Rand Paul connects with ISU students

AMES, Ia. -- U.S. Sen. Rand Paul made it clear Friday night he considers college students an integral part of his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, drawing almost 600 people to his speech at Iowa State University, where he was repeatedly applauded and enthusiastically received.

The Kentucky Republican focused heavily on a libertarian-themed message, arguing in support of privacy rights in an era of government surveillance, against imprisoning people in the war on drugs, and in opposition to sending large numbers of American troops back to fight in the Middle East.

“I think that when we become the party of the entire Bill of Rights, we are going to rock and roll to victory and that is the party that I want to be part of,” Paul said, which brought chants of “President Paul, President Paul,” as he concluded his speech.

Paul has struggled amid the crowded GOP field in the polls, averaging 3.4 percent in Iowa in a RealClearPolitics.com compilation of five statewide polls. But he happily announced Friday night that his campaign has met a goal of establishing more than 300 college chapters of “Students for Rand” in 50 states in the past 30 days.

“We are having a great resurgence and a great opportunity with students coming to this campaign,” the senator said.

Paul told the Iowa State audience he wants to stop terrorist attacks, but he doesn’t believe the federal government should have access to everyone’s phone records or their credit card statements, which provide lots of personal details about everything from an individual’s medical prescriptions to what books they are reading. That’s none of the government’s business and innocent Americans shouldn’t come under warranted scrutiny, he said.

“I am different from all of the Republicans or Democrats because I believe in your right to be left alone,” he added.

The senator said the United States has “screwed up” the war on drugs, and the focus should be on rehabilitation instead of incarceration, an idea that was met with cheers and applause. He added that the in too many cases people who are poor or have brown or black skin have been arrested for drug crimes, while rich white people who have also used drugs have often gone free or been subject to lesser criminal penalties.

Regarding conflict in the Middle East, Paul said the U.S. has made a mistake by toppling secular dictators, creating situations that are only more chaotic.

“Couldn’t we have as a prerequisite that we don’t give money or arms to people who hate us?” he asked.

Morgan Swearinger, 20, of Dubuque, an Iowa State junior majoring in public relations, said she liked Paul’s message.

“I feel like he is approaching everything different as opposed to straight Republican or straight Democrat. He is the best option for the next president. I really hope he wins,” Swearinger said.

SETTING: Iowa State University's Memorial Union Sun Room in Ames. Earlier, he stopped at the Sports Page Bar and Grill in Indianola, although his arrival was late because of flight problems.

CROWD: Almost 600 people, nearly all students.

REACTION: Standing ovation he was introduced and applause repeatedly during his speech.

WHAT'S NEXT: Paul will wrap-up a two-day Iowa campaign trip on Saturday with stops in Marshalltown and Nevada, followed by visits to tailgate parties outside Jack Trice Stadium in Ames prior to the Iowa-Iowa State football game.