HANOVER, N.H. (WCAX) – While 2028 may seem like a long way off, presidential politicking is a regular pastime in New Hampshire, and Kentucky GOP Senator Rand Paul teased a possible White House run during a visit to Dartmouth College on Friday.
Senator Rand Paul addressed students on issues ranging from tariffs to artificial intelligence during his campus visit, expressing contrasting viewpoints to the current administration on trade deficits, cartel drug boats, and immigration policy.
“The greatest resource is human ingenuity. It’s humans. Which is another reason why we ought to be open to people coming to our country,” Paul said.
Paul, one of the fiercest libertarian voices in the Senate, also criticized comments made by Vice President J.D. Vance about military action. “That’s what annoyed me about Vance. When Vance came out and said, ‘Oh it’s the highest and best use of our military to blow these people up,’” Paul said.
The Dartmouth Political Union sponsored the talk. Students, including the college’s Turning Point USA chapter president, Vito Bloyer, asked questions. “I really respect Rand Paul on a few different levels. I am much more of a libertarian myself, especially when it comes to trade,” said the sophomore.
The Granite State for decades has had a storied place in national politics, hosting the first-in-the-nation primary. Though after the Democratic National Committee last year opted for South Carolina to go first, some have questioned if the state will continue to be a stomping ground for presidential candidates.
“I want to hear what they have to say, and I want to hear more candid talks. I want to hear talks where they put perspective back into the hands of, as I say, we the people,” said grad student Matthew Redmond.
When asked by WCAX about a potential 2028 presidential campaign, Paul said he hasn’t made a decision yet.
“We will see. I haven’t made a decision yet.“ Paul said. ”I think New Hampshire has a libertarian bent and an independent spirit. And I think also within the Republican primary, there needs to be a voice for international trade, capitalism, free markets, and also that we can’t keep piling on so much debt. I think right now that voice is somewhat muted in the Republican side.”
With New Hampshire’s primary now just a little over 25 months away, a potential GOP candidate with an eye on the White House.
