Marco Rubio: There's A Very Simple Reason I Don't Show Up To Vote In The Senate: I Gave My Notice

Rubio reminds me so much of Obama...inexperienced, more packaging than substance and pretty sure he's the only man who can save America. Add something else to the list, constantly disappointed that he's not in positions commensurate with his awesomeness. Basically 4 years into his Senate term he decided that job he fought so hard for wasn't to his liking after all.

“I don’t know that ‘hate’ is the right word,” Rubio said in an interview. “I’m frustrated.”
This year, as Rubio runs for president, he has cast the Senate — the very place that cemented him as a national politician — as a place he’s given up on, after less than one term. It’s too slow. Too rule-bound. So Rubio, 44, has decided not to run for his seat again. It’s the White House or bust.
“That’s why I’m missing votes. Because I am leaving the Senate. I am not running for reelection,” Rubio said in the last Republican debate, after Donald Trump had mocked him for his unusual number of absences during Senate votes.
...
“I’m not missing votes because I’m on vacation,” he told CNN on Sunday. “I’m running for president so that the votes they take in the Senate are actually meaningful again.”
Asked about his absences recently by Matt Lauer on NBC’s “Today” Show, Rubio said: “My ambitions aren’t for me. My ambitions are for the country, and Florida.” If he is elected to the White House, he added, “we can begin to fix some of these issues that I’ve been so frustrated we’ve been unable to address during my time in the Senate.”

Look, I'm sorry the Senate isn't providing Rubio with the opportunity to show his dazzling skills. Personally I'm glad. The one and only time Rubio got anything done it was cut an amnesty deal, you know the kind he ran against in 2010, with Obama-Shumer-Reid-McCain. How'd that work out for everyone?

I'm sure it's frustrating to not be able to be passing all sorts of bills to expand the government but isn't part of your job to push your leadership? I get people going after Ted Cruz for not producing results (that's why I tend to prefer governors like Bobby Jindal) but at least he's trying to push "leadership". Has it worked? Not much if at all but at least he's succeeded in bringing attention to the fecklessness of the GOP. That's often the first step towards reform. But Rubio doesn't do that. He doesn't highlight the failings of the current GOP leadership, he goes along with them and then sulks about it. That's not helping anything. But give him the big chair outside the Senate and he'll whip them into shape! Uh-huh.

Here's a crazy idea for Senator Rubio....resign. You aren't showing up because you gave a year's plus notice. Now you're just cashing the checks? You're running on the idea that you are closer to normal Americatns when it comes to economic issues. Well the vast majority of people would do whatever it takes to keep a $174,000 a year job. And by "whatever" that basically means, "show up and do the job". Obviously you feel this is beneath you but I wonder if the people of Florida agree. Don't they deserve to be represented in the United States Senate by someone who at the very least shows up?

Politicians are forever congratulating themselves on their "service" and "leadership" yet some simply skip out when the going gets tough. I gave Palin a lot of crap over the years for quitting and then branding herself as a fighter. Well, at least she had the decency to stop taking public money when the going go tough. I'd prefer that to an empty seat timeserver on the payroll.

Posted by: DrewM. at 09:24 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Most politicians remind me of a dog turd on little stick-legs, and Rubio is a good example.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 26, 2015 09:27 AM (go6ud)

2 Well Obama hardly voted at all, it worked for him.

Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2015 09:28 AM (2Ocf1)

3 He's the right's Obama. "Gosh, he can just use a pen and phone and get anything done! I want that shiny toy!"

He's a fundamentally unserious man.*

*yes, yes, maybe Teh Donald's not serious, either, but in the world of Scankles and Crayola Joe, gravitas is overrated. And Trump at least has real-world accomplishments. Rubio is the answer to a 2075 "Trivial Pursuit" question.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at October 26, 2015 09:28 AM (X6fMO)

4 This is the first political piece Drew has written in weeks that makes any sense.

Up the voltage, Drew!

Posted by: First-Rate Political Hack at October 26, 2015 09:28 AM (tbcy2)

5 Jeb should give him a medal.

Posted by: maddogg at October 26, 2015 09:28 AM (xWW96)

6 If its Rubio v Shrillary I will don a hazmat suit and pull the lever that says I am trapped in an abusive relationship with the Repbulcan establishment. In the meanwhile, I would advocate essentially anyone but Amnesty Boy.

Posted by: Ex NYC Peasant at October 26, 2015 09:29 AM (k8tEg)

7 For the record, Rubio wasn't conned by Schumer. He wasn't bamboozled or led astray by a wily New Yorker. He didn't make a "mistake."

Rubio wanted and wants the same thing Schumer wanted and wants.

He wanted and wants amnesty and massive increases in hispanic immigration.

Posted by: revolting peasant at October 26, 2015 09:29 AM (p7ncT)

8 Remind me again why we ever took the Rube seriously?

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:30 AM (9krrF)

9 If its Rubio v Shrillary I will don a hazmat suit and pull the lever that says I am trapped in an abusive relationship with the Repbulcan establishment.

If it's Rube vs. Hilldog, I'm out. Period.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:31 AM (9krrF)

10 Good points, but Marco is maybe the best bet to beat the Beast.

Posted by: Bobby Ahr at October 26, 2015 09:31 AM (zmZ2x)

11 8 Remind me again why we ever took the Rube seriously?

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:30 AM (9krrF)

Because Tea Party!

Posted by: Doom Rider at October 26, 2015 09:31 AM (ck8TA)

12 Ah, the morning Drew posts, making us all wish for SMOD.

Posted by: pookysgirl at October 26, 2015 09:32 AM (cUv9P)

13 8 Remind me again why we ever took the Rube seriously?
Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:30 AM (9krrF)

He ran a good game in 2010. Then promptly ditched the act in 2011.

Posted by: First-Rate Political Hack at October 26, 2015 09:32 AM (tbcy2)

14 Because Tea Party!

Remind me again why we ever took the GOP seriously...?

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:32 AM (9krrF)

15

"I'm a lazy fnck that skips work and doesn't do my current job. Give me a promotion."

Yeah, that should work.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 26, 2015 09:32 AM (kdS6q)

16 If it's Rube vs. Hilldog, I'm out. Period.

So, yeah, I am going to have to kind of disagree with that.

He's not my guy. I would prefer someone else.

But between him and Hillary?

No contest.

Posted by: blaster at October 26, 2015 09:33 AM (2Ocf1)

17 This is as stupid as the "I didn't inhale" line.

Only, really, if you're running as a small government conservative, claiming you're using the Senate as a mobbed-up no-show job isn't going to win you any voters.

If he were a Dem, I'm sure he'd get a pass. Since he's not, I'd expect we'll be hearing about this stupidity for a while.

Posted by: Chupacabra at October 26, 2015 09:33 AM (+hPIb)

18 10 Good points, but Marco is maybe the best bet to beat the Beast.
Posted by: Bobby Ahr at October 26, 2015 09:31 AM (zmZ2x)

Drink!

Posted by: Zombie Ronald Reagan at October 26, 2015 09:34 AM (tbcy2)

19 Remind me again why we ever took the Rube seriously?
Posted by: Brother Cavil

Because he was energetic, well-spoken and was effective in Tallahassee.

He was a clear counterpoint to the unaccomplished dem hacks and dinosaurs.

Posted by: Blue Hen at October 26, 2015 09:34 AM (326rv)

20 But between him and Hillary?

No contest.

Dude. He's Cubabama.

Eff that noise.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:34 AM (9krrF)

21 There is no way I will ever vote for Hillary.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at October 26, 2015 09:34 AM (No/ki)

22 Diamond on the top Diamonds on the back, gangsterine car!

Posted by: Nip Sip at October 26, 2015 09:35 AM (jJRIy)

23 That's a impressive collections of black diamonds.

Mind if I get in on the act?

üèÄßä

Didn't know o-rube-io wasn't running again for the Senate. Anyone know who is going for his seat?

Posted by: Tim in Illinois Old, Uniproved and TRUMP! for Emporer 2016 at October 26, 2015 09:36 AM (kLrYQ)

24 Well, alrighty, dude. Fuck you.

Posted by: Florida's GOP Primary Voters at October 26, 2015 09:36 AM (u5gzz)

25 Because he was energetic, well-spoken and was effective in Tallahassee.

Tell ya what, y'all send him back to Tallahassee. There's no shame to a good career in the minors if you're just not a good fit for the big leagues.

There's too much at stake for arrogant, dishonest twatwaffles to get jumped up beyond their level of competence. Especially when they've shown for all the world their clear duplicity on the most critical issue of this point in time.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:36 AM (9krrF)

26 I seem to remember the news media was full of positive stories about the guy. Other than the one about the boat. He was the guy with the 80k fishing boat, right?

Posted by: Hayfield Volkovski at October 26, 2015 09:37 AM (Ru99E)

27 Just don't give a bleep anymore, if my choices are between two bleepards who are going to shove amnesty down my throat, I'm not gonna vote, period.

Trump / Carson 2016 !

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 26, 2015 09:37 AM (go6ud)

28 Great. Another f*cking diva telling us how hard life is and how they're fighty-fight-fighting for us. US! God Bless you, young man!

Posted by: Fritz at October 26, 2015 09:37 AM (UzPAd)

29 >>"My ambitions aren't for me. My ambitions are for the country, and Florida.

Blech.

He admits he doesn't like being in the Senate.

But wanting to get out is totes noble, guys!!

Posted by: Mama AJ at October 26, 2015 09:37 AM (nXeSu)

30 Here's a contrarian thought of the day.

Maybe we shouldn't be as afraid of Cankles as we once were. She is, at this point in her life, so consumed by personal ambition and power for its own sake that she may be less ideologically motivated than her former, younger self, and certainly far less so than the present Occupant In Chief.

She would probably enable the Progs through rhetoric but not have the energy and commitment to do the type of damage we've seen over the past 7 years. Probably too old to do a second term, more of a placeholder for the left.

I may be looking for an oyster in a dumpster but think about it.

Posted by: Ex NYC Peasant at October 26, 2015 09:37 AM (k8tEg)

31 And yes, I know what that statement looks like from the AoSHQ ward foreman for "Trump for Destroyer". Just kinda want to remind folks Rubio's a known quantity--and an unacceptable one.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:38 AM (9krrF)

32 >>Remind me again why we ever took the Rube seriously?

Good garbage, I think.

Tho' I may be confusing cause and effect...

Posted by: Mama AJ at October 26, 2015 09:39 AM (nXeSu)

33 That boy's sure got a cute ass.

Posted by: Chuck Schumer at October 26, 2015 09:39 AM (u5gzz)

34 I am trying to focus on this thread but you know how it is when alexthechick gets ranty in a thread? Yeah, well imagine it in person.

I'll say something sensible tomorrow when I'm home.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at October 26, 2015 09:40 AM (GyHE6)

35 So the people of Florida have lost 1/2 of their representation in the Senate.

Go away Rubio.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at October 26, 2015 09:40 AM (LXJ1e)

36 I may be looking for an oyster in a dumpster but think about it.

The media can sell a sack of turds like it was ice cream. Exhibit A: Barack Hussein Obama.

Unless something neutralizes the media's corrupt influence, Hillary's a legit contender.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:40 AM (9krrF)

37 Wow, what a dink. If I lived in Florida I'd be pissed. You only get one Senator until Rubio's term is up.

I guess it's better than him votinng on shit.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at October 26, 2015 09:40 AM (Zm3Ne)

38
What boggles the mind is he mouths off like this about not doing his job as Florida Senator, and then thinks he's going to win the Florida primary? Which is his entire campaign.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 26, 2015 09:40 AM (kdS6q)

39 When you're bucking for a promotion, the first thing you should do is blow off your current job.

If he has a problem legislating, then he's a pen-n-phone guy. And I've had enough of that for one lifetime.

Posted by: Chupacabra at October 26, 2015 09:40 AM (+hPIb)

40 Remind me again why we ever took the Rube seriously?

I followed his campaign down here closely. The guy he is now is not the guy who could talk unscripted about conservative ideas for 20 minutes.

There is something evil in the water in DC and Dondi has drunk deep.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 09:40 AM (LUgeY)

41 Hides all the rocks, knives, hammers, baseball bats, and bricks from the thread.

Posted by: AoS housekeeping at October 26, 2015 09:41 AM (sI4OA)

42 Hillary's! a seriously flawed candidate. I'm not so much concerned about her as I am the GOP snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Posted by: Chupacabra at October 26, 2015 09:41 AM (+hPIb)

43 Enjoy that oyster when you find it !

My own view is that she hates every one of us, individually and collectively, and will take pleasure in increasing our suffering on a diy-to-day basis.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 26, 2015 09:41 AM (go6ud)

44 "When you're bucking for a promotion, the first thing you should do is blow off your current job."

Hah! The first thing I used to do after going into debt to buy a new car was quit my job.

Posted by: Hayfield Volkovski at October 26, 2015 09:41 AM (Ru99E)

45 >>>Remind me again why we ever took the Rube seriously?
.
.
.And yet he is the Vegas odds peoples favorite to get the Nomination now.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at October 26, 2015 09:42 AM (iONHu)

46 Marco's been there long enough to know the important things: To get in line and shut up.

Posted by: The GOPe at October 26, 2015 09:42 AM (oVJmc)

47 He must think he's something special. Hey, Rubio, after we give notice, the rest of us keep on doing our jobs until the last day of work.

I can't believe he let those words escape his mind and make it out of his mouth. Clueless, and as they say, out of touch.

Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at October 26, 2015 09:42 AM (QX0Xt)

48 So...he doesn't much like the machinations on how Congress works, so
he's just not going to show up and do his job. Mmm-kay. And I suppose
he thinks, if he were to be elected President, he's just going to muscle
his way through with EOs? Why not? It's apparently all the rage these
days.

Posted by: Lady in Black...sigh at October 26, 2015 09:42 AM (pVkEV)

49 31 And yes, I know what that statement looks like from the AoSHQ ward foreman for "Trump for Destroyer". Just kinda want to remind folks Rubio's a known quantity--and an unacceptable one.
Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:38 AM (9krrF)

I was down on Rubio even before I considered him Jeb, Jr., or was enjoying Trump run amok. If this is what Rubio thinks about his voting record he should resign his seat.

Posted by: First-Rate Political Hack at October 26, 2015 09:43 AM (tbcy2)

50 Maybe we shouldn't be as afraid of Cankles as we once were.

I am not afraid of Cankles, mainly because I have accepted that America is screwed, blued, and tattooed and the last best hope for freedom is the dissolution of the United States.

Posted by: V the K at October 26, 2015 09:44 AM (O7MnT)

51 Didn't know o-rube-io wasn't running again for the Senate. Anyone know who is going for his seat?

The Idiot Alan Grayson and former Repumpkin Charlie Crust.

#WASTF

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 09:44 AM (LUgeY)

52 One of our problems is, we decry a republican doing this, and dems would fight to the death defending obama/hilary/whatever doing the exact same thing. As would the MFM.

Whether he went down the beltway path, or is frustrated at his lot, or was always this way, this seems to be the (un)natural order of things.

I've always hated the dodge, "they're all corrupt, they all lie". I'm getting closed to it.

Posted by: Blue Hen at October 26, 2015 09:45 AM (326rv)

53 I have accepted that America is screwed, blued, and tattooed and the last best hope for freedom is the dissolution of the United States.

Followed immediately, of course, by liberals receiving the same post-revolution treatment as the Marketing Division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corp.

Posted by: V the K at October 26, 2015 09:45 AM (O7MnT)

54 >>She would probably enable the Progs through rhetoric but not have the energy and commitment to do the type of damage we've seen over the past 7 years

She will let Obama's minions in the IRS, EPA, etc. kill off conservative businesses and political groups.

She will gut the military to spend the money on social crap.

I'll vote for just about anyone over her.

Posted by: Mama AJ at October 26, 2015 09:46 AM (nXeSu)

55 The question is moot.

Posted by: $18,159,488,168,426.65 at October 26, 2015 09:47 AM (evdj2)

56 Do the job or get out, asshole.

Posted by: creeper at October 26, 2015 09:49 AM (l4SN2)

57 >>>>Followed immediately, of course, by liberals receiving the same
post-revolution treatment as the Marketing Division of the Sirius
Cybernetics Corp.
.
.
.I will take up against the wall and shot for $1,000 Alex. Or maybe a pansy.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at October 26, 2015 09:49 AM (iONHu)

58 35 So the people of Florida have lost 1/2 of their representation in the Senate.

Go away Rubio.
Posted by: Make America Great Again at October 26, 2015 09:40 AM (LXJ1e)

And 100% of their GOP senate presence. So anything gained by the Tea Party "victory" that he hasn't pissed away is gone...

Let's give him a raise!

Posted by: First-Rate Political Hack at October 26, 2015 09:49 AM (tbcy2)

59 I'll vote for just about anyone over her.

Where is Pat Paulson when we need him?

Or Johnny Coldcuts.

Anybody but teh Hildabeast.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 09:50 AM (LUgeY)

60 To be honest, I haven't watched any of the debates.

Why wasn't this a headline the next day:

RUBIO GIVES UP ON SENATE, "VOTING NOT WORTH IT"

Posted by: Make America Great Again at October 26, 2015 09:50 AM (LXJ1e)

61 Leech me just says that I'ing very happys to be deads and that thissh Marco Rubio makes a me ahshameed to bees Cubano.

Luuuuuuchie!!!!!! I'ming home!!!!!

Posted by: Zombie Desi Arnaz at October 26, 2015 09:50 AM (D0NZx)

62 @43 You are certainly correct about her hatred, which is why I say contrarian. My only thought is that, no longer capable of a sincere thought or action, she may now have passed through that phase in which she is capable of that "tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims"

Distasteful as Madame President Shrillary would be, she would probably take longish breaks to just to suck in the pleasures of pomp, White House toadies and generally being Queen of the Country.

Posted by: Ex NYC Peasant at October 26, 2015 09:50 AM (k8tEg)

63 I'm really looking forward to the next election. It'll be great!

Posted by: Said No American Voter at October 26, 2015 09:50 AM (4wdSN)

64
"I'm a lazy fnck that skips work and doesn't do my current job. Give me a promotion."

Present!

Posted by: Some Random Magical Negro from Indonesia or Kenya or Illinois or something at October 26, 2015 09:51 AM (k9qR4)

65 Rubio, right wing media and the GOPe version of JFK. They've created his persona, and they'll attack anything that threatens it. I'm unimpressed. MSM and the Democrats have been doing it for years. It is true that both sides are just different faces on the same coin.

Posted by: fairweatherbill at October 26, 2015 09:51 AM (DRJFk)

66 45 I think the idea is that Trump will implode,Cruz is too hated by the establishment and Jeb! is just a plain dud.So it will be Rubio by default as the establishment guy.

Posted by: steevy at October 26, 2015 09:51 AM (8HTq1)

67 The reason that's not the headline, is because Rubio's the guy the Dem's want to run against.

Posted by: Chupacabra at October 26, 2015 09:51 AM (+hPIb)

68 52 One of our problems is, we decry a republican doing this, and dems would fight to the death defending obama/hilary/whatever doing the exact same thing. As would the MFM.

Whether he went down the beltway path, or is frustrated at his lot, or was always this way, this seems to be the (un)natural order of things.

I've always hated the dodge, "they're all corrupt, they all lie". I'm getting closed to it.
Posted by: Blue Hen at October 26, 2015 09:45 AM (326rv)

I would like to think this makes us better than Dems: conservatives actually police their own and hold them accountable. I would like to think that the electorate would decry corruption in a political party that would defend heinous, deplorable actions, just because the culprit had a magic "D" after their name. But as a local newscaster said about being polite in the Costco parking lot: "Courtesy is a sign of weakness!!!" This is what the US has devolved into. Or at least, 52%.

Posted by: Moki at October 26, 2015 09:52 AM (x303I)

69 Hillary! Is so vile that I'll vote for almost anyone but her.

Except Jeb who congratulated her with an award after Benghazi.

But Rubio is getting close to Jeb territory.

Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at October 26, 2015 09:52 AM (wP26d)

70 She would probably enable the Progs through rhetoric but not have the energy and commitment to do the type of damage we've seen over the past 7 years

Democrat Presidents are figureheads. The "deep state" is running autonomously now with Executive cover.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 09:52 AM (9krrF)

71 Of course, I would as soon vote for a retarded monkey over The Hillster. Just sayin.

Posted by: Ex NYC Peasant at October 26, 2015 09:52 AM (k8tEg)

72 The reason that's not the headline, is because Rubio's the guy the Dem's want to run against.
Posted by: Chupacabra

But why? He still presents better than Hillarity or bernie. I'm curious as to what the polling numbers are, but I thought that all of them now beat the empress. And he would be the hardest one to portray as being 'extreme'.

They went after him, making shit up about a boat. Which can fit in Hillarity's pool.

Posted by: Blue Hen at October 26, 2015 09:54 AM (326rv)

73 Humungus/Toady'16: There will be an end to the horror.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 09:55 AM (evdj2)

74 70 Exactly.

Posted by: steevy at October 26, 2015 09:55 AM (8HTq1)

75 73 Wouldn't Wez be the VP?

Posted by: steevy at October 26, 2015 09:55 AM (8HTq1)

76 The question is moot.

Posted by: $18,159,488,168,426.65>>>

I thought the debt was still stuck at only 17 Trillion.

Posted by: Buzzsaw at October 26, 2015 09:55 AM (wrS2o)

77 Democrat Presidents are figureheads. The "deep state" is running autonomously now with Executive cover.

With exactly zero thought to the country, its laws, its principles or its people.

Or limits to their power.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 09:56 AM (LUgeY)

78 If the choice is between Clinton and Rubio, conservatives will have lost already, no matter who will win in 2016.

Posted by: The Nayden Broad at October 26, 2015 09:56 AM (GY6v2)

79 @70 A lot of truth to that. And abetted by the media, popular culture and reinforced daily and long term by nearly all graduates of the public-education-indoctrination establishment.

Posted by: Ex NYC Peasant at October 26, 2015 09:56 AM (k8tEg)

80 Yeah, Rubio has been a disappointment.

Posted by: Lizzy at October 26, 2015 09:56 AM (NOIQH)

81 Rubio has struck me as shallow ever since the Obamacare filibuster. Ask his young Senate colleagues were talking about deep stuff and then he started by quoting a rapper and kept things at that level. Thoroughly unimpressive.

Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at October 26, 2015 09:56 AM (wP26d)

82 I would like to think this makes us better than Dems: conservatives actually police their own and hold them accountable.

To quote Sebastian Coe: It's better to be at the front of a bunch of disgraceful runners than at the back saying 'How disgraceful.'.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 09:57 AM (evdj2)

83 Wouldn't giving your notice mean that you were quitting in two weeks?

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at October 26, 2015 09:57 AM (No/ki)

84 And his Gang of 8 shilling was so dishonest.

Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at October 26, 2015 09:57 AM (iynDC)

85 With Paul all but out, Cruz is the only candidate left who might actually shrink government. Let's just get behind him and be done with it.

Posted by: Phyllis Balzac at October 26, 2015 09:57 AM (c8V4N)

86 Wouldn't giving your notice mean that you were quitting in two weeks?
Posted by: FenelonSpoke

And give up the title, offices, pay, expense accounts and press exposure? Are you mad!?!

Posted by: Blue Hen at October 26, 2015 09:59 AM (326rv)

87 Because Rubio's a poison pill. They'll go light on him until he gets the nom, then the knives will come out and we'll hear all about how big a shit-sandwich he is and the base will stay home again.

It's McCain all over again. Today's polling is meaningless so far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: Chupacabra at October 26, 2015 09:59 AM (+hPIb)

88 >>>Wouldn't giving your notice mean that you were quitting in two weeks?<<<

Some employers will take it a step further by giving you a box for your belongings and an armed escort to the revolving door.

Posted by: Fritz at October 26, 2015 10:01 AM (UzPAd)

89 Entropy 2016.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:01 AM (8cEA7)

90 With Paul all but out, Cruz is the only candidate left who might actually shrink government.

Unless he's going to start by firing (a) anyone hired or promoted under Obama and (b) 50% of anyone who's left after that, he ain't gettin' it done. See my comment at 70 as to the whys.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 10:02 AM (9krrF)

91
Anyone know who is going for his seat?

Charlie Crust.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy

Christ is running for a House seat.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 26, 2015 10:02 AM (kdS6q)

92 Like.

Posted by: scottst at October 26, 2015 10:02 AM (Ltygl)

93 Ace is going to suffer a major butthurt.

Or did I miss something? Is he over this boyfriend?

Posted by: John P. Squibob at October 26, 2015 10:03 AM (DQZLr)

94 Christ is running for a House seat.

That explains the Pope's visit...

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 10:03 AM (9krrF)

95 Isn't he the original Orange Man?

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:03 AM (8cEA7)

96 Posted by: John P. Squibob at October 26, 2015 10:03 AM (DQZLr)

Who's your "boyfriend"?

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at October 26, 2015 10:04 AM (No/ki)

97 Rubio, you got some 'splainin' to do!

I denounce my racist self.

Posted by: Sphynx at October 26, 2015 10:04 AM (OZmbA)

98 Rubio's garbage has been safe for years.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 10:04 AM (evdj2)

99 I would actually prefer Jeb to Rubio. Conservatives have painfully learned to by weary of the Bush brand. They know they wont get conservatism from a Bush and it would be much easier to rally at least some conservative Republicans to oppose another Bush White House.

But a lot of conservatives will feel obligated to defend Rubio, even though he is nothing more than a more attractively repackaged W.

Posted by: The Nayden Broad at October 26, 2015 10:05 AM (GY6v2)

100 He's been spending too much time at the Club Babalu.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:05 AM (8cEA7)

101 I like Rubio.

I also like a good steak.

Doesn't mean either one would make a good President.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 26, 2015 10:05 AM (VPLuQ)

102 10 Good points, but Marco is maybe the best bet to beat the Beast.

I have to agree with this. Of course, I would prefer Cruz or Jindal. But Rubio may be the best that we're allowed to have.

Posted by: Captain Oblivious at October 26, 2015 10:06 AM (hiT/m)

103 Rubio v. Cruz sounds like a good Cuban middleweight fight.

Posted by: Sphynx at October 26, 2015 10:06 AM (OZmbA)

104 As I was reading this I got an invite to be on team Rubio at either the opal, emerald, ruby or diamond level. I think more appropriate levels would be: bambino through el presidente.

Posted by: ryukyu at October 26, 2015 10:07 AM (OrQ/Z)

105 DrewM's anti Hispanic racism just oozes from his post. I wish he would just be honest and call for Latinos to be put in death camps. That is the only way Drew's bloodlust can be satisfied

Posted by: Just be real Drew at October 26, 2015 10:07 AM (vaZxb)

106 Christ is running for a House seat.

Will he turn over the tables? (Which sounds like it would be very hard to do in the House. Aren't they all attached?) However, you have turned this House (It's NOT "MY Father's House") into a a "den of thieves" sounds applicable.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at October 26, 2015 10:08 AM (No/ki)

107 Banana Peal Level.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:08 AM (8cEA7)

108 "Rubio v. Cruz sounds like a good Cuban middleweight fight."

Cruz's brain in Rubio's body would be a winner.

I said months ago that Cruz has a face for radio, and a voice for print.

Cruz probably has the sharpest mind in the race, but many people never get beyond the voice and appearance.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 26, 2015 10:08 AM (VPLuQ)

109 That's a lot of black diamonds. Either there's a weird scripting problem or this is the deadliest ski run in history.

Posted by: Insomniac at October 26, 2015 10:09 AM (2Ojst)

110

GOPe has shifted to Rubio. For sure

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:09 AM (zOTsN)

111
Joe's Law: Trolls believe none of the things they post.

Joe's Corollary: Your disgust is their oxygen.

Joe's Conjecture: All trolls are Average Joe

Joe's Tautology: Average Joe sucks cock by choice.

Posted by: Grump928(c) notes at October 26, 2015 10:09 AM (evdj2)

112 Cleanup on aisle 105

Posted by: joe at October 26, 2015 10:10 AM (KUaJL)

113 I have to agree with this. Of course, I would prefer Cruz or Jindal. But Rubio may be the best that we're allowed to have.

..."that we're allowed"...

..."that we're allowed"?!?...

Are we f***ing Americans or f***ing Russians? Scratch that, Russians don't have a leader who's out to kill their country, f***ing Russians may be f***ing serfs but they're not being sold out by the f***ers that own their asses! Why on God's green Earth is the idea that we can only have what "we're allowed" cause for anything other than feeding a certain very thirsty tree?

WHAT. THE. F***.

Hallelujiah! Holy s***, where's the Tylenol...

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 10:10 AM (9krrF)

114 Christ is running for a House seat.

That's right! And I'm bringing my whip of cords with me!

Posted by: Jesus H. Christ at October 26, 2015 10:10 AM (2Ojst)

115 Cruz in in Houston today. He is collecting the endorsement of the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Texas, which is sort of a big deal. Texas GOPe is behind Rubio now

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:11 AM (zOTsN)

116 Has Lucifer's representative on the Earth ,Sheldon Adelson, endorsed Rubio yet?

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:11 AM (8cEA7)

117 Christ is running for a House seat.

Jesus H. ?

Posted by: rickb223 at October 26, 2015 10:11 AM (EMrMF)

118 Use me.

Posted by: TB3K at October 26, 2015 10:11 AM (hsCpX)

119 110
The GOPE you deride are the real Republicans. The RINOS are losers like you who are collection of Anarchists, White Nationalists and Theocrats.

Posted by: Just be real Drew at October 26, 2015 10:11 AM (vaZxb)

120 Has Lucifer's representative on the Earth ,Sheldon Adelson, endorsed Rubio yet?

What am I, chopped liver?

Posted by: Former Nazi Collaborator and Convicted Felon George Soros at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (evdj2)

121 Hector. Pining for the Serbian fjords

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (zOTsN)

122 I would like to think this makes us better than Dems: conservatives actually police their own and hold them accountable.

We also have to do our homework now, because the MSM won't be sitting out the next election. I was pretty disinterested in Carson, figuring he was even less qualified than Obama, so it would be hypocritical to take him as a serious candidate. But taking a closer look after these Iowa poll results, he's now on my 'stay home' list.

But Iowa went for Santorum in the past, so can't give them much credence.

Posted by: AoS housekeeping at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (sI4OA)

123 I think the Establishment Dream Ticket is Rubio + Kasich or Rubio + Ethnic Female Governor (Nikki Haley or Susana Martinez).

Would Rubio be an awful presidency? I think he's a Bushie in both temperament and ideology. Some sops to the right, especially with the SCOTUS, but a lot of "reaching across the aisle." I don't think he would do much if anything to change the trajectory of regulation and spending.

As for Amnesty; yeah, I think he's all on board with the "Amnesty Now, Security (Maybe) Later," but every Republican but Trump is on that same page.

Posted by: V the K at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (O7MnT)

124 Drew, sometimes your whining gets to be too much. Rubio probably thought his libertarian views on immigration would even meet with your approval, to the extant he gives a shit what you think, but he screwed up in his enthusiasm. He had just arrived in the Senate, and still thought they did work. He had no idea they really just sit around and bitch about conservatives. Please forgive him, he might say, for being a little more Mr. Smith than cynic as he began his term.

In a larger sense, everyone here has to stop their overly-easy labeling of every damn politician. I'm no fan of Rubio but I also recognize we need to give some people who are demonstrably on our side most of the time a little running room. Rubio has taken his medicine on immigration, he is a supporter now of far more restrictive policies, and maybe he can be believed. Who the fuck knows.

Having said all this, I agree Rubio should consider resigning-- though for reasons Drew never bothers to get to in his rant. Florida has a GOP governor right now who could appoint his successor. That successor could then run with the advantages of incumbency. Florida is a purple state and that advantage could easily prove critical to victory, not just of the new Senator in his re-election race but also the GOP presidential candidate.

Here's an idea: Jeb quits the race. Rubio resigns the Senate. Scott appoints Jeb to the seat. He'd be a really strong re-election candidate and he's more conservative than pretty much the whole rest of the Senate. Maybe he could even stuff a sock in McCain's mouth and keep him shut up.

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (TxJGV)

125
In other words:

Marco Rubio: I Cannot Be An Effective Senator. But I'll Be An Effective President.

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (pbBzW)

126 Rubio, never been the same since he bought his yacht.

Posted by: Darth Randall at October 26, 2015 10:13 AM (6n332)

127 I want all the political dynasty's destroyed, so I very much want Jeb smacked on the nose with a newspaper.

Yes, I know there's a great tradition of political brands, but that doesn't mean I like them any more because of it.

Posted by: Chupacabra at October 26, 2015 10:13 AM (+hPIb)

128 How I wish we were ethnically tolerant like those Serbians

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:13 AM (zOTsN)

129 He's much like Obama. He can't be bothered to show up for work.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:13 AM (8cEA7)

130 He's much like Obama. He can't be bothered to show up for work.

He should take up golf.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 10:14 AM (evdj2)

131 Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (TxJGV)

Thx for your thoughtful post.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at October 26, 2015 10:14 AM (No/ki)

132

Sup Hector. Hey, did you and your new Syrian stepfather do in the Father/Son softball game this weekend?

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 26, 2015 10:14 AM (kdS6q)

133 It's true that Drew used his analytical powers to assess why Sarah Palin resigned from the governor's office in Alaska. He and Ace laid out their reasoning here many times.

Which is exactly why I will ignore this article's take on Marco Rubio, knowing that the safe bet is Drew has twisted the facts in some manner to come up with a result he wants.

Bobby Jindal.. (heh)

Posted by: jwest at October 26, 2015 10:15 AM (Zs4uk)

134 Here's an idea: Jeb quits the race. Rubio resigns the Senate. Scott appoints Jeb to the seat. He'd be a really strong re-election candidate and he's more conservative than pretty much the whole rest of the Senate. Maybe he could even stuff a sock in McCain's mouth and keep him shut up.

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (TxJGV)

that is great idea

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:15 AM (zOTsN)

135 It was a bad weekend for CIA funded jihadis in Syria.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:15 AM (8cEA7)

136 If its Rubio v Shrillary I will don a hazmat suit and pull the lever that says I am trapped in an abusive relationship with the Repbulcan establishment. In the meanwhile, I would advocate essentially anyone but Amnesty Boy.

Posted by: Ex NYC Peasant at October 26, 2015 09:29 AM (k8tEg)

You do realize that most Dems are in the same position. Hillary is repulsive and venal and corrupt, but they can't see any way out, they can't accept any other option. So they will docilely line up and pull the lever for the Alien Queen and hope it won't get worse this time.

I wonder if there is any domestic violence scripts that can be adapted.

<Shots of Hillary giving testimony and stump speeches - low volume>
Sad beat down voice over: "the weather has been bad so the economy has slowed down"
Cut to a talking head in what looks like the aftermath of a convention,"Mismanagement and graft is unacceptable"

<More shots of television appearances intercut with her laughing>
More voice over, "I don't have the connections and education to not get laid off, America just is not the place it used to be"
Cut back to a talking head, " Surrendering just makes your enemies attack you further, and keeps them from negotiating with you"

<More shots of Hillary being Hillary>
voice-over, "If America is less strong and less economically powerful, we are a smaller target"

etc etc etc.

Of course, no-one will film it, and if you even try to put it on YouTube for free it will get complaints and be treated worse than the NaziTubbies videos, some of which are offensive.

It could be called No More Excuses

And it would be g.l.o.r.i.o.u.s.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 10:15 AM (3pRHP)

137 Can we crowd fund a new unheard of candidate?

Posted by: Sphynx at October 26, 2015 10:16 AM (OZmbA)

138 GOPe has shifted to Rubio. For sure

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:09 AM (zOTsN)
---
Why wouldnt they? The only argument in Jebs favor was the believe that he is a fundraising machine that would drown everybody else in money. Shock and awe! Now his money advantage is gone and his poll numbers still suck.

So why not go with the younger, more charismatic, less baggaged option that stands for the same business as usual politics and has just as much doe to spend?

Posted by: The Nayden Broad at October 26, 2015 10:16 AM (GY6v2)

139 Cruz is still my guy.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 10:16 AM (evdj2)

140 Hector is the reason I mostly lurk now days. I've run out of good jokes about pustules.

Posted by: fairweatherbill at October 26, 2015 10:17 AM (DRJFk)

141 Sup Hector. Hey, did you and your new Syrian stepfather do in

the Father/Son softball game this weekend?

Euphemism for "hide the bat, balls deep"?

Posted by: rickb223 at October 26, 2015 10:17 AM (EMrMF)

142 Take my pustule, please.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 10:17 AM (evdj2)

143 If Jeb wins the nomination they will dig up his decades of money laundering for the cartels.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:18 AM (8cEA7)

144 ...maybe he can be believed. Who the fuck knows.

And therein lies the rub(io).

And I sit corrected: Charlie Crust is running for the yet-to-be-created new House seat pending redistricting.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 10:18 AM (LUgeY)

145 Bring me five EBT cards and two food stamps, and I shall feed the masses!

Posted by: Jesus H. Christ at October 26, 2015 10:18 AM (2Ojst)

146 You'll never believe what came out of this guy's pustule!

Posted by: Facebook post at October 26, 2015 10:18 AM (OZmbA)

147 Texas Gope is going for Rubio, which I think is why the Bush family had a meeting in Houston last weekend. Jeb is coming in 4th in Florida and he will not win Texas, and that means he is done

those were supposed to be his two aces in the hole, and they are not there

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:18 AM (zOTsN)

148 I'm torn between wanting Sanders knock off Hillary and watch her meltdown and wanting Hillary knock off Sanders and watch his supporters have a collective meltdown

As far as which would be worse for the country if/when elected - What difference at his point does it make?

Posted by: George Orwell de Leon at October 26, 2015 10:18 AM (1BQGO)

149 I'm of the mind that a law should be passed that all politicians if they are currently serving in office and want to run for a higher office they have to vacate their current position immediately.

They're supposed to be public servants, and if they're busy running for office they're not doing their job.

Posted by: Gaff at October 26, 2015 10:18 AM (jPS2y)

150 Now that Jeb's officially a wash-out, they switch to the understudy without the baggage of the family name.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at October 26, 2015 10:18 AM (hsCpX)

151
Posted by: MTF

So, your dream candidate for Florida Senator, the potential swing vote in a hung Congress, the Last Starfighter against the GOPe onslaught is -- Jeb Bush.

'kay.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 26, 2015 10:19 AM (kdS6q)

152 Jesus H. Christ, you're needed at the water cooler.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:20 AM (8cEA7)

153 Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 10:15 AM (3pRHP)

I don't think they're in the exact same position at all. Hillary! might be detestable, but they can be sure that she'll reliably have the kind of policy choices that they want.

The whole reason we're in an abusive relationship with the GOPe is because they don't actually care about conservative positions, no matter how much smooth talking they do.

Posted by: joe at October 26, 2015 10:20 AM (KUaJL)

154 Wouldn't Wez be the VP?

He's letting off a little steam...

Posted by: John Matrix at October 26, 2015 10:21 AM (4wdSN)

155 "They're supposed to be public servants, and if they're busy running for office they're not doing their job."

Excellent point.

Posted by: Barky O'Dogeater at October 26, 2015 10:21 AM (VPLuQ)

156 Festering pustules are actually good for you, and here's why ...

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 10:21 AM (evdj2)

157 fuck these fucking guys.

Posted by: GGE Hades of the Moron Horde, NC Chapter at October 26, 2015 10:21 AM (UQGss)

158 Wasn't it something like a few after his election that he said he would not join the TEA Party Caucus?

That is when I lost any trust in o-rube-io. pfffft,

Posted by: Tim in Illinois Old, Uniproved and TRUMP! for Emporer 2016 at October 26, 2015 10:21 AM (kLrYQ)

159 Wouldn't Wez be the VP?

Good play to the gays.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at October 26, 2015 10:22 AM (hsCpX)

160 Dude's father was a bartender.
Dude is making six figures to do nothing but run his mouth.
Dude is unhappy with career.
Dude sees Obama and says "I want to do nothing in the big house."
Dude's logic seems sound.

Posted by: Fritz at October 26, 2015 10:22 AM (UzPAd)

161 Drew wrote, "Rubio reminds me so much of Obama...inexperienced, more packaging than substance and pretty sure he's the only man who can save America."

'More packaging than substance'? Should be pointed out that--from a certain point-of-view--Obama has been the most effective progressive President since LBJ (and maybe even FDR). Obama has accomplished most of his agenda and has successfully steamrolled his opposition at every turn. Name a Republican president since Reagan who has managed to pull that off.

So yeah, if we could get a 10th of that performance from a conservative or even right-of-center Executive, I'd be happy. I've got a few problems with Rubio--immigration, for one, but he's mea culpa'd that one to death. I'm still backing Fiorina, myself, but in a contest between Rubio and Hillary, I wouldn't agonize over voting for Rubio. Must admit if it comes down to Trump and Hillary, I'll definitely agonize before pulling the lever for that shallow, venal, blustery bastard.

Posted by: troyriser at October 26, 2015 10:22 AM (UWlp+)

162 There isn't a height requirement to be the President? You must be at least this tall to ride Air Force One.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:22 AM (8cEA7)

163 >>>>Texas Gope is going for Rubio, which I think is why the Bush family had a
meeting in Houston last weekend. Jeb is coming in 4th in Florida and
he will not win Texas, and that means he is done

those were supposed to be his two aces in the hole, and they are not there
.
.
.I saw that also and it has got to be pi$$ing of the Bush clan to no end. If a Republican can't make it in Texas and Florida they are indeed toast.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at October 26, 2015 10:22 AM (iONHu)

164 "Jesus H. Christ, you're needed at the water cooler."

Dude...it worked!!!

Posted by: Guy with red solo cup of wine from cooler at October 26, 2015 10:22 AM (VPLuQ)

165 I dunno, Joe, I am looking at why Bernie is so popular. He offers NOTHING other than he is not a Clinton

Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 10:23 AM (3pRHP)

166 Lace wigs and pustules, a winning combination.

Posted by: Lace Whigs at October 26, 2015 10:23 AM (OZmbA)

167 152 Jesus H. Christ, you're needed at the water cooler.
Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:20 AM (8cEA7)

Look, the wedding at Cana was a one-off, all right? Also, I'm running for Representative, not bartender. Buncha lushes...

Posted by: Jesus H. Christ at October 26, 2015 10:23 AM (2Ojst)

168

the Bush family HATES Cruz

hates him

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:24 AM (zOTsN)

169 Look, the wedding at Cana was a one-off, all right? Also, I'm running for Representative, not bartender. Buncha lushes...
Posted by: Jesus H. Christ at October 26, 2015 10:23 AM (2Ojst)

Mebbe you could go for a quick walk?

Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 10:25 AM (3pRHP)

170 Jeb will have to find another use for his Latino Studies Degree.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:25 AM (8cEA7)

171 113 .. Are we f***ing Americans or f***ing Russians?...WHAT. THE. F***.

I understand. I am not happy with the fact that the elites in the party seem to run it.

Posted by: Captain Oblivious at October 26, 2015 10:25 AM (hiT/m)

172 And Drew, Palin was frivolously sued out of office. Any one of her kids or pets would be better than the idiots we have lording over us today.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 10:26 AM (LUgeY)

173 The world was a better place with Saddam Hussein's sons' rape and torture rooms. Those rooms were classy.

Posted by: Donald Trump at October 26, 2015 10:26 AM (VAsIq)

174 I'm of the mind that a law should be passed that all politicians if they are currently serving in office and want to run for a higher office they have to vacate their current position immediately.

They're supposed to be public servants, and if they're busy running for office they're not doing their job.

----------

An interesting proposal, though I'm not sure it would be constitutional - at least from a federal perspective.

As one who doesn't like the idea of governmental representatives being likened to "employees" I don't like the "doing their job" language. Their "job" if it you will is to represent the people that elected them. Now its certainly fair to say if they cannot show up for a vote because they are campaigning, then they cannot be representing their constituents.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:27 AM (gmeXX)

175 Trump and Sanders are differents sides of the same coin

people do not trust politicians. They are tired of Dynastic politics in particular. In addition the nation is polarizing. There is no center any longer. Those who run to the center or from the center will lose

run hard left or hard right. Obama knew this. He knew is well before 2012, possibly before 2008

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:27 AM (zOTsN)

176 With the IRS and the media weaponised, we might as well be a single-party country. We are not a banana republic, but that's out trajectory.

Posted by: bourbonchicken at October 26, 2015 10:28 AM (HKSrj)

177 So, your dream candidate for Florida Senator, the potential swing vote in a hung Congress, the Last Starfighter against the GOPe onslaught is -- Jeb Bush.
---------------------------------------------

Don't be ridiculous. He's not my dream candidate for anything. But this is Florida, the state where the GOP gerrymandered Col. West out of a seat. The state that is about to gerrymander Cong. Daniel Webster, the former Speaker of the Florida House, out of Congress.

Get fucking real, if you can. Florida is not conservative. Rubio is, and yet he won in Florida. To do it he had to fight the GOPe. Most of us just sit at our computers and bitch, like Drew, or you, while Rubio got up off his fat ass and walked door to door and got himself elected (a la Cruz). He did a lot more than bitch.

I want to get Bush out of the race, yes. I hope their is a Republican in that Senate seat, and Bush is a good fit (after he leaves the race).

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:28 AM (TxJGV)

178 the Bush family HATES Cruz

hates him

----------

Seems so, but I'm not quite sure why. Any thoughts? Yes, Bushes are establishment and Cruz is anti, but has Cruz ever done anything to any Bush?

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:29 AM (gmeXX)

179 Oh, hey guys, if you are on the West coast and have a clear sky, you can still see Venus and Saturn up next to each other. Sun's not up yet, but the sky is still light.

Extra cool

Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 10:29 AM (3pRHP)

180 "The world was a better place with Saddam Hussein's sons' rape and torture rooms. Those rooms were classy."

As opposed to the same rooms except ran by isis? Unless you are willing to destroy islam, pick your poison, mmmkkaayyy?

Posted by: Tim in Illinois Old, Uniproved and TRUMP! for Emporer 2016 at October 26, 2015 10:29 AM (kLrYQ)

181 So Rubio "gave his notice" that he's quitting his Senate job -- and now he gets to spend two years not showing up and doing that job, but still collecting the paycheck and all the lush bennies that come with the job?

Where else but in government could someone get away with this kind of shit?

And why are we taxpayers putting up with it?

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at October 26, 2015 10:29 AM (a31sM)

182 Where else but in government could someone get away with this kind of shit?

EPA.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 10:29 AM (evdj2)

183 the Bush family HATES Cruz

hates him

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:24 AM (zOTsN)

That's not very compassionate.

Posted by: gapoz at October 26, 2015 10:29 AM (thyJJ)

184 There is no center any longer. Those who run to the center or from the center will lose

run hard left or hard right. Obama knew this. He knew is well before 2012, possibly before 2008

------

I agree with this. The center is not holding, we appear to be at a time of new political alignment and we are trying to find a new center.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:30 AM (gmeXX)

185 Mebbe you could go for a quick walk?
Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 10:25 AM (3pRHP)

Don't make me have to smite a bitch.

Posted by: Jesus H. Christ at October 26, 2015 10:30 AM (2Ojst)

186 So... what does he do when he gets bored and frustrated with the White House? Check out early?

He just wrote his political obituary.

Posted by: douger at October 26, 2015 10:31 AM (eM6QK)

187 Even the little brown ones?

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:31 AM (8cEA7)

188 Valtrex to the pustules and a chicken in every pot, or is that pot for every chicken. Too much wine and I forget everything. Thanks to Christ.

Posted by: fairweatherbill at October 26, 2015 10:31 AM (DRJFk)

189 And why are we taxpayers putting up with it?

Because we have no representation in DC and haven't for many years. The liars we elect don't care about us, the Constitution or anything else we want. They treat us like children, when it's they who need to be treated as such.

Hence, the rise of Donald Trump's Hair.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 10:32 AM (LUgeY)

190 Please forgive him, he might say, for being a little more Mr. Smith than cynic as he began his term.
--

I'm no Rand Paul fan, but he or Ted Cruz or Mike Lee have a much better claim to that title.

Posted by: Y-not at October 26, 2015 10:32 AM (t5zYU)

191 Rubio got up off his fat ass... He did a lot more than bitch.

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:28 AM (TxJGV)
---
Yes, a lot more: Rubio lied to us every chance he got. He put a lot of effort into that. Took even a page out of Arafats playbook to do it. But you go on and admire him. It must be true what they say: one is born every minute.

Posted by: The Nayden Broad at October 26, 2015 10:33 AM (GY6v2)

192 Seems so, but I'm not quite sure why. Any thoughts? Yes, Bushes are establishment and Cruz is anti, but has Cruz ever done anything to any Bush?

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:29 AM (gmeXX)

"W" has spoken about Cruz with more distaste than he does Hillary. I think he believes in government as an agent for good, he believes all immigrants are just "dreamers", and he has a profound distaste for conflict in domestic politics

government shut downs are appalling to him. Domestic confrontation is appalling to him. I think thats why he never fought back against the left's insanity while he was in office

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:33 AM (zOTsN)

193 Any thoughts? Yes, Bushes are establishment and Cruz is anti, but has Cruz ever done anything to any Bush?

Posted by: SH

Eh, I banged their wives.

Posted by: Ted Cruz, Calm, Collected, and Conservative at October 26, 2015 10:33 AM (VAsIq)

194 How is this outlook any different than Obama?

A lawyer lamenting the rules which bind him? A "conservative"? Anyone who understands how our fvcking constitutional system was fvcking designed??

How about you get up there and get some legislation repealed and I'll start paying attention to you again. Until then, resign and quit taking my fvcking money you asshole.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at October 26, 2015 10:34 AM (Wckf4)

195 Seems so, but I'm not quite sure why. Any thoughts? Yes, Bushes are establishment and Cruz is anti, but has Cruz ever done anything to any Bush?

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:29 AM (gmeXX)

"W" has spoken about Cruz with more distaste than he does Hillary. I think he believes in government as an agent for good, he believes all immigrants are just "dreamers", and he has a profound distaste for conflict in domestic politics

government shut downs are appalling to him. Domestic confrontation is appalling to him. I think thats why he never fought back against the left's insanity while he was in office
Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:33 AM (zOTsN)

----------

Maybe that is all there is to it. But the hatred seems to come from a more personal place.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:35 AM (gmeXX)

196 Drew, I hate to tell ya son but Bobby Jindal is the biggest fraud and RINO in the Republican field. As a citizen of Louisiana I can tell you that Bobby has done NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY. NOTHING for the state of Louisiana. Every.Single.Thing he campaigned on was never achieved...He even appointed John Alereo, a lifelong Edwin Edwards (yeah that crook) democrat to be head of the State Senate!! This guy is the worst of the worst RINO'S. He makes John McCain look good to me...Don't be fooled by the shiny things my friend.

Posted by: olhardhead at October 26, 2015 10:36 AM (Zpzn0)

197 Quit telling me Rubio's a conservative. You might as well tell me a viper's a kitten.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at October 26, 2015 10:36 AM (9krrF)

198 Plouffe in his exit interview with Time magazine (I think?) said his strategy was to run Obama hard left

he said there was no center, and they never lost running hard left

GOPe thinks there is a center. Not any more, not enough of one

Love him or hate him, the rights base did not get energized until Trump, because all our candidates were using the Language of the center

language counts

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:37 AM (zOTsN)

199 because all our candidates were using the Language of the center

---------

I don't think that is 100% accurate.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:38 AM (gmeXX)

200
How can a governor "appoint" a state senator??

Posted by: Soothsayer at October 26, 2015 10:38 AM (pbBzW)

201 165: "He offers NOTHING other than he is not a Clinton"

Incorrect. He is offering metric fucktons of free shit.

Paid for with "other people's" money.

Posted by: Azenogoth (Freedom or Fire) at October 26, 2015 10:38 AM (4nmNX)

202 So let me get this straight, guys like Biden sit on their asses in the Senate for longer than the average Zimbabwean lifespan, and if they're lucky they go to Electoral Carousel and get elevated to that cataleptic state that is the Vice Presidency.

Marco's bored. Good on yer for not wanting to turn into elected furniture, but tough out the job you thought you wanted for the one term anyway.

I mean, what's he gonna do next? If he doesn't get the White House...

Posted by: JEM at October 26, 2015 10:39 AM (szjxG)

203 * pokes head into thread, looks about *

hey! where the fuck are the bats and bricks!

oh. here's a brickbat.

Posted by: JohnnyBoy at October 26, 2015 10:39 AM (5q6RS)

204 Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:37 AM (zOTsN)

I can't believe that there are still people talking about the "center" that expect to be taken seriously after 2012.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at October 26, 2015 10:39 AM (Wckf4)

205
I'm no Rand Paul fan, but he or Ted Cruz or Mike Lee have a much better claim to that title.

Posted by: Y-not at October 26, 2015 10:32 AM (t5zYU)
--------------------------------------------------

I can agree with that. Doesn't mean he wasn't a little bit touched by enthusiasm, and a desire to get along with the McCain-McConnell powers that be. I hope his being suckered by that scum taught him a valuable lesson, to wit: the GOP Senate group are corrupt, divorced from the voters, and cannot ever be trusted. Yes, I am gullible but I hope it's true.

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:39 AM (TxJGV)

206 Maybe that is all there is to it. But the hatred seems to come from a more personal place.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:35 AM (gmeXX)

I agree. His distaste for Cruz is visceral in a way that his feelings about the Clintons are not

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:39 AM (zOTsN)

207 With all these "conservatives" putting an R after their name and not really standing for conservative ideals... pisses me off that they put an R after their name. Aren't there some basic tenants that cannot be "molded"? You either are or you aren't.

Seems like when interviewed, people on the street like conservative ideas when presented as if they come from a D candidate. Perhaps we should have R's running under the D label since apparently you don't have to hold to any actual platforms to put the letter behind your name.

Posted by: gapoz at October 26, 2015 10:41 AM (thyJJ)

208 177: "Florida is not conservative"

Looking at the police blotters, I'd say Florida is certifiably insane.

Posted by: Azenogoth (Freedom or Fire) at October 26, 2015 10:41 AM (4nmNX)

209 "The world was a better place with Saddam Hussein's sons' rape and torture rooms. Those rooms were classy."

As opposed to the same rooms except ran by isis? Unless you are willing to destroy islam, pick your poison, mmmkkaayyy?

Posted by: Tim in Illinois

I don't think those are the only two choices, Tim. Those rooms were not being used when we had a President who cared more America than his domestic enemies. The world was better off with RINO squish compassionate conservative George W. Bush, and would be better off with ANY of the Republicans running instead of Obama or Hillary or Col. Sanders.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at October 26, 2015 10:41 AM (VAsIq)

210 GOPe thinks there is a center. Not any more, not enough of one

The GOPe seems to think that the Center is filled with thoughtful people tuned in to politics who weigh their votes and candidates carefully before pulling the lever.

Nothing could be further from the truth. At best, they are sheep who are distracted by shiny objects and will follow anyone who's propped up for them. They have no core beliefs nor any understanding of how our government was designed.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 10:41 AM (LUgeY)

211 I mean, what's he gonna do next? If he doesn't get the White House...

----------

I don't know, but if I were advising him, I'd say go more the route of Reagan and less the route of Palin.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:41 AM (gmeXX)

212 Rubio's comments are exactly why the framers designed the Senate to be occupied by people who were appointed by state legislatures/Governors and could be recalled by state legislatures.

Then, in our brilliance, we threw out that section of the Constitution with the 17th amendment and now, to remove a sitting Senator takes heaven and earth moving.

Senators were to represent their state and do their job. Not simply say, " I don't like the Senate, so I'm not voting there anymore". But continue to collect a paycheck and continue to occupy the seat, instead of resigning and allowing someone who cares to take his place.

I understand Rubio's frustration with the Senate. The Republican's have a majority and yet, nothing their constituents want can get passed by the Senate. McConnell gives up as soon as Choom Boy throws him a look.

But he owes his constituents more than this.

Posted by: Jen the original at October 26, 2015 10:42 AM (Mb+b9)

213 I can't believe that there are still people talking about the "center" that expect to be taken seriously after 2012.

24 million new Hispanic natural conservatives will make the center irrelevant.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at October 26, 2015 10:43 AM (8ZskC)

214 Maybe that is all there is to it. But the hatred seems to come from a more personal place.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:35 AM (gmeXX)

I agree. His distaste for Cruz is visceral in a way that his feelings about the Clintons are not

---------------

It just seems like there is more to the story.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:43 AM (gmeXX)

215 Rubio has been a major disappointment. He got in on the Tea PArty line, yet where was he when Lee & Cruz were fighting the establishment?
No he's done. Part of me thinks he wanted to be JEB's VP before this all took off.

Posted by: Iblis at October 26, 2015 10:43 AM (BfUcH)

216 By the way, for the sake of clarity, I'm no Rubio fan in the presidential race. I think if I had my policy druthers I'd elect Cruz right now, though I love the ball-busting Trump is doing so far.

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:43 AM (TxJGV)

217 "Palin was frivolously sued out of office. Any one of her kids or pets would be better than the idiots we have lording over us today."

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 26, 2015 10:43 AM (go6ud)

218 because all our candidates were using the Language of the center

---------

I don't think that is 100% accurate.
Posted by: SH at October

everyone of our "leading" candidates pre trump were saying a fence was impossible and advocating some sort of amnesty.

Trumpp dragged the immigration Overton Window to the right

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:44 AM (zOTsN)

219 speaking of frustration here's Germaine Greer giving a BBC "reporter" an earful about questions about "intersex" people

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B8Q6D4a6TM

something also in America is about to collapse dramatically

Posted by: Feh at October 26, 2015 10:44 AM (y87Za)

220 something also in America is about to collapse dramatically

Posted by: Feh

Please be Hillary

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at October 26, 2015 10:45 AM (VAsIq)

221 Is a cricket bat heavy and short like a fish bat?

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:45 AM (8cEA7)

222 McConnell gives up as soon as Choom Boy throws him a look.

Then Rubio should be doing things to mitigate McConnell's damage or whipping against him.

I really want a president who, when the game isn't played like he wants it, takes his ball and goes home.

And I say this as a Floridian. Sigh.....

Posted by: gapoz at October 26, 2015 10:46 AM (thyJJ)

223 I don't know, but if I were advising him, I'd say go more the route of Reagan and less the route of Palin.

Posted by: SH at October 26, 2015 10:41 AM (gmeXX)
---
Rick Scott is term limited, so I guess Rubio will run for Governor in 2018, to get another shot at the White House later.

Posted by: The Nayden Broad at October 26, 2015 10:46 AM (GY6v2)

224 So is Rubio basically advocating for an imperial presidency? Because even if he gets elected to president the senate is still going to a slow trudge (as it was designed.)

Posted by: tsrlbke PhD(c), rogue bioethicist at October 26, 2015 10:46 AM (tM4uk)

225 Even if Trump is insincere, he dragged the immigration issue to the right

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:46 AM (zOTsN)

226 GOPe thinks there is a center. Not any more, not enough of one.
-------------------------------------------------

The GOPe thinks the center is Democrat-light, if it exists at all. They support expansive federal control of America, just with aggressive foreign wars, slower social change and lower Corporate tax rates.

Put them in charge of the Obama administration and none of the levers of power would be dismantled, just run by "more conservative" people.

Dishonest, corrupt and totalitarian- that's what they are, just like the Obama-Shrillary crowd.

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:47 AM (TxJGV)

227 If it Rubio vs. Clinton, I'll stay home.

Give Rubio a GOP House and Senate ... and we'll have amnesty, more debt, more programs, expanded domestic surveillance, and possibly some more common sense gun control.

No thanks.

Posted by: Irony at October 26, 2015 10:48 AM (RKJF2)

228 Incorrect. He is offering metric fucktons of free shit.

Paid for with "other people's" money.
Posted by: Azenogoth (Freedom or Fire) at October 26, 2015 10:38 AM (4nmNX)

I don't see the difference. I will say again, the move to Sanders is because he isn't Hillary. My conclusion is that there is a significant amount of votes that want anyone but Hillary, but won't even look at the demonized right. Even Romney who would have given JFK a run for his money for the Dem primary was just too demonized.

They can't leave. No one else will take care of them, they will have no position without her, so they have to find excuses to stay.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 10:48 AM (3pRHP)

229 Obama actually missed more votes than Rubio.. but Rubio is still a putz.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at October 26, 2015 10:48 AM (so+oy)

230
Rubio will run for Governor in 2018, to get another shot at the White House later.
Posted by: The Nayden Broad

Rubio for Governor 2018: Elect Me So I Can Do Something Else While I Cash Your Checks

Yeah, that should work.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 26, 2015 10:49 AM (kdS6q)

231 Put them in charge of the Obama administration and none of the levers of power would be dismantled, just run by "more conservative" people.

Dishonest, corrupt and totalitarian- that's what they are, just like the Obama-Shrillary crowd.
Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:47 AM (TxJGV)

the British model. They are not running on making government get out of your lives. They are running on "I cant make government work better for you"

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:49 AM (zOTsN)

232 ***"Trumpp dragged the immigration Overton Window to the right

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:44 AM (zOTsN)"***

But remember, Trump's a clown and shouldn't be taken seriously. Even though he's managed to do something the entire GOP hasn't even *tried* in over 20 years.

And I'm just talking about moving *anything* to the right.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at October 26, 2015 10:49 AM (Wckf4)

233 A day or two ago there was a link to an article entitled "What If They Went Back?" Does anyone recall which thread that was on?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc.,etc. at October 26, 2015 10:49 AM (9mTYi)

234 Dondi is a dud. He should resign and allow a replacement. For him to say he's tired of the Senate and it's the Presidency or bust is a Yuge opening for critics and opponents to use the Florida base against him. I do not see how Floridians would have a positive view of their sitting Senator saying he's just marking time and really not so into representing the state in the Senate. It helps Trump for sure.... so keep it up Dondi.

Posted by: Yip at October 26, 2015 10:49 AM (e7T6D)

235 That's what we need.

Rubio in the White House.

And

Paul Ryan as Speaker.

What could possibly go wrong?

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 26, 2015 10:50 AM (VPLuQ)

236 Boss Moss, cricket bats have to be really, really tiny.

Posted by: JohnnyBoy at October 26, 2015 10:50 AM (5q6RS)

237 there is a profound difference between Rubio and Obama

Rubio loves this country. Obama does not. That matters to me. I dont want Rubio, I prefer Cruz, but either is better than Hillary or Obama

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 10:51 AM (zOTsN)

238 Rubio is probably going to the land of "cash in on prior gov't service", (ie lobbying) where he can earn 3-10x what he's earning as US Senator.

Thank you for your "service" senator. Door. . .ass. . .etc.

Posted by: looking closely at October 26, 2015 10:51 AM (ji45d)

239 Plus.... Dondi has that expensive yacht.... so there's that. He's not one of us normal types.

Posted by: Yip at October 26, 2015 10:52 AM (e7T6D)

240 Incorrect. He is offering metric fucktons of free shit.

Paid for with "other people's" money.
Posted by: Azenogoth (Freedom or Fire) at October 26, 2015 10:38 AM (4nmNX)

I don't see the difference. I will say again, the move to Sanders is because he isn't Hillary. My conclusion is that there is a significant amount of votes that want anyone but Hillary, but won't even look at the demonized right. Even Romney who would have given JFK a run for his money for the Dem primary was just too demonized.

Posted by: Kindltot

I see a difference. He's a leftist in a dem primary. He naturally has better appeal to their primary voters than hillarity. nader also did well in some places, but bernie actyually holds office, and his negatives are nowhere near as bad as the empress. It is interesting to note that while the MFM doesn't attack him, they are censoring him.

Posted by: Blue Hen at October 26, 2015 10:52 AM (326rv)

241 Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:12 AM (TxJGV)

Marco "We Need More H1B's" Rubio. Who just said that a couple of months ago? He's learned nothing.

Now, he's Marco "I Quit Working Didn't Quit My Job" Rubio.

Posted by: WOPR at October 26, 2015 10:53 AM (LTDSy)

242 That's what we need.

Rubio in the White House.

And

Paul Ryan as Speaker.

What could possibly go wrong?

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 26, 2015 10:50 AM (VPLuQ)
---
If that happens, the USBP will be ordered to stop all activity except for giving out sombreros.

Posted by: The Nayden Broad at October 26, 2015 10:53 AM (GY6v2)

243 Well I hate claiming that you are making my point for me, Blue Hen, but you are saying what I intended to say, so thank you.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 10:53 AM (3pRHP)

244
Obama actually missed more votes than Rubio.. but Rubio is still a putz.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry

Obama was a six-sigma alright, but Rubio isn't all that much better.

From Jan 2005 to Oct 2008, Obama missed 314 of 1,300 roll call votes, which is 24.2%. This is much worse than the median of 2.2% among the lifetime records of senators serving in Oct 2008. The chart below reports missed votes over time.

From Jan 2011 to Oct 2015, Rubio missed 168 of 1,426 roll call votes, which is 11.8%. This is much worse than the median of 1.6% among the lifetime records of senators currently serving. The chart below reports missed votes over time.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 26, 2015 10:54 AM (kdS6q)

245 The H1B visa thing is a crock. They don't want to pay a living wage.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:55 AM (8cEA7)

246 We have fake Independents running for State Senate. Obamabots. They are trying to split the vote in Republican drawn districts.

Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:57 AM (8cEA7)

247 But I thought we were supposed to like a part time congress!

/s

Posted by: buzzion at October 26, 2015 10:58 AM (zt+N6)

248
Rubio loves this country.

So long as it throws open its borders to third-world trash.

Kind of like how Ike "loves" Tina.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at October 26, 2015 10:59 AM (X6fMO)

249 If that happens, the USBP will be ordered to stop all activity except for giving out sombreros.

And voter registration cards in Espanol pre-stamped with a "D" and directions to their polling station.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 26, 2015 11:00 AM (LUgeY)

250 I think Rubio's decided on the big cash in at this point-

Prez or Veep? Sure.

Talking head on FOX or CNN? = Big money. Absolutely. And he can hop into presidential races ala Huckabee and Kasich

K Street grifter? = Bigger money. Why not?

FL gov. Possibly, if he still wants to be Prez.

Letting his freak-flag fly on MSNBC as the pet Latino anti-conservative "conservative". Eh, maybe.

Most of those make lots of money and a couple of years of that, he's set for life.

Posted by: naturalfake at October 26, 2015 11:00 AM (0cMkb)

251 The H1B visa thing is a crock. They don't want to pay a living wage.
Posted by: Boss Moss at October 26, 2015 10:55 AM (8cEA7)

"Living Wage" is a meaningless term, it is too vague and nebulous to mean anything so it can mean anything a demagogue claims. (See Humpty Dumpty)

H1B visas are a way to suppress wages. I would suggest that if big employers wanted to reduce wages they would do well to reduce the one thing that allows American workers to demand higher wages and hold out until they get them: generous welfare benefits.

Generous welfare benefits compete against employment.

Why shovel gravel and manure for minimum wage when you can get all sorts of bennies and freebies and live better and have time to hang out on the corner minding your own business at 2.30 am? You gotta have $15/hr to suffer that sort of loss in quality of life!

Posted by: Kindltot at October 26, 2015 11:01 AM (3pRHP)

252 Think about the people of Illinois. Mark Kirk is a nice guy, but he has been in rehab after the stroke. What is the tipping point for constituents? When he is talking now, it sound like old Dickie Durbin is wonderful. I think he is impaired, but eGOP members (most of my acquaintances) shush me.

Posted by: mustbequantum at October 26, 2015 11:02 AM (MIKMs)

253 OT

Turkish elections are in a few days

and Erdogun just seized the nations third largest media group

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 11:02 AM (zOTsN)

254 I wonder if GOPe pollsters have figured out what many of the "lesser of two evils" crowd here seem to have discovered ...

...That a bunch of folks just do not give a damn anymore, and will not back the next Dem Lite candidate.

I truly wonder if, behind closed doors, the GOPe braintrust gets just as frantic and shrill as the "But you HAVE to vote for Rubio/Jeb !!! You CAN'T let Hillary!!! win" bunch here.

SPOILER ALERT ... Yes, yes we can.

Posted by: Irony at October 26, 2015 11:03 AM (RKJF2)

255 244 - Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix

Yeah.. but if you look at their last years in office, it gets a lot worse.. Obama missed 99% of his votes in 2007 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters..

Rubio is right up there with him!

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at October 26, 2015 11:06 AM (so+oy)

256 Any candidate that accepts National Chamber of Commerce donations is dead to me.

That money has strings to Tom Donohue's agenda,

Posted by: parteagirl at October 26, 2015 11:07 AM (K0jlM)

257
Yes, but we can very easily talk down any candidate. I don't see any candidate who is a sure thing. That's a problem, but aside from President Hillary, we have to make the best of the hand we're dealt. It's a cheap argument to compare Rubio (or any other GOP candidate) to Obama, since Obama's personality flaws and ideological reign of terror are quite different from whatever flaws Rubio has. It's only a matter of time before Jindal disappoints.
Just between you and me, Rubio shouldparticipate inthe Senate. He may not appreciate the job, but he is being paid for it. But let us hold all senators accountable. It seems 11 other Senators have worse Senate attendance than Rubio. And dozens of others may attend but draw a paycheck doing nothing of substance. What would you do if you were working someplace you felt was chronically unproductive and people were being paid for sitting at their desks playing solitaire and commenting on blogs (*cough cough*)? Maybe you'd sit at your desk diligently filling out TPS Reports. Is Rubio wrong about the Senate?

Posted by: Crispian at October 26, 2015 11:07 AM (n9Zp5)

258 I'm beginning to think Drew doesn't like politicians.

Posted by: FJ Min at October 26, 2015 11:08 AM (BHcX6)

259 I blame siesta culture.

Posted by: Dang at October 26, 2015 11:09 AM (2oWD2)

260 Vote for us !!! We're the best of the hand you've been dealt.

Posted by: The GOPe at October 26, 2015 11:09 AM (RKJF2)

261 Rubio... Rubio... that name sounds familiar.

Oh, I remember now.

Leader of the Lost Boys until Robin Williams came back.

Posted by: Generic Morning Moron at October 26, 2015 11:11 AM (MZVOx)

262 But remember, Trump's a clown and shouldn't be taken seriously. Even though he's managed to do something the entire GOP hasn't even *tried* in over 20 years. And I'm just talking about moving *anything* to the right.
Posted by: Burn the Witch at October 26, 2015 10:49 AM (Wckf4)

Straw man. I take Trump very seriously. I also happened to think we'll be just as screwed with him as we would be with Hillary. For example, his mass deportation idea. You say 'mass deportation', I say great opportunity for the Democrats and MSM (but I repeat myself) to make one long and very effective piece of agitprop. Imagine the zoom shots weeping families torn apart by militarized, black-clad police. And those mobs burning down whole city blocks?'Largely peacefulprotestors', of course, just plain folks like you and me. It will be a nightmare, a poorly organized, half-heartedclusterfark of historically massive proportions.

Oh, and yeah: electing a guy who used eminent domain to evict families from their homes in order to build a limosine garage is just about as fucked-up as it gets. Trump or Hillary? Pick either one. As a people, we get what we deserve and evidently we need to get it good and hard.

Posted by: troyriser at October 26, 2015 11:12 AM (UWlp+)

263 " I hope his being suckered by that scum taught him a
valuable lesson, to wit: the GOP Senate group are corrupt, divorced
from the voters, and cannot ever be trusted. Yes, I am gullible but I
hope it's true.

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:39 AM (TxJGV)"
Bah!
And "Bah!" a second time.
Rubio did not get suckered. Pushing for amnesty was is plan all along. And when it didn't work out, he claimed to be a chump, taken in by the glamour and grandeur of Smilin' Chuck Schumer, weaver of DREAMs.
He may be a chump, but he truly is a liar. Why is that so difficult to understand?

Posted by: revolting peasant at October 26, 2015 11:14 AM (p7ncT)

264 O/T -- Cured meats are/were the only thing keeping more northern people alive over the winters. What in heck are the WHO people thinking? I know they are not thinking as you and I consider the word, but this is ridiculous.

Posted by: mustbequantum at October 26, 2015 11:14 AM (MIKMs)

265 @30 "Maybe we shouldn't be as afraid of Cankles as we once were. She is, at
this point in her life, so consumed by personal ambition and power for
its own sake that she may be less ideologically motivated than her
former, younger self, and certainly far less so than the present
Occupant In Chief."

When she names the enemy she's most proud of having as "Republicans" I think that's a worrying sign. I think even Obama was never quite that openly hostile.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at October 26, 2015 11:15 AM (B8JRQ)

266 Had some neighbors over for dinner. One couple - mama home schools but is getting bored. Hubby works in gov job. She is all in for Sanders. She also likes to take over conversations and pontificate.

Her: Some people just can't tolerate different opinions. I mean who really wants to exclude ideas and shut people down if they disagree?

Me: Democrats?

The stunned look on her face, not to mention her speechlessness was priceless and I will savor the memory like the memory of a fine vintage.

Posted by: Russkilitlover at October 26, 2015 11:16 AM (EOfmM)

267 Rubio needs to come up with some excuse for the bizarre decision of giving up the senate.

Because, given his personal finances and the stupid riskiness of running for president, the only plausible explanation looks like the promises of wealth he got from the plutocrats who fund him.

Posted by: Tonawanda at October 26, 2015 11:17 AM (tsTLZ)

268 Straw man. I take Trump very seriously. I also happened to think we'll be just as screwed with him as we would be with Hillary. For example, his mass deportation idea. You say 'mass deportation', I say great opportunity for the Democrats and MSM (but I repeat myself) to make one long and very effective piece of agitprop.

like last summer? When we had a Republican president?

The MFM and the Dems will do that no matter what

lets just have total amnesty and open borders so they dems and the media wont bitch

horrible rationale

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 11:17 AM (zOTsN)

269 When she names the enemy she's most proud of having as "Republicans" I think that's a worrying sign. I think even Obama was never quite that openly hostile.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at October 26, 2015 11:15 AM (B8JRQ)

If I don't make Bill and Hill's Enemies List within the next 10 years then I'm not doing it right.

Posted by: troyriser at October 26, 2015 11:18 AM (UWlp+)

270 And those mobs burning down whole city blocks?'Largely peacefulprotestors', of course, just plain folks like you and me. It will be a nightmare, a poorly organized, half-heartedclusterfark of historically massive proportions.

again like last summer. This will happen regardless. They will see to it

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 11:19 AM (zOTsN)

271 but Marco is maybe the best bet to beat the Beast.

Posted by: Bobby Ahr

Look up Pyrrhic Victory.

http://tinyurl.com/7n2cqfb

Here, since I had to bing the spelling anyways.

Posted by: DaveA at October 26, 2015 11:22 AM (DL2i+)

272 horrible rationale
Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 11:17 AM (zOTsN)

Try this for a rationale: What Trump proposes; i.e., the forcible deportation of 11-30 million people, is a logistical and--more importantly--political impossibility. The Democrats and pro-open bordersbig money donors of the Republican Party will throw up enough legal roadblocks and bring enough political pressure to nullify any move Trump makes to implement his grand plan.

The rub? Trump knows all this. He's pandering. He's playing you guys--which is, you know, the kind of thing you can expect from a man who--again--used eminent domain to evict families from their homes so that he could build a limonsine garage.

You Trump people accusing Rubio of dishonesty? That's just fucking rich.

Posted by: troyriser at October 26, 2015 11:24 AM (UWlp+)

273 Rubio reminds me more of Michael Huffington, a highly ambitious one-term representative who ultimately came out as gay.

Posted by: bjk at October 26, 2015 11:27 AM (BMoMG)

274 Rubio reminds me more of Michael Huffington, a highly ambitious one-term representative who ultimately came out as gay.
Posted by: bjk at October 26, 2015 11:27 AM (BMoMG)

I blame Arianna.

Posted by: troyriser at October 26, 2015 11:28 AM (UWlp+)

275 You Trump people accusing Rubio of dishonesty? That's just fucking rich.

Posted by: troyriser

1. I am not a "Trump person", if anything I am a "Cruz person"

2. I did not accuse Rubio of dishonesty. I said he was now the preferred GOPe choice in Texas, and he is

3. I acknowledged that Trump might be insincere but he moved the immigration issue to the right, and he did

as for

"The Democrats and pro-open bordersbig money donors of the Republican Party will throw up enough legal roadblocks and bring enough political pressure to nullify any move Trump makes to implement his grand plan."

well

they are doing that anyway, and that was PRE Trump

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 11:29 AM (zOTsN)

276 Honestly, I'm not too fond of Rubio either. But when Drew starts attacking him like this, it makes me think I should reconsider.

Posted by: JohnJ at October 26, 2015 11:32 AM (TH0iO)

277 Palin gave the system a chance to work. She even gave McCain a pass as he shit all over her. Then she said fuck it and cashed out. Tell me how she didn't do the best for her family.

Posted by: just saying at October 26, 2015 11:36 AM (CzhL0)

278 eb quits the race. Rubio resigns the Senate. Scott appoints Jeb to the
seat.

...
that is great idea

Nope, Jeb's already a Florida fail. And we really need the BushCo to really just go away, even those rare moments when they're right all they do is stir up the MSM like vampires seeing a cross.

Posted by: DaveA at October 26, 2015 11:37 AM (DL2i+)

279 they are doing that anyway, and that was PRE Trump
Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 11:29 AM (zOTsN)

So how would Trump's pandering on the issue change the dynamics? You say the issue's now front and center and demonstrates a rightward shift of some sort. I don't see the shift, at least not among national-level GOPe legislators--you know, the oneswho so blithely broke their promises to the GOP's rank-and-file base. They're not changing anytime soon. They're Whigs now, fully and completely.

To tell you the truth, I'm thoroughly spooked by all that's going on. Seems we've seen this movie once before. It didn't end well. It ended with Americans killing each other in droves.

Posted by: troyriser at October 26, 2015 11:38 AM (UWlp+)

280 Rubio changed sides. Hopefully he will look better than Arlen Specter did by the time he gets out of politics. (Arlen Spector did not have a picture of the Dorian Grey type.) Selling your soul takes a toll.

Posted by: just saying at October 26, 2015 11:41 AM (1uTkE)

281 I remember taking a very expensive vacation in the Caribbean to an inclusive resort. One of the couples was from 'jersey'. His job? Parking cars -- and probably limousines. At an Atlantic City casino.

Some people are in some alternative reality where Donald Trump was the only person in the world who benefited from construction, revitalization, jobs, payrolls.

They're this *indicates with tiny gap between thumb and forefinger* close to commies on the left.

Posted by: se pa moron at October 26, 2015 11:47 AM (sI4OA)

282 I dont want Rubio, I prefer Cruz, but either is better than Hillary or Obama

What part of the "The UniParty" fails vs. DOOM are people not getting.
Better isn't going to cut it anymore.

Posted by: DaveA at October 26, 2015 11:49 AM (DL2i+)

283 "It ended with Americans killing each other in droves."

You would have to import troops. The FSA is only any good against the unarmed. They are mustering out all the excellent soldiers because they are considered politically unreliable. Once it breaks we may have a dictator but HE won't be Obama, Hillary, or any of the choices of GOPe or Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Some Governors may be able to inspire troops (not John Kasich). Think Boris Yeltsin.

Posted by: just saying at October 26, 2015 11:50 AM (CzhL0)

284 the USBP will be ordered to stop all activity except for giving out sombreros.

Except at college job fairs.

Posted by: DaveA at October 26, 2015 11:50 AM (DL2i+)

285 forcible deportation of 11-30 million people, is a logistical and--more importantly--political impossibility

And yet every day they're here the inevitable American Socialist SuperState (which can find every Tea Party 501's tax status) grows towards the inevitable DOOM.

Every bad trend in the world was headed over a discontinuity when TFG showed up and made them all epically worse.

Posted by: DaveA at October 26, 2015 11:57 AM (DL2i+)

286 So how would Trump's pandering on the issue change the dynamics? You say the issue's now front and center and demonstrates a rightward shift of some sort. I don't see the shift, at least not among national-level GOPe legislators--you know, the oneswho so blithely broke their promises to the GOP's rank-and-file base. They're not changing anytime soon. They're Whigs now, fully and completely.

To tell you the truth, I'm thoroughly spooked by all that's going on. Seems we've seen this movie once before. It didn't end well. It ended with Americans killing each other in droves.

Posted by: troyriser at October 26, 2015 11:38 AM (UWlp+)

in all honesty I dontthink there will be a mass deportation

but the GOPe wouldnt even talk about border security or put it first

now I think they have to

I think they may even realize that

Its pointless to support Republican candidates who you know, and who have told you by their actions, that they are pro open borders and pro amnesty

I dont think there will be a civil war. I fnd the hysterics aboutTrump illuminating, and not about Trump

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 11:58 AM (zOTsN)

287 Seems very likely Rubio will be the Republican nominee after Trump and Carson flame out, and everybody realizes what a weakling Jeb is.
And it seems very likely Rubio will lose the general election to Clinton.
Predicting the future is impossible, but the probability is pretty evident.

Posted by: tommyvee at October 26, 2015 12:01 PM (ifr9a)

288 the same people who are hysterical about Trump are going to demand I vote GOP no matter what, evenif its against my interests

the job of the GOP is to prove it is in my interests to vote for them

they aren't

they are engaging in the same name calling and denegrating they did about the tea party, about palin, about social conservatives, that anyone who doesnt unthinkingly vote GOPE is racist and stupid

I have the democrats for that

not

persuasive

Posted by: ThunderB at October 26, 2015 12:02 PM (zOTsN)

289
I'd prefer that to an empty seat timeserver on the payroll.

I'd rather have the empty seat timeserver than a "we have to doooo something! pass yet another law" type. Because, let's face it: we have too damn many laws.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie at October 26, 2015 12:04 PM (1hM1d)

290 forcible deportation of 11-30 million people, is a logistical and--more importantly--political impossibility

No it's not.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 12:04 PM (evdj2)

291 I wonder if first generation Americans have always had this Jesus complex or if it is a recent thing? (rhetorical)

There is probably a reason why the newest wave of immigrants (in any country in any time in history) are treated like second class citizens.

Posted by: Burnt Toast at October 26, 2015 12:05 PM (NaeCR)

292 No it's not.
Posted by: Grump928(c) at October 26, 2015 12:04 PM (evdj2)

Well, you sure told me. It's settled, then.

Posted by: troyriser at October 26, 2015 12:08 PM (UWlp+)

293 The dude is broke. Like really broke ass with no assets. He has spent his young life on the public payroll not getting paid much and spending out of his income level. I know. I was a public employee too until I realized that I would have nothing but a crapping pension and a middle/middle class life at age 28. I got out. To make MONEY! To do real work that produced something, anything. I suspect Rubio was too lazy to do that. Now he is stuck and pouty. And done. He can't give up the Senate salary.

Posted by: Lester at October 26, 2015 12:09 PM (2UPXV)

294 "Florida is not conservative. Rubio is, and yet he won in Florida. To do it he had to fight the GOPe. Most of us just sit at our computers and bitch, like Drew, or you, while Rubio got up off his fat ass and walked door to door and got himself elected (a la Cruz). He did a lot more than bitch.

Posted by: MTF at October 26, 2015 10:28 AM (TxJGV)"

Yes! Thanks MTF for some common sense here. I used to like this blog so much -- but it's just becoming a circular firing squad on candidates like Rush's and Levin's shows. At least I assume radio's audience decline explains that. Here, I think it's just holier than thou stuff...

Posted by: Alix at October 26, 2015 12:30 PM (MpfHK)

295 To the general public, outside the ranks of the Republican base, Trump's candidacy looks like the move Idiocracy come to life. Trump would get slaughtered in the general election, when his ignorance and lack of concern about actual governance got laid bare.
Doesn't a President who says ""I'm gonna say, 'Mexico, this is not going to continue, you're going to pay for that wall,' and they will pay for the wall. And Bill, it's peanuts, what we're talking about.", sound just like something President Camacho would say?

Posted by: tommyvee at October 26, 2015 12:39 PM (ifr9a)

296 Yes! Thanks MTF for some common sense here. I used to like this blog so much -- but it's just becoming a circular firing squad on candidates like Rush's and Levin's shows. At least I assume radio's audience decline explains that. Here, I think it's just holier than thou stuff...
Posted by: Alix at October 26, 2015 12:30 PM (MpfHK)

Amen

Posted by: Ryan Paul at October 26, 2015 12:39 PM (HD3d3)

297 I actually read parts of a book Arianna wrote a long time ago, before she was a liberal. She wasn't just a conservative, she was a thoughtful, very committed conservative. She was still conservative when Hubby Huffington ran for senate. She must've realized at some point that the only way to get ahead in US is on the left.

Posted by: bjk at October 26, 2015 01:02 PM (nVKmP)

298 Good job, Rube. Take the job, make a contract with the American people, then decide you don't like it so you just don't do it. Yup, just what I want in a president. Just kidding. Go on back to Cuba and you can sit on your lazy ass and talk to the sand.

Posted by: BamaBubba at October 26, 2015 06:42 PM (vKTRb)

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