DEMS CONCERNED ABOUT HISPANIC VOTE – AT 10:18 A.M. ET:  Dem guru David Axelrod, one of the brains behind Obama's runs for the presidency, is assessing the potential for some GOP presidential candidates to cut into the Hispanic vote.  From the Washington Times: 

David Axelrod, one of the chief strategists for President Obama’s 2008 election and 2012 re-election campaigns, said Friday that Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush stand out in the 2016 GOP field because of their ability to make inroads with Latinos.

Mr. Axelrod was asked on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” if he were advising former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential frontrunner, which Republican candidates or potential candidates scare him the most.

“I would say Rubio and I would say Bush because of their ability to reach into the Hispanic vote,” Mr. Axelrod said. “One of the reasons why Democrats have had an advantage in these national elections is because of the advantage we’ve had with minority voters.”

He pointed out that 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney got 27 percent of the Hispanic vote, while former President George W. Bush won 44 percent of the Hispanic vote in his successful 2004 re-election campaign.

“If they nominate a candidate who can reach into that constituency, the fastest-growing constituency in American politics, they have a chance in states like Colorado and Florida to turn things around,” he said. “So that’s one thing I worry about.”

Mr. Rubio announced last month he is running for president, while Mr. Bush has not formally declared his candidacy yet.

COMMENT:  I think that's a fair analysis.  As readers know, I've had good feelings about Rubio for a long time.  The thing that clearly matters most in a presidential election is winning.  There are no silver medals in politics.  And, at present, I see Rubio as having the greatest chance to win.  I can't wait to see the young, dynamic Rubio in a debate with the aging, frumpy, scandal-plagued Hillary Clinton.  Side by side, on the same stage.  Hillary hates answering questions.  Rubio loves it.  He's a fine speaker and he knows the issues cold.  Bring it on.

May 29, 2015