The media has heavily focused on Donald Trump, who has electrified the Republican debate stages with inflammatory language and preposterous propositions. But one well-rounded, informed candidate, Marco Rubio, has dropped centrist policy reforms while dangling on the sidelines blocked by a large personality.  

A vibrant, uncorrupted politician the 42-year-old Mr. Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants and has abruptly appeared on the political scene as a charismatic conservative able to catch the attention of both Republicans and Democrats.

In his four years of congressional experience, he has participated in several legislative committees including the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and the Committee on Foreign Relations. He has tirelessly produced legislation with bipartisan support. His undeniable willingness to serve is self-evident in his advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform with the creation of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 sponsored by Democratic New York senator Chuck Schumer. His relentless passion for progress has brought him to the forefront of national discussion.

Time Magazine anointed Marco Rubio in February 2013 as the “Republican Savior” analyzing his immigration views and his ability to balance the principles held by ultra-conservatives and establishment Republicans. He has gone against traditional Republican platforms on immigration endorsing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, but remaining firm on the right to life for every conceived child.

Mr. Rubio’s first two debate performances, shadowed by outsiders such as Donald Trump and Carly Fiorina, still received much acclaim. His wealth of political insight translates into his blunt quips that have garnered him considerable praise even among the liberal elite. Rubio’s fearless attitude enables him to respond confidently which has resonated with the voters. Every candidate -Republican or Democrat- has been plagued by the contentious question: “Do black lives matter or do all lives matter?”

“This is a legitimate issue,” Mr. Rubio said on Megyn Kelly’s “The Kelly File.” “It is a fact that in the African-American community around this country there has been, for a number of years now, a growing resentment toward the way law enforcement and the criminal justice system interacts with the community. It is particularly endemic among young African-American males — that in some communities in this country have a much higher chance of interacting with criminal justice than higher education. It is a serious problem in this country.”

Furthermore, Mr. Rubio’s longevity in the race seems promising as his poll numbers gradually rise and more Americans take notice of the youthful, yet mature Floridian. His maturity is translated into his centrist approach to politics. He is willing to compromise unlike others in Congress.

Mr. Rubio has outlined new economic initiatives marking himself as “a new president for a new age.” He is proposing to curb corporate tax rates to 25% and allow companies to bring overseas’ profits back home to the United States. Additionally his overall plan is to curb federal regulation in the hope of economic growth. Many conservatives have blasted his proposals, but some of those same conservatives have threatened to abolish the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) altogether.

Moreover, Mr. Rubio has remained resolute on many issues even though he has a willingness to compromise. He stands firm on the right to bear arms, vouchers for school choice, and the expansion of free trade. He is a vocal proponent of pro-life groups and strongly opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Finally, Mr. Rubio champions conservatism while remaining attractive to the public. In a nation that has gradually grown more liberal especially on social issues over the past decades, our country needs a fresh breath of conservatism. Rubio has the boyish charm to persuade both parties and overcome even the egotistical Trump. When so many people have lost hope in the American Dream, Rubio is the candidate who not only can be the “Republican Savior,” but an “American Savior”.