Marco Rubio, Rand Paul Strike Out to Re-Brand Their Party

Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, left, and Rand Paul of Kentucky represent the new guard of the Grand Ol' Party.

[BROWSE: Political Cartoons on the Budget and Deficit]

"When foreign policy has become so monolithic, so lacking in debate that Republicans and Democrats routinely pass foreign policy statements without debate and without votes, where are the calls for moderation, the calls for restraint?" he said. "Anyone who questions the bipartisan consensus is immediately castigated, rebuked and their patriotism challenged."

Rubio and Paul aren't the only examples of Republicans seeking to wrestle the mantle of 'thought leader' from their elders—Govs. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana have also recently made high-profile public appearances. All are also already jockeying for position for presidential bids in 2016. The question is whether or not their GOP colleagues are prepared to walk the walk and follow them into the future or instead double-down on the political recipe that has made them successful in House races, but has won them little ground nationally.

More News:

• The Coming GOP Uncivil War
  
• GOP to Launch Minority Outreach Push
• White House Memo Leak Not Expected to Change Terrorism Policy

Reader Comments ()