Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican, hinted at a possible 2016 run for president Tuesday in his annual airing of grievances for Festivus.
In a lengthy series of tweets — some mostly serious, all at least somewhat humorous — Mr. Paul said having a “fashion forward” campaign is one key to success in politics, posting pictures of both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and former presidential candidate Rick Santorum in sweater vests, but said he prefers to wear something different.
“Of course, everyone has to be themselves, and I have my own style. I think this will be a popular item this year,” he said, posting a picture of a black sweatshirt that said “Rand Paul 2016.”
Mr. Paul and Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Republican, have been feuding over the president’s recent change to U.S. relations with Cuba, but in the holiday spirit, Mr. Paul left the other possible 2016 contender out of his annual grievance list, a “custom” of Festivus.
“Tempting to air a grievance @marcorubio again, but we’ve done that enough for this week. Instead I will say an early Merry Christmas,” he said.
Mr. Paul also complained about politics in general, and aired more grievances later Tuesday afternoon about federal regulations wasteful spending and Democratic lawmakers.
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“As a doctor, I was trained first to do no harm,” he tweeted. “Wouldn’t it be nice if politicians started from that premise?”
Other tweets slammed Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada (“To my friend @SenatorReid, wishing you a long and fruitful tenure as minority leader #sorrynotsorry”) and Alison Lundergan Grimes, Mr. McConnell’s unsuccessful Democratic challenger (“I am still wondering who @Alison4KY voted for”).
Festivus became popular when the holiday was celebrated on “Seinfeld” as an alternative to Christmas. Instead of a tree, revelers put up a plain, metal Festivus pole and have traditions like the airing of grievances and feats of strength.
Last year, Mr. Paul discovered a common interest with Sen. Cory Booker, New Jersey Democrat, during his airing of grievances. The two worked together this year on criminal justice reform, but Mr. Paul said more needs to be done.
“Not enough looking for agreement in Washington. @CoryBooker and I will keep trying. #Festivus,” Mr. Paul tweeted.
But he ended the day with a more traditional greeting, to a picture of himself and wife Kelley in front of a Christmas tree: “So now, from my family to all of you, have a Merry Christmas!”
• Jacqueline Klimas can be reached at jklimas@washingtontimes.com.
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