Well, this didn't take long; Republicans such as Jennifer Rubin of the Washington Post are already blasting Rand Paul for his approach to politics, leading into a long battle for the 2016 nomination. But, what else should the electorate expect from the Establishment Republicans and their ilk in the media? After all, Republicans immediately came out in opposition to his father as well. At least, the establishment, that is.
Rubin writes:
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) went to the University of California at Berkeley to get applause for anti-government, anti-national security rhetoric. Playing to the stereotypical paranoia of government and the identity politics that reverberate in left-wing circles, he told a New York Times reporter, “The first African American president ought to be a little more conscious of the fact of what has happened with the abuses of domestic spying. Martin Luther King was spied upon, civil rights leaders were spied upon, Muhammad Ali was spied upon, antiwar protesters were spied upon.”
"Playing to the stereotypical paranoia of government" says a lot about Rubin's view of Rand Paul. Her choice in words says a lot about Rand Paul's impact on the establishment-types; he is really pissing them off already. And, with good reason, he will continue to do so. Rand is running against the grain and against the establishment. The establishment should be careful how they treat him.
Many, myself included, see Rand Paul as a breath of fresh air. Paul stands for smaller government, with less power and a return to Constitutional order. His stances on foreign policy resonate with many on the Left and Right. Certainly, no one will agree with all of his stances, as is the risk of being a rigid politician. However, generally, Paul is an attractive alternative to the lawlessness of our current administration.
His attack on establishment politicians will only serve to catapult him in the public eye. The Establishment does not get it, and it shows in their immediate coverage of this speech. The headlines are telling today:
Rand Paul panders at Berkeley
Rand Paul panders at Berkeley
Expect the continued pounding on Rand Paul to continue until he is either forced out of the 2016 race (he has not officially entered, but probably will), or until Republicans have to accept him as the nominee. Look for Rand Paul to utilize this hatred to his favor during the next two years. The rebuke of the establishment only serves his amongst the people. Being part of the common folk, such as all my readers, I see comments and opinions that fit well to a Rand Paul run for 2016. Like it or not Establishment, I do not believe Rand Paul is going anywhere until after the primaries or further.
