Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio were the Republican establishment’s choices for the 2016 presidential nomination. They did not anticipate a ‘wild card’ in the form of Donald Trump. Bush quickly offered proof that he would be a carbon copy and institute the failed policies of his older brother; he was never considered a serious contender, although he spent tens of millions of dollars.

Marco Rubio moved into third place, behind Ted Cruz and Donald Trump. Each Republican ‘debate’ became a sequel of the last. Little attention was given to the issues. Professional and personal attacks dominated the evenings. Rubio attempted to join in the mix, but failed to have the ability to ‘think on his feet.’

When the Iowa Caucus arrived, Rubio finished in third place. Described by many as ‘acting in a foolish manner,’ he ‘celebrated’ a victory. Really? He would have been much wiser to display a small amount of anger, and discuss domestic issues while promising that he would work harder to take his message to the people.

Much of Rubio’s failings have been connected to his lack of a work ethic. Not only was he criticized for missing 40 percent of votes in the Senate, he was accused of not working hard enough on the campaign trail.

The end of Rubio’s campaign occurred a couple of weeks ago. Under the ‘guidance’ of Republican leadership, he attempted to ‘play Trump’s game.’ His attacks on Trump lacked specificity, and his personal attacks were embarrassing. His mention of Trump’s skin color, and the size of his hands was childish at best.

Rubio lacked charisma and failed to offer voters solutions to our nation’s problems. All Republican campaigns became about winning the nomination, while ignoring the people and their needs.

As the Florida Republican primary approached, it was obvious that Rubio was nearing the end of his campaign. The polls revealed that he was trailing Trump by nearly 20 points in his home state. When a rally in Hialeah witnessed a crowd estimated at a ‘couple of hundred,’ in a stadium which held thousands, the writing was on the wall.

Last night he ended his campaign after losing Florida by the poll’s predicted margin.

The Republican Party, the TEA Party, Rubio’s campaign staff, all failed the young and soon-to-be former Senator. But the ultimate blame must rest on the shoulders of Rubio. He simply lacked the type of intellect to compete on the unforgiving stage of American politics.

Trump is a ‘carnival barker,’ and nothing more. But he is succeeding in raising the emotions of his supporters.

Ted Cruz must realize that his fate will soon follow the course of Marco Rubio. He is a failed Senator whose ambitions far exceed his talents and abilities.

Within the next month, Trump will likely obtain the 1,237 delegates needed to won the Republican nomination. The only question is; will Republican establishment allow him to receive the ‘people’s mandate?’

I hadn’t decided whether or not to watch the Republican Convention in July; now I won’t miss it. With a little help from one of the GOP’s owners, the NRA, it could become a bloodbath.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey

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