We are at war. Gasoline prices are rising above $5 per gallon in much of the country. The country’s political apparatus is plagued by division, infighting and bureaucratic chaos that threatens to further upend 250 years of historical precedent.
But look at it marcorubio there, following his rhythm. DJ at a wedding! What a nice moment.
The Secretary of State was photographed this weekend behind the record players at a family wedding waiting in line. “Feel So Close” by Calvin Harris” and a few other hits before a cheering crowd, pumping first as he dropped the tempo. “Let’s go!” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino wrote in X.
It’s a stark contrast to the current geopolitical situation that Rubio is supposedly overseeing. But hey, he’s really just following his commander’s example. As JD Vance trudged through ultimately unsuccessful negotiations to end the iran war last month, president donald trump participated in a UFC fight. Last weekend, he was hosting a PGA Tour event at his luxury Doral golf club in Florida, where, as the White House was quick to point out, he took a phone call.
Obviously, it is difficult to stomach political leaders partying while the world order falls apart. But they’re only human: Even people with the most important jobs in the world have commitments to their families and deserve a chance to let off steam. But there is a tension between the grace we extend to these figures and the grave importance of their roles.
Being elected president (or appointed secretary of state) is, to put it mildly, a pretty big deal. For four years, they are basically always working. The needs of the country must come first and, at some level, they must all be addressed personally. It is, and that’s why we historically like it Judge presidents harshly for taking time off.
It is the moment, ultimately, that determines how these images interact with the audience. Rubio is not going to work around the clock to find a solution to the crisis in Iran, but the sheer lack of urgency that both Trump and his administration seem to be exhibiting seems to suggest that they may not even care about ending the war, no matter how disastrously disastrous it is for the country.
That stance is certainly a gift to his political rivals, but it is also an indication to the American people who Trump and his subordinates really represent. It’s not you, clocking in and out at a nine-to-five job or working the night shift at the hospital. Most of us (employed people) can’t help but feel a little resentful when we see the president on the golf course or the Secretary of State dancing with Calvin Harris. But the other people on the golf course? Can the other class of people who can afford to be on vacation afford to drive their boats, trucks, and golf carts for pleasure when gas costs more than $5 a gallon? We are not talking about the upper middle class here. We’re talking about those who probably don’t even know what the price of gas is because they haven’t pumped theirs in years. That is Trump’s electorate. Rubio is negotiating on that behalf. That’s what they serve. And those people? They are happy to play another round.
