Rand Paul on drugs.....and gay marriage

[Mr. Morden]

Paul did an interview on Fox New Sunday this morning, and was asked about two hot button social issues.  On gay marriage, he embraces Rubio's federalist take on the issue, but takes it a step farther, in saying that he'd be fine with SCOTUS striking down the federalist part of DOMA:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/24/rand-paul-gay-marriage_n_2944056.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

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He also said that he's against full blown legalization of drugs, but doesn't think the penalty for non-violent drug crimes should include jail time:

link

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[All Along The Watchtower]

A nationwide shift is happening on gay marriage (well almost nationwide, I think..)

[TDAS04]

Never thought I'd say this about a tea partier, but that's one of the most sensible statements about drugs I've ever heard.

[NHI]

Definitely good positioning to have for the general if he makes it there.

[The Free North]

Much of the libertarian population is split on him.

Personally im not sold on him, nor would i vote for him ATM. He is the best member of the senate, but he's too neo-con for my liking.

[minionofmidas]

"Rand Paul on drugs" doesn't make me think of an interview.

[Supersonic]

Much of the libertarian population is split on him.

Personally im not sold on him, nor would i vote for him ATM. He is the best member of the senate, but he's too neo-con for my liking.

In what sense?

[BluegrassBlueVote]

Much of the libertarian population is split on him.

Personally im not sold on him, nor would i vote for him ATM. He is the best member of the senate, but he's too neo-con for my liking.

In what sense?

It could be his very warm reception of Israel, although that's a mandatory move for any GOP presidential aspirant.

[The Free North]

Much of the libertarian population is split on him.

Personally im not sold on him, nor would i vote for him ATM. He is the best member of the senate, but he's too neo-con for my liking.

In what sense?

Let me preface my comments by saying again that i expect my opinion of him to change in the future as I learn more and see more of his votes, however, i know he did vote for some sanctions on Iran, he's a little too Israel friendly for my liking as well. In comparison to his father, he seems more interventionist, and I dont know if he, as president, would be willing to massively slash overseas military spending and bring back troops from bases across the globe.

[Supersonic]

Much of the libertarian population is split on him.

Personally im not sold on him, nor would i vote for him ATM. He is the best member of the senate, but he's too neo-con for my liking.

In what sense?

Let me preface my comments by saying again that i expect my opinion of him to change in the future as I learn more and see more of his votes, however, i know he did vote for some sanctions on Iran, he's a little too Israel friendly for my liking as well. In comparison to his father, he seems more interventionist, and I dont know if he, as president, would be willing to massively slash overseas military spending and bring back troops from bases across the globe.

Hmm, okay. I thought Israel might prop up. Thanks for clarifying.

[Mr. Morden]

More Paul on drugs:

http://atr.rollcall.com/kentucky-paul-discusses-2016-decision-timeline-hemp-policy/

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[Mr. Morden]

On gay marriage, Walker has also now joined Paul, Rubio, and others in saying that he's against SSM but takes the "federalist" position, saying that the states should decide....effectively saying that he'd oppose a constitutional amendment on the federal level:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-on-gay-marriage-let-states-decide-i69b4ib-200326621.html

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[Likely Voter]

Of course the federalism approach wont help in the first two states. When it comes to the IA caucus, candidates will again be asked to take the pledge to defend traditional marriage and restore IA back to the arms of Jesus through Federal action. So the 'let the states decide' argument is going to play there. I think everyone but Romney ended up signing the NOM pledge last time around.  NH also has SSM marraige and their Socons want the amendment too.

[Maxwell]

"Rand Paul on drugs" doesn't make me think of an interview.

This is Rand Paul



This is Rand Paul on drugs.

Any Questions?

[Goldwater]

Any Questions?

Yes. Why am I suddenly in the mood for fried eggs?

[Mr. Illini]

As a libertarian, I am pretty sold on Rand Paul. I was VERY worried when he was slapping sanctions on Iran and endorsing Mitt Romney, but I am understanding that he is playing the political game. His dad always held to his principals and wouldn't play politics. While I love Ron Paul, he never won much. Rand will hold to his principals while still playing the game a little to advance his position. His filibuster on drones and his drug stances are also returning hope even more for me.

[Small Business Owner of Any Repute]

I anticipate that marijuana legalization will eventually be an issue championed by the Republican Party as a clumsy attempt to pretend it understands my generation's values. It makes logical sense -- there's no organized opposition to it in the GOP base, and legalization could prove to be a huge cash crop for southern states.

[they don't love you like i love you]

I anticipate that marijuana legalization will eventually be an issue championed by the Republican Party as a clumsy attempt to pretend it understands my generation's values. It makes logical sense -- there's no organized opposition to it in the GOP base, and legalization could prove to be a huge cash crop for southern states.

[Stranger in a strange land]

^ Because this is the Internet, the power and influence of the Libertarian wing of the Republican party is vastly overrated on this website.

[Horus]

Although the opposition to Marijuana legalization in general comes from Republicans, there are places, particularly on the east coast where I think Dems would be just as against as the GOP. Think some NYC burbs for example. Overall, there is no "base" in the GOP against legalization, most simply oppose it because its the "conervative" thing to do. Also, there is nothing in the bible discussing marijuana so opposition is less important to the average socon than legalization is to the average libertarian or leftist.

[Mr. Morden]

*bump*

Paul shrugs when asked if he might rethink his position on gay marriage:

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/219672-rand-paul-shrugs-when-asked-if-he-could-rethink-gay

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[New_Conservative]

Makes me like Rand a little more (because of stance on gay marriage), not sure if he'll be able to make it through primaries though. I am worried that the Tea Party will take over and Carson/Huckabee/Cruz, etc. will be nominated.

[spacecoyote]

I agree completely. However, will this still be his position in the primaries or will he be forced to veer right like he did on foreign policy?

[henster]

He did compare gay marriage to bestiality a year ago.

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

He did compare gay marriage to bestiality a year ago.

He changed his mind. He's in a states rights position like most of the more sane Republican 2016 contenders.