Rand Paul was recently elected as a first term Senator from Kentucky. He calls himself a "Libertarian," but ran as a Republican. Paul is a "Constitutionalist." He believes in the Bill of Rights and all of the guarantees in the Constitution.
Paul believes, and has been outspoken about it, that the Government should not infringe on the rights of citizens. He is for less government intrusion into our lives.This includes spying on phone conversations or other personal communications between citizens.
Because of his opposition to a recent bill that would tap into citizens' phone calls, Paul been criticized for not doing enough to keep citizens safe from terrorists. He believes government spying on citizens is more dangerous in the long run than a possible terrorist attack.
Paul has also been criticized, even by me, for voting to defund Planned Parenthood. He opposes abortion, especially late term abortions, which are hardly ever performed.
Rand is not a professional politician. His father, Ron Paul, has been a Representative from Texas for many years, but both Pauls are physicians. Ron is an OB/GYN. Rand is an Eye Doctor, and even after being elected as Senator from Kentucky, he still operates on patients to help them see.
On the other hand Bernie is a professional politician. He was elected Mayor of Burlington, Vermont in 1981. Then he went on to serve in Congress as the single Congressperson from Vermont. Vermont is one of eight states that have more Senators, which are always two, than Congressmen.
Bernie is now a Senator from Vermont. He usually votes with the Democrats, but is a self-proclaimed Socialist. He is running for President as an Independent.
One thing Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders have in common, which I found a little surprising at first but shouldn't have, is they are the highest ranked Senators for "User Approval." Sanders and Paul each have 75% Approval ratings, which is the highest of all 100 Senators. The next closest is Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, with 70% and Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, at 61%.
I chalk up the high approval ratings for Sanders and Paul to their openness and straight talk from both Bernie and Rand. They are who they are and don't make excuses about it, and that's why I like them. I probably won't vote for either one for President, but I have no doubt that if either one was elected; he would not be the typical President.
