Rand Paul Needs Help

In his weekly phone conference, which by the way includes both old and new media, Rand Paul answered a number of questions, the answers to which were not as revealing as the over all impression of the session.

Paul is admittedly an outsider, and proud of it.  He says he doesn't think this will hurt him in securing the GOP nomination because, he says, "most of the republicans are outsiders too."  He cites the approval he says he gets at republican rallies as an expression of dissatisfaction by rank and file republicans with their own party and its leadership.

He also said that even though he has set a goal of $1million for his August 20th "money bomb" unlike Jim Bunning he has no plans to withdraw from the race if he doesn't meet that goal. "I think Jim Bunning could still have been competitive", Paul said offering the opinion that it was a "mistake" for Bunning to say he would withdraw if he didn't meet fund raising goals.

But Paul spoke a little over the top when asked about the right of states to "secede" from the Union.  He said that the founding fathers and the first 14 presidents acknowledged that right.  Later when pressed, he said perhaps his history was a bit off and limited his response to the feelings of the founders, citing Thomas Jefferson as one source.

He also left himself open a bit when asked whether he thought Barack Obama was born in the United States.  After dodging the question by asserting that the issue was now a "moot point" he then said that this is an issue which should have been raised before his election.  And even though he claims to be a staunch defender of the Constitution, he expressed some doubt how it could be that anyone could argue that Obama was not a U.S. citizen since his mother was a citizen.  Of course, that is not the law.

What the overall impression of Paul from this interview might be is of course dependent upon the viewpoint of those who witnessed it.  But, from "The Marcus Carey Perspective" I saw two things.

First, Paul is in desperate need of better preparation from professionals and a staff who will scour the news, find the tripping points and work out a response that is both truthful and professional at the same time.

Second, Paul is in desperate need of help in developing a sixth sense for the sound bite.  Though his themes are consistent, he needs professional help in staying on message.

As time goes on, now that he is an official candidate, the need for these things will become much more urgent.  His openness and willingness to be interviewed is laudable, and money will certainly allow him to put together a staff, but right now, hes' kinda out there all alone in a world filled with sharp teeth.

Rand Paul needs help.

Comments

[Alternative Candidate?]

My one and only problem with Rand is the fact that he is seeking GOP support. He's seeking the major party support for the sake of having $$$ for his warchest. Regardless the candidate's intentions, if we as a society support the ideologue that whomever raises enough money shall be the victor then we have lost our republic already. There will be another candidate for the US Senate seat for KY, and he will not seek party approval from either side of the aisle. He will go it alone seeking no money from any source. Don't let that mislead you into thinking it will be someone with a fat wallet, he has little if any money to spare after making sure his family is provided for.

How in times like these can anyone feel good asking people to give up their cash? Why not have people donate the time to make signs with their home printers or send ads to their local papers, and discuss politics with one another everywhere they go?

Last I looked up the prepared package provided through KY SoS office in conjunction with BoE, candidates can't legally file for the 2010 general election until Nov. 2009. So we'll soon see just how far a true independent patriot can get in an election.

[TruthisTreason]

All the early founders of our country should have believed in secession, since we did secede from England. And it would be a safe bet to say those who were raised by the founders understood it as well. Citing one instance opposing that doesn't prove anyone wrong!

On the Obama issue, you seem to be a Bunning supporter, why did he not say anything about it when it mattered? Why when pressed about it in April did he, Senator Bunning, laugh the question away and then say it was too late to worry with? Answer?

Any American that doesn't believe in secession doesn't understand American History!

[Rick A Hyatt]

Go to http://www.zazzle.com/rickhyatt to get your own posters of Obama The Joker that's gone viral in LA.

[Jim]

I think Rand Paul is a welcomed sight. Especially at this time, I think we as KY conservative Republicans deserve an actual election instead of just a cooronation ceremony. I like him. He doesn't have a focus group or kiss any rings of the leadership, he just says what he thinks.

[On The Right]

I like the man! I also don't like having our nominees hand picked by political bosses!

[Redman]

Marcus, did you like Trey's response to the Obama citizenship question better?