MY FAITH IS THE GREATEST INFLUENCE IN MY LIFE

A young Iowa atheist recently asked Marco Rubio about why he's talking about his faith on the campaign trail. Marco's response was moving to believers and non-believers alike.



As conservatives across the country shared Marco's answer, it's become a sensation.

It's a showcase for Rubio's particular political talent.  He refuses to let this guy, who's civil but deliberately provocative, to bait him into antagonism towards atheists. Us-against-them cultural shtick is Cruz's game, per "New York values." Teddy is the divider while Marco is the uniter.

The most effective part is the last 45 seconds where Rubio makes the case that even atheists should hope that he's influenced in office by his Christian faith. As a scripted response, it would be sharp. Off the cuff, in reply to a loaded question, it's superb. His skill and tone here are why people like him even if they don't share his beliefs. It's exactly what a principled conservative needs to have in order to win a general election.

This isn't the first time that he's thrilled Christians with a defense of his faith either. In Iowa last November he went for 10 full minutes on the subject to a roomful of pastors, leaving CBN contributor David Brody praising his answer as a "thing of beauty." 

This headline from PJMedia says it all:



Erick Erickson noted that it would have been easy for Rubio to argue with the questioner...but he didn't.

Instead, Rubio did something remarkable and did it in a very civil way. He shared the gospel and the impact it has had in Marco's own life. It was calm, civil, respectful, and powerful.

David French at National Review called it a truly profound moment in politics:

Rubio's presentation of his beliefs - beliefs that I share - was winsome, compassionate, and - above all - true. American democracy, featuring so many direct, personal encounters between voters and candidates, can yield its profound moments. This was one.

One caucus goer said it was the best answer she'd ever heard about faith:

"I think it's the first time I ever heard a candidate present his faith as deeply and extensively as he did," said the 64-year-old [Deb Berstler], noting Rubio answered the atheist's question respectfully. "That's going to set him apart."

Even the atheist who asked the question was satisfied with Rubio's answer:

I'm satisfied he took the question head on. He didn't try to run away from it or he didn't mock me.

Other non-believers were impressed as well:    

I'm not religious, but Marco Rubio gave the greatest answer to an Atheist voter that I've seen from a politician. https://t.co/9O3jhuOUqd

— Lee Doren (@LDoren) January 20, 2016

Marco Rubio believes in religious liberty but also the right of Americans to not have any religious faith at all. As for Marco himself, he will never hide his faith, and it will continue to guide every aspect of his life.