Republican strategist and MSNBC political analyst Steve Schmidt gave Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul’s presidential run announcement speech a rave review, calling it “nearly flawless” and “incredibly sophisticated.” (VIDEO: Rand Paul On Ted Cruz: Conservatives Need To Consider ‘Winability’ Too)
SCHMIDT: Look, I think this speech was very nearly flawless. It was a superb announcement speech for a president. You saw somebody who attached optimism to conservatism and saw someone articulate a big tent Republican message.
When you look at these fiscal issues, including symbolically the foreign aid issues to countries like Pakistan… I think all of the issues he talked about have tremendous resonance in these early states. And let’s not forget; the motto of New Hampshire is ‘Live Free or Die.’
As I was watching this, I had one feeling going through or thought through my head. He has achieved liftoff; he’s going to be a major player in the Republican nomination process. This event was beautifully staged, that speech was incredibly sophisticated, he touched all of the buttons. And the notion that Rand Paul is running as a dove I think was refuted by this speech. He articulated… a conservative national defense vision very consistent with Eisenhower and Reagan.