Is Marco Rubio's Political Career Over After the 2016 Campaign Scandal?

In politics, people have short memories. Despite the controversy and the scandals that surfaced during his 2016 presidential campaign, Marco Rubio's national career could be over, but it isn't. This article examines the aftermath of his campaign, exploring the reasons why his future in politics remains uncertain and what the future might hold.

The Ephemeral Nature of Politics

As the saying goes, if Donald Trump could be elected, anyone can. This was especially true during the 2016 presidential race. If someone as divisive and unconventional as Trump could capture the hearts and minds of voters, then almost anyone, especially a seasoned politician like Marco Rubio, could do the same. But the reality is that people have short memories.

Some have claimed that Rubio's national political career should have ended with the 2016 scandal. However, given his youth and previous status as one of the rising stars in the Republican party, it's too early to declare his political future as conclusive. His career may be tarnished, but it certainly isn’t finished.

The Shift in Brilliance and Morality

One of the defining moments of the 2016 campaign was the dramatic 180-degree flip that Marco Rubio experienced in the final stretch of the race. Early in his campaign, he was hailed as "Mr. Nice Guy," but he later took a page out of Donald Trump's playbook, adopting a down-in-the-mud, not-so-political rhetoric. This transformation not only left many of his supporters disoriented but also revealed a lack of comprehension regarding the potential failure of such an approach.

The analogy of "putting an elephant in leotards to dance ballet" resonates here, emphasizing how completely out of place and ineffective this political feint was. Yet, because of the fickle nature of political memory, Mr. Rubio could very well reappear in the political landscape in the next cycle, four years from now, and win back the favor of the public.

Looking Ahead: Possible Career Paths

It remains to be seen how much the 2016 campaign will tarnish Rubio's prospects. Several factors are at play, such as his campaign tactics, the eventual outcome of the 2016 race, and his public image. Here are some possible paths his future could take:

Gubernatorial Aspirations: Some suggest that Rubio could still pursue a gubernatorial race, hoping to regain the luster he once had. This would be a challenging path, especially considering that he expressed a dislike for the Senate and the need to deal with Mitch McConnell. However, if a Republican candidate other than Donald Trump gets the nomination, he might consider a VP nod, which would be a best-case scenario, but also extremely unlikely. Reigniting His Vision: Given his passion and energy, it might be more suitable for him to run in a more direct and less political environment. For instance, he could run for Governor of Florida. Choosing to run for the highest elected position in the state could allow him to focus on policy and governance rather than the rancorous politics of national campaigns. Perennial Candidate: There is a possibility that if he continues to fail to gain traction in national politics, he might find himself relegated to the status of a perennial candidate, such as Rick Santorum or Mike Huckabee, without significant chances of victory.

A Refreshing Approach to Leadership

Marco Rubio is driven by leadership and the desire to inspire and make decisions that impact the lives of people. This motivated him to run for the presidency, despite the Senate being a source of frustration and a different kind of leadership role. For honors and applause, he could be better suited for a more straightforward political campaign rather than the endless negotiations and deals of being a senator.

Rubio's energy and passion would be better channeled into a specific political cause or a gubernatorial campaign. This would allow him to use his oratory skills and policy advocacy to make a lasting impact, rather than the constant back-and-forth of partisan politics. His future in politics is far from over, but it will most likely require a strategic redirection to capitalize on his unique strengths and avoid the pitfalls of his past.