ABC Moderator Presses Rubio to Rule Out Run for President in 2020

Monica Sanchez | October 18, 2016
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ABC News’ Jon Karl pressed Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) on Monday to rule out a potential run for president in 2020.

While moderating the first debate between Sen. Rubio and his Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy at the University of Central Florida, Karl repeatedly asked whether Rubio would actually fulfill his six-year commitment if reelected to the Senate, effectively ruling out a run for the Oval Office four years from now.

He asked Rubio why voters should reelect him given his poor voting record during his 2016 presidential campaign and, “especially,” his refusal “to promise to serve” a full six-year term in the Senate.

“Given [your] voting record, why should the voters of Florida send you back to the Senate, especially given this time you’re not even willing to promise to serve your full six-year term?” Karl asked.

“First of all, I didn’t like missing the votes,” said Rubio, “but like every sitting senator in the history of this republic that mounted a credible campaign for the presidency, I did...”

“Are you saying -- are you promising to fulfill all six years of your term?” Karl interjected.

“I’m going to serve in the Senate for the next six years, God willing,” Rubio replied. “Let me give you an example of one of the things I really hope to do with --”

“So this means you’re not running for president?” Karl pressed.

“I’m going to be a senator for the next six years on behalf of the state of Florida,” said Rubio. “You can’t be a senator and president at the same time.”

Check out the full heated exchange below.

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