Cruz vs Rubio

[Bayouboy]

One is a younger Miami Cuban that is really good at flashing plastic. And, the other is a Texas Cuban

I have seen neither's cigar rolling skills. Maybe they should have a rolloff on the next debate.

[Neck]

I don't think there is much difference between them policy wise. The biggest knock (from the right) on Rubio is his unfortunate involvement with "The Gang of Eight" a few years ago. This was a group of senators pushing immigration reform including a path to citizenship of illegals. It wasn't too long before he realized he was being played by the democrats and he quit the group and reversed course. He talks very solidly now on border security and other immigration issues. However some don't believe his conversion or think he did so for political reasons. Some on the right are now saying say he is a so-called "establishment Republican". If so, he is the most conservative member of the establishment ever - by a long shot. Go to his website and read his basic principles - certainly does not sound like a squish to me.

I disagree because that makes it sound like his involvement with the gang of eight was by accident. He flat out lied to the people of Florida on what he said he was going to do if they elected him Senator. Said one thing then did another.

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2013/04/did-marco-rubio-break-his-promises-to-florida-voters.php

[deerplanter]

I don't think there is much difference between them policy wise. The biggest knock (from the right) on Rubio is his unfortunate involvement with "The Gang of Eight" a few years ago. This was a group of senators pushing immigration reform including a path to citizenship of illegals. It wasn't too long before he realized he was being played by the democrats and he quit the group and reversed course. He talks very solidly now on border security and other immigration issues. However some don't believe his conversion or think he did so for political reasons. Some on the right are now saying say he is a so-called "establishment Republican". If so, he is the most conservative member of the establishment ever - by a long shot. Go to his website and read his basic principles - certainly does not sound like a squish to me.

Ted Cruz is a pure movement conservative. By movement conservative I mean small government, personal liberty and strict constitutionalism. He is the first politician in a long time who when he says he will do something - or try to do it - I believe him. He does not give a flying flip about playing the game in Washington of bowing to kiss the ring of the old-line republicans. This has endeared him to tea party types but also made him many enemies in the McCain/O'Connell/Bohner wing of the party.

I like both candidates. The biggest difference may be in electability based on demeanor and charisma. (which are very subjective, of course) As much as I like Cruz I can see how his demeanor and rhetorical style is off-putting to some, even to some who agree with him. I think Rubio has more potential to sway those in the middle who don't follow politics closely and don't have a deeply imbedded philosophy regarding what makes a good president.
If I could snap my fingers and make it happen I would go for Cruz. However I will be perfectly happy with either in the general election and I have the gut feeling Rubio would have a better chance of beating Hilary.

I was actually typing up a similar reply myself but deleted it. I feel Cruz would most likely be the best conservative but Rubio is the most electable in the general election.

[Shane]

All of the above is true.

Rubio's biggest weakness is his support for amnesty for illegals. He says he doesn't support "amnesty". He says he is for a "path to citizenship" for illegals. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. He's for amnesty, and he joined with the Democrats to try to get it passed (Gang of Eight). Aside from that, Rubio's record is pretty good.

Cruz has the best conservative track record across the board. If you want someone who will be looking for ways to compromise and cut deals with the Democrats, then Cruz isn't your guy. Rubio probably wouldn't do that as much as Trump or Bush or some of the other establishment guys would, but his record shows that he will more than Cruz. I don't want any more compromise with the Democrats. It's time for them to start caving to conservative ideals for a change.

[Shane]

Man, I thought I had it all figured out. Can Cruze get elected? Crap we need a conservative the the big house. I guess it is not all that easy.

I will vote for Cruze and let the good Lord sort it out.

Hey we might even get a real shuttle at the JSC

I don't think we need to nominate a slightly-more-conservative-than-the-average-Democrat candidate again, just because the media will say he's more "electable". We can't take much more big government establishment damage, regardless of what letter the politician has after his name. It's time for the nation to choose. Do we want to go ahead and go headlong into socialism, or do we want to work toward restoring the republic that our nation was when it was founded? I vote for the latter. We'll see how the nation votes.

As soon as the primaries and conventions are over and each party has a single nominee, the media will go full force into painting the Republican, whoever he is, as a right-wing extremist that is unelectable. The candidate that the media screams about the most in the primary is likely to be the candidate that is best for the country. They try to talk us into voting for a moderate, just in case they aren't able to convince the nation to vote for the Democrat in the general election.

[txstringbender]

It's a tough choice. I'm a Cruz guy. The only thing I have against Rubio is it appeared he rolled over on the whole immigration thing a couple years ago. Other than that I think he would be a good prez but I think Cruz would be better.

[DEADEYE1]

Voting

Cruz all the way he does what he says he's going to do. Rubio was on Hannity 1 day and they were talking about the planned parent hood funding and he said he would not back the vote. I heard the next day on the radio he did not even show up!!!!! take that for what its worth!!!!!

[Marsh Rat]

I don't think there is much difference between them policy wise. The biggest knock (from the right) on Rubio is his unfortunate involvement with "The Gang of Eight" a few years ago. This was a group of senators pushing immigration reform including a path to citizenship of illegals. It wasn't too long before he realized he was being played by the democrats and he quit the group and reversed course. He talks very solidly now on border security and other immigration issues. However some don't believe his conversion or think he did so for political reasons. Some on the right are now saying say he is a so-called "establishment Republican". If so, he is the most conservative member of the establishment ever - by a long shot. Go to his website and read his basic principles - certainly does not sound like a squish to me.

Ted Cruz is a pure movement conservative. By movement conservative I mean small government, personal liberty and strict constitutionalism. He is the first politician in a long time who when he says he will do something - or try to do it - I believe him. He does not give a flying flip about playing the game in Washington of bowing to kiss the ring of the old-line republicans. This has endeared him to tea party types but also made him many enemies in the McCain/O'Connell/Bohner wing of the party.

I like both candidates. The biggest difference may be in electability based on demeanor and charisma. (which are very subjective, of course) As much as I like Cruz I can see how his demeanor and rhetorical style is off-putting to some, even to some who agree with him. I think Rubio has more potential to sway those in the middle who don't follow politics closely and don't have a deeply imbedded philosophy regarding what makes a good president.
If I could snap my fingers and make it happen I would go for Cruz. However I will be perfectly happy with either in the general election and I have the gut feeling Rubio would have a better chance of beating Hilary.

My thoughts EXACTLY!!!!

[Raleigh]

Excellent guys
You did in 30 minutes what the media couldn't do in 6 months.

I want my Shuttle!

[hot_rod_eddie]

Both are good, bottom line is I believe Rubio may be better able to form a consensus and get something done. Cruz is a good man but may not be as effective in consensus. Of course if you are it is my way or the highway, Cruz is your guy.

I agree with most people on the Cruz v Rubio debate. This is what is boils down to for me. I like Cruz, but think Rubio will be able to get more stuff done because not as many people hate him.

[Shane]

If government is doing the wrong thing, how is "getting something done" a good thing? I'd rather see government doing nothing than to see government doing the wrong things.

[HeyMikey]

Rubio has already proven that he's a pro-amnesty sell-out (Gang of 8), and will lie to you, whenever it fits his purpose.

Cruz is a true conservative, who's never backed down from what he said he would do, when he got to Washington?

Cruz all the way!

[Ironman]

If government is doing the wrong thing, how is "getting something done" a good thing? I'd rather see government doing nothing than to see government doing the wrong things.

Exactly!! We need someone who will "undo" what was allowed to "get done".

[elkaholic9292]

I agree with most people on the Cruz v Rubio debate. This is what is boils down to for me. I like Cruz, but think Rubio will be able to get more stuff done because not as many people hate him.

That's what people said about Obama, and he hasn't had any trouble pushing his agendas through. Besides, I'm tired of hearing about Rubio's grandparents, we get it...they came here from Cuba on a hope and a praye.....ZZZZZ!

[Clay C]

I agree with most people on the Cruz v Rubio debate. This is what is boils down to for me. I like Cruz, but think Rubio will be able to get more stuff done because not as many people hate him.

Everything the government has got done in the last century has been to increase the size and power of itself. I would like someone to put a stop to that.