Florida’s US Senator Marco Rubio joined Chris Ryan on New Hampshire Now for an in depth interview. The senator is apparently preparing a bid for the White House with a visit to the Granite State next week. When he was asked what would be the formula for a GOP presidential win in 2016, Rubio outlined three factors for success. First, the party needs to show an understanding of the uncertainty experienced by millions of Americans who are working hard but are living from paycheck to paycheck. These people are told repeatedly that the economy is improving, but they don’t see it or feel it. Next, the Republican party needs to address the perspective that the United States is less respected and safe today than it has been in the recent past. Rubio believes that this is the result of our country being led by people who are trying to solve today’s world problems with yesterday’s ideas. Finally, the Republican candidate can win if they are able to prove to the voters that the GOP has the plan to make the 21st century the American century.
The interview mainly dealt with the two major issues–the economy and foreign policy. Senator Rubio has written a new book “American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunities for Everyone.” One reason for his traveling to New Hampshire is a book signing appearance at the Barnes & Noble in Manchester on Monday, Feb. 23. The book gives a detailed presentation of his economic plans. He believes that the problems of wage stagnation need to be addressed. Too many workers are faced with increases in the cost of living without a significant increase in their wages. Rubio says that we have to accept that twenty-first century globalization is real and so is the automation which has eliminated so many jobs. The breakdown of the family in today’s society has also contributed to the spread of poverty. To counter these factors, Senator Rubio recommends several remedies. He suggests major changes in what he describes as our antiquated higher education system. Tuition needs to be more competitive in order to make education more affordable. Increased emphasis needs to be placed on job training instead of four year degree programs. A second way that life can be improved for working class Americans would be changes to our tax codes, so that families could keep more of their money. Chris asked the senator about a part of the book where Senator Rubio gave credit to the TV show “Sixteen and Pregnant” for discouraging teenage pregnancy. Rubio strongly believes that the government must do all that it can to support strong families. That would include using pop culture and community or church groups to help maintain the family unit. A final remedy to help the victims of wage stagnation would be a robust energy policy with the goal being to lower energy costs. Workers would benefit because they would be paying less for transportation and heat. Also lower energy costs for business would cause lower prices for goods and services for all Americans.
The last part of the interview dealt with Senator Rubio’s ideas about foreign policy. He believes that the United States can not and should not solve all of the world’s problems, but the world is not safe if we do not or will not lead. Rubio feels that the cuts to the defense budget are dangerous and have encouraged our adversaries. Chris asked if he believed that we were at war with Islam. Rubio stated that we are at war with radical Islam. When he was asked to define “radical Islam,” the senator explained that radical Muslims are people who not only accept the teachings of Islam. They also believe that it is their obligation to kill, torture, and terrorize anyone who does not agree with them. Based on his statements, the foreign policy of a Rubio administration would be more aggressive than the Obama presidency. The exit question was if he was elected president would his foreign policy be more like Teddy Roosevelt’s or Ronald Reagan’s. He gave praise to both men and restated his belief that when the United States does not lead there is chaos in the world. The US is the only country with the moral clarity and the military and diplomatic ability to back up what we believe. If America leads from behind, then the problems of the world go unaddressed and the peace loving free people of the world have no one to rally behind or to take action.
