Sen. Rand Paul’s campaign has been nothing short of disappointing — polling below the levels of his father, despite having a more professional political operation.
Rand’s team spent the last week fighting for him to make the main stage, and yesterday, CNN announced he made it. But, by winning that battle, Rand’s campaign lost a chance to make huge progress in the war.
So, why would Rand want to be in the early debate?
Lindsey Graham vs. Rand Paul.
Think about it. With only four candidates in the undercard debate, Paul would have gotten much more time to speak — and he could’ve taken on the most outspoken neo-conservative candidate in the race. At this point, Rand needs to convince libertarians to vote for him to become a respectable candidates again. What better way then to take on Lindsey Graham?
In every debate so far, Graham has incoherently turned every question into why America should be sending troops to the Middle East. Just imagine the fireworks if Rand were to stand up to him?
But, it was not meant to be.
On the main stage, Paul will be on the outside looking in, and most likely will get the fewest questions because of his low stature in the polls. To get any substantive time, he’ll have to interrupt, and he’s looked petty when he did that in previous debates.
He had a huge chance to make a brake-out performance in the undercard debate, and it will be nearly impossible for him to make an impact in the crowded 8pm main debate on Tuesday.
His campaign’s victory to get him into the main debate could be the final nail in the coffin for his 2016 presidential bid.
