I'm a Republican (MOSTLY for social reasons, life especially)
I actually have always liked Jeb Bush but I regard him as unelectable (and the polls - yes, of questionable value - tend to agree). I somewhat liked Christy but well.... I've always liked Rubio (although his postion as just a senator is a minus).
I like Rubio on the issues (especially social ones and life). I like him as a person. He seems to be a good and moral man with a respectable life. He seems smart and (usually) articulate and measured. I understand he is the one both Democrat candidates most fear. I think he is the one who not only would get all the Republicans behind him (absolutely essential) BUT a majority of independents (necessary to win). I think if Sanders is the Democrat, I think Rubio could even get some Democrat votes. Polls show him beating both in a general election - the only Republican who does (again, not putting too much value on polls - especially this early).
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/ep...s/general_election_rubio_vs_clinton-3767.html
While Cruz is trying to appeal to the uber-conservatives in the party, we tend to forget that it was RUBIO (not Cruz) who was and is the darling of the Tea Party and the one who got all the attention from that aspect of the Republicans. He has FAR more experience than Cruz and lacks Cruz's "edge" that I understand has alienated so very many. And I think Cruz just comes off as..... weird and not likeable; I think that "edge" is going to harm him in the general election even as it is among many Republicans. And of course, in terms of issues, there's little difference between these 44 year old Freshmen Senators, the sons of Cubans. I think Rubio simply is far more electable (and probably more even-tempered and respectable). And again, he simply polls better against both Dems.
- Josiah