According to Associated Press, Rubio used the backdrop of the iconic Acropolis in Athens, Greece, to deliver a stern warning — that the United States finds itself at a crossroads.
“… because the next decade and the decisions we make will write the story of the next century. The course we take will determine whether the West maintains its place at the head of the world, or resigns itself to a future of atrophy, servitude, and decline,” Rubio said. “We will either choose to act now, or lose the choice to act at all. Under President (Donald) Trump, the United States has made its choice. We choose the unapologetic pursuit of national power.”
Vivek Ramaswamy (shown right), the Republican candidate for governor of Ohio, says he agrees with Rubio — that Americans must act now to continue their country's status of power, influence and a voice for democracy worldwide.
Ramaswamy: “This is the greatest country known to man. It's up to us to keep it that way. In many ways, that is what is on the ballot this November: the greatness of Ohio, the greatness of America. Do we want to double down on what got us here for the first 250 years? Or do we want to opt for socialist decline? That's the choice.”
Ramaswamy says Americans who believe in this country must vote next month.
Rubio's speech in the shadow of the Parthenon on Western values — urging Americans to recover and defend before it’s too late — doesn't have a name yet, but already commentators are comparing it to other memorable speeches.
Rubio assured citizens it's okay to be proud of their country.
“There is nothing selfish or wrong about loyalty to your nation, nor anything selfish or wrong about fighting to defend its interests,” Rubio said.
Former CIA officer Buck Sexton, co-host of "The Clay and Buck Show," says that’s the polar opposite of Barack Obama’s so-called “World Apology Tour” in 2008.
“There have been times where America's shown arrogance and been dismissive. In other words, we went off course,” Obama said.
Sexton: “That really was the Democrat ethos of that time. It's like, ‘Sorry, other countries for all the bad things America’s done.’”
Sexton’s podcast partner Clay Travis says Rubio's speech was a shot across the bow aimed at Western Civilization's enemies.
Travis: “We've seen America lead the way before. This reminded me a lot of the speech that Ronald Reagan gave at the Berlin Wall.”
“Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” Reagans said.
Travis: “Marco Rubio standing here as the defender of Western civilization. The new world saving the old in the words of Winston Churchill memorably.”
