I think Rand Paul could serve a useful purpose by starting to distance himself from the GOP and casting out a vision of “a third way” in the sense of a third party, so we can see the reaction and level of support. I’d prefer he not lead with the drug legalization issue but let’s face it, libertarian principles are generally aligned with smaller government, less regulation, and more individual liberty - hallmarks of conservatism.
Libertarian principles of broken people, broken lives, broken communities, of a Sodom and Gomorrah culture and unlimited global immigration, creates a permanent underclass and dependent class of voters who vote for more liberal economic policies, hallmarks of liberalism.