Republicans wanted Rubio on the stump. Trump coaxed him there.

What happened: Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared with President Donald Trump at a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, after Trump brought him on stage. A White House official said Rubio was there as national security adviser, not to campaign. Key numbers: POLITICO Poll results across three polls this month ranked Rubio third Why it matters: Republicans have pressed Rubio to campaign in a difficult midterm cycle, seeing him as a strong messenger, while he has kept distance from partisan politics. The White House tied the trip to the Venezuela oil deal, which officials credited to Rubio.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared with President Donald Trump at a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, after Trump brought him on stage. A White House official said Rubio was there as national security adviser, not to campaign.

Republicans have pressed Rubio to campaign in a difficult midterm cycle, seeing him as a strong messenger, while he has kept distance from partisan politics. The White House tied the trip to the Venezuela oil deal, which officials credited to Rubio.