Is it Possible for Senator Marco Rubio to Overtake Donald Trump and win the GOP Presidential Nominee?

2016-02-22T17:42:30-05:00

Senator Marco Rubio is gaining some momentum and Generating some Buzz! He seems to have a Reemergence and Renewed Confidence. Is that enough to steal the Nominee from Trump?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 22 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-02-22T17:44:27-05:00

Trump is only winning about a third of the vote. The other two-thirds is being split among several candidates. As the field narrows, these votes will be reallocated among the survivors. It is entirely possible for them to turn to Trump or turn against him in sufficient numbers to either confirm his nomination or defeat him

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 5:47 PM

2016-02-22T17:47:39-05:00

Highly unlikely. Senator Rubio will most probably pick up a few voters who would have otherwise voted for establishment candidates such as Bush or some of the others prior to their dropping out of the race. However, as for the people voting for Trump or Cruz, I don't think they're going to change their mind at this point for someone who was a key proponent of the 2013 immigration bill. And if Ted Cruz drops out at this point, most of his voters will likely drift towards Trump strengthening him even further. It's also important to note that there's been a media hype surrounding Rubio, simply because many figures in the media would much prefer it if Rubio won at this stage in the game. It's artificial, and it won't last.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 22 at 2016 5:51 PM

2016-02-22T17:51:26-05:00

It depends on whether on "who" drops out, and where that support goes.

With Gov Bush out of the race, that's 5%~ that will shift to other candidates.

We'll have to assume the top 3 will maintain standings, as the bottom starts to fall out. That's Dr. Carson (another 5%) and Mr. Kasich (another 10%). "If" Sen Rubio is able to capture all of those votes, that would give him a "slight" lead on Sen Cruz, and then it becomes about dividing that vote.

But all this requires him staying in the race long enough for that to happen. If Mr. Trump hit's 60%, it's game over. If BOTH Mr. Trump and Sen. Cruz hit 40%, it's game over.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 22 at 2016 5:52 PM

2016-02-22T17:52:40-05:00

Yes, I think that Senator Marco Rubio has a shot and so does Sen Ted Cruz SPC Andrew Griffin. To be honest I hope that nobody clinches the nomination prior to the national convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Hopefully there will be spirited speeches by each candidate will draw many viewers of all political stripes to see and hear what these candidates have to say.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Feb 22 at 2016 6:19 PM

2016-02-22T18:19:58-05:00

It depends on who drops out....and at this point, know one knows who will actually be the republican nominee. I'm going to sit back and wait and see.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Feb 22 at 2016 7:45 PM

2016-02-22T19:45:22-05:00

When i think of Rubio I flash back to Christie brutalizing him in the debate and Rubio just wilting, sweating and repeating himself. I was thinking if he can't handle that, how can he handle the pressure of being President?

Like others said though, it depends who else drops out.

Personally, I wish Kasich would start gaining some momentum.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Feb 22 at 2016 9:42 PM

2016-02-22T21:42:09-05:00

Not a chance in hell.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 11:02 PM

2016-02-22T23:02:56-05:00

Unfortunately, trump will most likely get the nod. If rubio dropped, cruz would probably get all of his votes. Most establishment types don't like trump, but dislike cruz less. I doubt rubio drops, but here's to wishful thinking.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Feb 23 at 2016 7:41 AM

2016-02-23T07:41:19-05:00

Never say never but there is not a real direct path to victory for him at this point. If everyone else but Trump dropped out that would improve his odds. The GOP establishment would certainly be 100% behind him as their preferred candidate over Trump. The variable that is tough to estimate is the anti-establishment component of this election cycle. Trump is riding that wave as is Cruz and Carson. If they both leave the race Trump could gain a lot of their support as the non establishment candidate.

Response by COL David Turk made Feb 23 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-02-23T10:21:43-05:00

Without taking sides, I would like to point out that one does not necessarily need to overtake an opponent. One can be steady state, and wait for those out front to fade. Hence the tale about the tortoise and the hair.
Yes, I'm splitting hairs (pun intended) in this discussion, but I had time to kill this morning. Everyone have a great day.

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Feb 23 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-02-23T16:03:40-05:00

Little early to say! But I do wish Sen. Marco Rubio had evidenced his willingness to do the job he was elected to do verse being AWOL and making excuses for not showing up for work and votes in the U.S. Senate. I now regret having endorsed him when he ran for U.S. Senate in FL. Now he wishes to be President. The negative consequences of having experienced the results of a fast tracked temporary Senator becoming president has soured me on repeating the same thing even if from a different party.