Marco Rubio is a nightmare for Progressive Democrats. He’s an upper middle class Hispanic who’s proud of his heritage (like yours truly) and doesn’t view himself as a victim. He can convey Conservatism in ways not many Republicans can. Plus he represents an existential threat to the Democratic Party and their hold on Hispanic voters. You would think Republicans would agree that it’s a no brainer to have him as a VP candidate in 2012. Unfortunately there is an element of the GOP that despises Rubio because of his Hispanic heritage.
In a desperate attempt to whip up Xenophobia among the Nativist element of the GOP, These bigots are now using an underhand tactic to stop Marco Rubio. They are claimingthat Rubio is not a real American. You read that correctly, despite overwhelming evidence he was born in Miami these low lifes are saying he’s not a natural born citizen. Supposedly both parents have to be born here to be a “real American”. His parents were born in Cuba and fled here to escape the Castro regime.
Despite my hopes, Sen. Marco Rubiowill not run for president in 2012. But that doesn’t mean he won’t soon be within a heartbeat of the presidency. As the New Yorker’s Ryan Lizza asked on Twitter: “Is it time to rename GOP primaries ‘the contest to become Marco Rubio’s running mate’?”
Indeed, despite his protestations, Rubio has to be on the short list of potential GOP running mates.
But the downside is that there is already a movement afoot (led by some on the fringe) to disqualify him from serving as president (which would presumably disqualify him from serving as vice president). That’s right — some are arguing that Rubio is not eligible because he is not a “natural born citizen.”
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Who knows how big this thing will get — maybe it’s just a small fringe movement — but it is a “thing.”
Whether its a small fringe or not is yet to be seen. I really hope it’s a small fringe, but Nativists like Tom Tancredo have a following in the GOP because of the illegal immigration issue. Too many well meaning Conservatives who are concerned for the rule of law have allowed these bigots to turn the legitimate gripes about illegals into a Hispanic hate fest. Funny, why don’t these bigots complain about the Somalis and Pakistanis coming here? Hint: they are scared of Muslims.
Republicans must reject this bogus and bigoted charge against Marco Rubio. To not do so would play right into the hands of the Democrats. Rubio’s Conservatism is a happy, forward looking one, something lacking on the right since Ronald Reagan. It would be a shame if bigotry would snuff out this man’s potential.
Ask yourselves this question, If Marco Rubio’s parents were born in England and his name was Mark Blond, would there be any talk of natural born citizen?
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