DORAL, Fla. – In the sweltering South Florida heat of Doral on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio matched former President Donald Trump’s fiery rhetoric ahead of the Republican’s big speech that night, targeting President Joe Biden’s stamina.
“They’re watching it in Iran — They’re saying that guy’s the President? That guy? We’re going to invade tomorrow. That’s what I would do, they’re thinking. That’s the danger that we’re in,” Rubio (R-Fla.) said.
Once known for his distaste for boisterous politicians, Rubio now finds himself emulating one as the sweepstakes reach their final days, with the senior senator on Trump’s shortlist for vice president.
“I think they believe I’m going to announce Marco as my VP — that’s a lot of press. That’s a lot of press,” Trump said.
Rubio is reportedly in the running alongside fellow Floridian Congressman Byron Donalds, Ohio’s U.S. Senator JD Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and others.
Despite this, Rubio told CNN this week he had no updates.
“What’s the latest that you have heard? Any meetings, any conversations?” a CNN reporter asked Rubio during an interview this week.
“Like I would tell you on television today— Look, I’ve heard nothing. I know nothing. You probably know more than I do. Donald Trump has a decision to make. He’ll make it when he needs to make it. He’ll make a good decision,” Rubio said.
The idea of a Rubio VP nomination seemed impossible back in 2016 when he ran for the White House and Trump was starting to sweep the field.
“If he builds the wall the way he builds Trump Tower, he’ll be using illegal immigrant labor to do it,” Rubio quipped during a 2016 debate.
Since then, Rubio has become a Trump ally, supporting a mass deportation policy he once called unrealistic and recently voting against military aid to Ukraine despite urging support for the beleaguered nation during the 2014 conflict with Russia.
Rubio’s VP prospects have garnered support from some in the Florida Congressional delegation, but opinions among Trump voters are mixed.
“Trump is a businessman. He needs a partner — a number two,” said Miami resident Blas Garcia.
“I’m more of a Gen. Flynn girl,” said another voter.
Democrats have ramped up their rhetoric against Rubio, with Nikki Fried saying in a Tuesday press conference, “If he decides to run for Vice President of the United States — you know what the number one issue is? He will once again abandon the people of the state.”
Whether a Trump-Rubio ticket materializes remains to be seen, with the decision ultimately resting with Trump. America may find out his thinking very soon.