Galt's Gulch
39

I’m Rand Paul and I’m running for President of the United States of America. Ask me anything!

Posted by RandPaul 8 years, 7 months ago to Politics
367 comments | Share | Best of... | Flag

I'm Dr. Rand Paul, devoted husband and father, senator from Kentucky, and 2016 United States presidential candidate.

I am running for president to return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government. I am an advocate of a balanced budget amendment, term limits, and privacy reform. I’m proud to be here in Galt’s Gulch with you today and will be back at 4PM ET to provide answers to your questions.

Ask me anything.

- - - - - - - - - -

EDIT 3: Radio Interrupted post-show with the Atlas Society: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...

EDIT 2: A full summary of questions and answers by Dr. Paul can be found here: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...

EDIT 1: 09.22.15 4:50PM ET: The Senator had to cut it short to keep a date with Wolf Blitzer (CNN). Check out his farewell comment here: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...

- - - - - - - - - -

PROOF: https://twitter.com/RandPaul/status/6...

- - - - - - - - - -

FROM SCOTT: Dr. Paul will be here at 4PM ET. Post your questions here now as comments below. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE QUESTIONS, PLEASE POST THEM AS INDIVIDUAL COMMENTS. Try and keep the questions brief so the senator can get through as many as possible. Also, make sure to vote on the questions (and this post) as the best will rise to the the top of the list.

At 4PM ET, refresh this page with your browser to see the Rand’s replies as they come in.

Also, make sure to join us at 4:30PM today for a special edition of GULCH LIVE: RADIO INTERRUPTED ( http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/g/the... ) for exclusive live commentary from the Atlas Society's David Kelly, Aaron Day, Will Thomas, and Ed Hudgins.

- - - - - - - - - -

DONATE TO RAND’S CAMPAIGN: https://secure.randpaul.com/

- - - - - - - - - -

DONATE TO FREEDOMWORKS: https://donate.freedomworks.org/contr...
DONATE TO THE ATLAS SOCIETY: http://atlassociety.org/donate

- - - - - - - - - -

NOT YET A GULCH PRODUCER?
- Create a new Galt's Gulch Account: https://galtsgulchonline.appspot.com/...
- Upgrade an existing Galt's Gulch Account: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/accou...

- - - - - - - - - -

Add Comment

FORMATTING HELP

All Comments Hide marked as read Mark all as read

  • Posted by $ Stormi 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr. Paul, I have seen you at events with Tom DeWeese, and know you are concerned with Agenda 21. Will you take any action to preserved private property rights in this country, and expose the new name UN Agenda 2030 to voters?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by Herb7734 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr. Paul, let me start by saying that you are the one candidate that comes the closest to the ideals I espouse. I don't mean to be insensitive, but do you honestly think that you have a chance at the nomination? I realize that you have over a year before the election, but you espouse ideals that many vehemently oppose. It's those very ideals that I like the most, but seem to be misunderstood by both voters, and party wonks who will oppose you at every turn. Once more -- do you Really, Honestly think you can overcome the opposition or are you willing to forgo some of your principles in order to get the nomination?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by Sharonhanoca3502 8 years, 7 months ago
    Enjoyed meeting you at Taran's Tactical Target Range before the Second Debate. My question": How can we as your supporters help to get you more recognition and coverage in the media?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by ddavis980 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr. Paul
    Do you support removing license requirements for individuals performing work? States require purchasing (tax) in order for people to work (trades) I believe this goes against our God given rights
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by $ nickursis 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr Paul,

    Since the 2014 election the Republicans have been as productive as the Democrats before them, if elected, would you campaign to bring in "outsiders" who might actually represent the people and not their lobbyists and corporations, to try to actually get the legislative branch back into motion?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by Wegg 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr. Paul, considering your prior statements regarding ending all corporate welfare prior to de-funding any social programs, how do you reconcile that with your current concentrated effort to de-fund planned parenthood? If president would you first concentrate on ending the collusion between private enterprise and government before turning your legislative powers towards Planned Parenthood?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
  • Posted by Mitch 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr. Paul, Given the rise of ISIS, Russia encroachment into Ukraine and Georgia, Iranian nuclear ambitions, Syria crisis, North Korea nuclear taunting and China building of islands to claim seaways and airspace, our lack of leadership has arguably caused an insurgence of events counterproductive to our own self-interest throughout the world. The libertarian ideology tends to place ideological beliefs higher than one’s own self-interest especially with regards to foreign affairs. If elected president, how would you handle our role as leader of the free world? Can you give some examples of how you would have handled these situations differently? Do you share your father’s isolationist beliefs?
    Mitch
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
      -
    • Posted by freebooter 8 years, 7 months ago
      Mitch, At least four of the problems you cite are actually examples of the consequences of an Imperial Presidency. We wouldn't have these problems if past Presidents had respected the Constitution and national sovereignty.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
      • Posted by Mitch 8 years, 7 months ago
        I won’t disagree with you that we caused some of these issues but never the less, this is the world our next president is inheriting.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by wmiranda 8 years, 7 months ago
    I won't be in at 4PM, but I'd like to know how you feel about term limits for National level positions (Congress, Senate and Supreme Court)?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by tronc 8 years, 7 months ago
    Second (much less important) question: What kept you sane as a medical student with conservative/libertarian views when the entire system surrounding you thinks you are an idiot ;). Any resources/books you read during your medical school years that you would recommend?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by bigL 8 years, 7 months ago
    Issue #2, the environment and climate change. More specifically, How do you respond to the international standards being set, TIPA and the TPP, and and how can we overcome businesses tendency to just use these caps as dues to be paid to keep polluting our world.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by Arrowhead 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr. Paul, there are many who are confused by your plan for a flat tax rather than the Fairtax. Do you believe Fairtax is a good tax reform option? Why do you believe a flat tax is superior?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by chuck_s 8 years, 7 months ago
    Can you say something good about one of your rivals views on stage with you now, and on the left like Sanders? I am sure you are not closed minded. What is something you share in common with them politically. Not so we will support them...but to show people that they can support you also.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    -
  • Posted by Seamusin 8 years, 7 months ago
    Gareth Porters book Manufactured Crisis, has done a pretty incredible job of proving that any evidence about irans nuclear weapons program is forged or a hoax. The CIA has been saying for 7 years that Iran is not and has not even decided that it wants to build a nuclear weapon. Mossad has said the same thing. Have you read Reese Erlich's book, the Iran Agenda? If you have seen all of this, why do you take such a position as you have on the Iran issue?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    -
  • Posted by JusticeNeverSleeps 8 years, 7 months ago
    Why don't you invoke Edward Snowden in your campaign and debates? I believe he lauds your stands, and we respect you more for that.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
      -
    • Posted by BMAndr3ws 8 years, 7 months ago
      I actually recently found out that Rand would imprison Snowden if he were to return to the U.S. Which brings me to my question for you, Rand. Why, after spending a great portion of your time as senator fighting illegal spying by the NSA would you not grant Edward Snowden pardon? I am a huge supporter, but your stance on this issue really bothers me.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by BloodyFreeze 8 years, 7 months ago
        He would have him face "fair" jail time, but, he also believes that people need to be able to whistle blow when it's appropriate and he's claimed that he's currently working on legislation that would allow for whistle-blowing in the sector Snowden was working in.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    -
  • Posted by chuck_s 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr. Paul, much of what candidates say about "day 1" is impossible and unrealistic. They speak as though they are taking the office of dictator instead of president. I know they must mean what they will take on first in their presidency, but they mislead the public for what is realistic. What will be your realistic first priority in office as our chief executive and leader?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • 11
      Posted by RandPaul 8 years, 7 months ago
      I believe that every American has a constitutionally guaranteed right to privacy which must be protected. We need to collect more information on terrorists and less on innocent Americans. I have fought for several years now to end the invasive and illegal spying of the NSA on ordinary Americans. As president, on Day One, I will immediately end this unconstitutional surveillance!
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    -
  • Posted by gmcase 8 years, 7 months ago
    Why did you sell your dad down the river during his last campaign with your appearance on the hyper necon Hannity show?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 8 years, 7 months ago
      I never thought of Hannity as a RINO supporter but then given the genesis of the 'new conservatives' it fits rather well. Ah well. they are all conservatives now Rinos, Demos, one big happy family building their defenses.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by PROOF 8 years, 7 months ago
    Would you not agree, Senator Paul, that you need to do something to catch the attention of mainstream america?

    There must be some kind of publicity stunt, or something, anything, you can do to have the spotlight aim at your and your issues in america....

    Right now I believe not enough people know who you even are and what you stand for....the media has done a good job of ensuring this but some kind of public spectacle would be impossible for the media to ignore...

    A publicist could help you with this....
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by rakman 8 years, 7 months ago
    I'd like to ask Rand Paul why he blocked a subpoena in the congressional criminal fraud investigation of how congressmen got Obamacare subsidies (especially when Rand Paul is supposedly against Obamacare), and how congressmen and their staffers were able to get designation as "small businesses" in order to get those subsidies.

    http://www.redstate.com/2015/05/08/fa...
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by Mountie1 8 years, 7 months ago
    Dr. Paul,

    It seems the majority of the population is completely out of touch with how things in this country and world will directly impact them. They seem to think nothing will affect their lives in a negative way. The Federal Reserve is one example. I think only a very small percentage understand how Federal Reserve is destroying our currency and, in turn, our wealth. The Feds say we have no real inflation to speak of and everyone believes it yet health insurance costs, education costs, housing costs, etc. keep rising at alarming rates. My question is how do you educate the population because nothing is currently working. We're on a dangerous trajectory if we don't wise up and see the dangers in our current society. I'd like to see you focus on this more in the debates. Simple 101 eduction. Thanks for all you do.

    Chris D
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • -1
    Posted by TavaresDJUSA12 8 years, 7 months ago
    *DITTO(USA)..."SenatorRand,DoYouBelieveThatYouAre'PresidentialMaterial'...If,So,WhyAndWhoAlsoCurrentlyRunningForPresidentOfTheUSAIn2016DoYouBelieveIs'PresidentialMaterial'And,Again,Why...ThanksMuch/InLiberty,DennisJTavares...SoonerAnd/Not,Later"!!!!!
    >
    >
    >

    🇺🇸🇨🇦🇮🇱🇬🇧🇦🇺😉
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  

FORMATTING HELP

  • Comment hidden. Undo