Rand Paul Spars With CBS Reporters Over Gov't Surveillance: 'Just Because Congress Approved It, Doesn't Make It Right

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky isn't afraid to disagree with his fellow Republicans -- and he's certainly not squeamish about debating with members of the American left or the media. During an exchange with CBS's "This Morning," the congressman went back-and-forth with hosts Charlie Rose, Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King about the ramifications of government surveillance.

"I personally am trying to work within the law and change the law. I think that's what my job is," he said, declining to answer whether he views leaker Edward Snowden as a hero or a villain. "And I think we can jones the president on this, particularly his hypocrisy."

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks at the Ronald Reagan Presidential LIbrary in Simi Valley, Calif., Friday, May 31, 2013. Credit: AP

Rather than labeling the embattled 29-year-old in definitive terms, Paul said that he is reserving judgment (although he noted that the young man likely felt that coming forward with the information was the right thing to do in light of the government's spying activity).

When King asked about a recent Pew Research poll that found that the majority of Americans support the collection of phone records, the congressman said that the public would not be so supportive if they knew the full extent of the program's ramifications.

"Government has no right to this knowledge unless you're accused of a crime, unless there's probable cause," he said, while going back and forth with the hosts.

At one point, Paul directly said, "You're wrong," as O'Donnell was claiming that there is no proof that the federal government is tracking beyond merely collecting the data we know about. The senator countered, noting that, while there is no definitive proof, history has shown that third-party records have not been properly protected.

"Just because Congress approved it, doesn't make it right," he said, responding to a question surrounding why some in Congress are choosing to complain now, when they have been extensively briefed about the program.

Paul also noted that he has been speaking out against these issues for quite some time; his opposition, he maintains, is nothing new.

Watch the contentious interview, below:

(H/T: Mediaite)

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