Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
It's been announced this afternoon that Senator Marco Rubio will be delivering the GOP response to President Obama's State of the Union address next week (in English and in Spanish, no less).
The task is a thankless one (just ask Bobby Jindal). It's hard to seem relevant staring into a camera in a quiet room (or even using an audience, as Bob McDonnell did a few years ago) when you're following the President of the United States speaking from the well of the House. The person chosen to give the response is inevitably Joni Mitchell being asked to follow Led Zeppelin.
Still, Rubio has repeatedly been sold as the GOP's most articulate figure in high office, so if anyone can make hay of this it should be him.
If you were helping to craft the message for Rubio in this context -- representing a party that's just suffered a severe electoral setback and is hoping to get back in America's good graces -- what would you encourage him to say?
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May '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
For starters, do it like Bob McDonnell and speak to a live audience.
Even better would be a town hall style format where audience members could ask Rubio about things Obama said. A conversational format would be a wonderful contrast to Obama's mind-numbing sermonizing.
But the networks would probably balk at this.
Apr '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Use Joe Pesci's opening remarks from the trial in My Cousin Vinny. "Everything this guy just said is bulls***t". Then smile into the camera and say good night.
Aug '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Opening line:
"You've got buyer's remorse, haven't you?"
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Go point by point exposing how Obama is wrong, misleading, or flat-out lying. Back it up with facts, throw in a sentimental anecdote or two, then give the Conservative alternative. DO NOT compliment Obama in any way whatsoever (we don't want to see a repeat of Rubio's performance at the Hillary Clinton Libya hearing). Stick to the issues, be personable, be bold, and above all be unapologetic.
Mar '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Do not respond to the President. The President is old news.
Instead, give us a big, bold, forward looking, ribbon-cutting, Grand Re-Opening of the GOP speech. Golden streets, silver clouds, milk and honey... the whole bit.
And remember, there is a 100% chance the State of the Union will be long and boring. Don't Be Boring!
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Start speaking, then jump out of the way of an attacking drone with a Hope and Change sticker on it.
Jan '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Why not use some visuals as well? Pictures are worth a thousand words and we're now trying to appeal to the 'low information voter'.
May '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Obama will spend minimial time mentioning debt/unemployment. Yet these are the issues voters say they care about most.
Rubio should point this out from the very beginning and keep hammering the point. Obama doesn't care about the things you care about.
Sep '12
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Be sure to mention the fact that conservative states are thriving and blue states are dying.
Mar '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
WI Con
Why not use some visuals as well? Pictures are worth a thousand words and we're now trying to appeal to the 'low information voter'. · 0 minutes ago
Dear Conservatives,
Please stop trying to inform everybody. Information is boring. Boring loses.
Inspiration wins.
Sincerely,
Sick Of Losing In America
May '10
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Viva la Reagan Revolucion!
Mar '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Ningrim: Obama will spend minimial time mentioning debt/unemployment. Yet these are the issues voters say they care about most.
Rubio should point this out from the very beginning and keep hammering the point. Obama doesn't care about the things you care about. · 3 minutes ago
No issues! No Obama!
Mar '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Nobody cares about states.
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
What's he going to talk about when he starts speaking spanish - the importance of assimilation?
Good grief.
Sep '10
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Talk about Beyonce and the Super Bowl show.
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Casey
Dear Conservatives,
Please stop trying to inform everybody. Information is boring. Boring loses.
Inspiration wins.
Sincerely,
Sick Of Losing In America · 5 minutes ago
You might be right. But decimating someone with facts, if it's done well and passionately and arched in inspirational tones can be very, very powerful. I don't necessarily mean "inform." I mean counter, destroy his points, his "bragging rights" and fill in the gaps left with inspirational principles of limited government and free market. And yes, throw in some stories to inspire. but if he came out and just make a generalized speech, he'd be ripped to shreds as not wanting to "deal with the issues the president set forth." Now, of course, if Obama doesn't say much, then Rubio will have a lot more room to go general. Ultimately, Rubio has to do what is true to himself or it will come off badly. He's a lawyer at heart, so I think that kind of presentation is where he is comfortable.
Edited on February 6, 2013 at 11:16pmMar '11
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Denise McAllister
Casey
Dear Conservatives,
Please stop trying to inform everybody. Information is boring. Boring loses.
Inspiration wins.
Sincerely,
Sick Of Losing In America · 5 minutes ago
You might be right. But decimating someone with facts, if it's done well and passionate and arched in inspirational tones can be very, very powerful.
In a debate watched by informed people - Yes.
But this isn't a debate between Rubio and Obama. The State of the Union is a garbage speech. A list of nonsense that nobody remembers. A response of facts and figures will be equally forgotten.
What will be remembered is the tone. Obama gave a boring speech about blah and Republicans didn't like it. Nothing new here. Nothing to see.
But follow his boring speech with a 5 minute, big themed, jazzy rah rah and people will remember feeling all tingly when they saw Rubio.
Tingly wins elections.
Sep '10
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
Casey
Denise McAllister
Casey
Dear Conservatives,
Please stop trying to inform everybody. Information is boring. Boring loses.
Inspiration wins.
Sincerely,
Sick Of Losing In America · 5 minutes ago
You might be right. But decimating someone with facts, if it's done well and passionate and arched in inspirational tones can be very, very powerful.
In a debate watched by informed people - Yes.
But this isn't a debate between Rubio and Obama. The State of the Union is a garbage speech. A list of nonsense that nobody remembers. A response of facts and figures will be equally forgotten.
What will be remembered is the tone. Obama gave a boring speech about blah and Republicans didn't like it. Nothing new here. Nothing to see.
But follow his boring speech with a 5 minute, big themed, jazzy rah rah and people will remember feeling all tingly when they saw Rubio.
Tingly wins elections. · 5 minutes ago
Perhaps the Repubs should just hire Beyonce for their response and not even try to get any message across. And when she finishes have her gesture to an empty chair.
Oct '10
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
"President Obama, j'accuse! While you talk of white men's toys like windmills and solar cells, black kids in Chicago are being gunned down in record numbers. While you protect the unions that support bad teachers, generations of black and hispanic children are having their futures stolen to protect donations to the Democratic party. While communities are rotting from long-term unemployment in Chicago, Detroit, New York and other one-party cities, you spend more time raising money to keep corrupt local politicians in office than working to let the economy get back to work.
Mr President, you could have been a symbol of hope. Instead you have treated your office like the personal spoils of a cynical game of power.
Mr President, you have failed your country, your office and yourself. Good night. And may God have mercy on us all."
Sep '10
Re: Putting Words in Marco Rubio's Mouth
I'd like to see Rubio appear as he packs away a Glock in his shoulder holster and says to the camera:
"Yes, I conceal carry. Do you blame me?"
And then maybe deliver an entire speech in Latin.