Rand Paul Adviser Blasts Rick Perry for 'Mischaracterization' of Foreign Policy Views

Rand Paul Adviser Blasts Rick Perry for 'Mischaracterization' of Foreign Policy Views
Tony Lee

After Texas Governor Rick Perry blasted Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) for his purported “isolationism” that he said threatens America’s national security, a top Paul adviser made a target of Perry in mainstream and left-wing outlets.

Perry, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, also used the pages of the Washington Post Friday to single out Paul, who may be a top competitor, for not understanding that “we live in a world where isolationist policies would only endanger our national security even further.”

“That’s why it’s disheartening to hear fellow Republicans, such as Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.), suggest that our nation should ignore what’s happening in Iraq,” Perry wrote. “The main problem with this argument is that it means ignoring the profound threat that the group now calling itself the Islamic State poses to the United States and the world.”

Perry said ISIS represents a more “radicalized version of Islamic extremism than al-Qaeda” and is a “real threat to our national security – to which Paul seems curiously blind – because any of these passport carriers can simply buy a plane ticket and show up in the United States without even a visa.”

Doug Stafford, one of Paul’s top advisers, countered by saying Perry’s criticisms were “utter nonsense” on Saturday.

“Interesting to be lectured entirely in talking points though. His new glasses apparently don’t make him see the world any more clearly,” he told the left-wing BuzzFeed before mocking Perry’s infamous debate gaffe during his failed 2012 presidential run. Stafford said he had three more points “in response to Governor Perry’s talking points” before “forgetting” the third:

1. Senator Paul believes national defense is the most important function of the Federal government

2. Gov. Perry’s mischaracterization of Senator Paul’s foreign policy is not based in fact and

3. Um, I forgot the third. Anyone remember the third one? … oops!

Stafford was just getting started, later telling CNN that perhaps Perry should focus “on the invasion of his Southern border” before mischaracterizing Paul’s views in a “Washington newspaper.”

COMMENTS

Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.