Rand Paul, the Republican to watch in 2013
One senior Republican leadership aide gushed with admiration over the freshman senator, emphasizing that he’s been able to tailor his libertarian ideology toward legislation that holds broader appeal. The adviser touted his involvement on right-to-work legislation, his call to audit the Federal Reserve, and even his leadership on legalizing industrial hemp – legislation first pushed by his father, which has now won support from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“Rand is somebody who has the generational know-how to turn it into 21st century machine. He gets branding. He understands there’s a need for credibility,” said the adviser. “He understands he doesn’t have the answers to everything. He’s not afraid of input, but is totally confident in listening to input to help achieve his goals.”
One of the areas where he’s taken a lot of feedback is on foreign policy, which critics have tagged as being synonymous with his father’s controversial views. But in a sign that he’s looking beyond just his next re-election, Paul made a high-profile trip to Israel, gave a foreign policy speech to the Heritage Foundation designed to smooth over the rough edges of his foreign policy worldview, and joined most of his Republican colleagues in blocking Hagel. He reached out to Israel supporters, framing his distaste for overseas interventions as one that would prevent the U.S. from putting undue pressure on Israel, getting a jibe at President Obama in the process.
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I like Rand Paul but why should we watch ANY Republican, in 2013? That’s not a knock on the GOP, just that the election isn’t for 3 more years…and the campaign doesn’t start for 2 more years….and there’s many a slip betwixt the cup and lip.
JFKY on February 15, 2013 at 2:29 PM
Considering the current political climate, in addition to
low-information votersthe permanently indoctrinated Socialist voting bloc, the impending civil war within the Republican Party, and Obama living off the fat of the land like the emperor he always envisioned himself to be… at least this gives some sense of escape.Myron Falwell on February 15, 2013 at 2:40 PM
No. That honor should go to Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz. They are much more interesting than Rand Paul.
BigGator5 on February 15, 2013 at 2:43 PM
Don’t forget Scott Walker.
John the Libertarian on February 15, 2013 at 2:45 PM
Rand Paul is one of the few republicans who hasn’t been assimilated by the party elders. So yes, he’s very interesting in a Barry Goldwater way…
Pitchforker on February 15, 2013 at 2:59 PM
Wouldn’t vote for Rubio, still on the fence with Cruz.
The only republican I’ve ever been excited about is rand paul. I’m just waiting for him to let me down like the rest of him though.
And agree with the upthread comment — why watch anyone? it’s 2013. And chances are Republicans will never win a nationwide election again.
Timin203 on February 15, 2013 at 2:59 PM
They are all interesting. Claiming two to be “much more interesting” than any one is objectively absurd.
I find him just as interesting, as well. But, I fear that the nature of his platform as a governor will limit his reach – at least in the near term (unless he continues what he’s been doing and the Dems continue doing what they’ve been doing – if they were smart they wouldn’t, but, then again, they are Dems.)
besser tot als rot on February 15, 2013 at 3:02 PM
But. Ron Paul!
Who ever said that Republicans weren’t as likely to be swayed by tribalism as Democrats?
besser tot als rot on February 15, 2013 at 3:04 PM
Said it before glad P1ssy=willow fellows like you weren’t around at Antietam or for the Fall of the Philippines….and keep expecting to be let down, and you will BE…you expect your girlfriend/boyfriend to be a b!tch they will be….keep expecting the worst and you’ll get it, whether it happens or not…because even if no one else sees it, YOU will, because it’s a part of your make-up…where others see politics, you’ll see BETRAYAL.
I really hope you are a better sports fan than you are political supporter…because I can only imagine game day at your house…”Oh we’ll LOSE, we always do.” “The coaching staff are BOUND to screw-up, they always do.”
J33sus, what a bunch of Eeyores! Why you bother commenting at all escapes me…we’re DOOMED remember!? So take your Eeyore @rse on off somewhere there is a bridge that needs a pessimist to plug into it and cause it to self-destruct, Marvin!
JFKY on February 15, 2013 at 3:06 PM
Well aren’t you a giant douchebag?
Timin203 on February 15, 2013 at 3:36 PM
Well after a while it ceases being CUTE, and becomes tiresome….Yeah we lost. It sucks. Time to move on. Constructively.
I did put in a Hitcher Hikers reference to take some of the sting out….
JFKY on February 15, 2013 at 3:49 PM
I, for one, agree with JFKY. The only politician you can back is Rand Paul? If one is that rigid than I think it’s safe to say it is you, not everyone else. No offense.
Donald Draper on February 15, 2013 at 4:20 PM