban, what does he know about immigration, grandpa was an illegal, family immigrated years before Castro came to power, have him tell the story, it was like the Rubios crawled up on a Key West Beach seconds ahead of Castro's secret police, bs. The guy makes my hair hurt, breathtaking arrogance! I just fired off another e-mail telling him what I thought and he needs to start preparing for another day job come 2016. Ladies of Florida, remember the Blunt-Rubio Legislation would have let your employer stick his head up your skirt to make sure your sex life conformed to his/her birth control principals--after all supposed religious beliefs trumps your health care needs. Arrrggghhhh!

                                  • 13 votes
                                  Reply#11 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:32 PM EDT

                                  One can only hope that the CPAC bunch gets to run everything for the Republicans. I keep praying they take complete control. When you have a philosophy that's anti-black, anti-Hispanic, anti-women, anti-young people, anti-middle class, anti-poor and anti-gay, what could possibly go wrong?

                                  • 12 votes
                                  Reply#12 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:34 PM EDT

                                  Complete control - and you are waiting for it. How much more control do they need.

                                    #12.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:48 PM EDT
                                    Reply

                                    So sad....... A has-been so early in his career.

                                    • 13 votes
                                    Reply#13 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:34 PM EDT

                                    and too old to outgrown this smarmy phase.

                                    • 5 votes
                                    #13.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:49 PM EDT
                                    Reply

                                    Just the same old GOP Song and dance.. "Nothing to see here move along".

                                    • 13 votes
                                    Reply#14 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:34 PM EDT

                                    If the party does not need a "new idea" then why not talk about self deportation and securing the borders? No new idea means shoring up the ones you are working on and believe in...

                                    • 7 votes
                                    Reply#15 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:36 PM EDT

                                    Rather, Rubio argued to conservatives that there is no need to abandon their bedrock principles amid a bout of soul-searching within the GOP about how to broaden the party's appeal.

                                    The problem is just what are those principles? Are they the principles of Ronald Reagan? If so, which ones? The ones of reality, or the ones of mythology?

                                    The demand for a balanced budget which was never demanded when a Republican was in the White House?

                                    "Just because I believe that states should have the right to define marriage in a traditional way does not make me a bigot," he said.

                                    But when he wants the government to get off the backs of people that statement certainly does.

                                    But then he is tailoring his speech to the choir. They probably come away patting themselves on the back, as if that proves they live in a large tent, hearing a major speech from a man who is not white.

                                    • 7 votes
                                    Reply#16 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:37 PM EDT

                                    C'mon Robert from PA, you know as well as I do, if it were a Republican in office that hadn't passed a budget in 5+ years, we'd never hear the end of it. Instead we've heard the continuing lie that it's the GOP's fault when the lib controlled senate refuses to bring a budget bill to a vote.

                                    The left, and this administration have done nothing but play the finger point game for half a decade now. When is enough enough?

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #16.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:56 PM EDT

                                    The left, and this administration have done nothing but play the finger point game for half a decade now. When is enough enough?

                                    The Affordable Healthcare Act, an historic move towards addressing our healthcare costs and the uninsured, was passed by the Democratic Congress in Obama's first term. What has this Republican - majority House done except point fingers and create a big stink? I mean, really, what have Republican DONE?

                                    • 8 votes
                                    #16.2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:09 PM EDT

                                    AMY-They have created millions of jobs!......................................Oh, wait a minute, that's what they promised to do. Just like our Governor Ricky Scotty promised to create 700,000 jobs down here, but somehow got sidetracked and forgot to get to it. I guess the GOPTP is the same all over the country! But, hey don't feel bad, as we are stuck with Mr. Pompas Ass down here!

                                    • 1 vote
                                    #16.3 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:09 PM EDT

                                    Megstra, a budget had not been passed because it can not get the majority vote...In order for the Senate to pass a budget resolution it needs a simple majority vote. But for that budget resolution to take effect, it must have either the cooperation of the house, or at least 60 votes in the Senate, which isnt going to happen. Just a round about way of filibustering...Presented and voted on and not doing it at all is two different things...

                                    • 1 vote
                                    #16.4 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 6:17 PM EDT

                                    megsta,when all the dirty bastards are dead.

                                      #16.5 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 7:41 PM EDT

                                      Amy: If I were you, I sure wouldn't be bragging that your democrat party passed the ACA...it is destined to go down in history as some of the worst legislation that ever became law. Certainly nothing to be proud of.

                                        #16.6 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 7:50 PM EDT

                                        megsta: Have you seen what's in the House's Budget Bill? Remember that the House can discard anything that the President has in his proposal. It destroys Medicare, Medicaid and SS as we know it, hurting the poor and middle classes severely. It gives more money to the defense dept. and BIG tax breaks to the wealthy and BIG business, with no increase in revenue to help pay off the debt. Right along the GOP party lines and they will not compromise. Yet you blame the Senate. Ha!

                                        juanita: Our healthcare has been broken for more than 20 years! You are either naive and never deal with injured or sick people or you support the "to hell with 'em if they can't afford it" party.

                                          #16.7 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 11:26 PM EDT
                                          Reply

                                          What new ideas? Its just that no ideas, period. conservatives make me laugh. I'm laughing all the way to 2014 and 2016 Ha ha ha ha ha . Its just so funny these repugs with no ideas.

                                          • 8 votes
                                          Reply#17 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:38 PM EDT

                                          Sound like a typical 47% who only takes and does not give.

                                          • 1 vote
                                          #17.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:31 PM EDT
                                          Reply

                                          "America still works" for less money than ever, thanks to corporate greed. By the way, Marco, how did you vote on Lily Ledbetter?

                                          • 11 votes
                                          Reply#18 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:38 PM EDT

                                          So "We don't need a new idea," eh?

                                          And that's why you and yours are headed for extinction, fella.

                                          (Even lemmings are smarter than that...)

                                          • 8 votes
                                          Reply#19 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:41 PM EDT

                                          Hilarious that the GOP thinks Rubio is the guy for the future.

                                          This guy has no chance in a nationwide election.

                                          Too many close ties to the Tea Pary

                                          • 10 votes
                                          Reply#20 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:43 PM EDT

                                          Lefty Realist ....

                                          Too many close ties to the Tea Pary

                                          He is the POSTER boy of the Tea Party! I'm sure Sarah and Michelle will be crowding around him for a photo op!

                                          • 4 votes
                                          #20.1 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:46 PM EDT

                                          When you vote for free stuff how can the republicans compete with leeches.

                                          • 1 vote
                                          #20.2 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:32 PM EDT
                                          Reply

                                          Nothing but a far-right pep rally. If Marco keeps this up, he's going to talk himself right out of a job. He's got to get re-elected in 2016 and he's pulling further to the right than the rest of Florida. Remember, Marco, Florida re-elected Obama last year. In your 2016 re-election fight, you won't have a split ticket to help you into office on a mere plurality vote like you did in 2010. You're going to have to win an outright majority of Florida voters. For somebody who is barely in the Senate, he's beating the hard-right talking points a little too hard.

                                          • 6 votes
                                          Reply#21 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:45 PM EDT

                                          Once again, Lil Marco has proven himself stupid! That, is why I call him Marco Estupido!!! He is sooo wrong, on everything!!!

                                          Why did he fail to mention his stance on immigration, I have to wonder???

                                          • 6 votes
                                          Reply#22 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:45 PM EDT

                                          Sounds like Rubio delivered a speech that was worthy of being some random, bizarre right wing rant that you often see on articles like this. It's meta-Rubio.

                                          • 3 votes
                                          Reply#23 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:47 PM EDT

                                          Mr. Rubio, I beg to differ with you. We need many new ideas and above all your Grand Obstructionist Party needs new ideas. You are living in the dark ages.

                                          • 9 votes
                                          Reply#24 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:47 PM EDT

                                          I like your "GOP" interpretation. But I prefer Gross Old Pigs. Yours is more elegant, mine is more to the point!

                                            #24.1 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 10:59 AM EDT
                                            Reply

                                            You may not need a new idea but you definitely need to get a clue Marco. Basically, it's the obstinate drowning man proclaiming "I don't need you to throw me a line".

                                            • 6 votes
                                            Reply#25 - Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:48 PM EDT
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