Kim Norvell

knorvell@dmreg.com

IOWA CITY, Ia. — Twenty-four hours before the first-in-the-nation vote, former Texas Congressman Ron Paul made a final push for liberty, saying it’s the only thing that “can bring people together.”

The three-time presidential candidate appeared in front of one of his son’s larger crowds in Iowa. He encouraged voters to ignore the polls and “send a message” on Monday that an “irate minority” can make a difference. Republican presidential hopeful Rand Paul, Ron’s third child, sits at 5 percent in Iowa, according to the latest poll.

“Once the ideas of liberty become weak in our hearts, that’s the only time tyrants can become successful,” the elder Paul said. “But the good news is, the love of liberty is growing by leaps and bounds.”

Other Republican candidates argue for bigger government, but Rand Paul will “work toward a freer society” that gives Americans back their basic rights and “the fruits of their labor,” Ron Paul said. Rand Paul's message of free market economics, criminal justice reform and a “sensible” foreign policy will work to bring the country together, he said.

Ron Paul spoke for about 20 minutes at the University of Iowa before introducing his son to the campaign-estimated crowd of about 1,500. Rand Paul spoke in front of two teleprompters, an unusual move for the Kentucky senator, who typically stays unscripted on the trail.

Paul tailored his message to those students he calls “the leave-me-alone generation.” His liberty-themed speech focused on the ideas of a small government that does not collect phone records, reduces the number of laws and regulations and honors the entire Bill of Rights.

Paul said Democrats and Republicans “infringe on civil liberties” and “assault” the Bill of Rights: the left on the right to bear arms and the right on the right to privacy.

He elicited the help of Pink Floyd’s infamous “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” to drive home his point that free ideas are the most powerful weapon.

“For the crazy diamonds to shine, government must get out of the way," he said. "The leave-me-alone generation is a generation that believes they can conquer the world and solve any problems if left free to follow their dreams. You are the leave-me-alone-generation, and I want you to shine, shine on.”

In October, the campaign announced it had set out to get 10,000 Iowa students to caucus for Rand Paul on Monday. Cliff Maloney, the national youth director, said Sunday it has reached that goal.

AT THE EVENT

Setting: A ballroom inside the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa in Iowa City

Crowd:About 1,500 packed the room, according to the Paul campaign.

Reaction: Ron and Rand Paul received multiple standing ovations. The crowd cheered several times during Rand Paul’s speech and chanted “President Paul!” throughout. About 100 stayed to watch Rand Paul do a live interview with Fox News’ Megyn Kelly.

What’s next: Rand Paul has several events planned for caucus night, including a rally at Iowa State University.