Marco Rubio Announces 2016 Presidential Bid

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio officially ended all speculation Monday evening, announcing his intention to seek the White House in 2016.

Speaking from Miami’s Freedom Tower, the first-term Republican painted a picture of American exceptionalism and spoke to the need for the country to move beyond the past to forge a “new American century” of leadership.

“Too many of our leaders are stuck in the 20th century,” Rubio said. “They’re busy looking backwards. Our leaders put us at a disadvantage by taxing and borrowing and regulating like it was 1999.”

Rubio roughly outlined a platform that includes “reversing the hollowing out of our military,” strengthening the country’s educational system, repealing and replacing Obamacare, addressing immigration reform and ending “dangerous concessions to Iran,” among other points.

“I have come here tonight to make an announcement on how I can best serve you,” he said. “I announce my candidacy for the president of the United States.”

Rubio’s Monday announcement came one day after Democrat Hillary Clinton officially announced her candidacy for the 2016 race.

See Also:

• Marco Rubio Nears Decision on Presidential Run
• Jeb Bush Presidential Bid ‘More Than Likely’

Clinton’s candidacy was announced in a 2-minute video that was released Sunday afternoon.

“Everyday Americans need a champion,” she said on the video. “And, I want to be that champion. So I’m hitting the road to earn your vote – because it’s your time.”

Rubio acknowledged Clinton’s announcement during his own.

“This election is a generational choice about what kind of country we will be,” he said. “Just yesterday a leader from yesterday began a campaign for president by promising to take us back to yesterday. Yesterday is over and we’re never going back. We must change the decisions we are making by changing the people who are making them.”

Rubio joins Republicans Ted Cruz and Rand Paul who have already announced their 2016 aspirations, according to The New York Times. Clinton is the only Democrat to officially announce as of yet.

Photo from Facebook

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think Marco Rubio will make a good candidate? Let us know what you think by commenting below!

Keep up with what’s happening around town and the state by signing up for your favorite Patch daily newsletter: Bloomingdale-Riverview, Bradenton, Brandon, Carrollwood-Northdale, Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Gulfport, Land O’ Lakes, Largo, Lutz, New Port Richey, New Tampa, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Beaches, Safety Harbor, Sarasota, Seminole Heights, South Tampa-Hyde Park, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, Westchase.