Rick Santorum: Rand Paul is a flip-flopping isolationist

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Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) may be "changing his tune" on foreign policy, but he's still a dangerous isolationist, says former senator and presidential candidate Rick Santorum.

In a Politico op-ed, Santorum writes that Paul "has advanced a brand of neo-isolationism and appeasement that is as short-sighted as it mistaken." And though Paul has made a concerted attempt to distance himself from his former anti-interventionist talk — he published an essay last week in Time entitled "I am not an isolationist" — Santorum claims that "few believe he is serious."

Despite his recent, and frantic efforts to recast himself as not completely ridiculous on national security issues, the truth is his record often puts him in league with Barack Obama—or even to the president’s left. Anyone who truly cares about American liberty at home must not ignore real enemies and rising threats abroad. Rather, we must confront such challenges wisely and decisively to protect American lives, our economy and our allies. [Politico]

Santorum joins Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) in having shredded Paul's foreign policy positions. Not coincidentally, all three are rumored to be considering White House bids in 2016.

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Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.