Is he in the right?
Florida GOP Senator Marco Rubio, often touted as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, declined to state his willingness to accept the outcome of the 2024 presidential election during an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday. Instead, he pointed fingers at Democrats for fostering skepticism about the electoral process.
Rubio remarked, “I believe you’re directing your question at the wrong individual. Democrats have consistently contested every Republican victory since 2000. Every single one.”
He continued, “Furthermore, there are Democrats now proclaiming they won’t validate the 2024 results due to Trump’s alleged insurrectionist actions and purported ineligibility for office. So, you should direct your inquiry to them.”
Rubio’s refusal to commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election is significant because he previously voted to certify the presidential election for then-President-elect Joe Biden. At that time, he emphasized, “The foundation of democracy rests on people’s trust in the electoral process and their readiness to respect its outcomes.” Moderator Kristen Welker challenged Rubio, noting that no Democratic presidential candidate, including Hillary Clinton in 2016, refused to concede defeat.
In early May, Trump himself stated to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he would only accept the results of the Wisconsin presidential election “if everything is fair.”
Several prominent Trump allies have also avoided confirming whether they would acknowledge the outcome of the forthcoming presidential election, regardless of the winner.
Earlier this month, GOP Senator Tim Scott, another potential vice presidential candidate, evaded questions about accepting the election results during an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”
Scott informed Welker, “Ultimately, the 47th president of the United States will be Donald Trump.” Rubio also addressed widespread speculation about his inclusion on a list of potential vice presidential nominees for Trump’s ticket this autumn.
Rubio recently participated in a private donor retreat with Trump at Mar-a-Lago alongside other vice presidential contenders, where Trump stated that Rubio was “definitely” under consideration.
“I haven’t had any conversations with the president. I haven’t spoken to anyone from the campaign,” Rubio told Welker.
Nevertheless, he did not shy away from the possibility of accepting the position if it were offered.
“That would be presumptuous of me,” Rubio remarked.
He added, “I believe that if someone is offered the opportunity to serve their country in the second highest office, and if all other aspects of their life align at that moment, and if they have an interest in serving their country, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to do so.”
