Indeed, Paul today sounds different than the Paul who ran for Senate in 2010. While Paul is not the first politician to “evolve” on issues, the contrast in tone shows the differences between mounting an anti-establishment senatorial bid in a fiercely red state and being taken seriously as his party decides its next nominee for president.

“His convictions haven’t changed,” Paul spokesperson Dan Bayens told POLITICO. “He realized you don’t get everything you want, especially with Democrats in control of the Senate.”

Bayens, who declined to comment on most of the specific issues, added, “What I’d say is people misinterpret what he says. He’d like to get 100 percent of something. Maybe he offers legislation to get 90 percent. He’s not changing his position necessarily.”