(CNN) - Florida Sen. Marco Rubio on Saturday accused the president of failed leadership during the weekly Republican address as political attention turns to his home state leading up to its primary.
Rubio, who is popular among the GOP presidential contenders, focused on the president's State of the Union address.
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"This president didn't talk about his record for one simple reason; he doesn't want you to know about it," Rubio said, referring to President Barack Obama's address to Congress Tuesday. "But you do know about it, because you feel the failure of his leadership every single day of your life."
Rubio predicted Obama would use politics of division in the upcoming election year to secure his own re-election.
"He tells Americans worried about their jobs that the way to help them is to raise their bosses' taxes, Rubio said. "He tells those who are hurting that the only way they can be better off, is for others to be worse off. He tells all of us that the only way for some of us to climb up the economic ladder is for others to be pulled down."
"This divisive rhetoric, this effort to gain political support by convincing some that they will be better off if we punish others, this stuff has never worked anywhere it's been tried," Rubio added.
Rubio's address comes as political attention turns to his home state Florida, which holds its primary Tuesday. Candidates competing for the GOP nomination have criss-crossed the state over the past week, establishing their positions on issues important to Florida voters, such as immigration, housing and the future of the U.S. space program.
Despite consistently saying he doesn't harbor any vice presidential aspirations, buzz has surrounded Rubio as a potential running mate for months. Political observers have said Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, could help any candidate draw in Latino voters.
In his address Saturday, Rubio alluded to his upbringing, saying his success was linked to America's system of free enterprise.
"No economic system is perfect," Rubio said. "But the American free enterprise system has empowered millions of people in the past. I know, because I saw it with my own eyes. My father was a bartender. And I thank God every night that there was someone willing to risk their money to build a hotel on Miami Beach and later in Las Vegas where he could work."
Rubio has not endorsed a candidate, and his spokesman said he remained "neutral."
That hasn't stopped GOP candidates from singing his praises. At a CNN debate Thursday, candidates were asked which Hispanic politician they would consider appointing to their Cabinets. Rubio's name was the first mentioned.
"I mean I hate to throw one to Florida, but obviously your Sen. Marco Rubio is a pretty impressive guy," former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum said.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was even more effusive.
"I actually thought about Marco Rubio on a slightly more dignified and central role, than being in the Cabinet, but that's another conversation," Gingrich said.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, answering third, also commended Rubio.
"Of course, Sen. Marco Rubio is a terrific Hispanic-American," Romney said.
Also see:
Romney: Gingrich debates complaints like 'Goldilocks'
From CNN Politics
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It's a shame the apple doesn't fall far a way from the tree
Rubio, the little man that lied to the voters about his parents rebuts the President? The GOP are nothing but a pack of liars.
I'm pretty sure the President mentioned his "record" during his speech, so it's kinda bizarre that Rubio would lie and say otherwise. On the other hand, Rubio has been lying about his family history for years, so this is not really surprising. Being an accomplished liar is now a job requirement for the GOBP deathcult.
Omg! STFU Rubio. You're a liar and just became a Senator so relax and behave like a junior you really are. None of the republican candidates will want you as a VP so just STOP.
And GOP's favorite son, Herr Rubio has arrived in his brown shirt!
This guy is an idiott
Rubio is a shining star of the GOP and is exactly right regarding his comments on Obama, The Great Divider in Chief!
i guess rubio has learned well, do not tell the actual truth. potus did cite his record from the very beginning. what he did not do is blame rubio and his gop co-horts for blocking everything he wanted to do. dispite their failure the economy is on the right track. this is not the time for conservative leadership.not that any time is good for them but until we bring this country all the way back from the cliff they held us over we must stay the course.remember, from day one they wanted failure ,not just for this president but all of us. i call it treason at the very least they all should be fired.
How can any Latino support the republican party that wants to slash your mom and dads soc sec Medicare medicade and food stamps and deport your families. All teapublicans need to be kicked out of office in fl. And across the USA!!!!
I told long time ago, this idiot does not have any brain. what an idiot. well, Latinos are fully aware of it that this jerk is using to grab their votes. Were they educated, they would know how this idiot plays drama. Check his immigration first. God bless.
Rubio is not the brightest senator, so be patient with him. It is the wealthy republicans and right wingnuts who are envious of those who have social security and medicare benefits, veteran's benefits, a decent job with good pay, pensions, and, of course, the middle class. Why else would republicans attack these people on a daily basis?
Silly rabbit. He's right. The average republican must think that multi-millionaires and billionaires having to pay their fair share of taxes will result in them being "worse off". Maybe, the GOP establishment doesn't know the avverage income of the average republican?? Maybe, the GOP establishment doesn't know that those peons actually vote?? Maybe, those peons will wisen up and see that the GOP establishment is all about fooling the average republican into thinking the establishment is looking out for them?? in the meantime, average republicans busting hump to make $50K a year will continue to pay 25% tax while the elite who golf/vacation all year pay less than 15% on millions IN PROFITS!!
Dubious said that Obama is taking away the free market system which made America great by taxing the rich. I have to ask, where in American history have the rich payed such low taxes and we we were successful. Lesson Mr dubious, you need to get off ideology and get on practicality. This country is 75 percent economy driven. If you keep cutting middle class spending power and give to the rich, what do you expect to happen? The share holders will not hesitate a second to skip to China with American jobs as soon as demand dips. Obama is focussing on small businesses by allowing the spenders in our economy to have money so that small businesses can expand and hire more spenders. We cannot afford to weeken our spending base and expect to compete with China and India for American jobs, hell! We are trying to get their jobs.
Just say no to everything and do nothing then blame the president for everything.
Let's see – "failed leadership," "class warfare." Any other phony buzzwords the tiny minds can understand Marco?
Everything has to be reduced to a bumper sticker – no more tan three words. That's why the Republicans are unable to articulate (look it up!) anything substantive. It's too long so go on a 2X12 piece of adhesive backed vinyl.
Yah, the "free enterprise" system worked real well up until now right? Come on.
Why do Republicans hate America?
Marco Rubio needs to support Ron Paul, who is the only candidate to beat Obama. Obama 's b.s. can be countered by Ron Paul 's substance and intelligence. Others ,like Gingrich, Romney , Santorum are not even in the same league as Obama and will lose. If the Republican Party continues to support and elects one of the clowns they will lose to Obama with ridicule-it will not even be a contest. Obama is a master of b.s. and Gingrich,Romney or Santorum with their b.s. will look silly.
Rubio don't forget the Floridians tax payers Credit card that you'he used to fix your mom car. You are very deshonest
You know, I'm sick of this "failed leadership" accusation over and over again from a party that has no ideas other than to make sure the president fails. President Obama comes up with the ideas, and they get shot down by every Republican on the hill, including Rubio, through every legal maneuver available, especially in the Senate. Where are the ideas, guys? Where are the jobs bills? Tax cuts is not a jobs bill, it's a proven failed theory. We've been trickled on enough. We pay these folks a lot of money to govern, and they do nothing but accuse, obstruct, delay, and throw childish temper tantrums. We're not getting our money's worth.
“He tells all of us that the only way for some of us to climb up the economic ladder is for others to be pulled down." Marco Rubio Ridiculous
As a success full small business owner that comment is Ridiculous
There are no money circulation , right now money stays in one place that wont speed up the economy
Who the hell is Rubio? He is made out to be the next coming because he is a well-spoken Latino?
When will his term be up? I hope the people from Florida get this joker out of office!
What made this country great was free enterprise, not big government programs of which now has brought us a 15-5 trillion dollar debt. Marco Rubio get's it. But the liberals still think they are doing something great by expanding government. 47 Million on Food Stamps says something different.
When the campaign leaves Florida, so will they leave Rubio except to bring his name up when they hit their next heavy populated Hispanic States. Rubio has been drinking the GOP kool-aid which is ok, but to become VP at this time is a joke especially on a GOP ticket that will set history for losing in both the Senate and the Congress. It is better to sit back and let the current establishment GOP takes its final licking before rebuilding around a new modern thinking Republican base.
Looks like Rubio is just another little putz trying to further the right-wing lie that Obama is a failed leader ... to be called a failed leader by low-life Republicans is actually an honor. Their constant barrage of outright lies and dog-whistle racial rhetoric merely show just how scared they are of our President.
The Only one that fail at leadership Is you Republican. You try and take People right away, and than you have the do NOTHING CONGRESS lead by the Republican Control Congress. All you Republican care about Is what you can do for the Rich and Big business. All you do Is LIE and run your mouth.
Rubio would help anyone's ticket for sure.
Its truly sad that Rubio has fallen into the GOP trap. They never cared about the Hispanic, in fact the 2010 elections were based on hatred of hispanics. So hopefully one day he'll see the light and leave the darkside.
Somebody had to do it. The liberally biased press certainly won't. Remember the Politica Ticker Fact Checker just used the opportunity to attack Mitch Daniels. Ohter less biased news organization fact checkers actually reported the lies of the inept, incomptent, corrupt union toady president, not CNN of course, but honest news organizations that have not sold their souls to the DNC.
The Republican establishment should trust the American People. Sarah is right. There is no excuse for this establishment attack on Newt. He is the candidate most qualified for the job and has proven he can get things accomplished. Boy, do we need it. Romney unfortunately is a very weak candidate, although being like a CEO and so skilled at being politically correct, he is a well packaged actor-candidate. When are we going to wake up and realize that we should not be voting for a President based on their campaign alone – that is why it has become all about who has the most money.
aww....yet another rider for the GOP/Clown Car express...going no where fast on a huge pack of lies....ALL ABOARD
blah blah blah blah same old same old......what are his thought on Newt colonizing the moon in the next 10 years. I'm sure that will be cheap....LOL
What is this anchor-boy talking about? He says our President doesn't talk about his records!! What about him (Rubio) who doesn't talk ( or rather misleading) exactly when his parents freed to USA. I do think charity always starts at home!
""I mean I hate to throw one to Florida, but obviously your Sen. Marco Rubio is a pretty impressive guy," former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum said."
Impressive? I guess it is all relative.
Rubio is a liar. He lied about his parents cuban status and he is now spreading false info about the Prez. Class divisiveness began with tax policies implemented by the GOP that favored the 1%. It continues with GOP policies that pit unión workers against non unión. State workers against private sector workers. Christian against non Christian. GOP is all about division
The country is split almost 50/50 in how people believe things should be done. Neither side is going to control or at least control for long, the govt. as a whole. Ruling from the center is a must if the country is to proceed. The more these candidates repeat that "this president is not getting anything done, taking this country in the wrong direction, taxes are evil, he is not a legit president, etc." they are setting themselves up, or anyone else who happens to win an election, to not be able to do what needs to be done to rule the country. The winner will only have a fine line majority (or maybe not even a majority) and thereby will be resisted at every effort to make changes, by those who feel they lost. Amazing how each extreme thinks that they are not radical... no doubt the Taliban doesn't think they are radical either.
Rubio is a fake and a liar" about his family background, about his positions, about everything. As someone once said" Every word he says is a lie, including "the," "a," and "and." Take it from a Floridian, we don't want him anywhere near the White House
Rubio the paperboy rebuts the middle-class and 99% of Americans. So what? Big deal. Who cares? His insignificant StOoPiD opinion means less to the world than a flea on Godzilla.
He is just another protector of the rich who has decided to give the middle-class the middle-finger for all eternity.
Is this from all of the years of experience he has? He needs to reach puberty in Washington before he shouts out ignorant stuck on stupid partisans. Even Palin has a little more knowledge than him and she's a dumb as a cypress knee.
God hates Rubio.
How can republicans say with a straight face that the reason the economy is struggling is because of Obama? Were they not in this country in 2008 when the economy went into free fall. Has that not stopped, thanks to the stimulus? Isn't the economy growing again even though at slow pace? How will going back to the policies that caused the melt down solve the problem now? Why would we ever believe a republican when they say they know how to fix the economy? When you hear people who do not acknowledge facts and just say what is convenient for them to win an election, you know that they cannot be trusted to ever tell the truth.
I still don't see what's supposed to be so special about this guy. His rhetoric is as generic and bland as any other Republican and he hasn't done anything of note in his young senate career.
Oh, yeah! He isn't white.
Mr Rubio sounds like the self-fulfilling prophesy. The GOP had a mission coming in – to make Obama a "one term president." In so doing, they have either obstructed his agenda or given him bills that THEY KNOW he wouldn't sign. NO compromises means NOT WORKING. I think the problem is the GOP and it is time that they were reduced in numbers.
I wonder if there will ever be a day that Republicans think about "We the People". Republicans complain every single day about Obama but there only solution is to everything is the same failed policies of forty years of lowering taxes and deregulating everything except womans bodies.The GOP has been blinded by the light and all they have is party first ideas and it is more important to take down Obama then to serve the people.
Ms Palin: You've had your 15 minutes of fame. Please, please just go away. You show your ignorance supporting Newt.
You have shown your ignorance on the public stage for some years now. Please just live your life. We really get tired of your brand of dialogue. Hope you can see the construct in this message. Bill
this idiot lying about his records shd give us a break.if he has anything to offer,he shd go and liberate cuba.
Rubio, you are another wanna be. "U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio charged grocery bills, repairs to the family minivan and purchases from a wine store less than a mile from his West Miami home to the Republican Party of Florida while he was speaker of the Florida House, according to records obtained by the St. Petersburg Times."
mafiaMarco's view of "failed leadership" is a bit different from ours. As a FL voter I accuse him of "failed leadership" for supporting the wholesale bickering and blockage of ANY progress in Washington, just because he and his tea party goons can't get their way (actually can't get the way of their billionaire puppeteers). This weasel will be in the news a LOT but will fade when the general public learns what he really is and what his background includes.
Poor little Rubio. He will never get a chance to make any big speeches. I wonder why.
91% of Americans supported every initiative laid out by President Obama in this speech. What are the specific proposals by Republicans? Rubio needs to be "for" something rather than just join the Republican Circus Train – with no specific ideas except being "against" every effort for real solutions.
Rubio wants badly to be the next star of the GOP Party, but I don't think he'll play well outside of Florida. He's now lying about the President's record just like he lied about his biography.
Marco Rubio, illegal immigrant, says what? As the economy and jobs are improving undeniably, the GOPTP remains in denial. They want the country to suffer, so they can come in and "save the day". GOPTP! You are the reason the country was suffering. You're not fooling anybody now.
crazy idiot...o.k,
Mr Rubio engages the self-fulfilling prophesy. The stated GOP mission coming in: to make Obama a "one term president." That act of arrogance is evidence that they never had any intention of making it easy for his agenda to take root. The GOP has obstructed his agenda at every turn. They have refused to consider tax increases to ease the deficit – insisting that the people most in pain will have to pay with MORE PAIN. They have given him bills that THEY KNOW he wouldn't sign. From this voter's perspective, NO compromises means NOT WORKING FOR ME. No, Mr. Rubio, I believe that the current problem is the current GOP. It is time that they were reduced in numbers in the House so that good servants may do good work.
the next vp....
So...Obama is "a failed leader"? What descriptive would apply to GW Bush – you know, the previous president, the one republicans are doing their darnedest to pretend never held office. Complete disaster. "Businessman". It's best to completely ignore possibly the worst president in recent history. Where is their defense of the bush policies? Any republican candidate is going to continue them, it's their engrained ideology. Defend it.
I am sick of the GOP telling me how bad my life is. The fact is, we ARE better off now than four years ago. Remember... Bushes tax cuts, two wars and deregulation led the a financial melt down.
The mess the GOP put us in doesn't get cleaned up over night. But Obama HAS improved things. The GOP just doesn't want you to see it.
Smoke and mirror my friends... smoke and mirrors.