Could Marco Rubio inherit the MAGA mantle from President Trump?

Rubio is now seen as the leading contender to succeed Trump – besting Democrat Gavin Newsom and even GOP Vice President JD Vance in the latest prediction markets. His numbers on Kalshi have tripled since late last year.

And with polls showing Rubio's favorability rising above Trump's, the media and Democrats are treating him like a serious threat. He has become the real face of Trump's foreign policy.

Rubio and Vance could be headed for a real nomination fight if the secretary of state's numbers continue to rise.

At a recent Mar-a-Lago gathering, a group of about 25 big money GOP donors gave the thumbs up to Rubio over Vance, according to NBC News. When President Trump asked the donors which one they support, they "overwhelmingly indicated… Rubio through their cheering, according to two people who were at the event," it was reported.

"It was almost unanimous for Marco," one attendee said.

That's why Rubio suddenly finds himself now a major target for the opposition party and even some MAGA leaders who are backing Vance.

"Marco Rubio mocked for wearing oversized shoes amid report Trump gifts officials footwear they are too ‘afraid not to wear,' " a headline in Mediate reads.

"Photos of Rubio's feet on Tuesday went viral on social media after they showed him seemingly wearing a pair of shoes that were too big," the shocking report disclosed. Other reports called the dress Florsheims "clown shoes."

A new headline in the liberal website Daily Beast reads, "Little Marco goes full tin foil hat over reason for Iran war," adopting the nickname Trump gave him.

"Secretary of State Marco Rubio has offered what appears to be a bizarre conspiracy theory as a reason why President Donald Trump launched his war on Iran," the rag explains. "Rubio insisted that the U.S. fired first as a ‘preemptive' strike against Tehran."

Not so bizarre when you consider the latest warnings the FBI issued about an Iranian drone attack on California.

You know you've made it big when Democrats and the media start obsessing about your footwear and start using unflattering nicknames. Democrats have for years targeted Trump on everything from his long ties to his spray on tan.

Now it's Rubio's turn. He has just enough MAGA in him to take away votes from Vance, but doesn't have the Trump baggage that Vance has.

The former Florida senator has even somehow weaseled his way into the good graces of Trump, which seemed impossible a few years ago.

Trump was the one who mocked him as "Little Marco" in a Fox News debate 10 years ago.

"Let's see if he answers it (the question)," Rubio told moderator Chris Wallace.

"Don't worry about it Little Marco, I will," Trump retorted, drawing laughter and cheers.

Rubio has come a long way since that losing campaign. He now seems like the sane and reasonable alternative in the Trump administration.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Joe Battenfeld
Boston Herald/(TNS)

Joe Battenfeld is a veteran Boston Herald political columnist and multimedia reporter.