Asked in the interview how he thinks he is misunderstood politically by his critics, Paul paused for a few seconds. He then disputed the notion that he is “identical” to his father, former Texas Rep. Ron Paul, on all policy issues.

“I think over time, people will notice there are distinctions and differences,” he said.

Reporters sometimes ask Paul, he said, to comment on his father’s beliefs. But he said he’s done doing that. “I’ve pretty much quit answering” those questions.

“I’ve been in the Senate three years, and I have created a record of myself,” he said. “And I have my opinions.”