Marco Rubio: Mitt Romney is no Charlie Crist

Tampa Bay Times ^ | 1-24-12 | Marc Caputo

[Anti-Hillary]

Newt Gingrich's decision today to bash Mitt Romney for hiring former Charlie Crist loyalists and employees doesn't seem to be sitting well with Sen. Marco Rubio, who drove Crist out of the Republican Party before beating him at the polls in 2010.

Said Rubio: "Mitt Romney is no Charlie Crist. Romney is a conservative. and he was one of the first national Republican leaders to endorse me. He came to Florida, campaigned hard for me, and made a real difference in my race."

[Anti-Hillary]

Ruh-roh Rorge!

[MinuteGal]

Oh, oh.....Rubio's statement isn't sitting too well with ME.....

Leni

[SWAMPSNIPER]

Conservatives don’t support and sign permanent gun bans, ever!

[SoConPubbie]

It would seem that Newt is flushing out all of the Pretenders.

[PAConservative1]

Ick. I guess Rubio has already forgotten who took him to the dance and who the establishment backed. That didn’t take long.

[GR_Jr.]

If Rubio can’t see the writing on the wall that Romney is dropping like a stone in a well because Conservatives do not support him, than Rubio isn’t as smart as we all thought.

On the other hand, he could be trying to play both sides. Trying to look good with the GOP elite for sticking up for Romney, albeit without an endorsement.

Time will tell what Rubio is up to.

[skeeter]

Don't ever trust a politician. Even those designated as 'the future of the party'.

I haven't trusted Rubio since he got squishy on border enforcement.

[jersey117]

Rubio just took obama to the woodshed in a scathing letter. He’s no rino. He just doesn’t want to see republicans left on the cutting room floor. He doesn’t want four more years of obama’s destruction. What if Gingrich implodes? What if more women come out - ala Herman Cain? Jeff Kuhner is sitting in for Savage right now and though he doesn’t support Romney, he sure is giving a good argument against putting all of our eggs in Newt’s basket.

[C. Edmund Wright]

If it’s true that Romney came to Rubio’s aid against Crist early in the game when Rubio was desperate for big name help - then of course Rubio is going to remember that and be classy about it.

Much as I’d like him to endorse Newt, I have to be realistic given the facts.

[Hotlanta Mike]

If Marco is staking his personal reputation on the fact that Romney is a conservative, he is going to lose Tea Party support.

I was listening to the Rob Johnson Show WGST-640 (Atlanta) this morning and in the 7:00 am hour they had a leader from the Tea Party Patriots here in GA. She said that after the Dede mess in 2010 Newt Gingrich actively sought out meetings with the Tea Party groups around the country to discuss and gain input. Newt had been very active in seeking Tea Party support.

As a result, most Tea Party groups are rallying around Newt. Santorum is less an option because the Tea Party is not currently concerned with social issues like Santorum is focused on.

So Rubio risks alienating the Tea Party like Nikki Haley (SC Gov) just did.

Brutal Gingrich Super PAC ad: Meet the men who gave us ObamaCare

http://hotair.com/archives/2012/01/24/brutal-gingrich-super-pac-ad-meet-the-men-who-gave-us-obamacare/

[ducttape45]

Marco Rubio is wrong. Anyone else beside me glad he’s not in this race after making a statement like that?

[ElPatriota]

...Said Rubio: "Mitt Romney is no Charlie Crist. Romney is a conservative. and he was one of the first national Republican leaders to endorse me. He came to Florida, campaigned hard for me, and made a real difference in my race...

OOOOOooohhh... what does that mean Rubio?... Are you going LEFTY on us?...careful... careful... your future could be greatly affected by how to play this hand

TE PREGUNTO RUBIO... ERES PARTE DEL "ESTABLISHMENT"???? EN QUE LADO ESTAS???? (i ask you, are you part of the establishment? on what side are you on?)

(just kidding :)

[Truthsearcher]

This is no different than Palin endorsing McCain in 2010, you have to pay back personal debts and favors. Romney helped him out in 2010, so Rubio is not going to stab him in the back.

[Mountain Mary]

Yes. Marco is still wet behind the ears. He needs to stay in the Senate, do good things for Conservatives and we’ll look at him again in ‘16.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

... overheard

Mitt: Heeeyyyy Marco!!!

Marco: Who is this?

Mitt: It's your buddy Mitt Romney!!!

Marco: Who?

Mitt: You know, fake hair, liberal governor from MASS, running for President...

Marco: Oh, yea. What can I help you with?

Mitt: Marco, I want you to know YOU are on my short list for VP!

Marco: Really? Wow, two non-natural born citizens on the same ticket. That would be historic!

Mitt: Nah. Obama paved the way for me, just like I paved the way for Obamacare. Anywho, I'm here to help you, help yourself!

Marco: What do you mean?

Mitt: I can put you in that VP seat easily? I just need a small favor.

Marco: [warming] REALLY? You would pick me??

Mitt: I sure might, if you could help me. You see, I had this all planned out. Money, organization, conservative coaches, but that NEWT!!! You know, I'm not really a conservative, but I have to pretend.

Marco: Yea, I can tell. That wooden posture. That lack of conviction. That...

Mitt: Yea, well. I need you to go out there and take the heat off me. Just tell everyone I really am a conservative. The big seat is yours.

Marco: DEAL!!!

[Rational Thought]

Good point.

[G Larry]

Dear Newt,
You’re in front now.
Act like it and go after Obama!
That is your one and only job for the next 9 months!
Defending yourself or attacking Mitt are wastes of time!

[bbernard]

Rubio would be wise to stay out of this fight. He better remember who put him in the Senate and what the establishment told to him.

[SoConPubbie]

Rubio just took obama to the woodshed in a scathing letter. He’s no rino. He just doesn’t want to see republicans left on the cutting room floor. He doesn’t want four more years of obama’s destruction. What if Gingrich implodes? What if more women come out - ala Herman Cain? Jeff Kuhner is sitting in for Savage right now and though he doesn’t support Romney, he sure is giving a good argument against putting all of our eggs in Newt’s basket.

Sorry, don't buy it.

There was nothing wrong with pointing out that Crist's guys were running the show over at Myth Romney's camp, nothing at all. It allows those paying attention to connect the dots.

This was a dumb move on the part of Rubio, and as a result, it will start people second guessing, and rightfully so, Rubio's committment to the conservative cause.

He had already started this degradation of his conservative credentials with his coming out against AZ1070.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

Most everybody here thought rubio was a real conservative.Saying romney is a conservative proves otherwise.What a schmuck.

[Godebert]

"Yes. Marco is still wet behind the ears. He needs to stay in the Senate, do good things for Conservatives and we’ll look at him again in ‘16."

You can look at him all you want, but Rubio is NOT a natural born Citizen.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

BINGO!

[stormhill]

That's like the saying, "don't let the perfect become the enemy of the good."

Even Sarah endorsed Mccain, for crying out loud. We can completely repudiate Romney without damning anyone who says a nice word about him.

[SoConPubbie]

Rubio just took obama to the woodshed in a scathing letter. He’s no rino. He just doesn’t want to see republicans left on the cutting room floor. He doesn’t want four more years of obama’s destruction. What if Gingrich implodes? What if more women come out - ala Herman Cain? Jeff Kuhner is sitting in for Savage right now and though he doesn’t support Romney, he sure is giving a good argument against putting all of our eggs in Newt’s basket.

...Said Rubio: "Mitt Romney is no Charlie Crist. Romney is a conservative. and he was one of the first national Republican leaders to endorse me. He came to Florida, campaigned hard for me, and made a real difference in my race...

Did either of you even bother to read his quote?

He called Mitt Romney a conservative.

[womanvet]

I never understood the fascination with Rubio - sure he is better than Gov. Suntan, but he is not anything special. But, Ok, so Rubio tells us 0Romney is “a conservative.” Why didn’t he finish the sentence? Willard is a conservative what? A conservative Mormon? Is that one who does or does not believe in polygamy and segregation? I forget. A conservative dresser? He has his suits tailored for him, but not by designers? A conservative driver? He tells his chauffeur to drive the speed limit?

[SoConPubbie]

That's like the saying, "don't let the perfect become the enemy of the good."

Bad analogy.

...Said Rubio: "Mitt Romney is no Charlie Crist. Romney is a conservative. and he was one of the first national Republican leaders to endorse me. He came to Florida, campaigned hard for me, and made a real difference in my race...

Rubio is a politician, a sitting Senator. Of all people, he should know the difference between a Moderate and a conservative.

This isn't a mistake on Rubio's part, it is a reflection of his mindset, how he thinks and processes information; basically a look into his political soul.

He flunked the test.

[JRochelle]

Or could it be that Newt is a pretender???

What conservative would advocate cap and trade, shill for Freddie, sit on a couch with Nancy, be for mandates in health care and criticize Clinton while he is himself stupping the help???

Newt is no conservative.

Santorum is the only one left.

[Christie at the beach]

I think Marco is being classy (kinda like Palin to McCain).
Crist is pure sell out material. Romney is a mess though, Crist is lowest of the low.
If Marco, helps the GOP/Romney, he will be done forever in the eyes of the conservative movement so I am hopeful this was that.

[Scooter100]

Oh-oh.....crash and burn, Marco RINO augers in. He who kisses Romney’s A$$, can kiss mine too.

[Venturer]

Looks like we just found out who Marco Rubio is supporting.

Can’t say that I like it, but debts must be paid I guess.

[nurse-rn]

Yes,I am with you. Rubio is for amnesty and has been paling around with Mc Lame. He speaks well when interviewed but we have to watch what they do.

[dforest]

The little Latino Bush protegee speaketh.

For all of you thinking he was a real conservative....he fooled ya.

[Rational Thought]

The point of the post I was referring to was putting all of our eggs in Newt’s basket.

Sorry, but I’m still not convinced that the current Newt isn’t the same one who held Liberal positions and had questionable pals in the recent past. I’m not on the bandwagon....yet.

[Windflier]

"Rubio: "Mitt Romney is no Charlie Crist. Romney is a conservative."

Well, bye.

[stormhill]

Disagree.
Rubio is a politician

Every profession requires a specific protocol. That of a politician involves a measure of diplomacy that we blowhards at FR have no use for.

After the dust settles, there'll be bills to pass, alliances to make and all the elements of being an efective legislator. If you burn all your bridges in one campaign, you will have a short, obscure career indeed.

[Windflier]

Time will tell what Rubio is up to.

How much time do you need to process the statement, "Romney is a conservative."?

[jwalsh07]

Rubio sounds like an honorable guy to me, Romney supported him before it was fashionable and now he is simply telling it as he sees it. Evrybody who does not agree with us can not be a RINO lapdog, can they?

[dforest]

There is nothing classy about a conservative pumping up a RINO establishment candidate.

Maybe folks couild take the time to examine that a person should have a conservative record for a number of years before being crowned King and Queen of Conservatism.

[Sans-Culotte]

We’ve all known Rubio was a RINO when he showed support for illegals. Hell, yes Newt is flushing them out!

[VinL]

“Romney is a conservative.”

******************
No, he is not... no matter how many times Ann Coulter, or Mr. Rubio- or anybody else say he is. If they favor him, or owe him- that’s fine. But, their allegiance does not transmogrify him into a conservative.

He is an opportunist- he’s by his own words a “progressive”- he’s a chamaeleon on plaid....but not a political conservative.

[SoConPubbie]

Newt is no conservative.

Santorum is the only one left.

So somebody who does the following (hat-tip to Patriot08) is a conservative?

Santorum:

Voted AGAINST increasing the number of immigration investigators:
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00201

VOTED AGAINST HIRING AN ADDITIONAL 1,000 BORDER PATROL AGENTS, paid for by reductions in state grants.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00179

VOTED TO GIVE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=105&session=1&vote=00058

Voted to allow illegal immigrants to receive the earned income credit before becoming citizens.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00154

SANTORUM: Trim Social Security now- even if painful.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j7O34Bpp42k-IlMMNiOLBkYF2zNw?docId=b1cff9ecefe24ca6ae1764a09761e361

VOTED AGAINST FOOD STAMP REFORM
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00353

VOTED AGAINST MEDICAID REFORM
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00352

Voted to increase the social services block grant from $1 BILLION to $2 BILLION
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=106&session=1&vote=00302

VOTED TO RAID SOCIAL SECURITY instead of using surpluses to pay down the debt.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=106&session=2&vote=00056

Voted to impose a uniform federal tax mandate on states to force them to allow convicted , rapists, arsonists drug kingpins and all other ex-convicts to vote in federal elections.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00031

[Windflier]

Rubio just took obama to the woodshed in a scathing letter. He’s no rino.

Marco Rubio, US Senator from the state of Florida, just called Mitt Romney a conservative, and went to bat for him in a big way.

You're perfectly fine with that?

[livius]

So why is Rubio assuming Romney is going to win?

I thought Rubio was great and I’m really sorry to see him say something this stupid.

[willk]

Post #29 before the dreaded RINO word? Seriously, the word has lost its
effect. By the way, Mitt was the first to endorse other Tea Party candidates in the last election.

[SoConPubbie]

Sorry, but I’m still not convinced that the current Newt isn’t the same one who held Liberal positions and had questionable pals in the recent past. I’m not on the bandwagon....yet.

I understand and have the same misgivings, however, we are reduced with the current candidate set of really listening hard to what they are saying now and tempering that with their past record.

Furthermore, while I understand and empathize with your point, it has nothing to do with Rubio purposely mis-characterising Romney as a conservative. That was a lie on his part or he has his head buried in the sand.

[Windflier]

If it’s true that Romney came to Rubio’s aid against Crist early in the game when Rubio was desperate for big name help - then of course Rubio is going to remember that and be classy about it.

How very honorable of him, to stick up for the sleaze ball liberal who "came to his aid".

Did it ever occur to you to question why he'd accept help from a big government, establishment tool like Romney in the first place?

[George from New England]

I posted a week ago here, that Romney IS JUST A CHARLIE CRIST.

RINO coming and going.

[jwalsh07]

I can only assume that you would have voted for those amendments offered by democrats while RINO’s like Demint, Sessions, Crapo and most repulicans voted against them. Is that correct?

[SoConPubbie]

Post #29 before the dreaded RINO word? Seriously, the word has lost its effect. By the way, Mitt was the first to endorse other Tea Party candidates in the last election.

So?

Romney has a lifetime history of taking both sides of issues near and dear to conservatives, including last week with his near praise of Obama and his bailouts of the Auto-Industry when he was under fire for his Bain experience and then turning around and ripping Obama for TARP.

Nothing Romney says or does right now will erase is lack of trustworthiness where conservative issues are concerned, nothing.

He does not have a core bone of conservatism in his body.

[stormhill]

You're very sensible, but you miss my sense.

Romney doesn't have to win to make Rubio's present position necessary.
There's no point tilting at the windmills of the Republican establishment; if he intends to make a significant contribution, he must first survive.