By The Iowa Statesman
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) spoke to a packed room in Lexington, KY, this morning and delivered a lengthy and star-studded opening salvo in what most political observers say could be one of the most electrifying presidential primary processes in modern history.
Advancing a motto of “Defeat the Washington Machine, Unleash the American Dream,” the event opened with a music video that included actor Kris Kristofferson and country music star John Rich, who sang his song “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.” Paul’s father, Dr. Ron Paul, a former congressman from Texas, was in attendance, and the event was emceed by former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK), who had previously endorsed his campaign.
“I have a message! A message that is loud and clear and does not mince words! We’ve come to take our country back!” he exclaimed in opening his speech. “We’ve come to take our country back from the special interests that use Washington as their personal piggy bank. The special interests that are more concerned with their personal welfare than the general welfare. The Washington machine that gobbles up our freedoms and invades every nook and cranny of our lives — must be stopped!”
“Less than 5 years ago, I stood just down the road in Bowling Green and said those same words after I won my primary,” he added. “I wasn’t supposed to win. No one thought I would. Some people asked me then, ‘Why are you running?’ The answer is the same now as it was then. I have a vision for America. I want to be part of a return to prosperity. A true economic boom that lifts all Americans. A return to a government restrained by The Constitution. A return to privacy, opportunity and liberty!”
Sen. Paul said the message of liberty, opportunity and justice is for all Americans, “whether you wear a suit, a uniform or overalls, whether you’re white or black, rich or poor.” He said, in order to restore America, conservatives must not dilute their message or give up on their principles.
“If we nominate a candidate who is simply “Democrat-lite,” what’s the point? Why bother?” he said. “We need to boldly proclaim our vision for America! We need to go boldly forth under a banner of liberty that clutches the Constitution in one hand, and the Bill of Rights in the other! Washington is horribly broken. I fear it cannot be fixed from within. We, the people, must rise up and demand action.”
CLICK HERE to see the entire event, as broadcast by C-SPAN.
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