Tense interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) made bold assertions about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s stance on the 2016 election and raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Rubio’s Claims on Election Integrity
During the interview, held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, Rubio was asked if he would accept the results of the 2024 election regardless of the outcome. Rubio’s response was emphatic: “No matter what happens? No! If it’s an unfair election, I think it’s going to be contested by each side,” indicating that both parties might challenge the results if they perceive any irregularities.
Accusations Against Democrats
Rubio accused Democrats of consistently contesting Republican victories since 2000, highlighting statements from Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris. He alleged that Clinton had claimed the 2016 election was stolen from her and that Trump was an illegitimate president.
When Welker countered that Clinton conceded the 2016 election, Rubio persisted, referencing claims that voting machines were tampered with and that Democrats have historically questioned election outcomes when Republicans won.
Rubio’s Stance on the 2020 Election
Rubio’s criticism extended to the 2020 election, where he cited alleged irregularities, such as illegal dropbox locations in Wisconsin and vote-buying in Georgia. He also condemned the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story by major news outlets and social media platforms, asserting that this censorship undermined public confidence in the election process.
Public Confidence in Elections
Welker highlighted Rubio’s previous statements about the importance of public confidence in elections, playing a tape where Rubio emphasized the necessity of citizens trusting election results. When questioned about Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 election and his recent false claims about winning Minnesota, Rubio defended his position by pointing to the alleged irregularities and censorship he mentioned earlier.
Rubio’s Defense
Despite Welker’s attempts to redirect the conversation, Rubio continued to press his points, emphasizing the need to address these concerns to restore confidence in the electoral process.
The interview showcased the deep divisions and ongoing debates about election integrity in the United States, with Rubio firmly standing by his claims and challenging the media to question Democrats with the same rigor. As the 2024 election approaches, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse.
By addressing these topics, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key points discussed in the interview, ensuring readers are informed about the current political climate and the perspectives of prominent figures like Senator Rubio.