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Rand Paul: I Filibustered For the Sake of Young People

Mar. 13, 2013 9:20am

Young voters in the millennial generation have a troubled relationship with the GOP, in spite of sharing many of its fiscal orthodoxies. Fortunately, where many GOP politicians and pundits see a crisis in the making, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul sees an opportunity to create a newer, more vibrant Republican party.

Rand Paul: I Filibustered For the Millennial Generation

This video frame grab provided by Senate Television shows Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. speaking on the floor of the Senate on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. (Photo: AP)

To that end, Paul took to the millennial-focused political website PolicyMic to defend his recent filibuster, arguing that he did it at least partially out of a desire to help young people, and to make their voices heard within the GOP. His reasoning may surprise you. Here are the most relevant excerpts from Paul’s article (emphasis added):

Last week, a Senate colleague of mine said that when I questioned whether or not the president could order a drone strike on American citizens on American soil, I was just catering to “libertarian kids in their dorm rooms.” Standing up for the Bill of Rights and the Fifth Amendment was not a political stunt designed to appeal to certain audiences. I took an oath to protect the Constitution and it is an oath I intend to keep.

But we do need a Republican Party that addresses the concerns of young people. We need a different kind of GOP, a party that speaks to the rising generation, who may have unique interests and concerns.[...]

I believe a Republican Party that is more tolerant and dedicated to keeping the government out of people’s lives as much as possible would be more appealing to the rising generation. We have a nation of 300 million people who all harbor very different opinions on various policies. We have a Constitution that allows, even requires, many of these decisions to be made at the state and local level, which could accommodate the diversity of opinion in this country. Most young people I encounter simply have no desire to tell other people what to do or how to live.[...]

There are blue parts of the country where Republicans haven’t fared well, and yes, a more libertarian-Republican might be able to start winning in those areas. The youth vote could play an integral part in this.

Young Americans — conservative, libertarian, independent — are as fed up with big government as their parents and grandparents. A Republican Party willing to address their unique concerns could build a new majority that might finally turn this country around.

Paul’s argument might well find resonance with some young voters who are looking for a political alternative to the Democratic party. As TheBlaze has reported, a Republican message focused on economic freedom, without the baggage of social issues, has potential to succeed with young voters.

Nevertheless, there may be obstacles. Along with the op ed, PolicyMic opened the floor to their commenters to ask questions of Senator Paul, with the most highly rated being asked in a follow-up article. Some of the questions currently on the page present a challenge. For a sample:

While I respect your economic opinions, Millennials are also extremely concerned with gay marriage and reproductive rights – neither of which you have fought for in any capacity and have, in fact, voted against. Do you believe you can truly fight for the will of Millennials if you choose to ignore the social half of our demands?[...]

–

Senator Paul, thank you for your time.

I, and many of my Millennial friends over at the Roosevelt Institute, think that arguments framed by the terms “big government” and “small government” undermine what could be a much more productive argument about “good government” and “bad government.”

Do you think that “bigger government” is inextricably linked to bad governance, and why is that? Are there any functions of government that you believe can be expanded and increase the value provided to the American people for their dollar by its institutions?[...]

–

I think you did a very courageous act when you questioned about drone strike on American soil.

But when you said “keeping the government out of people’s lives as much as possible would be more appealing to the rising generation,” please be specific as in which area government should be out of their lives.

As far as I can see, consumers need protection against unscrupulous people like New England Compounding Center which caused people to die of meningitis.

Also, because Americans have clean air and other anti-pollution laws, people enjoy a much healthier life than people in China who have in recent years seen a sharp increase of cancer morbidity. Ordinary people of all generations here want more government protections, instead of less.

However, there is one comment that might be inadvertently encouraging, despite its hostility:

I am offended that the last paragraph states ” Young Americans — conservative, libertarian, independent — are as fed up with big government as their parents and grandparents.” This presumes that young Americans – liberal, progressive , independent – are not “fed up with big government. ” A Republican Party that has already decided to only speak to one sector of Young Americans is a Republican Party that will not win the young vote.

The idea of progressives and liberals being fed up with big government is counterintuitive, but if it’s accurate in the younger generation, Senator Paul might have a more winning message than he expects.

If you want to ask a question of Senator Paul in the PolicyMic thread, you can do so here.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (23)

  • soybomb315_II
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 5:19pm

    once again a very important article is thrown below yesterdays articles while stupid stories about sharks and puddles dominate the top of the page…..

    Report this comment

    soybomb315_II  
  • AnimalsAsLeaders
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 12:25pm

    As a member of this “targeted younger demographic” I can tell you with 100% confidence the GOP will not win over young voters. The baggage associated with the Republican party is insurmountable. It’s laughable to hear people talking about “rebranding” to appeal to the younger voters. Won’t happen. Kill the GOP, and switch to a Libertarian Party platform. There are just some things you can’t make appealing to young people – and the GOP is a prime example.

    Report this comment

    AnimalsAsLeaders  
  • PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:26am

    What about the UN control of our country Mr. Paul? What about the upcoming appropriation bills that are going to be attached to the Continuing Resolution that will effectively wipe out the intention of the sequester? Need to STOP the UN take over of the US.

    http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/people/sublib/irvin+Baxter/ec/VmNngyYTqQa0aQqtlaKgQ3FvCkDypxSbG

    Report this comment

    PIGSWILLNEVERFLY  
  • soybomb315_II
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:11am

    Still better off dissolving the GOP and forming a new party dedicated to the constitution. It would take more than 10 years to convince independents and young people that the republican party has changed in any measurable way (which it hasn’t)

    Report this comment

    soybomb315_II  
  • media-bias-steals-elections
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:08am

    He is a doctor, what did you expect? If he makes a mistake, he does not rest until he fixes it?

    Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This quote comes from Emma Lazarus’ sonnet, and is on the Statue of Liberty?

    When the government takes away your civil rights in the “war on terrorism” (which could never end?) people quickly become tired, poor, and huddle together yearning for a breath of fresh air?

    Report this comment

    media-bias-steals-elections  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:58am

    I can feel the knife in the back, by the likes of Always Cranky. Till that type of attitude stops, the TAKERS will succeed.

    Report this comment

    13th Imam  
  • Watcher1952
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:58am

    What these young Americans need to be made aware of is the fact that Barack Hussein Obama has signed into law that an AMERICAN citizen can be abducted off the streets & wisked away to Quantanimo Bay without out charges and for indefinate time……Mr. Paul is smart to bring out the drone strike thing….I still don’t trust this administration and the excutive order…..McCain & Graham are sucking up now….they need to go away…. Michigan is getting rid of one.. Levin……

    Report this comment

    Watcher1952  
  • Female
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:47am

    Today’s young are tomorrows 30s and 40s. At which time. they will wake from their youthful slumber and realize today’s O generation turned them into governmental slaves. Paying ridiculously high student loans, healthcare INSURANCE costs, and inflated, overly regulated, taxed to death food and utility costs. Plus, the government monitoring their every moment and thought re-education camps….perhaps, even the Constitution copies being ban with all the amendment rights. Paul Rand’s stand will be something barely remembered in their increasingly dismal world of the 21st century.

    Report this comment

    Female  
  • Free_Thought
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:46am

    What a hero. Becks and the blazers flavour of the month. Just wait until he has to shake hands with obama and everyone turns on him for it. We have seen it over and over again. The problem is that the liberals are democrats and the conservatives are now the gop, tea party and now the libertarian wing and the wannabe constitution party. Infighting different ideologies and views now are causing serious unity problems. Say what you will atleast the libs stick together. Better get your ship straightened oht or you wont win any elections for quite awhile.

    Report this comment

    Free_Thought  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:00am

      It’s easy to be a DEMOCRAT. Just turn a blind eye or openly support theft and crappy behavior.

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
    • barber2
      Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:22am

      FREE: Agree. Unite or die, conservatives. Actually by the end of Obama II, America may already be dead.

      Report this comment

      barber2  
    • Free_Thought
      Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:44am

      Its easy to be a conservative. Take what the public vote for and vote against it to make some sort of “point.”

      Report this comment

      Free_Thought  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on March 13, 2013 at 10:56am

      Those “Points” you spoke about are principles, are peoples values, our country’s morals, the Constitution. The Bill of Rights. The people that support Obama, have little of that.

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
    • circleDwagons
      Posted on March 13, 2013 at 1:29pm

      Barber2. Unite with us. It was pro-establishment types like youself that attacked or ignored Paul and his supporters. Maveric Mccain is only out for himelf.

      Report this comment

      circleDwagons  
    • Free_Thought
      Posted on March 13, 2013 at 1:55pm

      No. Those are “your” principles values and morals. Not americas. The constitution yes and the bill of rights also.

      But all rand did was make him look like a typical obstructionist from the right. I cant wait to watch you guys crucify him when he agrees with the president an liberals on something. You guys need a robot that will safely be the candidate that represents all of your ideology. It is impossible to have a candidate that is exactly what you want. If you had a candidate that epitomized everything you believed in but was also for gun control you would toss him aside. That is what is wrong with the right. You are looking for the impossible and while you do the dems will continue to pound you in the polls and the voting booth.

      Report this comment

      Free_Thought  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on March 13, 2013 at 4:52pm

      Liberalism is a mental disorder. Eventually you DEMOCRAT Marxists will run out of other peoples money.

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
  • Cavallo
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:44am

    McCain and Graham want to be mentioned positively in the New York Slimes. They’re twisted little monkeys who need to be retired by their constituents.

    Report this comment

    Cavallo  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:31am

    McCain and Graham are at the end of their ‘lifetime political careers’ and they know it that’s why they’re attacking Paul for taking the position he did. The progressive twins want to keep the one party system in tact but it’s dead and thankfully isn’t coming back.

    Report this comment

    progressiveslayer  

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