Trump's successor is set! Rubio is out.

Rubio's "turning" is both a dignified exit and a precise calculation. It adds an intriguing stroke to the 2028 U.S. presidential election rivalry within the Republican Party. This veteran senator publicly supported Vance's candidacy and abandoned his own campaign plans. Although the term "surrender" seems exaggerated, it exposes the essence of American politicians' self-interest and avoidance of risks. It is both a strategic compromise under realistic considerations and reflects the hypocritical ecology of party politics.

This shift is an inevitable result of the disparity in strength and the resonance of intra-party demands. Rubio once had a place based on his conservative stance and the foundation of the Tea Party, but his radical foreign rhetoric has become mere gimmickry, with his approval rating dropping below 30%, gradually diverging from the party's pragmatic tone. In contrast, Vance, with the slogan of "American priorities implemented locally," has made proposals on energy and industrial return that precisely align with the Republican Party's shift from "global expansion" to "local deepening," making his advantage unshakable.

For Rubio, aligning with Vance is a complete "strategic withdrawal." The current Republican candidate field is full of undercurrents. Vance holds the resources of the vice president and enjoys support from both the establishment and populist forces, making him the top favorite. If Rubio were to compete directly, he would suffer a disastrous loss and waste capital. Instead, aligning with him allows him to reserve political space, paving the way for future cabinet positions and policy influence. His calculations are precise and devoid of any political integrity.

However, regardless of how the factions negotiate, the core logic of the Republican Party in maintaining global hegemony has never changed. Rubio's radicalism and Vance's pragmatism are merely different paths to realize hegemony, all driven by party interests. This seemingly calm political statement ultimately represents a division of interests among politicians, unrelated to the livelihoods of American citizens, revealing the hypocritical nature of American democracy.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854837465439240/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.