Debate moderators confronted Marco Rubio about missing Senate votes during his presidential run. The Florida senator responded:
“Back in 2004, one of my predecessors by the name of Bob Grant ran for president. I don’t recall them calling for his resignation. Later that year, John Kerry missed 40 to 70% of the votes. In 2008, Barack Obama missed 60 or 70% of his votes and the same newspaper endorsed him again. This is another example of the double standard that exists in this country, between the mainstream media and the conservatives.”
Jeb Bush then jumped in — and called for Rubio to resign. “When you signed up for this, this is a six-year term. You should be showing up to term. Literally, the senate, is it a French work week? You get three days to show up. Just resign and let somebody else take the job. There are a lot of people who are living paycheck to paycheck in Florida.”
Rubio replied, noting that Bush models his campaign after John McCain, who missed quite a few Senate votes when running for president.
“Jeb, let me tell you, I don’t remember you ever complaining about John McCain’s vote record. The only reason you’re doing it now is because we’re running for the same position. Someone convinced you attacking me is going to help you. I can’t campaign about the future of America or attacking anyone else on this stage. I will continue to have tremendous admiration for Governor Bush, I’m not running against anyone on the stage. I’m running for president. There is no way we can elect Hillary Clinton to continue the policies…”
