Rubio knocked it out of the park

Rebuttal speeches usually are not memorable.

But last night's rebuttal speech by Marco Rubio was one of the best. Pithy. Heartfelt. Pointed. Rubio in a nutshell articulated the GOP American vision better than any Republican in a while on the national stage.

This is not to say that Rubio elevated himself to presidential status. He needs more polishing on that score. (And a drink of water.) But he hit his points hard about the role of government and the middle class in a way that ought to give Democrats pause.

Here are a few high points:

-- "But America is exceptional because we believe that every life, at every stage, is precious, and that everyone everywhere has a God-given right to go as far as their talents and hard work will take them."

--  "My parents immigrated here in pursuit of the opportunity to improve their life and give their children the chance at an even better one. They made it to the middle class, my dad working as a bartender and my mother as a cashier and a maid. I didn’t inherit any money from them. But I inherited something far better – the real opportunity to accomplish my dreams. This opportunity – to make it to the middle class or beyond no matter where you start out in life – it isn’t bestowed on us from Washington.  It comes from a vibrant free economy where people can risk their own money to open a business. And when they succeed, they hire more people, who in turn invest or spend the money they make, helping others start a business and create jobs."

-- "More government isn’t going to help you get ahead.  It’s going to hold you back. "

You can read the entire speech here.