Rand Paul’s Israel strategy
Recent polling suggests a majority of Republicans is at least open to retrenchment. According to the Pew Research Center, 53 percent of GOP voters want America less involved in Middle Eastern political change—not as noninterventionist as Democrats or particularly independents, but still nearly 20 points more than the percentage of Republicans who picked “more involved.”
Arguments for foreign-policy restraint have failed to gain traction in the Republican Party because of three perceptions of the conservatives making them: namely, that they are hostile to Israel, indifferent to American national security, and naïve about brutal foreign regimes. Paul is aiming to correct these perceptions while emphasizing his common ground with the GOP and the broader conservative movement.
That’s why Paul has focused on cutting foreign aid to Middle Eastern despots, who also happen to be virulently anti-Israel. It’s why he talks about missile defense to protect American cities from attack. And it’s why he observes that Israelis aren’t burning American flags.
More hawkish conservatives may be noticing Paul’s comments, but they are aimed at the Republican rank-and-file: evangelical well-wishers of Israel, primary voters who could be convinced that our overseas interventions are bad policy but not that the Muslim Brotherhood bodes well for secular democracy.
Blowback
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Ron Paul is going nowhere near 1600 penn
Flapjackmaka on January 23, 2013 at 7:26 PM
The article is about RAND Paul dumazz.
HondaV65 on January 23, 2013 at 7:36 PM
Probably attributing the “sins” of the father to the son. So very tribal. Would make a Democrat proud.
besser tot als rot on January 23, 2013 at 7:38 PM
Indeed not. If nothing else he’s just too old.
But you’ll notice that this discussion is about RAND Paul.
I suggest you take a literacy class.
MelonCollie on January 23, 2013 at 7:39 PM
You do know Rand is Ron’s son right?
Flapjackmaka on January 23, 2013 at 7:39 PM
ROn will ride Rand like seabiscuit into the white house. You’re an idiot to think otherwise. You voted for Romney I bet. You’ll vote for whoever.
Flapjackmaka on January 23, 2013 at 7:44 PM
Oh but of course – that makes them the same person! LMFAO!
HondaV65 on January 23, 2013 at 7:46 PM
Evidently, you’ll only vote for someone in your tribe. Someone whose father, and father’s father, and father’s father’s father, etc. have the right pedigree.
besser tot als rot on January 23, 2013 at 7:50 PM
Rand Paul will eventually be every bit of a nut as his old man. It might be a degenerative disease that runs in the family. He sure pulled the wool over the eyes of many. Some will remain blinded while others wake up. Might become a one term wonder…
astonerii on January 23, 2013 at 7:51 PM
you’re so stupid. I’d vote for Rand if he was the nominee but it isnt happening. He brings nothing. We have Kentucky already
Flapjackmaka on January 23, 2013 at 7:53 PM
So good to know you possess the gifts of prophecy and intelligence.
Oh wait, you’re just a dumba$$ making lame predictions.
MelonCollie on January 23, 2013 at 7:56 PM
Very sad to see such a lazy analysis from you astonerii. Is every man his own man or not? Are we individuals or members of a groups that can be set against each other for political gain? Is each man to be condemned for the actions of his father? Or his group? Don’t agree with him, fine. But do it on the merits.
besser tot als rot on January 23, 2013 at 8:00 PM
You keep saying this. P.S. I so enjoyed Romneys inauguration yesterday. Go Blue Buddha!
Bmore on January 23, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Whatever, dude. I know you vote Dem because they give your “group” some little trinket. Because, you know, only the “right” peeps get that trinket. And you’re a member of an “in” group! Yay!
besser tot als rot on January 23, 2013 at 8:03 PM
We are individuals, and as evidenced by our education system, we are also the product of those influences that happen in our lives.
Rand is not condemned by the actions of his father. It will be his own actions and reactions to people like myself and you that will either propel him forward or condemn him.
As evidenced by his running positions and his now in office heavily protected by the veil of incumbency in the future, it shows that he held off telling you who he really was, and now is walking it back, one tiny small step at a time.
Look, maybe this will be the end of his move towards the loony side. I doubt it. I figure in the end he has two real end states. He goes full retard and embraces his personal irresponsibility libertarian side and goes full on Democrat or he embraces his inner Ron Paul libertarian bent. I really do not see him actually remaining the more conservative person he sold himself as. His drift post election indicates it was not him, but just a well played act.
astonerii on January 23, 2013 at 8:18 PM
I think you should step away from the computer. You’re not well
Flapjackmaka on January 23, 2013 at 8:19 PM
Which means you lost the argument. :p
Myron Falwell on January 23, 2013 at 8:26 PM
I’ll say. We’ve been flipping that flapjack ever since the second post, and now he’s flipped!
MelonCollie on January 24, 2013 at 10:01 AM