Senator Rand Paul made official today what most of us have been anticipating for a long time, declaring his intentions to run for President of the United States. Paul spoke in front of a raucous crowd of his vision for America, outlining several bold proposals in his 25 minute speech. Paul spoke of a need to elect somebody who would not dilute their principles, and of the need to elect a candidate who would stand up to the Washington machine.
The most notable thing about Paul’s speech was the number of policy proposals he spoke of in the duration of it, a notable contrast to Senator Ted Cruz’s red meat filled announcement. Particularly ambitious were the proposals outlined for criminal justice reform, with Paul stating “I see an America where criminal justice is applied equally, and any law that disproportionately incarcerates people of color is repealed.” Paul spoke of an undercurrent of unease in the country which would be better restored by policies which advanced liberty, and of his proposal to implement economic freedom zones in impoverished areas.
This announcement was only the beginning of a five state announcement tour. The next stop for Rand Paul will be Hampshire, followed by South Carolina, Iowa and Nevada. With his announcement day moneybomb going strong and the tour to look ahead to, this week will be a major opportunity for Rand Paul to gain momentum heading into the heat of the 2016 elections.
