While the Twitterverse and even a Fox News pundit like Todd Starnes agreed that Marco Rubio’s State of the Union thirst rebuttal would wind up on Saturday Night Live, Sean Hannity couldn’t stop gushing over it.

You know a Republican rebuttal to President Obama’s State of the Union address didn’t go well when a Fox News host compares it to Bobby Jindal’s ill-fated rebuttal in 2009. But that’s how Bret Baier characterized Rubio’s performance. Baier said:

“You know, this response is always a tough spot. …It definitely appeared Senator Rubio was a bit nervous at times, getting dry mouthed, finally taking a drink of water. You feel for this spot. Remember Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal had a tough time delivering a response.”

But not Sean Hannity, he thought it was just fab and he told us so over and over.

Hannity told us immediately following a focus group with Frank Luntz, “I predict now the big story of the night is going to be Marco Rubio’s response.” At first, I thought Hannity was referring to what CBS News called “water-bottle-gate.” But later, when speaking to Senator Ted Cruz, Hannity said, “As our focus group just showed tonight, Senator, I think the big story of the night’s gonna be Marco Rubio’s response. I thought that was the best response to a State of the Union address that I’d ever seen.”

As it happens, Luntz’ group gave Rubio pretty good marks on the issue of spending. But even they – and Hannity - agreed the spot would likely end up on SNL.

But putting aside the Rubio jokes, the substance of Rubio’s speech was nothing to laugh at, as Heather at Crooks and Liars’ Video Café explains. I don’t know if it would be better or worse for the water bottle to permanently overshadow it or not.

Rubio's rebuttal is the second video below.