Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
takes a question on CNN about two of his potential rivals for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination:
ERIN BURNETT, CNN: Jeb Bush is in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has said people should be able to marry whoever they want to marry.* Do those two gentlemen fit your definition of a conservative?
SEN. RAND PAUL: You know, I don't think any one person gets on decide what is or is not conservative. On the case of the New Jersey governor, I think embracing Obamacare, expanding Medicaid in his state is very expensive and not fiscally conservative. Many Republican governors did resist expanding and accepting Obamacare in their states. I would say that fact, I would say, would lead you toward making the conclusion that it is not a very conservative proposal.
It's not a surprise that Paul's line of attack on Christie involves linking Christie to Obamacare, but it's also interesting that he completely ignores Jeb Bush. Obviously, Paul isn't too worried about Bush, either because he doesn't think Bush is going to run, or because he doesn't see Bush as a compelling candidate.
By contrast, Paul is clearly focused on confronting Christie and doesn't seem to like him at all. We've still got about two years to go, but when they finally get on stage together and debate each other, it's going to be spectacular—not just because it will be fun to see the sparks fly between these two, but also because it will be enjoyable to watch a Republican debate in which Chris Christie defends one of the central elements of Obamacare, Medicaid expansion.
*This actually isn't quite true: Christie said he was happy for newly married same-sex couples if they were happy, but didn't change his opposition to same-sex marriage.