While other potential running mates have jockeyed for position with high-profile overtures towards former President Donald Trump, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-F.L., has taken a subtle approach in angling to join the Republican’s 2024 presidential ticket – a strategy born from hard lessons of their bitter 2016 rivalry.
The Florida Republican has avoided appearing too eager for the vice presidential nod, careful not to upstage Trump or provoke his insecurities about the spotlight.
Rubio’s low-key maneuvering stems from his experience with the former president, who has a reputation for fiercely defending his territory.
But it has grabbed the attention of political insiders.
“Marco Rubio would win Donald Trump the White House in November,” former GOP Rep. David Jolly, a frequent Trump critic, told The New York Times. “He’s the perfect proxy for [former South Carolina Gov. Nikki] Haley voters, he speaks to Trumpism without trying to be Trump and he’s been mature and sober. He’s a star, he’s just been a quiet star, lately.”
It’s a remarkably different dynamic from 2016 when Trump derided Rubio as “Little Marco” and mocked his political campaign to ruin. Rubio struggled to land punches back, and Trump cruised to an easy victory in the Florida primary that derailed the young senator’s once-promising presidential campaign.
This time around, Rubio has shown a more deft political touch. He’s carefully aligned himself with some of Trump’s positions while avoiding turning off moderate, establishment Republicans.
Trump has taken notice, name-dropping Rubio among potential VP options numerous times during speeches. Those close to Trump believe the son of Cuban immigrants could boost Hispanic outreach and reassure establishment Republican donors that remain skeptical about a second term.
“He can help buttress the gains Trump is making among key voter groups, be a helpful partner when it comes to governing and be ready to be president on day one,” Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump White House counselor, told The Times.
There are still potential roadblocks, namely the constitutional issues with two candidates from the same state sharing a ticket. Trump has mused that Rubio may need to change his Florida residency.
But crucially, Trump seems drawn to Rubio’s newer image as an experienced, mature politico at age 51 compared to the callow young senator he once defeated. The sense that Rubio has paid his dues and earned his stripes could tip the scales in his favor when Trump formalizes his VP choice, likely at the Republican National Convention.
“People love Marco, and I love Marco — he’s a talented guy,” Trump has said recently.
After getting outwitted and outmuscled by Trump in 2016, a humbled Rubio now looks determined to avoid the same mistakes twice.
And Rubio’s under-the-radar strategizing has positioned him as an unlikely front-runner to be Trump’s running mate in 2024.