Rand Paul calls Hillary Clinton a War Hawk

Rand Paul, junior senator from Kentucky, recently referred to former first Lady Hillary Clinton as a “war hawk.”

The 51-year-old lawmaker challenged the Democratic Party to “put forward a war hawk like Hillary Clinton” in 2016. She is considered by many observers to be the front runner for the democratic nomination for president in the next election. The Kentucky senator, son of libertarian icon Ron Paul, may also run for the Oval office. Numerous polls show he could be a leading contender if he chooses to through his hat into the ring.

Rand Paul sets himself apart from many of his potential Republican opponents by speaking out against what he sees as excessive uses of the military. He has spoken out against possible abuses of civil liberties in the War on Terror, and opposed military intervention in Syria and Iraq.

These issues are likely to be at the forefront of debates heading into the 2016 elections. New Jersey governor Chris Christie has called Paul’s ideas of non-intervention a “very dangerous thought.”

Clinton has supported military action on several occasions, including encouraging the President to arm militants in Syria. She voted for military action in Iraq during 2003, although she now says she regrets that decision.

President Obama authorized the use of NATO air strikes in Libya during a civil war in that nation. These actions led directly to the overthrow and execution of Muammar Gaddafi three years ago. The current Commander-in-Cheif has also authorized many more drone strikes than George W. Bush.

Paul stated his belief that Hillary may convince many Democratic voters the nation needs to be even more aggressive in its foreign policy. The Kentucky senator is likely to make the issue central to a potential run for the Oval Office, if he chooses to run.