Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
Rand Paul clearly thinks of himself as some kind of brave speaker-of-truth-to-power ... but don't expect him to have an answer ready on the controversial stuff.
Ever. From the Confederate flag to Indiana's right-to-discriminate law to Iran to
rape and incest exceptions in anti-abortion laws, don't expect a timely answer from the Kentucky Republican. Now, Paul has a new twist on his "no comment" policy: frame it as taking the high road.
Asked about Donald Trump's series of vicious anti-immigrant comments:
"I don't have any direct comment on other candidates' statements," Paul said. "(But) I believe most immigrants come to this country in search of the American dream," Paul said.
He said his comment stood for itself when questioned whether he condoned Trump's language.
Actually, though, it doesn't. "I have a tepid belief that immigrants have reasonable dreams but I'm not going to criticize my fellow Republican presidential candidate for calling them rapists and drug dealers" is not something that stands for itself as anything but a non-answer. Whether Paul doesn't want to say anything stronger because he's really with Trump but recognizes that's not a great long-term campaign strategy or because he's afraid of alienating the GOP's anti-immigrant base, this answer shows just how weak he really is.