In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper on State of the Union, Marco Rubio for the first time sat down and discussed the flaws of his presidential campaign and his position on Trump.
Rubio highlighted what he believed to be key points in his campaign. One major issue he emphasized was his lack of a political base, so he had to rely almost exclusively on private funding. This forced him to focus on receiving donations instead of campaigning in early voting states.
Rubio pointed to the debate before New Hampshire, where Chris Christie attacked his use of sound bites, as a major turning point. Rubio admitted to “walking right into that trap.” He went on to say that if he could have come in second in New Hampshire the momentum of his campaign would have continued and he believes he could have gone on to win South Carolina.
One moment that Rubio sincerely regrets is mocking the size of Trump’s hands during a Republican debate. Rubio later explained that he not only publicly apologized, but also privately apologized to Trump, for his actions saying “It’s not who I am and I shouldn’t have done it.”
Rubio is sticking with the pledge he made as a candidate during the primary season and supporting Trump in the general election. He even offered to speak for Trump at the convention, as he knows full support for Trump is the only way to stop frontrunner Clinton.
“Despite all my differences with Donald Trump, I have a better chance to get a conservative-nominated Supreme Court with him than I ever will with Hillary Clinton,” Rubio said.
Rubio has been criticized for a collection of Tweets he posted on Friday that indicate his support for Trump is too focused on him being the better option to Hillary, but still not a good option.
In Florida only 2 legitimate candidates on ballot in Nov. I wont vote for Clinton & I after years of asking people to vote I wont abstain.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 27, 2016
If you can live with a Clinton presidency for 4 years thats your right. I cant and will do what I can to prevent it.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 27, 2016
I ran against him. Remember? I tried. https://t.co/5oVaTZhhS7
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 27, 2016
Rubio is not seeking re-election for his Florida senate seat and is uncertain about his political future. He is not ruling anything out and is looking at options in both the private and public sector.
Featured Image via Flickr/Gage Skidmore
