Rand Paul’s grand deception

Paul himself has beat a tactical retreat from the front lines of libertarian foreign policy. Having previously proposed slashing defense spending, he now awkwardly embraces increases. Having tracked closely with Obama’s position on Iran, the Kentucky Republican now prefers negotiation from “a position of strength.”

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This movement from paranoia to platitudes highlights the tension at the heart of the Paul 2016 campaign. He must send signals of sympathy to the extensive libertarian field organization assembled by his father. He must also show indications of evolution to mainstream Republicans in order to be imaginable as commander in chief. Every word Paul says on foreign policy must pass this balancing test. The result is a tap dance on a tightrope.

Paul is either abandoning his deepest beliefs on foreign policy or playing a libertarian long game. The latter is much more likely.

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