Rubio announces bid for White House
Sen. Marco Rubio says the White House is not reserved for the rich and powerful, and says he, the son of a bartender and a maid, has the same chance to serve as those who come from power and privilege.
Rubio launched his Republican presidential campaign in Miami Monday. He told supporters that someone with this background can still have a fair shake in America. His parents are Cuba immigrants.
Rubio's comments are a contrast to two members of political dynasties who are likely rivals: Hillary Rodham Clinton, a Democrat and former secretary of state; and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican.
Rubio is launching his campaign at Freedom Tower, where those fleeing Cuba in the 1960s and 1970s met U.S. officials.
The first-term Republican from Florida told his biggest backers on a conference call on Monday that he sees the coming presidential campaign as a choice between the past and the future. In a swipe at Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rubio said the former first lady "is a leader from yesterday."
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.