A funny thing happened when Marco Rubio recently decided to start hitting back at Donald Trump personally. Crowds at his rallies at it up, and many reporters who have been covering Rubio were surprised he was pretty good at insult comedy. People have been making fun of Trump’s hair for years, but suddenly Rubio was joking about Trump having “the worst spray tan in America” and the hands of a man who’s 5-foot-2. (For his part, Trump has slammed Rubio for his big ears and tendency to sweat.)
Many fully endorse Rubio’s new strategy, as the insults, he says, are the only thing the press pays attention to. Meanwhile, Jeb Bush, who declared to Trump over and over that “you can’t insult your way to the presidency,” has dropped out, only to watch Trump insult his way to the presidency.
National Review contributing editor Jim Geraghty warns that Rubio has placed himself in a “lose-lose” scenario.
It's lose-lose. If Rubio beats Trump, insult-style gave him the win. If he loses, he couldn't win at Trump's game. https://t.co/2L1eo07ult
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) February 29, 2016
Geraghty’s followers largely disagree.
https://twitter.com/VickiBalfour/status/704410550483218432
@jimgeraghty @NRO The difference is that Rubio has been doing things with a smile, similar to doing stand-up. He comes across as nice.
— Ernie Myers (@PastorErnie) February 29, 2016
@jimgeraghty You obviously didn't watch Rubio and Halley today. 97% of all of his speeches are not insults. Trump will be a distant memory!
— Joe Casanu (@realescondido) February 29, 2016
@jimgeraghty A son of a Cuban bartender and maid didn't graduate law school Cum Laude, then be Fla Spkr. And US Senator by being passive!
— Nikki T (@rtchixpolitix) February 29, 2016
@jimgeraghty I'll take door #1. Marco will then discard the insults for the general, slamming the door shut.
— Gracchus (@Gracchus7) February 29, 2016
@jimgeraghty @NRO I am entirely convinced that Trump IS a Fifth Column in nature. His very own record is not this bigoted. He'll throw game.
— Marty Daymude (@martyfromdc) February 29, 2016
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@jimgeraghty @NRO if he gets under trumps skin for a second, which he already has, he's won.
— GAGirl1967 Clinched the East! (@Tamzilla_52) February 29, 2016
@jimgeraghty @NRO Rubio had no choice. Discussing policy was gaining no traction and was ignored by MSM.
— Durward Casteel (@TruckingDefense) February 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/realdjmcdowell/status/704425757892857861
@jimgeraghty @NRO maybe, but at least Rubio's only insulting a single person (who richly deserves it), as opposed to entire groups of people
— Melissa Quinn Amour (@MelissaAmour72) February 29, 2016
@jimgeraghty @NRO True, unless one considers that Chump will plainly not win the general. Rubio has a fighting chance.
— CJ (@cjwill_next) February 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/janiczek_m/status/704423164558893057
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