OPINION:
As pundits and politicos of the “progressive” persuasion weigh in with adept analysis and thought-provoking critiques of Republican presidential hopefuls, I preface my remarks with those of Jennifer Harper, whose April 14 “Inside the Beltway” column included a brief titled “The anti-Rubio media get to work.” The piece brought a curmudgeonly smile to my phizog.
Ms. Harper reports MSNBC talking heads labeling Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Republican, a “coconut” and a “pretty boy,” and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz pronouncing him “a flat-Earth society worshipper” and a “prune.” If I had been on the fence about Mr. Rubio’s qualifications and fitness for the presidency, the concise and compelling assessments proffered by these doyens of press and politics would have effectively pushed me off said fence. I am now completely convinced that Mr. Rubio would make an admirable president, with a significant array of tools with which to follow the trail blazed by another young senator, one Barack Obama.
That the likes of MSNBC and Mrs. Wasserman Schultz find it necessary to pillory Mr. Rubio is high praise in my book and reveals a deep-set fear — for that is the only thing that could produce such defensive twaddle. Further, when I ponder Hillary Clinton’s propensity for subterfuge and misprision, I cringe at the prospect of presidential powers at her disposal. Mrs. Clinton has precious little to recommend her, and Mr. Rubio is a bright and more than worthy opponent (his curious penchant for sipping water notwithstanding).
JOHN DANIEL
Leonardtown, Maryland
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