Would Rubio do worse than Romney in the general election?

[JonathanSwift]

If his performance tonight is an indicator of how he would perform in the general election debates, it's certainly possible.

[Higgs]

Could we have some more OMG RUBIO'S CAREER IS OVER threads I don't think we've blown this out of proportion enough.

[Xing]

Could we have some more OMG RUBIO'S CAREER IS OVER threads I don't think we've blown this out of proportion enough.

I agree that this forum has milked Rubio's failure tonight a bit much, but it's hard to argue that this won't at least stall his momentum. The video of him repeating his line has gone viral, and the primary is in three days.

[Negusa Nagast 🚀]

Could we have some more OMG RUBIO'S CAREER IS OVER threads I don't think we've blown this out of proportion enough.

The front page of Politico is "Choked" on top of a crest-fallen Rubio. He is rightfully being eviscerated in the media tonight and that will continue over the next 3 days. There is no other major event that can turn around his momentum between now and Tuesday.

[Higgs]

Could we have some more OMG RUBIO'S CAREER IS OVER threads I don't think we've blown this out of proportion enough.

I agree that this forum has milked Rubio's failure tonight a bit much, but it's hard to argue that this won't at least stall his momentum. The video of him repeating his line has gone viral, and the primary is in three days.

I do agree that this has most definitely stalled his momentum. If there ever was a chance he could win New Hampshire, it looks pretty bleak right now. However, I still believe his campaign is strong enough to ensure at least 3rd place in the state. If not, I'll eat my words but I'm really doubting the massive effect this gaffe will have like Atlas is proclaiming.

[Zioneer]

Depends on how effective the Democrats are at digging up his scandals or his flip-flops to the right. But he won't be the nominee.

[#TheShadowyAbyss]

Yes

[psychprofessor]

I mean, could this have come at a worse time? Right before NH and the day before the Super Bowl, when everyone who would talk about politics has this fresh on their minds. I think he dealt a serious blow to his chances of being the nominee.

[BM]

9 more months of wall to wall Rubio coverage would be the worst thing for his campaign. More and more gaffes and signs of his stupidity and lack of experience. lol it would be so great, he'd probably do worse than McCain. Just imagine Sarah Palin at the top of the ticket.

[Figueira]

I think he's definitely a worse candidate than Romney, but circumstances (e.g. the economy) might allow him to do a bit better.

[SUSAN CRUSHBONE]

Could we have some more OMG RUBIO'S CAREER IS OVER threads I don't think we've blown this out of proportion enough.

[Lord of the Dome]

I think he's definitely a worse candidate than Romney, but circumstances (e.g. the economy) might allow him to do a bit better.

And for what it's worth, I think 2016 Rubio would have been truly eviscerated as the GOP nominee in 2012. In 2016 though I honestly can't see him doing worse than Romney since that would probably entail losing NC which I just don't see happening this year.