By Kevin Woo | February 13, 2013
San Francisco – Let me start by saying I’m a liberal democrat from San Francisco. My political leanings have nothing to do with my view of Marco Rubio’s sip of water that was heard ’round the world. This afternoon I Googled “Marco Rubio water” and got 50,600 hits. Are you kidding me?
For those of you who didn’t see it, last night Rubio was about ten minutes into the Republican response to the State of the Union when he got a case of dry mouth. He leaned to his left picked up a small bottle of Poland Springs water and took a swig. Sure, he looked a little awkward and yes the swallow was picked up by his microphone but come on, no harm no foul. Do we really need to analyze this? (Yes, I’m aware of the irony that I’m analyzing this)
The man needed a drink of water. Get over it.
I think the real blame lies with the public relations people. Why wasn’t Rubio positioned behind a podium? Why wasn’t there a glass of water for him? President Obama had a glass of water at the State of the Union. Paul Ryan consumed several glasses of water during the vice presidential debates. We’re human, we get dry mouth.
I’m sure that the late night talk shows will be abuzz with Rubio jokes tonight. But the joke should be on the public relations people who let Rubio down. Next time, put your guy behind a podium and put the water in a glass. That Mr. Rubio looked a bit awkward last night isn’t his fault. The PR people are to blame for this one.
Kevin Woo is a 20-year PR professional and a partner at Robinson Marketing & Public Relations. He is based in San Francisco.