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Rand Paul and 2016: A message of change, delivered deadpan

FILE - In this March 20, 2105 file photo, Sen., Rand Paul, R-Ky. speaks in Manchester, N.H. Ready to enter the Republican chase for the party’s presidential nomination this week, the first-term Kentucky senator has designs on changing how Republicans go about getting elected to the White House and how they govern once there. Paul will do so with an approach to politics that is often downbeat and usually dour, which just might work in a nation deeply frustrated with Washington. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File) FILE - In this March 20, 2105 file photo, Sen., Rand Paul, R-Ky. speaks in Manchester, N.H. Ready to enter the Republican chase for the party’s presidential nomination this week, the first-term Kentucky senator has designs on changing how Republicans go about getting elected to the White House and how they govern once there. Paul will do so with an approach to politics that is often downbeat and usually dour, which just might work in a nation deeply frustrated with Washington. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)

By Associated Press April 6, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is preparing for a 2016 presidential campaign and talking a lot about change in America.

But he’s not expressing much hope about the state of the nation.

Paul isn’t one to stir crowds into chants of “Yes we can,” as Barack Obama did on his way to the presidency. Or as Ronald Reagan did when he said it’s “morning in America” again.

Instead, he’s often a downbeat presence in the early nomination race.

Paul’s advisers are betting that his blunt take on America’s woes will suit a nation frustrated with Washington.

Paul is set to declare his candidacy in his home state on Tuesday and begin a campaign that backers hope will upend the traditional Republican mold.