LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Republican U.S. Senate nominee Rand Paul’s decision to cancel his planned appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday morning didn’t stop him from being the dominating topic of discussion during the show’s early minutes.
Host David Gregory suggested that Paul, an eye surgeon from Bowling Green, may have found the national spotlight “a little too hot” over the past week.
Paul triggered a firestorm of criticism and questions when he said in recent media interviews that private businesses should be able to decide whether they want to serve minorities, even though he abhors racism and discrimination. He also said President Obama sounded “un-American” for criticizing BP for the Gulf Coast oil spill and that “sometimes accidents happen” when discussing the recent coal mine fatalities.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said on “Meet the Press” that first-time candidates such as Paul occasionally “stumble.” He said Paul’s decision to avoid the show was wise.
