Marco Rubio is how Republicans can move past Trump | Opinion

I voted for President Donald Trump, but since 2021, I've wished the Republican Party had supported someone more qualified to represent conservatives.

After Secretary of State Marco Rubio's incredible speech at the Munich Security Conference on Valentine's Day, I feel good about this more than ever. Rubio delivered remarks so substantive and moving that they earned a standing ovation − a rare tribute from an audience of typically cynical Europeans.

In the past two Republican presidential primaries, voters chose Trump because he's a charming populist with an anti-establishment perspective and a much stronger candidate than the rest of the field (although I personally liked Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina governor).

Now the GOP is becoming known for Trump and MAGA politics, including his negative characteristics and baggage. But conservatism is not synonymous with Trump and extends beyond one man. Or at least it shouldn't be. It is a collection of invigorating ideas that better America when implemented properly. The Republican Party should hearken back to that after Trump leaves the White House.

While Trump blasts Europe, Rubio focused on bringing us together

I've always liked Rubio. He's intelligent, articulate and knows where he stands on key issues.

Instead of blasting European leaders the way Trump might have, for their weak immigration policies or their censorship of free speech, the secretary of State sought to bridge the gap between us.

"America was founded 250 years ago, but the roots began here on this continent long before," Rubio said at the security summit in Germany. "We are part of one civilization, Western civilization. We are bound to one another by the deepest bonds that nations could share, forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices our forefathers made together for the common civilization to which we have fallen heir."

He went on to lavish praise on so many vital aspects of European history and culture that America has borrowed, admired and sought to extend.

Tucked inside Rubio's accolades of Europe was an invitation to join our view of foreign policy because the Trump administration intends to protect the Western way of life in America. As a Christian, I appreciated that the secretary of State demonstrated that our mutual respect for human rights, liberty and equality comes from a shared Judeo-Christian faith.

AOC bombs at Munich, showing fledgling Dem leadership

Rubio's presence offered a stark contrast to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York. She spoke in a town hall on the "Rise of Populism" at the Munich Security Conference and on a Technical University of Berlin panel. Ocasio-Cortez and Rubio could not have been more diametrically opposed foes, both in substance and style.

The Democratic lawmaker bombed pretty spectacularly. During her remarks, she commented that the United States should not have kidnapped Venezuela's head of state, Nicolás Maduro, just because the country was "below the equator" − a geographical error most people would forgive. But then she rambled incoherently about what America should do if China invades Taiwan. She also mercilessly mocked Rubio's remarks on the origins of cowboy culture.

"My favorite part was when he said that American cowboys came from Spain," Ocasio-Cortez said, laughing. "I believe that Mexicans and the descendants of African enslaved peoples would like to have a word on that."

I have no idea what she is talking about, and it seems neither does she.

Critics, including Democrats, have piled on for the way Ocasio-Cortez handled the international spotlight. This is tough for Democrats, as she is one of their party's primary leaders.

Vance, Rubio offer hope for GOP beyond Trump

Trump has done some great things for America, but the Republican Party is not the Party of Trump. Moving into November's midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race, conservatives have a chance to support several candidates who are Trump-adjacent but would hopefully broaden conservatives' appeal.

At the same Munich conference in 2025, Vice President JD Vance was far more aggressive in his tone, but he showed strengths where Trump is weak, particularly when it comes to communication, while still pushing forward some of his more popular foreign policy ideas.

Rubio's making a name for himself nationally and internationally − something he needs to show Americans that his measured thoughtfulness balances a more pointed Vance.

I am hopeful that Vance and Rubio – or another similar pairing of politicians with a bit more substance, character and solid communication skills than Trump – could show Americans true conservatism in a compelling package.

There's a Republican Party beyond Trump, and it isn't far away.

Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox.