Extended Interview: Colbert Talks To Sen. Rand Paul

Senator Rand Paul tells Stephen where he stands on the biggest issues currently hanging over Washington, D.C.
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@Jerricola2]

You can have conflicting views, you can hate someone's guts, but just look at these two. No yelling, no threats, they're keeping things calm and civil. I don't agree with everything the guy said, but people do deserve a chance.

[@khalbrucie]

Jurassicparkrules96 people like you are the ones that keep our society fucking hating each other.

[@NewMessage]

Absolutely. The only way out of this is to be adults.. don't let the trolls tel you different.. they don't want this fixed.

[@TheAftermath1991]

ligerhunter5223 ...What do you mean "you people"? "People like you" are the reason we have to have a conversation like this. Pull out of your high horse.

[@biocapsule7311]

It wouldn't be a problem if it's just disagreement, but he and his father have actual power and intended to be at the very least unhelpful, at worst render governance dysfunctional. Even position that can be agree upon, they tend to advocate for all the wrong reasons. They are actively harmful.

[@TheAughoti]

Jerricola I agree with you. I have seen several republican politicians speak on shows like this and be reasonable and sound like they care. Then they go back to Washington and go crazy again.

[@patrickblee473]

Thank you LSSC for posting the entire interview and earlier than usual in the night.

[@joep3279]

There's such a stark difference in the level of sophistication in conversation with people like Rand Paul (or any other competent lawmaker) vs Donald Trump. Regardless of if you agree with this guy, it's clear he understands things.

[@JaredKelso123]

That's the republican party these days, you get vastly different people within the party and they're not silenced.

[@tjti2631]

Real diversity yh?

[@mattilevi]

Look at where we are now. Biden makes Trump look like a world renowned scholar. We didn’t get an upgrade.. that’s for sure.

[@savstradamus3996]

This is the Colbert I was waiting for a very long time. Do more of these types of Discussions.👌

[@Crimson83blah]

Kudos to him for coming on the late show. Not exactly a friendly crowd and at least he’s willing to try to bridge the divide. I don’t agree with him on many points but come on at least realize he’s coming on the show in good faith.

[@thetrustysidekick3013]

+Jurassicparkrules96 Then by all means go out into the street and go nuts, get a gun, go to DC and shoot the place up. Let me know how it goes.

[@lynks8]

If you can't see that the republicans have, in the past decade, been significantly worse obstructionists than the democrats, (if only because dems are worse at it), then you're blind. It doesn't make what the dems have done ok, but call a spade a spade FFS.

[@IizUname]

No, fuck him.

[@blackout07blue]

Not friendly because he's been a total piece of shit the last few years. Equated universal healthcare to slavery. He's owned by the Big Money donors corrupting our politicians and he's been a lackey for corporations all around.

[@krisinsaigon]

Kudos for him coming on to showcase his agenda of allowing Americans to die young from easily curable diseases

[@jacksock5418]

"You're gonna get twice as much in taxes back." *silence Really, people?

[@quasarsavage]

I mean we know Colbert is not a good man (loves Biden over Sanders for starters) Prob scared shitless 2 months ago when the Bernard was on top (OMG my taxes are going through the fucking roof Colbert thought) now it does not fucking matter. COVID-19 is all the news cares abt these days...

[@something3395]

Jared Z Liking Biden over Sanders doesn't mean someone is a bad person

[@brawler5785]

@@something3395 No, but it does mean they're not very smart.

[@AlexDragonfire96]

@@brawler5785 To prefer Biden over Sanders is not being a populist twat being fueled up by low tier rep propaganda

[@kolinkomita2975]

A large portion of payroll taxes, which are mostly the gains in tax returns are what fund social security. Without these taxes social security will be bankrupt by 2030.

[@iphone6person21]

I may not agree with Rand Paul's policy, but I respect him. He had the balls to show up on a liberal show, try to set party aside, and actually made some decent points. Rand Paul emphasizes a true republican and I respect that. He answered the questions, and actually accepted the faults of the republican party.

[@michaelodonnell6757]

Hes actually Libertarian however no libertarian has been able to survive the 2 party paradigm so he runs, as his father did, as a Libertarian-Republican. Socially Liberal, Fiscally Conservative.

[@TheorizingWithBen]

Not true. Shows' producers don't normally book them.

[@BrightS0l]

I think Stephen really enjoys it. After watching him and John Oliver talk I realized Colbert's favorite thing to do is play up the other sides argument to push a debate. It's actually pretty interesting.

[@bethanygee6939]

Me Talking... BS. Most conservatives are afraid to go on because they can't back up their views with logic.

[@cameroncrazie818]

Liberal show? More like far-left show.

[@barnabydodd8956]

14:38 it looks like Colbert is gently holding Rand Paul's finger LMAO.

[@Avenger222]

I miss the days where we could just have disagreements about policy like public vs private healthcare and education, etc... things that had a basis in reality. They were both valid opinions with their pros and cons. However, now politics is covered with conspiracies, lies, gaslighting, propaganda -- fallacies about everything and anything. Almost nothing has a basis in reality. Can we just get back to talking about policy? Like _actual_ policy.. with _actual_ plans? ...maybe I'm asking for too much.

[@okirrama3587]

Sorry but democrats can't hear you, they are too busy on Russian Conspiracy

[@ThaOneChrisJONES]

We can claim to be "human" all we like but at the end of the day, we're just sophisticated animals who still harbor animalistic instincts ( tribalism etc.. ). We'll always devolve into us vs them, it's in our DNA to do so. And I don't want to scare you but it's only going to get worse until a natural reset button is pushed ( and that usually means war... ).

[@ThaOneChrisJONES]

okir rama Republicans can't hear either, they're too busy on Deep State conspiracies.

[@Avenger222]

+okir rama Thank you for your excellent example! This is exactly what I was talking about. The whole "the USA's entire intelligence agency groups are lying and working together with the *entire* world's intelligence communities (minus Russia) to push the narrative that Trump's administration colluded with Russia" talking point. It's incredibly disingenuous. Why on earth would you think that everyone is lying and conspiring against donald and his administration? Isn't the more logical conclusion that it's *not* just a conspiracy? "Oh but there's no evidence!" What about the... Flynn Thing Manafort Thing Tillerson Thing Sessions Thing Kushner Thing Wray Thing Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius "Russian Law Firm of the Year" Thing Carter Page Thing Roger Stone Thing Felix Sater Thing Boris Epshteyn Thing Rosneft Thing Gazprom Thing (see above) Sergey Gorkov banker Thing Azerbaijan Thing "I Love Putin" Thing Lavrov Thing Sergey Kislyak Thing Oval Office Thing Gingrich Kislyak Phone Calls Thing Russian Business Interest Thing Emoluments Clause Thing Alex Schnaider Thing Hack of the DNC Thing Guccifer 2.0 Thing Mike Pence "I don't know anything" Thing Russians Mysteriously Dying Thing Trump's public request to Russia to hack Hillary's email Thing Trump house sale for $100 million at the bottom of the housing bust to the Russian fertilizer king Thing Russian fertilizer king's plane showing up in Concord, NC during Trump rally campaign Thing Nunes sudden flight to the White House in the night Thing Nunes personal investments in the Russian winery Thing Cyprus bank Thing Trump not Releasing his Tax Returns Thing the Republican Party's rejection of an amendment to require Trump to show his taxes thing Election Hacking Thing GOP platform change to the Ukraine Thing Steele Dossier Thing Sally Yates Can't Testify Thing Intelligence Community's Investigative Reports Thing Trump reassurance that the Russian connection is all "fake news" Thing Chaffetz not willing to start an Investigation Thing Chaffetz suddenly deciding to go back to private life in the middle of an investigation Thing Appointment of Pam Bondi who was bribed by Trump in the Trump University scandal appointed to head the investigation Thing The White House going into cover-up mode, refusing to turn over the documents related to the hiring and firing of Flynn Thing Chaffetz and White House blaming the poor vetting of Flynn on Obama Thing Poland and British intelligence gave information regarding the hacking back in 2015 to Paul Ryan and he didn't do anything Thing Agent M16 following the money thing Trump team KNEW about Flynn's involvement but hired him anyway Thing Let's Fire Comey Thing Election night Russian trademark gifts Things Russian diplomatic compound electronic equipment destruction Thing let's give back the diplomatic compounds back to the Russians Thing Let's Back Away From Cuba Thing Donny Jr met with Russians Thing Donny Jr emails details "Russian Government's support for Trump" Thing Trump's secret second meeting with his boss Putin Thing I have sources for all of these. [edit: credit to PetGiraffe, because I'm far too lazy]

[@killj0y58]

You get your information from late night comedy shows nowadays. Let’s be real it’s not getting bettet

[@bjnowak]

Libertarians is the party of the future. Smaller government and socially liberal. It's the future of young conservatives.

[@StyxTBuferd]

There's a wave of conservatism running through young people these days, and though Trump might be the resonating voice right now, I think a large amount of them are libertarian. Even the GOP is becoming more libertarian over time. The days of neo-cons like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are over.

[@cavebeast5305]

The libertarian party is a dying movement because their immigration policy fails to conserve the very people who established a country based on individual freedoms and limited government. Without the people, we have no such nation. As such, many libertarians are moving to the alt-right and similar identitarian groups.

[@StyxTBuferd]

The libertarian party wont ever usurp the Republican party, which has much more to do with the natural state to binary topics into for and against. A party that attempts to grab sides of both parties is doomed to fail because of the median voter theorem- however that doesn't mean their influence wont be felt in the major parties. i would argue still the GOP is much more libertarian now than they have been the last 20 years. There's no fight against the legalization of gay marriage, many GOP senators are pro-legalization of medial marijuana, and many don't' call for the level of border security that they had in the past. Trump is arguably a more libertarian figure than George Bush, John McCain, or Mitt Romney, as he is forcibly trying to deregulate as much as he can.

[@bjnowak]

StyxTBuferd very good points - my biggest issue with the gop is they talk small government and budget and in my lifetime that’s all it’s been is talk. The only president that had a balanced budget the last 40 years was a democrat (Clinton) doesn’t say much for fiscal conservatives.

[@bjnowak]

Cave Beast if the party is dying, its not the ideals that are dying but the organization umbrella and their mistakes.

[@callmeishmael4659]

Rand Paul was/remains my favorite 2016 candidate. I wish the mainstream would've gotten behind him.

[@AverageLeagueHack]

@@awhodothey so true. She got the opponent she wanted and still could not win.

[@MrAlehkra]

I was really hoping for Paul to do great in 2016, but honestly I think he has only himself to blame on that one. During the Republican primary debates he came off as just another robotic Republican sound-bite machine. It's such a shame, he could have taken the same "outsider, non-establishment" route that Donald Trump took, but actually be, yknow, a reasonable human being about it.

[@hunterjager9538]

Would have never happened... Because he was what was best for us.

[@shiftlessinseattle]

He hasn't stayed consistent in any way over the years. Speaking particularly from 2021, Rand Paul's behavior, words, and votes over the past 2 years have put me off of supporting him ever again.

[@2bitanalyst39]

As a democrat I would have voted for this man 1000x over

[@BK-ri4lj]

Why? what do you agree with him on?

[@davidstanton2475]

Common sense?

[@DavidAnderson-vt8iq]

Good work, While not a fan of the GOP, I like to hear from both sides of the issues.

[@KCN8er]

He's not a very good representation of the GOP, in general.

[@coleenparsons4905]

Hearing both sides makes one informed. Fence sitting seems to be a stretch.Trying to find common ground can be productive. I am curious - how does listening to both sides" let Trump get away with his crap"?

[@dannmarceau9743]

Right on David.

[@PapiCee]

David Anderson don’t be a a fan of the GOP or DNC lol but like Rand Paul he’s the truth

[@kahlernygard809]

Yall liberals have to police the extremists that are unwilling to compromise , or they will drag the democratic party down

[@BennettRedacted]

I don't know much about this republican, but this guy seems exceedingly decent.

[@Mantorok]

Bennett -Redacted- Check out Ron Paul and you understand why.

[@mkadoza]

His dad is a standup guy. Rand fluctuates.

[@dylanrieger1118]

Dads a legend and Rand Paul is a good person and smart as hell

[@nathenism]

he's a libertarian using the republican platform

[@michaedove3562]

They all do when they go on liberal shows...Its an act.

[@ufo717212]

He is my favorite republican nowadays. Like father like son.

[@NJ-wb1cz]

Yeah, hereditary political positions and royal political dynasties are what America is all about.

[@patrikszabo7966]

I disagree, Rand Paul is way more reasonable than his father.

[@kansascitychifes3507]

the idea that you can pay nothing and get Bridges is flawed in every way.

[@politicalanalysis9419]

He's no republican. Rand Paul and his pot smoking buddies are traitors to the GOP. Whenever we try to pass a bill, we can be sure that there's 1 man who will stand in our way. If you don't like us so much, why not join Barnie Senders and the other immigrant loving demoncrats? #seeyouinhell

[@stevego7377]

Political Analysis Because republicans like you are just fascists in disguise. Rand is a TRUE Republican, not a neocon fascist like bush or Huckabee or any other neocon.

[@thesloth5662]

Sen. Paul is from my state. He could have been such an amazing leader. He understands the social issues that get us at each other's throats and bridges that gap very well. I believe that if he were President, we could come to an agreement on things like police violence, weed, lgbt rights, privacy, etc. very quickly and then have a vigorous debate about the rest of it in a much calmer matter because we wouldn't have someone at the helm that thrives on division. I absolutely disagree with his devil may care approach to regulating corporations and his ideas as to what a fair tax system looks like, but he's also exactly the kind of guy I'd want to sit down and talk about it with. I really hope Republicans drop all the racism and xenophobia and elevate this guy in the coming years.

[@cinne2135]

The Sloth, yeah but his ideas on big button issues such as taxes, healthcare, and income inequality combined with his clear bias for wealth and non compassion for the poor or struggling minorities (economic, academic, professional), even those in KY from my experience, or just don't hold water. Equating universal healthcare with slavery yet refusing to address the very real issues regarding health, healthcare, drug addiction, generational poverty, and education and KY's repeated bottom of the nation ranks in those areas make him more hypocritical, imo. Just like Mitch. But then again, neither hardly leave the golden triangle when home. How would they know what their average folk need? I'll be glad when KY rises up and finally elects national representatives more eager to help the people in the state who truly need it than serve their own self interests.

[@thesloth5662]

Kentucky votes against it's best interest mostly due to identity politics....fear of "the others". They don't have the ability to see how they are being exploited economically because Republicans keep telling them Democrats want to let Muslims take over the country and force their daughters to have abortions. Rand is one of few that try to unify people on those things rather than divide them. The point that I'm making is that with Rand bringing people together rather than tearing them apart, we'd be able to actually TALK about the important things. The problem with liberals, and politics in general, is that they refuse to praise progressive people because they are not THEIR idea of progressive. Sen. Paul might not be a liberal's idea of a good leader, but for someone that lives in this state and understand the people here, he is a huge step in the right direction. You don't get everything you want all at once in this racket. You fight for incremental change.

[@michaelodonnell6757]

A - Healthcare is a service, not a right. B - When you conscript someone against their will to force them into a service for you how is that not a form of slavery. The system OWES YOU NOTHING. C - This country was founded off the backs of workers, not freeloaders with their hand out. Get a fucking job, and pay for your own healthcare. Then you cant bitch about anyone...

[@izdatsumcp]

It's not devil my care when it comes to corporations. People need to understand that corporations use the government to get what they want. For example, the tax code. The corporations can use a complicated tax code to not have to pay a lot of tax whereas a small business may struggle. It's the same with regulations: they hurt the little guy. It's freedom that creates fairness, not government intervention

[@gabbar51ngh]

@@cinne2135 Rand Paul takes a classic liberal approach. Problem is when a government starts a service for free. Not only it takes the consumers out of free market it burdens the taxpayers. Since not everyone pays equal taxes this is straight up unfair by design to productive people of the country who pay more taxes than others. If everyone's vote is equal then taxes should be too and one class shouldn't be burdened to fund government services. As for regulations on big corporations. The more you try to regulate the market the harder you make it for smaller Businesses to break in. Whether it's Minimum wage, corporate taxes,etc. Plus what gives you right to help someone else by burdening others for their expense without their consent? That's how government services work when they are provided on behalf of taxpayers. You will erase poverty faster by a freer market and voluntary donations. Putting government into anything simply Means wastage of taxpayers

[@MingWLee]

As a functioning society, this kind of conversation has to be done and should encourage to get it done. This help us, the people, to have a better insight about what is going on in the country. But like some said, the conversation must be civil with respect.

[@TinkyTheCat]

Can't say I agree with most of his views, but I do respect that he's willing to make an appearance and have a dialogue - even if it seemed like they stuck mostly to common ideological ground.

[@mco7776]

Finally, a quality guest.

[@Original_Tenshi_Chan]

Marcus Cohen where?

[@queenofmoderation7668]

Tenshi Chan Take off the damn veil of ignorance and you might see.

[@toomuch8986]

FUCK RAND PAUL!

[@yodaguy6956]

Too Much what's your beef with Rand? Just curious, thanks

[@allisoncastle]

Love how the audience only claps at buzzwords and doesn’t actually listen to intelligent points he makes.

[@arcticap-238]

Allison Castle I agree ☝🏽 they’re just a bunch of clowns

[@ussev8135]

Bill Maher's audience are total Sheeps. His guests always rekt him on his show.

[@cydneymetz]

Lol. They don’t know anything else. If it doesn’t fit on a poster board or a bumper sticker and have a current hashtag they don’t know it. More tragically is they don’t want to know anything more.

[@PianoBangBang]

Freedom when he agrees with it. Classic gop hypocrisy

[@ussev8135]

Just like Bill Maher's audience. Dan Crenshaw rekt Bill on his show last year & Bill was lost. He didn't know what to do.

[@masterofmashup1737]

His immigration plan actually sounds very fair.

[@damonstahl7757]

Master of Mashup nobody in Congress will go for it it's too reasonable

[@Gil7111TX]

Nope just giving any kinds of amnesty just encourage more, than in a years will have "more dreamers" -_-

[@AverageLeagueHack]

@@Gil7111TX correct, which is why the illegal immigration must be solved first.

[@verfuncht]

Aaron B Before you “solve illegal immigration”, you have to actually follow the immigration laws in place, and stop turning away desperate refugees from Central and South America.

[@littlebearoverlook]

@@AverageLeagueHack A lot of people get kind of jumpy at this idea, but if you legalize prostitution and decriminalized drugs there likely wouldn't be very many sex and drug trafficking across the border. It would mostly be families and migrant workers.

[@leannerauer353]

Solid interview

[@hectorcornejo1468]

I hope Rand's record reflects his interview here. I'm willing to see more about him. I dont agree with his last statements but the rest sounds pretty decent.

[@b.terenceharwick3222]

Rand Paul has a coherent way of seeing the world. Agree or disagree. But he is a respectable person with well-function ears and so a person who always deserves to be heard.

[@kristenalsobrook1716]

The man who should have been president.

[@ExodusPessoa]

I know it's so sad I'm a liberal and I would have definitely voted for him over Hillary Clinton :(.

[@jamesgreer5728]

Which is why I'm glad I voted for him

[@right-winglibertarian3896]

Kristen Alsobrook DEFINITELY!!

[@Rakonax]

sanders was in the show?

[@patricialafountain1432]

A 5 year old could have done a better job

[@chegadesuade]

Rand the man!! Great to see this interview happen, I'd like to see many more open discussions between libertarians and democrats, we'd discover we share much ground.

[@tjhollen]

Shiftless Lazycrat exactly besides the size of govt lol. I'm convinced 80% of us are libertarian and just don't know it.

[@chegadesuade]

Tom Jones That's true, and personally I think we share common ground on small govt too. Most Dems I've asked say they prefer a smaller and more efficient govt, especially regarding the Department of Defense.

[@chegadesuade]

Adam Jacobs Agreed, but I've become convinced that big govt is best suited for small countries. A few small nations like the Scandinavian countries do have excellent labor laws, because they have low unemployment and strict immigration policies. I don't think a large industrial nation with 300 million people like ours can afford such labor laws.

[@choonbox]

Shame Libertarians usually oppose gun control, isn't it?

[@chegadesuade]

Ruben De Koe It is a shame, but it's also ideologically consistent. Libertarians believe the federal govt's role is strictly defined by the Constitution, including the bill of rights.

[@zimmhone]

Ok. I like Rand Paul. He talks sense.

[@angelbarajas9180]

Same. He's a different poltican. He should be president one day.

[@Tylerf64]

@@angelbarajas9180 aged very poorly

[@Billionaireben]

16:52 As soon as he says something that doesn't fit your model, ok; time to go. lol, I know they were overtime; but the timing was amusing.

[@curtissam8025]

Very good interview. Legalize it.

[@dannmarceau9743]

Yes. I was one of the first to be prescribed pot in WA state, guess what year? 1974! That's not a typo.

[@blackout07blue]

Decriminalize doesn't help users get quality, safe product and it promotes a black market.

[@burtosis]

Guys, I'm pretty sure interviews are legal...

[@NJ-wb1cz]

Curtis Sam, can't see beyond pot, can you? Even if _every republican_ chooses a couple of Republican talking points to be against but will support the rest - then all Republicans in their entirety will support every single point in their platform. The so called dissenting voices are irrelevant when they don't try to influence others. Rand's positions on pot and war don't influence policy and don't change anything other than capturing few votes of not so bright potheads. He might as well be pot hating warmongerer and the result will be absolutely the same.

[@kansascitychifes3507]

+Bear Arms it is so sad but you are correct.

[@pottsy806]

Splendid interview by Paul and well done to Colbert for always having a range of guests

[@ideamissing]

Thank you for posting the entire interview. It was not only a civil conversation, it was very interesting as well.

[@darrenmiller6927]

That's what we need right now, open discussions between people with different, or even opposing views. Bless you guys, great interview, great job!

[@xXJAKMACKXx]

END THE FED

[@SMVORL]

Rand Paul is a voice of reason who is fighting for our children, our rights and freedoms. Please continue to fight the good fight! Absolute respect

[@laurav.7241]

This aged like milk.

[@vanislerider7311]

Yes the way to deal with disagreements is to support the storming of the Capital....right Rand.

[@johnwhite2412]

Good interview. Both were respectful of each other, the topics discussed, and the audience.

[@opie1kanobie]

I am really grateful that Stephen Colbert had Sen. Rand Paul on his show, and it was a good interview. Thumbs up!

[@jacobsilverman4645]

Rand Paul skipping a conference as a US senator like he's still in high school is the most Rand Paul thing I've ever seen

[@samanthalee4366]

Loved this interview and the respect they have given each other.

[@bobjones6366]

0:28 - 0:38 You could pretty obviously tell he was concerned about how his audience was going to react, and that he wanted things to be cordial. This is part of why I like Stephen. He wants dialogue.

[@DeathBringer769]

No one wants a late night comedy to show to turn into a vitriolic, immature shouting match. I think they both knew this ahead of time and conducted themselves well.

[@JustinMarty]

Yeah, he managed that introduction very carefully. "Please give a WARM welcome..." *claps*. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a word with the audience before starting that segment. It reminds me of the interview when the audience hissed and boo-ed Ted Cruz during the interview and he chastised the audience, "Guys, however you feel, he’s my guest, so please don’t boo him." Huge respect for conducting an interview that way.

[@smellyoulater94]

I mean you kind of have to do that when you pander to one side then decide to invite opposition.

[@michaelodonnell6757]

Rand Paul is a friend of the Colbert show and as Stephen said is on a short list of Republicans Stephen likes. Paul has been on Colbert before 2016 to be exact. Colbert used to love his dad Ron, and knows most of Rands positions are the same as that. Because Paul is socially liberal I'm pretty sure Stephens greasing the audience before announcement is just more decisive bullshit rhetoric you guys like to spew.

[@TCt83067695]

Freddy Martinez exactly

[@DeathlyTired]

This interview does show how to have constructive cicvil differences of opinion. More than that though, it shows the value of long-form conversations where people have time to talk and expand their thoughts and ideas beyond soundbites and inflammatory pandering to their respective bases - that is what allows the civil productive discussion to breathe. Sadly, there is zero chance that the race towards the bottom, of 30 second segments and substance-free sloganeering, is going to end - it's too profitable, for all concerned; and we, the public, tacitly enable and encourage it; perhaps we deserve the barren, poisonous landscape it yields.

[@pvrhye]

"I love it when the senators are lubricated" *Band plays smooth Jazz. Was that an accident? No way.

[@saiamitchaddha5525]

God Bless people on the train and their family🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️

[@socrappyicoulddie]

I really appreciate Colbert's interview style with people he's not politically aligned with.

[@pantopia3518]

His argument on drugs was spot on imo

[@richardquezada693]

Man if he was a lil more aggressive he’d be president.. but rand is the man

[@right-winglibertarian3896]

Rand Paul is absolutely great! He is one of the good guys! He should be our next president. Thankfully we have him fighting the good fight in the Senate.

[@jamako732]

Senator Paul is, without a doubt, one of the most respectable high-ranking Republicans. Agree or disagree with him but he has a clear and consistent philosophy behind his politics and actually acts true to his words.

[@PeterSedesse]

Ideologically I am about where Rand Paul is, however, I can never forgive his comment where he said ´ Republicans ought not to be investigating Republicans´... He put party above his job as a Senator which is to provide a check on the President.

[@TakeTheRedOne1st]

My husband has felonies and the last time he went to prison he kept getting signs from God, he ended up becoming a die hard Christian and was even in the local paper for converting more prisoners than anyone ever has in the prison he was in too. When he got released, one of his friend's wife who is a friend of mine convinced me to meet him, told me he was kind, funny, and had a heart of gold, our first date was at the halfway house. We were married less than a year later and are still happily married today. Ever since he got out and to this day he will hardly ever drink and when he does he'll only get drunk maybe twice a year at family events at the most, he still won't even go to bars, and even though we've lived in a state with legalized marijuana he wouldn't touch it (not against it, just prefers to stay in a clean mind frame), we always go to church, ever since I met him he will tithe his time to God by helping others, whether if its mentoring kids to help them stay out of trouble and not make the mistakes he made or by shoveling snow for all the single mothers, widows, and elderly people on our street even with him having degenerative disk disease, or stopping to help others when he sees they're in need. And my husband can't vote, leave the country, and would have to pay thousands and thousands of dollars just to get his rights back to bear arms. When he first got out of prison we couldn't even find anyone willing to rent us a nice house in a nice neighborhood until a kind, old Mormon man gave us a chance and said he knew we were good people and rented us our first home together in a nice subdivision. He had to resort to working construction with a bad back because no one wanted to hire a newly released felon but as of now he's an account executive for a large staffing agency. My husband is a good man and doesn't deserve his past held over his head for the rest of his life, he doesn't deserve to have his freedoms taken away, and everyone DOES deserve second chances.

[@OlviMasta77]

TakeTheRedOne1st Amen! Glory to God!

[@partibananathurai5862]

+härjaren Langstrumpf Praise be upon His Noodliness the Flying Spaghetti Monster!

[@0fficerpimp]

@@partibananathurai5862 hust had to ruin it didnt you

[@partibananathurai5862]

@@0fficerpimp naturally

[@0fficerpimp]

@@partibananathurai5862 a comment 2 years old and you responded in 3 minutes

[@eurojenn]

That was a great interview!

[@lostintheelf]

Keep pouring the drinks and keep your guest talking. This is a legend.

[@bellisc.3516]

"I'm hoping 2018 is a better year!" - Rand Paul "Hold my beer." - 2020

[@CasiodorusRex]

You know they flashed the applause sign at the end for Colbert.

[@nickraoyj]

really loving the "Humanism" outro...wish you guys could release this version instead!

[@devochkadee]

Is it just me or Rand Paul got some swagger :o

[@stilo2703]

He's blasted.

[@snakeyman5560]

He's poppin'!

[@amen_actually]

He's goated!

[@kennet7837]

I like that Rand Paul is libertarian on social issues, more non-interventionist on foreign policy, consistently against NSA spying and such. He is without a doubt one of the better Republicans, but let's keep it in perspective and not forget this guy has a corporatist voting record and equated universal health care to slavery!

[@kennet7837]

Sam Tenuto Yes, I probably agree with you. If Trump has nothing to hide he should have testified already. I was never into the whole Russian election meddling/collusion conspiracy in the first place, but it's plausible to believe Trump is guilty of corruption related to the money laundering Paul Manafort was indicted for. I'm afraid the investigation won't result in Trump getting impeached. That's a pipedream with a Republican-controlled Congress.

[@RachelDavis705]

He called universal healthcare slavery for doctors, which was bizarre. He also touts conspiracy theories and hangs out with Alex Jones, who is legit insane. He claims to hate the deficit but voted for a bill that pushes the deficit to unprecedented levels. He is a hack and a hypocrite.

[@chiefsmurph]

just because you don't share the same views as him does not mean that he is a bad person. at least you can see he wants as many people covered as possible.

[@kennet7837]

Jurassicparkrules96 Clearly not! He is not as bad as Jeff Sessions or Ted Cruz.

[@maryanneslater9675]

Really, if he wanted a more caring, polite society and fewer people ready to explode out of stress, he should support universal health care -- and paid maternity leave and higher minimum wage as well. Look at all the countries that have those things. They are calmer, more polite and don't get pissy about who "deserves" to be helped. But libertarians are totally dense on that point. Which is why they end up with Republicans.

[@chaosXP3RT]

I love Rand Paul. I voted for him in the 2016 presidential election and I'll do it again if he runs again

[@ArrowoodsHobbyShop-Ebay]

Full disclosure I'm a liberal and never would vote for a Republican. But if I had to, this would be the guy. He's just a decent well spoken human being.

[@alejandromonje164]

Great interview !!

[@spartaninvirginia]

Rand Paul

[@trevorphillips2868]

Rand Paul my favorite conservative!

[@trevorphillips2868]

The only conservative I like

[@Lidobidy]

no fair! i would like to see the whole interview!

[@jaywashington767]

I like how Stephen took a commercial break and I got an ad as if I'm watching tv

[@leonardhausfeld6627]

I really don’t like Politicians, most of them are greedy, corrupt and liars, but I would really trust Rand Paul with all the power. I really respect that guy and hope that he doesn’t stop his career. The USA needs him as the president.

[@markkasprzyk5782]

I love how even when rand Paul states an opinion that dems believe in and gives facts on him and Repubs for that same opinion the audience is silent. Shows how duped and how they are like blind sheep.

[@theTXSandman]

Rand is the best

[@adriancage87]

Thank u for asking legitamit questions Mr. Colbert.

[@jarehelt]

By far the smartest man in government!!! RandPaul2020!!

[@rasmusrammo3708]

14:38 Why is Stephen holding Rand Paul's finger?

[@ivonedefigueiredo9301]

Rasmus Rammo 😂😂😂

[@osmaer3999]

Oh yea you are right, that's exactly what it looked like!

[@lassila3]

Rand Paul was nervous before coming on so Robert proposed to hold his hand if it got tough

[@aleckelsey2663]

I like when people on two sides of a fence can have a discussion without it devolving into a slap-fight of insults and blame-casting.

[@pjjp7899]

Rand did a really good job. I don’t love his fiscal policy but I enjoy his social views, one of the best republicans in Congress.

[@blackbox8541]

He said there is a secret society

[@ussev8135]

Yeah. The CIA, FBI, Skull & Bones

[@k.p.c7779]

Good to see Senator Paul making the rounds. Speedy recovery, sir. They definitely need your help. 😅

[@jjmaster322]

Keith Cook lol didnt his neighbor beat his ass

[@k.p.c7779]

CameraGuy322 from the little I heard, he got tackled from behind and both individuals landed wrong. I'm pretty sure his neighbor didnt try to curb stomp stomp him on 5th ave, and I'm pretty sure Senator Paul hasn't made a point of publicly attacking the person. If I were to draw conclusions, I'd say domestic dispute between disagreeable land owners. I'd ask if you've lived between the Mississippi and Death Valley? We are a little different out here. 🙄

[@jjmaster322]

Keith Cook rand was probably with the mans wife. I cant imagine fighting someone over some grass clippings

[@k.p.c7779]

CameraGuy322 I can. I can also imagine a property line and a snapping point. I still admire Senator Paul for his stance on an apolitical instance.

[@alanmarston8612]

A personal viewpoint. This is one of the first times that I have listened to Sen. Rand Paul. The information that I have seen and heard ar in most places very negative to him. I also am a believer in more states rights and wish that the federal government would stay out of our business and allow people to make their own mistakes. At one time I saw myself as a moderate Republican and as such with the actions that have been taken I half to wonder where the wheels have come off the bus. There is a disfuncition in this country and it personaly discusses me . Born in the 50's I learded civility towards other persons so the question now is why has it so changed to soo much hatred. Mayby it is time that we as a people reread the consitution and the rights thierin and understand the meaning of our liberties.

[@robinharryman5317]

Senator Rand Paul sounds more like I should be president Rand Paul

[@veecee3669]

I'm a Democrat, but I could see myself voting for this guy. A decent man. Back in the day, Rand Paul was the norm. Okay, I must edit. I'm not too crazy about his witch hunt comment.

[@mobrien7211]

Rand Paul was my first choice.

[@itsabovemenow]

M O'Brien if ever there was a Republican I’d vote for it would be him.

[@blackout07blue]

Fuck him. Rand Paul only helps rich people. He's anti-poor people and he's not for helping the 40% of people making $20k or less a year in spite working full-time. Paul is owned by billionaires and corporate special interests. Google it.

[@dpop8378]

Actually, it's partly his fault, Trump is a president...

[@DarrinSK]

"He's anti-poor people" translation: anyone that wont steal from someone with more to give to someone with less is immoral... despite teh whole stealing bit.

[@Prestonhlt]

M O'Brien you mean raun pal?

[@chinita1pr]

Great interview.

[@lancesmith7829]

I like how he waves at the.....was there any applause?!

[@ZacharyHarper]

Very low of colbert to set a guest up at the end of the show knowing they wont be able to respond.

[@bluewrenreilly129]

He was just afraid he'd be outdone.

[@wk3820]

One of the few people in government who understand that bigger government equals less freedom and more oppression. I'm glad that over the past year or so, he's really managed to get the President's ear and steer him more toward a libertarian/classically liberal approach (bringing troops home, etc).

[@kazzdaxx2148]

You Rock Stephen!

[@lordseshomaru86]

I love how he emphasized WARM welcome

[@cahivx]

I love Ron Paul, he’s a watered down version unfortunately because of politics. Tulsi Gabbard is the only anti war politician, I’d vote for her

[@TheSRC88]

You can tell hes a doctor by the way he talks and carries himself

[@casetteplayer]

Hes not an m.d.

[@TheSRC88]

@@casetteplayer yes he is. He graduated from Duke med school in 1988, finished his residency in 93, and still has a license to practice medicine in Kentucky

[@casetteplayer]

@@TheSRC88 he hasn't been board certified since 2013

[@bettyveronica460]

Ah man. I thought the title read, RuPaul.

[@cdiers26]

I wish more people thought like Rand and Ron Paul.

[@utkarsh4386]

Stephen "I love it when Senators are lubricated" Colbert

[@newweaponsdc]

Rand Paul is one of the few people in government - right or left - that seems to actually care about our country.

[@ebbtide4233]

I think he’s entirely wrong about almost everything but he is principled I’ll give him that

[@soran27]

Americans are lucky to have people like Rand Paul and even luckier to have entertainers such as Colbert

[@mr.greasy6483]

Gotta stand with Rand. We need him more than ever in the 2024 election

[@negativeview]

Such great great answers... up until the end. It's very disingenuous to pretend like Mueller got him for telling some small white lie.

[@blackout07blue]

Lol. He's a bought & owned politician. He equates universal healthcare to slavery. Lol

[@MrChuck365]

Best of the Republicans. Rand Paul for President 2020.

[@angelbarajas9180]

Tucker Carlson/Rand Paul 2024 Unrealistic for Tucker so Rand Paul/Jim Jordan 2024

[@MattDSurette]

The thumbs up I gave was for Rand Paul.

[@dantsui5999]

Wtf? FISA warrants do require a judge to sign off on them!

[@christianrussell9900]

Rand is one of the best politicians we have in Washington.

[@fuckoffannoyingutube]

great job Stephen. You're probably the only host that can do an interview with a Republican that doesn't end in yelling or arselicking. Sen. Paul always seems to be one of the nicest and reasonable people when he is your guest. and then he goes campaigning :D

[@cydneymetz]

This and his shows with Sturgill Simpson on them are the only ones I’ve ever been able to stomach. This was a phenomenal interview

[@vitoscaletta8931]

Rand Paul is the guy who got me into politics 5 years ago :)