Marco Rubio: ‘I’ve Been Called A Bigot’ (Video)

Marco Rubio today complains that those who oppose his anti-gay and anti-immigration policies call him a “bigot” and a “hater.”

Senator Marco Rubio appeared angry and defensive on CBS News’ “Face The Nation” Sunday morning. The Florida lawmaker was asked about his new ad released this week that solidifies his recent campaign strategy of attempting to appeal to voters who feel disaffected and marginalized in the face of a tremendous shift in the nation’s beliefs on social issues like same-sex marriage.

“People who hold traditional values are often describes as ‘bigots and haters,'” Rubio told host John Dickerson.

“Who calls them that?,” Dickerson interjected.

“Oh my gosh, everybody on the left does,” Rubio insisted. “For example, if you do not support their definition of marriage –”

Dickerson was not letting Rubio get away with such a broad swipe.

“I mean, the word, ‘bigots and haters’… everybody?”

Rubio clamped down.

“Absolutely.”

WATCH: Marco Rubio: ‘Millions With Traditional Values’ Who Are ‘Branded Bigots’ Are ‘Essence Of America’

“The President?,” Dickerson challenged.

“Most certainly the president on occasion has said the people who don’t support same-sex marriage are wrong –”

“But wrong,” Dickerson again challenged, “is different from bigot.”

“In the broader left, I’ve been called a ‘bigot,'” Rubio complained, “for not supporting the definition of marriage.”

Rubio then said he feels among those who claim to feel “out of place” in this country because their beliefs are far from the mainstream, now that the country has moved left.

Watch:

Some responses today and this week via Twitter to Rubio lamenting being called a bigot:

  

Image: Screenshot via Face the Nation on CBS/YouTube