U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., inched closer to deciding on a presidential bid in a national media appearance on Monday and bringing a new staffer on board with ties to a key primary state.
Rubio appeared on conservative Hugh Hewitts national talk-radio show on Monday and was asked in 2016 if voters will look for someone whos serious about American strength in the world."
Absolutely, Rubio replied before throwing a jab at President Barack Obama. I think theyll also hopefully look for someone who has more of a track record than just a handful of years as a backbencher in the state Legislature followed by a handful of years in the Senate, not having ... (done) anything serious about any major issues.
Rubio also showcased his own credentials for a possible try at the White House.
As I look at my own considerations, Im reminded that I served nine years in the Florida Legislature, the third-largest state in the country, Rubio said. I was its presiding officer for two years, and also ran the Florida House from an administrative point of view, served four years in the Senate where I have dedicated a significant amount of time to both travel and study and actually involved in shaping the policies on everything from the Western Hemisphere to policies in Asia. And I think that obviously not just me, but there are others as well out there running wholl bring to the table characteristics that are much different from the person who currently occupies the office. But look, the biggest problem with Barack Obama is, you know, he was elected on the notion that here was this young candidate that was going to bring about generational change in our policies, and then got elected and basically pursued the same tired, big government ideas of the last 60 years."
Do you feel like youve got to decide soon if youre a go?" Hewitt asked.
Yeah, Rubio said. Yes, absolutely. I think that running for president, especially in states like Iowa and New Hampshire, those are states that expect to meet the candidates on multiple occasions and get the measure they take of the person. They take very seriously their role in being the semifinals of a race like that, and they take that role very seriously as voters in terms of analyzing the candidates. And they take their time, and they listen, they hear everyone out before they make firm decisions. So I think it is important to have the time to dedicate, especially if you have a full-time job during the week. You need even more time to get over there and meet voters, and help them size you up. So I do believe that this is a decision that you cant prolong into the fall, for sure."
Earlier on Monday, Reclaim America, a PAC with ties to Rubio, brought Jim Merrill on board as a senior adviser. Merrill led former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romneys efforts in New Hampshire, home of the first presidential primary, in 2008 and 2012. Hewitt asked Rubio about the hire.
Jims a very talented person, someone weve really admired in our time visiting there, and we value his strategic advice beyond simply New Hampshire, although thats certainly a place he knows quite well, Rubio said. So were just glad to have him on our team. You know, in terms of our process, were getting closer to making a final decision, and thats a decision that only I can make, about where the best place for me to serve this country is at this time in my life and in my career. And obviously, if we decide to run for president, having someone like Jim on board would be a tremendous asset."
Hewitt asked Rubio if former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., factors into his plans. Bush, who has been allied with Rubio in Florida, announced back in December that he was exploring running for the Republican nomination.
I think were going to have multiple candidates that are of high quality, and Gov. Bush would be one of them, Rubio said. I wouldnt be running against Jeb Bush. If I ran, I would run because I believe Im the right person for the right time in our countrys history. And certainly, voters will make that decision, not me. My job is to go out and do the best I can if I decide to run for president to convince them that thats me. But I have admiration for him, and continue to have personal affection for him as well. I think hes going to be a very strong candidate. Hes going to raise a lot of money, has a lot of smart people around him on his team. Hell be a very significant candidate. But I dont, I wouldnt view it as me running against Jeb Bush. I was considering, I would consider running whether he was in the race or not in the race. And so me, it really has nothing to do with him. It has to do about where I feel like I can best serve America at this time in Americas history, and at this time in my life and my career."
Asked about if a nuclear deal with Iran and other foreign-policy issues would impact his decision, Rubio said international affairs should be focused on the presidential election.
I think you do a lot in the Senate to further national security issues and foreign policy, Rubio said. But I really think that when it comes to foreign policy and the national security of this country, the election were going to have in November of 2016 will be the most important election weve had in probably half a century, if not longer. And its very difficult to set the tone simply from the Senate. You can be one of many voices, and influential voices in the Senate. But ultimately, only the presidency can set the true tenor and direction of our foreign policy and national security. And I dont think anyone can argue that we are safer or more respected in the world today than we were five years ago.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
