Rubio's Nixon moment
Here's an op-ed on CNN from a conservative Latino, asking Marco Rubio to do a Nixon-in-China and call out the Republican Party about immigration. For reasons known only to the author, he does so by quoting Spock, who apparently mentioned Nixon going to China in Star Trek VI. Does this make the argument more logical?
Anyway, he laments that Ileana Ros-Lehtinen can't join the ticket as VP, so the op-ed is essentially an exercise in damning with faint praise. Rubio is no Ros-Lehtinen, but at least he could do some good if he weren't so soft.
Rubio is referred to as the Michael Jordan of politics. But you don't score points sitting on the bench, basking in the approbation of the hard right, oblivious to the crowd of could-be supporters in the bleachers behind you, unable to muster, even, a faint cheer for your positions on what really matters to them.
You score points by leading. And that is where Rubio seems to fail -- so far. Rubio's "China" is immigration; by shirking this issue and standing fast to supporters who will brook no compromise, he demonstrates cowardice.
Marco Rubio has a tremendous chance to journey to "China" in the face of the volatile backlash that such a journey would provoke from the far right. He has the chance to delve into an issue with no easy answers -- with the smarts, mettle and energy that he surely possesses, the same way Ros-Lehtinen approaches her own public service.
It's not a particularly well-argued piece, but the main point is worth noting. Conservative Latinos are staying quiet. If Rubio were chosen for the ticket, would he say anything, especially given the positions of the eventual nominee?
3 comments:
George Romney fought against extremism, George condemned and despised racists. A letter in which George Romney scolds Barry Goldwater after the epic FAIL of the 1964 Presidential Campaign.
George scolds Barry Goldwater for opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, for sympathy and understanding with Segregationists, Racists, and Ku Klux Klan.
Daily Kos
Mitt’s choice: Goldwater or his Father
By Dengre
February 15, 2012
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/15/1065004/-Mitt-s-choice-Goldwater-or-his-Father-
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HuffPost : Mitt Romney Criticizes Sotomayor While Seeking Votes In Puerto Rico -
Mitt Romney is his worst enemy in the electoral campaign - The Obama Campaign should uncork champagne to celebrate Romney's lack of tact and soberness :
" "Tact" is "Acute sensitivity to what is proper and appropriate in dealing with others, including the ability to speak or act without offending." ( From the "Free Dictionary" )
"Soberness" is:
"4. Devoid of frivolity, excess, exaggeration, or speculative imagination; straightforward: gave a sober assessment of the situation.
5. Marked by seriousness, gravity, or solemnity of conduct or character. See Synonyms at serious.
6. Marked by circumspection and self-restraint."
This was also taken from the "Free Dictionary"( my favorite ! )
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/16/mitt-romney-sotomayor-puerto-rico_n_1354232.html
Anything can happen, but I think it's unlikely Rubio will change his positions on comprehensive immigration reform or DREAM Act in the near future--especially if he gets the VP nod. Romney's the most likely candidate and he's been too hard on immigration to move back to the center in the general election campaign. Rubio changing position once VP candidate in that scenario wouldn't make much sense (though, of course, anything can happen).
What I do think we'll see more of is Rubio calling for softer and more respectful language when discussing illegal immigration. I'm not sure delivering a softer message with the same content will resonate with most Latino voters, who overwhelmingly and often passionately support immigration reform and the DREAM Act, but it surely wouldn't hurt Republican efforts to reach out.
I didn't get the Spock reference either, by the way.
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