Rubio Knows the Point of America
Rubio seems to understand this concept not because he read it in a book but because he saw it growing up as the son of a bartender and a maid. And it will carry him far as he travels the country in the coming months.
It is Rubio's appreciation of America as a mighty transformative force that will provide the sharpest contrast to Hillary Clinton 2.0 -- the latest power grab of the former first lady, former architect of proposed health care reform, and former secretary of state.
When NBC's "Saturday Night Live" recently lampooned Clinton, she was portrayed as cravenly looking into the camera and screaming: "Citizens, you will elect me! I will be your leader!" When you hear Clinton talk about her experiences and accomplishments, listen for the subliminal message: "You people owe me!"
Rubio comes from another place.
"I'm humbled by the realization that America doesn't owe me anything," he told supporters. "But I have a debt to America I must try to repay. This isn't just the country where I was born; America's literally the place that changed my family's history."
The message is all about gratitude. If it resonates, then a new generation has someone you need to meet.
========
Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com.
Copyright 2015 Washington Post Writers Group
