Just got an email informing me about this interview...I didn't know who Marco Rubio was until now. I have to say that I am very impressed. He sounds very conservative.

• reply

Awesome interview! As an ardent pro-lifer I especially love how Rubio answered the pro-life questions, right down to his personal openness for life. On the other issues (taxes, gun control, immigration), Rubio was right on! Look to Marco Rubio as THE candidate for Florida's U.S. Sentate seat. I do hope that he moves past the exploratory stage and declares himself an official candidate soon so that I and others can push the campaign for conservative values forward.

• reply

Our party is in dire need of an individual whose candor and genuineness is real, not rehearsed; AND can also articulate core conservative principles to the masses- we may have found our man. He could be the man who brings Hispanics/Latinos back to the Republican Party for a generation- I shall be watching his candidacy with great interest.

• reply

Marco is a great representative for Florida. He has my vote.

• reply

DO YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS A HISPANIC REPUBLICAN RUNNING FOR SENATE WHO IS AGAINST AMNESTY? THAT IS FOR LOW TAXES! STRONG ON DEFENCE?!AND WOULD NOT SUCK UP TO PRESIDENT OBAMA LIKE OUR GOV.CRIST DID!?THIS IS A GOD SENT!!WHERE HAS THIS GUY BEEN?GO MARCO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• reply

ILL TELL YOU WHAT! AFTER WATCHING THIS INTERVIEW WITH MARCO I NOW FEEL A HELL OF A LOT BETTER KNOWING WE,THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL WITH THIS CANIDATE RUBIO!AS A WHITE MALE RIGHT WING CONSERITIVE IM GONNA TELL ALL MY NASCAR BUDDIES TO VOTE FOR THIS MAN!SO MR.RUBIO IF YOUR LISTENING........GET EEEEEEEEERRRRRRR DONE!!!!!!!!!

• reply

Good article; GOP nationally needs to take a page out of this book and nuture a new group of members; God knows we need it. Also, Red County, love the new site.

• reply

Very impressive. Marco Rubio is clearly a conservative. That is what we need - conservatives from all parties upholding our Constitution.

• reply

I'm impressed with Marco Rubio's views and would definitely vote for him if I lived in Florida. Although I vote in VA, I appreciate knowing there are political candidates like Rubio who will be visible to all ethnicities and help make the inclusive ideal of the Republican Party a reality, so thank you Javier for doing this piece. Everyone should share this video so Rubio gets the great attention he deserves.

• reply

Marco Rubio is clearly a candidate who has the best interests of the state of Florida and our great nation as his top priority. He is a major asset to the Republican Party and that shines through in this interview. Thank you, Javier, for giving all of us the opportunity to know more about Rubio and I'm sure we will be seeing a lot more of this rising political star in the months to come.

• reply

This was an excellent interview! I was especially pleased to see Marco Rubio make the federalism case as it pertains to Roe v. Wade and judicial overreach. While I am an ardent pro-lifer, I believe Republicans must make the public at large understand why Roe v. Wade is bad law. Too many leaders in the Republican party are afraid to even approach the topic of life, and it was refreshing to watch Rubio tackle the moral and legal aspects of abortion. My only suggestion would be to include discussion of the conscience law for medical professionals, and how our President is seeking to take that away in his zeal to appease Planned Parenthood. If he succeeds, it will have dire implications for medicine in general, as I believe most good doctors and nurses who believe abortion to be murder will simply leave the profession, rather than be forced to perform them. A good tie-in with that would also be Obama's recklessness in trying to force Catholic hospitals to do the same. Since many service low-income areas, if they choose to shut down, it will hurt "the least among us," to use Obama's own words from his Rick Warren forum last summer. As far as illegal immigration, I will take Rubio at his word for now, but I am not sure what he means by "toning down the rhetoric." I was one of the people melting the switchboards both times during the amnesty fight, and I was highly insulted that President Bush and Senator Lindsey Graham referred to us as "people who don't want to do what's right for America" and "loud, xenophobic people." Bush also referred to the Minute Men as "vigilantes," which also made me angry, as these were private citizens doing the job our govt repeatedly refuses to do. And I was an activist on behalf of Ramos and Compean, whose punishment far exceeded any breach of conduct. These men languished in solitary confinement for way too long, because Johnny Sutton withheld evidence from the jury. Mexican drug lords are not good people, yet the drug lord they shot was rewarded financially, until he was apprehended again crossing the border illegally with drugs! American citizens are rightfully outraged about this stuff. And what of the citizens who live in border towns whose homes are vandalized? Where are their rights? Most Americans are fair-minded when it comes to immigration. We believe in enforcing our existing laws, which unfortunately unscrupulous politicians don't want to do. My grandparents came here legally, learned the language and worked hard, as do most immigrants today. However, they must also play by the rules as this is now a national security issue in the wake of 9/11. Sorry this is so long!

• reply

I have Gone to two meetings where Marco HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO FLY IN ON HIS OWN MONEY TO TALK WITH THE PEOPLE OF HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA. THIS MAN IS THE BEST AND WILL WIN. I WILL CANVIS ALL OVER hernando for him including every golf course in this state that I play. DOWN WITH left wing CHRIST, this man is a socialist as far to the left as you can get.We have to stop all congress men,senators and presidents from taking this country into a communist dictatorship where we are headed right now.We as a nation have to wake up and fast. We must have the dumbest voting public in the world. most all democrats have no clue what they are voting for. Thanks for MARCO RUBIO Bob BUnce

• reply

Great interview!!I learned alot about Rubio that I didnt know before.This guy is RIGHT on!!!!

• reply

Great interview! nice to see (2) great looking hispanic republicans talking about the important issues of day. Good luck Marco!!!

• reply

Manjarres conducted at best what would be called a soft ball interview. Having been involved closely in the attempt to get the immigration bills passed last session anyone who was there, as I was, knows Rubio is not telling the truth. That is a fact. Rubio headed up what I call the gang from Miami, consisting of him Rep. Rivera and Rep. Zapata. The bills in question were not given adequate consideration. The only thing Rubio allowed for the bills was a two hour workshop to receive public input on April 8, 2008. Rep. Rivera and Rep Zapata attended the meeting even though they were not members of the Committee on State Afairs. After testimony was given, both Rivera and Zapata gave speeches and in the cousre of it alluded there was an anti Hispanic atmosphere regarding the people looking to end the illegal alien crisis. The bills died in the Committee on State Affairs on May 2nd, 2008 without a vote. A few of the things the bills that died would have done. 1. It would have mandated E-Verify employment system be put in place which filters out illegal aliens when they apply for a job.....both for Public funds and for private companies. 2. It would have prevented illegal aliens from accessing welfare benefits. 3. It would have provided for local law enforcement to train with ICE and learn how to identify and process criminal illegal aliens. If passed, those laws would already be in effect saying Floridians many, many millions of dollars a month by eliminating the jobs and welfare benefits for illegal aliens. What we have lost in savings is becasue of Rubio blocking the legislation. Rubio was the Speaker of the House. Nothing happened without his approval. Originally he told supporters of the bills he was going to let them go forward but then blocked them. Rubio's position is "Enforce existing laws". His view is exactly what Governor Crist's position is when he says the immigration problem "Is a Federal Problem. What neither says is that with 20 million illegal aliens in the country and growing......the Feds can't keep up with the illegal alien criminal element...... Another thing the two don't mention is the $2 billion a year in the costs of illegal aliens is coming from Florida Taxpayers...... 12 other states have passed immigration control laws and ilelgal aliens are self deporting from those states. They understand the problem is theirs and they have to handle it themselves. A question for Rubio and Crist.... "If you were home in bed and a burglar broke into your house.......would you simply call 911 and go back to bed.....saying it is a police problem? Or would you call 911 and then protect your family?"

• reply

It was a great interview. The questions were asked properly and answered with great knowledge and integrity. I believe that Mr. Rubio is what Florida needs as representation in the United States Senate. We should all look to him as the future of the conservative movement as well as the future of the republican party!

• reply

Javier has shown that he is now a "force to be reckoned with" within Republican circles, just by getting the interview with Marco Rubio. He cannot be marginalized, ignored, or put on the "back burner" any longer, because this effort has proven that he can "run with the BIG dogs"!!

• reply

GREAT INTERVIEW AND IMPRESSIVE DISCUSSION FINALLY A REPUBLICAN WITH A MORE CONSERVATIVE VIEW WILL SUPPORT IF CONTINUES ON A DEFINITE CONSERVATIVE PROGRAM

• reply

Excellent interview! Thank you. Rubio seems straightforward in giving you unequivocal answers consistent with this conservative/libertarian Repub. What I know about his record in the state legislature and family life he seems to be a good candidate for our side. He will be speaker at the May 6th meeting of the Republican Club of Central Palm Beach County at Atlantis CC. All Repubs welcome, no reservation req'd gblumel@bellsouth.net for details. –Geo

• reply

Excellent interview. Both you and Marco came off very well. You did not hold off on respectfully asking the questions that many people had issue with. Marco answered all of your questions in a very straighforward and open manner. During my run for US Congress, I have been privy to many interviews as well as being interviewed many times myself and I can say that this was one of the best interviews that I have seen. I look forward to bumping into Marco on the campaign trail.

• reply

Hats off to both Javier Manjarres and Marco Rubio. This was one of the most effective interviews I have seen. The questions were clear and on target and Mr. Rubio did not hesitate as he gave honest and concise answers. It is time for us to draw a line in the sand and clearly identify the true conservatives amoung us, while we expose the RINO's. I can see where supporting Rubio for US Senate will be an easy decision. My first choice is anybody but Charlie Crist. So having a true conservative option, like Marco Rubio, makes it easy to get involved and help stop the influx of liberalism that has weakened the Republican Party. Javier, keep up the good work. Marco, stay true to your conservative agenda and the citizens of Florida will be greatly blessed.

• reply

Before you get carried away and tingles run the length of your leg, please check out the articles below from last year. The question then becomes: Has Mr. Rubio changed his spots from a year ago to become a true conservative on the despicable cancer of illegal immigration that is eating our country alive? http://www.youtube.com/user/bordercontrolnowcom It's up to Florida Governor Crist now! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YplFZyzBUtQ&feature=channel_page RUBIO "DUPES" FLORIDA CITIZENS & TALLAHASSEE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xIgN51XxD4&feature=related FLORIDA HOUSE SPEAKER RUBIO DEFENDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CylXqXHj8HQ&feature=related Marco Rubio remarks before the Cuban American National Foundation, Cuban Independence Day Luncheon with SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER, BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA. Articles & Blogs on Rubio: http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-114479-rubio.html Americans for Legal Immigration: Fl. House Speaker Conspired to Stop Illegal Immigration Problem. http://www.miamiherald.com/458/story/498835.html Miami-Dade lawmakers stymie immigration bills. Bills targeting illegal immigration have yet to make much headway in the state Legislature. http://www.petitioncrist.com/MarcoRubio.htm http://www.immigrationcontrolflorida.com/ http://www.bridgesacrossamerica.us/ http://theopinionator.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/06/illegal-immigra.html -

• reply

Marco would make a great Senator. He is a fine man of integrity.

• reply

Great Interview Javier....You asked the right questions and Marco Rubio was right on with his answers. I agree with his views and will definately vote for him. Very impressive and just what we need!

• reply

IM SORRY, BUT AFTER WATCHING THIS INTERVIEW IT IS CLEAR THAT MARION THORPE HAS NO CHANCE.NICE GUY BUT CANT WIN,IM GOING WITH A WINNER AND THATS MARCO RUBIO!

• reply

I dont know this guy Marco Rubio but ill vote for him just because he is soooooooooooooo HOT!!!!!!!

• reply

Marco Rubio is a smart man you can tell he does not need a TELEPROMPTER to get his point across!How can I contribute?

• reply

I JUST SAW THE INTERVIEW AND I WENT TO MARCORUBIO.COM AND I DONATED TO HIS CAMPAIGN AND YOU SHOULD ALLSO!THIS MAN CAN TURN THE REP.PARTY AROUND!

• reply

fantastic interview!!! Mr. Rubio comes across as very conservative. That is what our country needs.

• reply

The interview with Marco Rubio was very informative. Javier did not hold back as he went right to the point to ask Marco Rubio the tuff questions, everyone has been wanting answers to. I think Marco explained his point on illegal immigration very well. This goes to show that there is a correct way of approaching the issues. I think it is very easy for some people to make early assumptions without knowing the facts. These people are the type of people that give the Republican Party a bad name. It is important to understand the processes and procedures of our congress our constitution our government and the many checks and balances we have in this country before we go on a witch hunt. Our founding fathers started this country on the rule of law and checks and balances. So we as Republicans need to uphold these same founding principles. I believe Marco is the type of candidate that will uphold these principles.

• reply

Being a person who has actually sat in his office, talked to his top staffers, and was involved in the attempt to get Immigration enforcement bills passed last year I wanted to share my thoughts with you. Absolutely nothing Rubio says is worth the air used to transmit the sound. He has no credibility with me and most others I know. I have listened to him many, many times talk about the importance of the rule of law, discipline, values, integrity and all that nonsense. He doesn't mean any of it. At events and interviews they protect him with softball questions.He is a goomba buddy style politician and that is all he will ever be. What is worse is he is a divisive politician because he and his cohorts such as Rivera, Zapata, Martinez, and that other guy whose name escapes me ( all republicans), see politics through an ethnically tinted lens, and they have made clear where their priorities lie. Don't get angry at me for saying this. It needs to be said. It is a fact. It is well documented. People who know these people know this. If politicians want to do what is right for the people, that is great and what we expect. However if those politicians want to do right by "their" people first and malign, smear, and ridicule other citizens who disagree, that is unacceptable. That sadly is where all the Hispanic politicians seem to be. Again don't get angry at me, it isn't my doing it is theirs. My favorite excuse Rubio uses is the claim that immigration enforcement is the realm of the Federal government. What a convenient half truth and fallacious argument to hide behind. We all know that is utter BS. The Feds cannot be everywhere and NEED the help of the states on this issue. We need 287G in every county in the state. But then in the next sentence he will spout off about the rule of law. Meanwhile he undermines it.Spare me. The same argument could be made that local law enforcement is responsible for enforcing the law and combatting criminals. So, by that argument, if some one breaks into my house, or my neighbor's I should just pick up the phone and wait patiently for the police to show up and do something about it. After all, it is the cops' job not mine. Well , if you were my neighbor and you needed me to act, I would call the police and then I would come to your defense and help protect you and your home. That is my duty as a fellow citizen and neighbor and friend. You must know the story from last year's sham in Tallahassee. Google it or search youtube.Rubio had the power to do the right thing. Instead he used his power, with the aid of his buddy Rivera, to do exactly the opposite. Furthermore it came out that he and the rest of the gang from Miami had conspired well before hand to do exactly that. Do they think our memories are that short? Now I am supposed to believe he will stand in opposition to amnesty? Puhleeez. I don't buy that for a second. Why should I? I know better. Sadly many don't. He will put his concerns for his community first, then he will put the concerns of his financial supporters second ( hospitality, construction, agribusiness) and then he will worry about the other 78% of Florida. Should I stand up and complain I will be called a bigot, anti-hispanic, a racist, a kkkr, an extremist, xenophobe,etc. Never mind the fact that at least 75% of Floridians agree with me. The vast majority of illegals in the state are hispanic/latino, that is just a fact, and it is appalling that that is somehow twisted and used as a weapon against people who are rightful citizens and taxpayers with legitimate concerns. So this whole situation is polarizing and unhealthy. I have nothing against hispanics. But just writing this letter is uncomfortable for me and perhaps for you to read. It is the result of the behaviour of many ethnically based groups and and ethnically biased politicians who work to undermine our laws and communities. When government breaks the law it breeds contempt for the law. I will freely admit that I have been so angered by hispanic politicians over this issue, particularly supposedly conservative ones, that I don't want to vote for any hispanic politicians again. I don't feel I can believe them on the immigration issue. I am sure you have seen Sen Martinez's award video at La Raza. (youtube) So Republican or Democrat...it doesn't seem to matter. Can you name me a single spanish politician who wants to actually enforce the law and deport illegals? Any pounding the table for 287G? A single one? So the support of this guy, along with the support of Greer(?) just illustrates how feckless the Republican party in this state is, and nationally for that matter. I am not a republican, though I vote that way. Just as I gave Allen West a thousand dollar contribution I will do it again next time he runs, because he drips of integrity; but ,I won't give a single cent to the party because of these duplicitous phonies they put up there. But don't worry, Rubio will be Senator, or Governor, maybe President someday and everyone can cheer a mindless cheer. Reading the comments on this guy makes me want to puke. Some of us have followed him, we see how he operates; not just on the immigration issue but other issues. Hell, I might as well vote democrat. They sicken me but I would sleep better; at least I wouldn't be lying to myself. If the Florida Republican party wants my support they need to throw this guy under the bus and make an example of him. That would get my attention.

• reply

Marco and Javier did an excellent job in the interview. It Is very Refresshing to see this new Genaration of Republicans taking a strong position on the core values of the Republican . I am sure that Marco Rubio will have opportunities to lead in this country. We appreciate very much Marco and Javier efforts to keep us inform on this critical time for us Floridians.

• reply

Thank you everyone for the informative and spirited comments. I am relieve to see that no one has made a Ricky Ricardo crack about my appearance. Very funny. I am now going to go shave my head. Thanks.

• reply

great stuff!!!

• reply

I HOPE AND PRAY YOU RUN FOR GOV.OF FLORIDA MARCO!THEN YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT CHANCE IN RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2012!!

• reply

Great interview. Rubio is the man and a real republican. I wish he was Governor now.

• reply

Marco Rubio is the man. He is a real republican and I wish he was Governor now.

• reply

Rubio cleans up well and is a good Orator. But as the poster said above has a horrendous record on immigration. If left up to Rubio he would give the state of Florida to Cuba and work his way up the East coast.

Martinez's record of voting was just as bad...these guys talk a big game and are chrismatic when needed, but when push comes to shove they are beholden to the Latin powers that be and while in a perfect world that might be ok, we just cannot afford the back door wheeling and dealing that goes on in that community.

Miami Dade is known as the most corrupt city in the United States, just why do you think that is? Don't hand your vote over to a guy because he "sounds good in an interview" research his background, and follow the money. I doubt you will like where it leads you. Rubio will in the big picture wont do a things about the enviornment (Big Sugar) largest polluter in Florida owned by Cubans, Who happen to be his largest contributor, wont do a thing about securing Florida's borders (wet-foot dry-foot policy) wont do a thing about transparent government (shoot his friends in the foot) wont do a thing about crime our prisons are imploding from immigrants, so as Rubio talks a big game he is in no position to really do anything.

I have been disappointed in Crist's less than stellar run as Governor, but I will be damned if I am just going to willingly hand my State over to a candidate who would just as soon raise the Cuban flag first than Florida's flag.

• reply

Great post Anonymous! Seems like the majority of individuals here are sold on this guy based upon the fact he is hispanic and this one softball interview  whereby he claims that he is against amnesty.

Well sorry, that's simply is not good enough for me! Politicians have a knack for making claims and then doing exactly the opposite! I want to know what roll he played in the defeat of those  "immigration bills" and why he didn't support such legislation when it came time to put his money were his mouth is!

I'm sick and tired of racial identity politics, which it appears that Rubio may very well have a taste for.

• reply

 DEAR ANONYMOUS, OR MAY I SAY GEORGE? LOL!!  GET A LIFE! WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE OBAMA LIBERAL LOVEN CHARLIE CRIST? WHO CAME OUT AND SAID HE IS FOR AMNESTY?? WAKE UP MY FRIEND!! YOU NEED TO GIVE MARCO A CHANCE! GO TO WWW.MARCORUBIO.COM AND DONATE GOV.CRIST OUT!! AND VOTE FOR A TRUE REPUBLICAN!! GO!! MARCO GO!!!

• reply

    CRIST = RINO   RUBIO=REAGAN!!   GO MARCO GO!!

• reply