Rand Paul Goofs

Paul Rand blew it.

Shortly after announcing his candidacy for President of the United States, he did an interview with Savannah Guthrie and the results were. . .well, unsettling.

Here's the link:

http://www.today.com/news/rand-paul-iran-nuclear-deal-im-going-keep-open-mind-2D80592771

Lesson One:
As a comparative newcomer with different ideas, a platform such as The Today Show provides Senator Paul with an extraordinary opportunity to make his case.  Instead, the interview is noted for the fact that he attempted to school a reporter.  Let's not miss opportunities simply because we cannot hold it together.

Lesson Two:
The dynamics of an interview include the fact that the reporter gets to ask questions and the interviewee gets to answer them.    That's the exchange.  Instead, Senator Paul took a 90 degree turn and decided to take on Savannah Guthrie.    Let's stick to the conversation and align with the rules of civility - it's our best chance to make our voice heard.

Lesson Three:
Seriously, who is better liked?   Savannah Guthrie or Rand Paul?  Presidential candidates need to be liked to get votes.  By alienating Savannah Guthrie, and thus her fans, Senator Paul missed an opportunity to align himself with someone who is popular.  Never, ever estimate the professional value of being truly liked. . .and the honest alliances that can foster that.

Lesson Four:
If you listen carefully, it is Senator Paul who initially interrupts Guthrie, yet he then chides her to not talk over him.  Don't get it twisted.

Lesson Five:
To the core of Guthrie's question, Rand Paul has changed his position, over the course of many years.   It is anybody's privilege to do that.   The world changes and thus, opinions change.  Toward the end of the interview, in discussing the threat posed by Iran, he gets it right.   If he had just owned it up front and explained why he changed his opinion he would have positioned himself as a strong student of international politics vs. someone who got pissy with a reporter.  Own it.

Here's the thing - he's a smart guy, he's articulate - and he lost a  major opportunity with no provocation.   Let's not do the same.

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