I completely agree Debbie! This man is a hero. He definately is a RISING STAR!

Mary on November 3, 2010 at 12:23 pm

Let’s hope he becomes a star. If he can inspire Hispanics to vote Republican or Conservative then he will do a job better than any candidate. Hispanics are on the verge of voting selfishly like Blacks just by race and not on the issues.

CaliforniaScreaming on November 3, 2010 at 12:36 pm

Wow!

fleiter on November 3, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Brought tears to my eyes. I hope he gets to accomplish what he wishes to do, and does not get beat down by the selfish pigs in DC

Davida on November 3, 2010 at 1:19 pm

Totally agree Debbie, I like this dude Marco Rubio, but let’s hope he’s really strong against illegal immigration and can help restore our inept economy! Your also right Debbie, he’s much better than Sarah Palin & Barack Obama, that speech of his is classic, no teleprompter, no notes, etc., spoke from his heart and used what god gave him, a brain.

“A nation is identified by it’s borders, language & culture!”

Sean R. on November 3, 2010 at 1:27 pm

I recall watching Obama’s 2004 speech – the one that launched his career – wondering what the big deal was. To me it was “just words”. I also recall a video of Marco at a convention of Conservatives and thinking “Wow! We may be looking at a young Reagan!” Forget Palin, I thought, this is the future. If we’re going to defend America and rebuild America we must first BELIEVE in America. Rubio clearly does.

Raymond in DC on November 3, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Without Sarah Palin and the Tea Party, Marco Rubio gets 25% of the vote in the Florida PRIMARY, and Charlie Crist is the next high profile RINO senator to follow people like John McCain, Dick Lugar and Lindsay Graham as distinguished compromisers and backroom dealers that will throw conservatives under the bus whenever the New York Times and Washington Post asks them to. If Palin and the Tea Party hadn’t stopped Crist, the New York Times would have him as their leading presidential candidate, or at least on their VP short list. (Giuliani-Crist. Romney-Crist. Ugh. Worse than Dole-Kemp in 1996.) Please do not forget that fact.

G: You give Palin too much credit in this particular race, in which I don’t think she can claim much. In other races, maybe. But not this one. DS

Gerald on November 3, 2010 at 1:42 pm

Love Rubio. However, do you toss him out there against Obama in 2012? I think the comment about Hispanics is on the mark. Can he peel enough away in states like New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and Illinois to hit the mark? I think it would be extremely close.

One thing’s for sure. Romney is a sure loser. Ditto for Huckabee, Palin, Pawlenty, Thune, and most of the other stuffed shirts in the GOP field. I like Pence, but that’s still going to be tough.

adam on November 3, 2010 at 1:51 pm

I think another star is born in Florida in Allen West. May a strong Black Conservative challenge KING HUSSEIN OBAMA and the rest of the Congressional Black Caucus. I dare a liberal call Allen West an ‘Uncle Tom’.

CaliforniaScreaming on November 3, 2010 at 2:06 pm

adam:

“I think the comment about Hispanics is on the mark. Can he peel enough away in states like New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and Illinois to hit the mark? I think it would be extremely close.”

That type of thinking is detached from reality. Unlike blacks and southern whites, “Hispanics” are not monolithic. Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans often dislike each other more than they do other races. If you think that you are going to get a Nevada Mexican or an Illinois Puerto Rican to vote for a Cuban Republican, you’re nuts (and you especially haven’t spent any time in Miami and seen how Puerto Ricans and Cubans “interact”). Mexicans in particular would be loathe to see a Cuban be president before a Mexican becomes one.

Look, Republicans shouldn’t get into the identity politics game (unless the identities in question are southern and ethnic whites – the game which Reagan mastered in the 1980s, and Democrats like Bill Dailey, Frank Rizzo, Ed Koch etc. did before them) because you guys will never be as good at it as the Democrats are. For the GOP, the benefit to nominating (qualified) minorities and women is to go after white swing voters. That’s how Allen West beat Ron Klein, and how the GOP won several governorships.

Gerald on November 3, 2010 at 2:11 pm

CaliforniaScreaming:

No irrational exuberance over Allen West. The GOP has elected blacks to Congress before, only to then be completely ignored (J.C. Watts was used for media and fundraising purposes, but specifically kept from influencing policy and strategy, even after he was allegedly placed into a House leadership position. When Watts complained about his lack of real influence and ultimately left Congress, many GOPers said “Good riddance” and called him “uppity”, in addition to questioning his work ethic and intelligence. No, I am not making this up).

What the GOP needs is either a black Senator, or a sizable contingent of black Congressmen, about 10 or at least 5. (Don’t buy the nonsense that a black GOPer needs to win a black district, because plenty of black and Hispanic Democrats represent white districts.) So long as there are only 2 or 3, it will be easy to get away with just using them for fundraising and media purposes while ignoring them otherwise, which (again) is what was done to J.C. Watts and Gary Franks.

Gerald on November 3, 2010 at 2:24 pm

Since some of you mention that Rubio should challenge Obama for the 2012 election, what about Steve Lonagen a former mayor of Bogota, NJ? He may not be a household name for some parts of the country, but from what I’ve heard from him is that he’s against illegal-immigration, stands for our constitution & bill of rights, for lower taxes, etc. Rubio sounds good, but I’m not sure if he’s ready for the presidency run in two short years from now, however, if Obama finds a way to win the presidency in 2012, then we all can mention Marco Rubio’s name for the presidency in 2016!

“A nation is identified by it’s borders, language & culture!”

Sean R. on November 3, 2010 at 2:47 pm

He clearly pulls notes out of his pocket before beginning and refers to them during the speech. I’m not saying that makes him a bad person or senator or really takes anything away from his speech. I just think the OMG! exaggeration is not really necessary.

Daniel on November 3, 2010 at 3:22 pm

Gerald you have great points. You are right about the rivalries amongst Latinos, however, it is more a less a rivalry rather than dislike. I am of Mexican decent. I don’t profess to speak of all Hispanics or Latinos. Many Mexican-Americans will see Rubio as a Spaniard or “weto”. The La Raza crowd is anti assimilation. They want to see a destruction of America. The Hispanic version of Jeremiah Wright.
However, I do see some hope in the election in Susana Martinez for governor in New Mexico and Brian Sandoval in Nevada for governor. Both Hispanics who got Tea Party support. Time will tell when if they follow through on being tough on illegal immigration.

As for the Allen West, he is the real deal. He is a former decorated marine who is extremely strong in his convictions. He is his own man. For me he is as strong in his convictions as Alan Keyes. I haven’t seem him dodge reporters or opponents. I don’t think anyone will mistake West for being a tool. Would pay to see West take on that blowhard Roland Martin.

CaliforniaScreaming on November 3, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Gerald: the electoral map is just too tight to ignore Hispanics. Would a Mexican-American in Nevada be more likely to pull the lever for a Cuban-American who speaks with them in Spanish or for Obama?

One thing is for sure. Romney, Palin, and the rest of the boring “frontrunners” are sure losers.

adam on November 3, 2010 at 3:53 pm

I watched the video and I am thinking to myself this guy is a Mensch with a capital M! Then I read the comment (And Debbie’s followup) about his corruption and I do an immediate downturn.

Oh well.

I_AM_ME on November 3, 2010 at 4:53 pm

I am not sure I’d trust another Florida Hispanic (remember Mel Martinez?). Rubio waffled when asked about the AZ illegal proposition, and appeared to show support for it only after someone told him he risked alienating the conservative base. If he comes around and finds an honest conservative conviction, fine. Otherwise, be wary. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, for now.

The Cubans in south Florida have shown conservative leanings, but the Puerto Ricans in the Central area are mostly Democrat hand-out types. Florida Mexicans are mainly illegal, and not eligible to vote, except in heavily Democrat precincts where they can vote twice.

michael on November 3, 2010 at 4:55 pm

I agree on Allen West. I hope he speaks up real loud. Not only the US, but Western Civilization needs his voice. Don’t know much about Rubio, but he may well be the star that is needed

Not Ovenready on November 3, 2010 at 5:06 pm

A really good speech, although somewhat abstract. We will have to see what happens when he is faced with concrete situations.

Of course the fact that he is Hispanic (coupled with good looks, hard work and the ability to articulate his ideas flawlessly) has helped him, and he is automatically a candidate for VP in 2012. There are differences among dark=skinned people just as there among Hispanics, but BO managed to trump all of them. Rubio probably would also.

At the same time, as several comments have pointed out, this will likely be accompanied by further erosion of his already extremely weak position on illegal immigration. He weakened his position on illegals opportunistically during the campaign, and of course there are the scandals, of which I have only a general knowledge. But who knows what other scandals there are in his background?

Although the GOP probably needs black senators, and other charismatic politicians (put your hand into the hat and grab whatever type of politician you think would work), what it needs more than any of these things is programatic clarity on Israel, Iran, Open Borders, Affirmative Action, curbing wasteful expenditure, etc. etc. Wtihout that, it doesn’t really matter who they run.

He couldn’t even bring himself to say that health care should be repealed and all funding stopped.

Little Al on November 3, 2010 at 5:32 pm

Uh, Allen West is a LTC (Ret) US Army.

He commanded a Field Artillery Battalion in Iraq and was relieved for cause when he admitted to firing his Beretta pistol next to the head of Iraqi detainee, a bad guy his unit had snatched up through some good intel.

Said detainee immediately sang like the proverbial canary; a deadly IED attack on West’s Soldiers was averted, and they rolled up (and killed) a bunch of Islamic Radicals.

He narrowly avoided a Court’s Martial, but was allowed to retire honorably.

Spigot on November 3, 2010 at 5:38 pm

and if someone isn’t tough on illegal immigration during the campaign, they sure won’t be afterwards

Little Al on November 3, 2010 at 5:56 pm

Love the opinions on this issue. So proud of Col West…I will never forget his court marshal ordeal and am so glad he won. I enjoyed the opinion on JC Watts. Always wondered why he left.

Identity politics is just horrid. That is how Michael Steele got his position at the RNC. Should never have happened. Steele is such a genuinely kind guy, but his tenure as the head of the RNC has sucked eggs. That is the natural truth.

I have heard a lot of Conservatives sully the name of Alan Keyes as a kook and it never sit well with me. I have not ever seen him as they portray him and I LOVE when the rare host plays the audio of him warning that Obmarxist is a commie.

I am half mexican myself and I do not care if someone is Latino…I care if GOOD conservatives are elected…no matter what they are.

I have a sad feeling of dread though…even after last night’s win. I don’t think it will all be solved. Maybe I am just sad about Barney’s Frank re-election. Massachusetts is one crazy place!

Skunky on November 3, 2010 at 7:10 pm

Watch him pull his notes out of his pocket at the beginning.

I’m not saying this guy is just another piece of slime but I doubt if any person of reason would vote for such a clown who is pandering to the gullible.

chas on November 3, 2010 at 7:16 pm

Deborah,
I like you and your posts (and I am not a “Palin for president” robot – I don’t think she would be a good pick), but I do think that all these unnecessary snipes you take at Palin are counterproductive.

It’s your blog and your are obviously free to say whatever you want (and I agree 99% with the content), but you can commend republican leaders without attacking Palin whenever you can.

Saddly, it gets tiresome and kinda repetitive.

Just my two cents.

God bless.

Mats on November 3, 2010 at 7:25 pm

Thank God that horrible Charlie Christ is gone politicaly.

Mats on November 3, 2010 at 7:26 pm

Little Al wrote: “Although the GOP probably needs black senators, and other charismatic politicians…”

This is a rather unproductive comment (no offense intended). First, blacks as a group vote racially, en bloc, and a token Republican black is not a winner for Republicans if the idea is to “win” the black vote–it will never happen.

Second, charismatic politicians are suspect, and more often than not are simply major opportunists (as opposed to the run of the mill opportunism of the average politician). Think Mrs Palin.

In fact what we need are politicians that will support the majority without being afraid of being called racist, and politicians that can think logically on economic and other matters.

michael on November 3, 2010 at 7:48 pm

here is part of Allen Wests speech:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62L3nxWOlX4&feature=related

ender on November 3, 2010 at 9:13 pm

older video but love his answer and the fact he was the only one on the panel willing to answer the question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkGQmCZjJ0k&feature=fvw

So I don’t expect West to go to DC and be held back by mccain or the other rino’s.

ender on November 3, 2010 at 9:14 pm

part 2, he attacks obamacare

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMDLqVdb9GY&feature=related

The only time I have seen him pull out notes during a speech is when he wanted to get a quote right.

Now you put West and AZ gov Brewer in the race in 2012 and just watch the MSM heads explode.

ender on November 3, 2010 at 9:19 pm

I agree 100%. The biggest challenge facing the GOP is finding a suitable candidate to run against Obamarx.

Bonzer Wolf on November 3, 2010 at 11:24 pm

Marco Rubio is a shining star among this new generation of Republicans. He can be a great Senator but never president.He was born in Cuba and therefore is not a natural born citizen.

Tom Dooley on November 4, 2010 at 12:43 am

Let’s not forget history. The Cuban “Revolution” was in 1959-60 and by the early 60s, the overwhelming majority of those who left had fled for other, more hospitable places. Senator-elect Rubio was born in Miami, 11 years later.

Little Al on November 4, 2010 at 7:07 am

Noticed also in the Rubio video the people are chanting “Marco”, like the people who chanted “obama” for barry. But in the West video the people are chanting “USA”. Seems we just might have another celebrity politician who might start to let things go to his head.

ender on November 4, 2010 at 10:00 am

I stand corrected. Marco Rubio was born in Miami,however whether or not he is naural born depends on whether his parents were naturalized at the time of his birth.As much as I admire Marco Rubio the law is the law and has to apply to all. The Dems have always changed laws to suit themselves. I believe Marco Rubio would agree with me.

tom Dooley on November 4, 2010 at 10:48 am

As many have said already in this comment thread Allen West is the real deal. Listen to him speak for just a couple of minutes and you realize that his thoughts and feelings are genuine and backed up by a complete grasp of the facts steeped in a thorough study of history. I like his no-nonsense attitude. He ran in my district and I am proud of the fact that he was elected to the House.

As far as Rubio goes, we will see how he turns out. He is better than the alternatives we were faced with.

douglastt01@yahoo.com on November 4, 2010 at 11:11 am

Debbie:

Don’t fall for Rubio – I am from FLA, Independent, conservative and between Crist/Rubio/Meeks they all had serious issues. I voted 3rd party.

Rubio is a charlatan. He owes his political fortune to Jeb Bush who convinced him to run for Senate and Rubio has had serious issues financially. Most politicians from Miami are corrupt due to the 3rd world attitude that infests that area. He is not a conservative but talks like one while having suspect financial dealings.

Rubio is shady and deserves watching. I highly doubt he is an exception especially after reading things like how he was able to buy a house for $175,000 and while a important bill was working its way thru the Fla House – his house was bought for $380,000 in cash by a supporter whose son just so happens to be a chiropractor who would benefit extensively by having FLA PIP remain instead of being abolished. A few days later Rubio removes a legislative hold enabling the FLA PIP law to remain on the books.
FLA PIP is Personal Injury Protection for medical treatment when you get in an auto accident. Drugs are no longer the choice of crooks in Florida since the crooks figured out that it is easier and there is more money to be made in defrauding insurance companies with PIP insurance (chiropractors are the best at overbilling up to $10,000) for non-existent injuries) not to mention all of the Medicaid/Medicare fraud that exists.
How about Rubio and his best friend David Rivera co-owning a home in Tallahassee and the home recently went in foreclosure?
This is a financial conservative? Look at what he makes.
His FEC filings state $8300 in net worth, yet he made $69,000 from FLA Int’l University for an unadvertised job that was created just for him (sound familiar?) $1.2 over 4 years from Broad & Cassel Law Firm but had no clients? Political analyst position with Univision and a paid position with the FLA legislature. He is rumored to be $1 Million in debt.
This is a leader?

How about Ray Sansom succeeding David Rivera as Rubio’s budget chief and Sansom getting under indictment for allegedly steering public money to a crony who wanted to build an airplane hangar, and who had arranged a college professorship for Sansom. How about Rubio using the State Republican AMEX card to pay for his kitchen flooring remodel.

I have scads more examples, but I can point you to my source if you’d like let me know. Keep up the great work.

Chipper on November 4, 2010 at 2:12 pm

Colonel West is a hero. Firing a pistol to scare a bad guy into talking calls for a medal, not a courts martial. Compare this act to the pentagon four star general whose first comment on the ISLAMIC murders at Ft. Hood….”I hope this doesn’t affect the diversity in the army or in the country.” In the old days, a traitorous piece of garbage like this would be led out onto the parade ground, charges read, then an officer would take this general’s sword, break it over his knee, rip all insignias of rank and all the buttons off his uniform and he would be drummed out of the army. He would be scorned by all. Not today though. Today, this is what passes for a leader. Shameful. Colonel West, although I am a veteran and too old to serve (76) I would follow you to the gates of Hell if called. You are a hero, sir, and I salute you!

2012. We have many good choices: Christie, Rubio, DeMint, Palin (Yes, Palin) Ryan, Bachmann,etc ……put them together in any order you wish. To vote out of office: Graham, Lugar, the two witches from Maine, Cornyn, etc. Unfortunately, McCain was re-elected. A hero? Yes. A political prostitute? Yes.

My wife and I often talk about the Founding Fathers of our great country. Fast sorward to what is in government today. Scary, isn’t it?

Lastly, until we have an honest media we are in trouble. All CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, Time, etc. need is a large portrait of Goebbels in their offices. “Tell a lie often enough and people will begin to believe it.” I love the New York Times ……..”All the News That’s Fit To Print”……should read, “All The News That Fits,” (Our agenda.)

Have a wonderful day!

Herbster on November 4, 2010 at 3:29 pm

When West was being investigated for his shooting “near” the detainee to get him to talk, they asked him if he would do it again. His answer “I would walk thru hell with gas cans to save the lives of my men”. These are the types of people we need in charge, not the wimpy surrender monkey’s screwing everything up in sight.

ender on November 4, 2010 at 8:27 pm

Have been listening to the reportage on Rubio on the news. He apparently is again criticizing both parties. I’m sure most readers of this blog will agree that both parties are at fault; our criticism of the Republican party is that it is too liberal, accomodationist on illegal immigration, etc.

But it is not clear that this is the message Rubio wishes to convey. The news media are reporting his comments in very general terms, and listening to them, he might as well be making the same wishy-washy comments as Blumberg.

Rubio is highly intelligent, and I am sure he is aware of how his comments are being reported. If he is really making them from a conservative framework, he has a responsibility to clarify them with enough precision so it is hard to distort them.

However, my fear is that he is using this method to slide further to the right, making a criticism so general that everybody can read into it what they want, and down the road, he will talk about re-making the Republican party in terms so general that even Olympia Snowe will be able to agree. He will say that this type of positioning will be crucial in gaining the Hispanic vote.

Hopefully I’m wrong — we will see.

Little Al on November 6, 2010 at 2:40 pm

Uh oh!. I meant sliding further to the LEFT.

Little Al on November 6, 2010 at 5:08 pm

I dont see anything great about this speech. its pretty mediorcre if you ask me.

pfft I still like Sarah Palin.

ondine on November 6, 2010 at 10:58 pm

Rubio’s speech was his basic stump speech that he had been giving during the campaign (and featured in his advertising). With most politicians, a wait-and-see attitude is best. And in all likelihood–as with most politicians–we shall be disappointed.

Old Smelly on November 8, 2010 at 9:47 am