Donald Trump loves to brag about the huge turnout at his rallies. But today in Orlando, the biggest story was who wasn’t there. Florida Senator Marco Rubio (who is voting for Trump) and local Republican Members of Congress Dan Webster, John Mica and Bill Posey all failed to show up. The only major Florida Republican elected official who made it? The scandal-plagued Attorney General Pam Bondi, who took an illegal donation from the Trump Foundation around the same time she decided not to investigate the fraudulent Trump University. It’s just the latest sign of how toxic Trump has become–even to his own supporters—and his campaign’s broader failure to consolidate Republican support behind his candidacy.
But let’s be clear: While Senator Rubio may be trying to keep his distance, he can’t run away from his support for Trump, along with his divisive rhetoric, dangerous temperament, and constant lies.
OF COURSE PAM BONDI IS THERE!
Florida AG Pam Bondi, who was at center of Trump Foundation scandal, speaking before Trump here in Orlando pic.twitter.com/qDGIuyWuz4
— Tim Mak (@timkmak) November 2, 2016
ORLANDO —
Trump arrives in Trump Force One with Reince and Pam Bondi.
— Kevin Cirilli (@kevcirilli) November 2, 2016
Pam Bondi now speaking at Trump rally in Orlando. “7 days from now, we’re going to wake up to the sound of President Trump”
— Steven Lemongello (@SteveLemongello) November 2, 2016
Florida AG Pam Bondi up next ahead of Trump rally. Recall this controversy over corruption allegations: https://t.co/rXR5TAYX4G
— Sarah McCammon NPR (@sarahmccammon) November 2, 2016
…BUT NO TRUMP-ENDORSER RUBIO?
In Orlando, Donald Trump’s rally crowd chants: “Drain the swamp! Drain the swamp!” A guy near me shouts: “And Rubio!”
— Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) November 2, 2016
Rep. Raoul Labrador is at both of Trump’s FL events so far. Notable that the only Hispanic rep with Trump isn’t from Florida but Idaho.
— Shane Goldmacher (@ShaneGoldmacher) November 2, 2016
ID Rep. Raul Labrador speaking for Trump in Miami, where 3 local GOP House members & Sen Rubio won’t stump w/candidate
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) November 2, 2016
Rubio says he won’t be campaigning with Trump in all-important Florida https://t.co/FplJ4GdFtO
— Jay Weaver (@jayhweaver) November 2, 2016
“Let’s make sure we keep the House,” Sharon Day says at Miami Trump rally.
“Except Marco Rubio,” man yells. (He’s a Senator. But details…)— Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) November 2, 2016