Marco Rubio Makes North Texas Push Before Super Tuesday
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Taking the stage at Klyde Warren Park Florida senator and presidential hopeful Marco Rubio told the crowd that he is a real conservative and the person who can unite the GOP.
Minutes after taking the stage he started a new line of attack against opponent Donald Trump, calling him a con artist and saying the "charade" was up.
During a previous debate Trump had said Rubio had a meltdown. While in Dallas today the Florida Senator said that certainly wasn't the case and even if so it isn't what happened in the debate last night.
"He called my Mr. Meltdown. Let me tell you something, last night in the debate during one of the breaks, two of the breaks, he went backstage… he was having a meltdown," Rubio said to the roar of the crowd. "First, he had this little makeup thing, applying like makeup around his mustache, because he had one of those sweat mustaches. Then, then he asked for a full-length mirror. I don't know why because the podium goes up to here, but he wanted a full-length mirror… maybe to make sure his pants weren't wet."
There was a crowd of between 400 or 500 at Klyde Warren Park, cheering Rubio on. Saying that Trump had never faced any struggle in life Rubio said Trump isn't fighting for the American worker and brings in workers from abroad for jobs.
Rubio said that if Trump were elected the conservative movement would be headed up by someone who claims to be a 'tough guy.' "He inherited $200 million. I said it last night, if he had not he inherited $200 million right now he would be selling watches in Times Square or be doing one of those infomercials on Saturday morning where he promises to teach you how to flip properties."
Rubio went on to outline his differences on healthcare reform, his stance on Palestine and his strict interpretation of the constitution. His barbs were aimed at Trump and Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, with no mention of Cruz.
In the crowd, a lot of young people called Rubio the next generation of conservatives. Supporter Liliana Serna even waited several hours in line to get inside the rally that began late, just before 10 a.m. "He has his values and I want to be part of the piece of history. I want to be part of this history today," she said. "We go to the University of Dallas. I'm actually missing my politics class right now to be here. My professor is completely okay with it!"
Rubio is looking to capitalize on any momentum he gained after the debate Thursday night.
Rubio held a small rally in Houston on Wednesday that was ahead of the GOP debate. Expect to hear the today some of the things he touched on there. The senator is hitting themes of limited government and defining conservatism for a new generation.
Rubio joined Texas Senator Ted Cruz in attacking Trump during the debate. He said the silliness of the primaries is over and it's time to get serious. Rubio told CBS' "This Morning": "A con artist is about to take over the Republican Party and the conservative movement, and we have to put a stop to it."
Aside from the rally in downtown Dallas this morning, Rubio is expecting to get a boost from Texas Hispanic leadership today. Four out of six elected Hispanic leaders at the state capitol are expected to announce they're backing Rubio.
The Senator from Florida is trying to make up ground in the race without having won a primary or caucus yet. His rally kicked off a mad campaign dash to Super Tuesday.
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