GOP Presidential candidate, Marco Rubio, joined Chris Ryan on the campaign trail in Brookline, NH to talk about his path to the nomination, the definition of conservatism, his philosophy on US troop deployment and whether he’s pulling for the Patriots to make it to the Super Bowl.The senator from Florida was emphatic about establishing his identity as being a “true” conservative and not part the Republican party establishment. Rubio used the $25 million dollars being spent on attack ads aimed at him as proof. He also claims that he has been told repeatedly by the GOP hierarchy that it’s not his time and that he should stand aside and wait his turn. He wasn’t willing to wait when he ran for the senate and he isn’t prepared to wait now. Rubio has been encouraged by large, enthusiastic crowds at his campaign events; and, for that reason, he doesn’t put much credence into some poll results.
Marco Rubio describes himself as a conservative because he respects the Constitution, believes in a limited federal government, and sees free enterprise system as the way to insure equal opportunity. Rubio gets high marks by many voters for his views on national defense issues. He sees the use of troops as a last option. In a situation like we have in Afghanistan, he feels that there has to be an eventual pull out of US troops, but it must be done in a way that can be done without creating a chaotic situation where the Taliban or ISIS can move in and takeover. Rubio feels that the United States can not solve all of the world’s problems. However, when our national security is at stake, we must lead and take military action. Marco Rubio would employ the following conditions: military force should be used only when it is the last, best, and only action; next our military must have the resources and rules of engagement needed to succeed; and finally a system must be in place to care of our veterans when they return.
Keeping in mind that Marco Rubio is a serious Miami Dolphins fan, Chris asked if the senator had taken sides in the American Football Conference Championship Game on Sunday between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos. Rubio answered like a politician. He wants Peyton Manning to do well in what might be his last game, but he also would be happy if the AFC Champion came from the Eastern Division which includes the Patriots and Dolphins. He gave high marks to the Broncos defense. Rubio predicts a Patriots victory if Brady and company are able to put some points on the board because the Denver offense won’t be able to keep pace.
