Rubio: Romney is ‘the real deal on a personal level'

>> tonight, we'll see two very different and divergent messages and messengers all toward the same goal. we'll hear from ann romney tonight. we'll hear from the governor of the state of new jersey, chris christie tonight with his key note . one of the big name republicans here happens to be one of the two host senators from the state of florida . republican marco rubio is here with us in the institute-year-oinstitutstudio. i know we're in the closing minutes before mrs. romney comes out. there is a big planned explosion. i want to ask you about your party. i've watched you on television for days, talking about this gathering and being a proud floridian. are you happy with the tone and tenor of the conversation right now? the rate debate got out of control. went several days. is this where you want it in the big tent business?

>> first of all, i think we have to understand what a different political climate where politics is covered almost like sports is, 24 hours a day by multiple outlets and there is always need for content. that doesn't mean that that didn't deserve attention but i think we're at the stage where voters will start to focus in. i would say especially after these conventions. it is true, people are coming back from vacation. their kids are starting school and they'll begin to focus on that choice that they have. tonight is the kickoff of that. we have mrs. romney coming up. she will introduce to us mr. romney the person. a very special person. a unique individual. i hope after tonight americans long how truly unique mr. romney is. and then chris christie will stand up and talk about leadership and what it will take to turn it around as leadership. i think he will share his experience leading in new jersey and he will talk about how this applies to this election. tonight is the gings of the final stretch to be, to use an often used term, the fourth quarter of this ball game.

>> you do have the job, the honor of introducing mitt romney . it is a transparent age. be honest. should we know more about him already? should there be this great a need?

>> i think he is a very modest person. i think by nature someone who doesn't want to brag about himself. i think that is an attribute for most people is a good thing but in politics, it is important to know the person. finally tonight as the nominee of this party, we'll begin to see that. i can't wait. i hope people get to know mitt romney the way i've gotten to know him. as a father, a husband, a grandfather. i've seen him interact with his sons on the road. you don't fake that stuff. this guy is the real deal on a personal level, irrespective of how people feel about how he stands on issues. people may disagree with him on an issue but i think they will come to admire how he's lived his life and the role model for so many younger americans. peel like myself.

>> about your story. you have a great american story. your american story begins south of here in cuba. are you happy with the language of this gathering? you're also in the business of telling to the other young marco rubios around the united states , you can be like me. come with us, be a republican. are you happy with the language of this gathering and this party?

>> it is just starting but here's what i'm hearing tonight. what i'm not hearing is just the despair of the moment. i'm hearing the opportunity for the future. i think you'll hear that tonight from chris christie . yes, we have some challenges that we're facing. this century can be an american century . there's no reason why this next 100 years can be just as great for this country if not better than the last 100 years. at the end of the day , people want to be inspired. not divided. people want to be inspired, not scared. this is a convention of a bunch of leaders in this party, chiefly mitt romney and paul ryan who spoke clearly about the challenges we face but also about the opportunities we have to create a new american century .

>> senator marco rubio . we're very him a to have you. we join you in florida's pride in hosting this. and it is a great gathering underway tonight.

>> great to have you here.