Rubio Turns Question on NRA Support into Speech About Desire for Liberties, Press Freedoms in Cuba and Venezuela

[Valin]

Washington Free Beacon

David Rutz
April 15, 2018

 

Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) answered a question from a Cuban reporter about his support from the National Rifle Association with a speech about his wish for nations like Venezuela and Cuba to have the same kinds of personal and press freedoms that exist in the United States.

Rubio traveled to Peru to represent the U.S. at the Summit of the Americas—along with Vice President Mike Pence—following President Donald Trump's decision to cancel his trip there. At a press conference, reporter Sergio Gomez brought up the Feb. 14 mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, which thrust Rubio's gun rights support into the spotlight.

"I wonder if the influence lobbyists hold on politicians was in the agenda, specifically the NRA from whom you’ve received more than $3 million. What do you say to your voters from Lima? Will you continue to accept money from that organization? What do you say to the Parkland victims?" he asked.

The Cuban-American Senator expressed gratitude for the question and Gomez's ability to challenge a public official.

 

(Snip)