Former Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) said "I think it's great he's doing it" when asked about his son Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) running for president in 2016 on Thursday's "PoliticKING with Larry King" on Ora.TV.

When King asked "Do you encourage your son to run for President?"

"Not really, and I have mixed feelings about it because I know what is entailed and how much punishment he gets," but then added "yes, I think it's great that he's doing it. He has a good message and he understand free-market economics and I just think that it's doing a world of good."

He also cautioned "I also know the power and strength of the establishment and it's a tough road to hoe I'll tell you that, but I would never have discouraged him from doing it."

The elder Paul said he would campaign for his son if he was asked.