Marco Rubio: "Yesterday Is Over"

In a speech at Miami's Freedom Tower, Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio announced his run for president in 2016.  

Under a banner that reads, "A New American Century," Rubio positioned himself as the young candidate with new ideas. He is 43 years old, while Hillary Clinton, who announced her plan to run yesterday,  is 67.

Rubio is the third Republican to throw his hat in the ring along with U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. The New York Times identifies nine others as probable Republican candidates.

If nothing else, he learns from his mistakes. His water bottle became a joke after his speech following President Obama's State of the Union Address in February 2013.

Discussion Starters: 

  • Assess Rubio's announcement: tone, organization, messages, and delivery skills. If you were  a speech coach, what advice would you give him for the rest of the campaign?
  • Which rhetorical devices do you hear in this segment of Rubio's speech?