Video: Marco Rubio discusses future of U.S. foreign policy

Whether you look at this as a United States Senator discussing foreign policy or a potential GOP vice presidential pick auditioning for the job, it's still worth a watch.  The implications for the Republican Party are clear -- while the libertarian/tea party wing of the party favors non-interventionist policies, Rubio embraces the neo-conservative Bush doctrine in embracing the spread of democracy overseas according to America's interests:

The spread and success of political and economic freedom in the Middle East is in our vital interest. It will certainly present challenges, as newly enfranchised societies elect leaders whose views and purposes oppose and even offend ours. But in the long term, because governments that rule by the consent of the governed must be responsive to the material needs and demands of their people, they are less likely to engage in costly confrontations that harm their economies and deprive their people of the opportunity to improve their circumstances.

Rubio stands firm with the majority of Republicans in protecting defense spending, but Rubio's case for "cost-effective" foreign aid may fall on many deaf conservative ears.

WATCH:

Full transcript available here.

-----------------

Related:Oops! Rubio Loses Last Page of His Speech, Recovers Quickly