Rand Paul Bails on Bringing Change to Washington

RedState ^ | February 17th, 2014 at 06:16 PM | Leon H. Wolf

[SoConPubbie]

Rand Paul enjoys talking a big game about being a fundamental change agent in Washington. He likes to line up for publicity stunts like filing a lawsuit against the NSA which will almost certainly be dismissed (and send out handy list-building emails based on these publicity stunts), or staging an almost completely pointless filibuster on drones, but  when it comes to actual accomplishments that have changed the way things are done in Washington or even within the Senate GOP caucus, Paul’s cabinet is pretty empty. One area where Rand Paul might actually do some real good would be to help oust cancer Mitch McConnell, who last week singlehandedly gave Obama a blank check on the debt ceiling, and who fought tooth and nail for Rand Paul’s opponent in Paul’s primary. Here Paul might be able to do some real good where he is popular with the base in his home state in terms of using his national profile to raise awareness for Bevin’s campaign and help combat McConnell’s fundraising machine.

Instead, of course, Rand Paul has punted on his most significant opportunity to change Washington and is endorsing McConnell. What is most insulting about this decision is not that Paul made it, but the extraordinarily flimsy reasoning behind it. Look at this mealy-mouthed explanation allegedly given by Paul to Glenn Beck:

“You know things are complicated with endorsements. I’d say one because he asked me, and two because he asked me when he did not have an opponent, it wasn’t a choice at that time. And three I am someone that likes to bring people together.”

Wow. Well, that’s three compelling arguments, I guess.

First, he was asked. And who is he to say no to anyone? When someone akss you to do something, the answer always in all circumstances must be yes. To say otherwise would be impolite. One does not change the culture of Washington by being impolite, I guess.

Two, he was asked when McConnell did not have an opponent. Okay. Did he not consider that one might emerge? Were there literally no indications that this might be so? If not, why was McConnell calling in the first place? Now that a challenger has emerged, does he have any thoughts at all as to whether McConnell is better than this challenger?

Three, folks, Rand Paul has just said with a straight face that he’s a uniter, not a divider. Circle status: squared. Who can doubt Rand Paul’s reasons at this point?

The longer Rand Paul continues appearing at McConnell’s side, he is lending support to the very forces he purports to oppose, and that he loudly berates in his numerous fundraising and list-building pitches. If Rand Paul wants to make an actual difference in Washington instead of just talking about it, he needs to at the very least withdraw his endorsement of McConnell and remain neutral in this race, if not support Bevin’s campaign outright.

[lakecumberlandvet]

I’ve sent several emails to Rand Paul urging him to stay true to the ones (Tea Party) who elected him senator and support Bevin instead of McConnell. Rand Paul’s support would almost certainly guarantee Bevin’s victory. However, I’m afraid Paul believes that McConnell will prevail and then McConnell will be in a strong position to help Paul achieve his presidential ambitions. Personal ambition trumps principle.

[Sybeck1]

I only trust Cruz and Lee in the senate

[Colonel_Flagg]

One area where Rand Paul might actually do some real good would be to help oust cancer Mitch McConnell, who last week singlehandedly gave Obama a blank check on the debt ceiling,

No. McConnell had John Cornyn's help. Still, Paul could certainly do better by Tea Partiers in my estimation.

[bonfire]

Yep. Those all show up on my facebook.

[Jane Long]

I meant on the Senate race (like Midge and Rand) ;-)

At least, no endorsement in the TX Senate race, that I know of.

[ex-snook]

"He strikes me as another false conservative, "

If you keep peeling the onion on all these guys, you will find a Republican ['remember anyone but Obama']. The critical ignored issues by both Parties that are faceing the USA are trade deficits, our role as world policeman, stagnant population growth. Conserving the USA is the objective for conservatives. Conserving their money is the objective of Republicans. It's a acid test.

[Responsibility2nd]

I suspect he’ll stay mum on that. He won’t support Cornyn. Nor will he support Stockman.

Just a guess.

[Jane Long]

I’m guessing your guess is right.

[VRWC For Truth]

Start the Hispandering and lose it all.

[The Cajun]

Rand didn't have to endorse Midge.

That is the point that should be remembered.

Was never a big Paul fan and now damn sure am not.
Very stupid move on his part, some *behind closed doors* deal had to go down for Rand to be this stupid.

[4rcane]

Rand Paul just wanted to get along with those he work with everyday imho

[txhurl]

He didn’t have his pic taken with Stovall at the Denton Co. Republican conference where Stovall was supposed to be in attendance.

[Bigg Red]

Glad someone is finally calling this fraud out.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I see its trash Rand Paul night. One of the few standing up agains’t all the govt spying and harrassment. Give me a break. He’s one of the few good guys in Wash. I don’t agree with everything he says and does but so he endorsed Mitch. Not the end of the world. He figured Mitch would win and he wants that support to run for President.

Sarah Palin continues to support Juan McCain a total whack job RINO. Who wants to give her a good trashing?

The only two people who are going to run for President in 2016 that have given even the slightest indication they will change things are Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.

[SoConPubbie]

I see its trash Rand Paul night. One of the few standing up agains’t all the govt spying and harrassment. Give me a break. He’s one of the few good guys in Wash. I don’t agree with everything he says and does but so he endorsed Mitch. Not the end of the world. He figured Mitch would win and he wants that support to run for President.

If somebody is doing something wrong, we (Freepers) have an obligation to point it out. Similarly, where politicians are doing the right thing, we(Freepers) also have an obligation to point that out as well.

There are things that Rand Paul has been doing that I whole-heartedly support.

The only two people who are going to run for President in 2016 that have given even the slightest indication they will change things are Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.

Until Rand Paul drops his Amnesty plan, I'd say you were a little wide of the mark:

Here are the links, from last year, where Rand Paul clearly lays out his own Amnesty plan for 2 million illegals per year, based on a "Certification" from a Pro-Amnesty congress that the border is "secure". No Fence, No E-Verify, No punishments for ID Fraud, and all the other misdemeanors and felonies committed by the Undocumented Democrats he wants to pardon.

Sen. Rand Paul: Trust but verify on immigration reform (Feburary 8th, 2013)

Rand Paul’s “Undocumented Citizens” Path to Legality (and Citizenship) (March 20, 2013)

Rand Paul calls on conservatives to embrace immigration reform (March 19, 2013 Article)

Rand Paul's presence-and-jobs amnesty -- WITHOUT E-Verify


No, America Does Not Have “De Facto Amnesty”

GOP's Rand Paul, Dems' Luis Gutierrez in step on immigration reform

Rand Paul: Pathway To Citizenship Is Needed, E-Verify Is Not

Rand Paul On Illegals: Trust But Verify

Steve Deace – Et Tu, Rand Paul?

Paul: Republican Party in Need of Facelift

[VerySadAmerican]

He endorses McConnell. Palin endorses McCain. What’s next? Will Cruz endorse Cornyn. God, I hope not.

[chris37]

No, the time for the GOP to get swept out on it’s a$$ is what’s coming soon.

I’m no fool, bert.

[chris37]

I’m not certain that the Republicans have any objective at all outside of assisting democrats.

They are all DON’T ROCK THE BOAT, DEAR GOD, DON’T ROCK THE BOAT, but the boat is going off the edge of the universe...

[sergeantdave]

“They magically expect Rand to move the mountain by himself...”

We need to remember that FR is infested with the “We Walk on Water” cult. One misstep, one bad statement and the Walk on Water crowd descends to rip apart conservatives. Personally, I’m not ready yet to throw Paul under the bus. These Walk on Water fakes were on another thread ripping apart Trey Gowdy for actions he took which he later reversed.

I think it’s time to start looking at these holier-than-thou purists to determine whether or not they’re paid neo-con trolls pretending to be conservatives.

[peeps36]

I've never been a fan of his because he always seems to kiss up to McConnell and the other old Rinos. His endorsement of McConnell is no surprise to me. I don't think he has what it takes to win a fight.