Posted on 03/20/2015 2:53:23 PM PDT by thetallguy24
“I have a biology degree, okay?”
– Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), in remarks at the Lincoln Labs “Reboot Congress” conference, Feb. 12, 2015
This column has been updated with an additional explanation by Paul’s spokesman.
We first spotted a version of this quote in a Bloomberg column by David Weigel, and then checked the quotes with our colleague Jose DelReal, who had attended the conference.
This is a bit of an odd one, given that Paul does not have a college undergraduate degree.
Paul mentioned his alleged degree at the conference not once, but twice. First, in an exchange with TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington, Paul said:
Arrington: “Let’s talk about economics because maybe you can actually explain this to me. I have an econ degree which means I know just enough not to understand any of what our government is [inaudible]”
Paul: “Mine’s in biology and English so this is going to be a great conversation.”
Then, later in the conversation, expounding on what he considered the virtues of Bitcoin, Paul said:
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
When did this happen?
At CPAC. See post #58
Are we sure he didn’t complete his Biology degree while at Duke? Just out of the gate, I’d prefer to believe Paul than the Wapo. Although, I am for Cruz; not Paul.
Did he say that he did?
Not possible. We know from his self-provided biography that he does not have the undergraduate degree. He either (1) lied and intentionally claimed a degree he does not have, (2) spoke imprecisely when referring to his undergraduate major, or (3) claimed the general field of biology because his medical degree is a specialty within biology.
Amen!! If every conservative refuses to vote for any but their particular color of unicorn, we’re screwed before we really start. Winning will require accepting a 90% candidate.
Besides, this entire matter over Senator Paul’s exact wording is beyond ridiculous.
I knew a couple of people who were admitted to medical school without finishing their undergrad programs. In fact, the powers that be might consider the practicality of just having pre-med be a 2 year program then start medical school. A lot of college undergrad courses will have NO impact on the doctor’s life. Many just take up time and $.
No, an M.D. Is a degree. A much tougher one than BA, I might add. I know from personal experience.
As I said, I’m for Cruz, but I’m still a little hesitant to hang one of our potentials over a technicality. I’m sure Wapo will be proud of us. They were so thorough and diligent in digging out and blatting to the world every last detail of Obola’s past. How could we expect less on one of our candidates?/S
As a chemistry major (in Texas, just like Rand Paul), I hung around with a lot of pre-meds. I knew two pre-med students who got into medical school after three years of college. That was far from the norm, they had to be truly exceptional with perfect grades, a very high score on the mcat, a great interview with the med school, etc. They practically had to walk on water. After they earned their MD, the university then counted the medical degree time towards the remaining year of their undergrad studies and officially gave them their BS.
I wonder if Baylor did the same? That would make the wiki reference correct — he DID leave before getting his BS, but that doesn’t mean he was eventually credited with one by Baylor after he graduated with his MD. We would have to know if this was the policy of Baylor at the time to know whether or not he has an undergraduate.
Disclaimer: I am not an apaulogist; he is not my candidate. I just know it is possible (or at least was possible when I was in university) to get into medical school after three years, without a bachelor’s degree, and then have the more rigorous curriculum of med school accepted three years later as the final year of credit towards the BS. Those folks got their MD before they were awarded their BS/BA!
Maybe he didn’t finish at Baylor because of this...
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/08/rand_pauls_accuser_clarifies_k.html
I believe that Paul is appropriately considered to have a degree or the equivalent knowledge in a field that is a required field of study. I know of cases where persons did not have a specific university degree but by associated studies and work experience were able to obtain professional licensing in a professional field of work. I was a college graduate with a professional license and I have no bones to pick with Paul as far as education is considered.
??? As the “accuser” stated in the story: “The whole thing has been blown out of proportion,” she told me.
Look, I’m a Cruz supporter, but we don’t need to gin up stories where nothing exists. Cruz is strong enough to stand on his own without this type of stuff.
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