Rand Paul’s Airport Detention Puts Ron Paul’s Campaign in Spotlight

COMMENTARY | With presidential candidates Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney getting all the media attention lately, Republican Sen. Rand Paul is working hard to get his father’s policies some attention with his latest run-in with security at a Nashville airport. With the spotlight now on Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul it could be his last moment to gain some much needed votes.

Sen. Rand Paul detained

On Monday, Rep. Ron Paul’s son, Sen. Rand Paul, was reportedly “detained” by the Transportation Security Administration in Nashville, Tennessee. According to an interview with “On the Record” host, Greta Van Susteren, Rand Paul says he was detained by the TSA after a scanner alerted them to his knee. This led him to show them his knee, but he claims the TSA instead wanted to do a pat down. He offered to walk through the scanner again, but they gave him two options: Get a pat down or don’t fly. As an advocate for less control by the TSA, Paul refused the pat down leading to him being held in a cubicle. After missing his flight, he was allowed on one later in the day.

Effects on Rep. Ron Paul’s presidential campaign

Like most parents, Rep. Ron Paul has come to his son’s defense with this tweet, “My son @SenRandPaul being detained by TSA for refusing full body pat-down after anomaly in body scanner in Nashville. More details coming.” Looking through some social media sites it seems Ron Paul’s tweet has his fan base fired up. On the positive side this could potentially get more voters out for him. Voters will be able to relate to Rand Paul’s ordeal and want a president who will fight for their rights. This could even gain a few voters who were on the fence.

On the other hand, there are many Americans who still feel the effects of 9/11 and want the increased security. The scanners make them feel safer and lower anxiety about getting on a plane. Although the system isn’t perfect, there are still many advocates for a thorough system, and those may see Ron Paul as someone who will take away that safety.

Regardless which argument you are for, this ordeal is no doubt getting Ron Paul’s views out there for people to think about. The way he handles this spotlight could in fact make or break his run for the presidency.


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