Rand Paul: Actually, the Iran Letter Was Meant to Help Obama

Last week one of the big political stories was the open letter to Iran’s leaders signed by 47 Republican senators. The White House strongly condemned the letter and at least one news outlet called these Republicans “traitors.”

Rand Paul was asked about the letter at SXSW yesterday and argued that he simply signed on to reaffirm Congress’ role in negotiations and the separation of powers inherent in the Constitution. He made it clear he’s very much against war with Iran, but wants the deal to “be a good deal.”

RELATED: Rand Paul to Glenn Beck: No ‘Regrets’ on Iran Letter

Paul even went so far as to argue that the letter helped Obama:

“I also signed onto the letter because I want the president to negotiate from a position of strength, which means that he needs to be telling them in Iran, ‘I’ve got Congress to deal with.'”

But based on what Obama and Joe Biden have said publicly about the letter, it’s doubtful they agree.

You can watch Paul’s full SXSW interview below (the Iran discussion starts around the 39:30 mark), via The Texas Tribune:

[h/t CBS News]
[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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