Libertarian Ticket Could Be in Jeopardy

[jimnyc]

I know a few here have talked about going Libertarian. What are your thoughts on this? Cool of Johnson to think he even as a prayer in this, but I don't think a running mate at this point will make a difference for that card. And as stated, since it won't be happening, it would be best to go full libertarian and fully get the message out there. Maybe it will help towards 2020, 2024? Who knows.

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Two former Republican governors favored to win their bids for the Libertarian Party's presidential ticket at their party's national convention this weekend in Orlando may be in trouble.

Top Libertarian officials huddling here are starkly divided between those focused on putting up a viable general election ticket like former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson versus those focused on maintaining ideological purity.

This split -- highlighted by widespread hesitancy from purists around Johnson's running mate, former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld -- is threatening to doom this ticket entirely.

All of the national delegates here are free to vote for whichever candidate they want at this weekend's meetings, unlike the two major parties, which bind most delegates according to a primary or caucus process.

Many establishment Libertarians in Florida support a Johnson-Weld ticket because it would give credibility to the party and Weld presents strong fundraising potential, but more radical Libertarians say Weld is just "Republican-lite" and does not align with the core values of the party.

They argue that Libertarians won't win this cycle anyway, but that this time they have a chance to be heard, and that they should therefore nominate a purist who will do the best job of getting their core message across.

The Libertarian ticket, no matter who it is, will face a steep climb in November, as the party got only 1 percent of the vote in 2012. But party leaders cite the unpopularity of both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump and polls that show Americans more open to a third party than ever before.

Weld debated three other vice presidential hopefuls on Friday night, earning polite applause from the audience but failing to hit Libertarian talking points.

His most colorful line: Weld said that if Donald Trump is elected, the United States "will be the North Korea of the next eight years."

Johnson said he was pleased with the debate.

"I hope Bill Weld is the nominee," he said afterwards. "I think if Bill Weld is the nominee, I think we actually have a chance of winning the presidency."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/favored-libertarian-ticket-jeopardy/story?id=39450409

[Kathianne]

I'm not concerned about them winning. I just want to vote. :laugh2:

[jimnyc]

I'm not concerned about them winning. I just want to vote. :laugh2:

You can always vote, always! I've written in a candidate before, so I kinda know where you're at.

But I do wonder about the future, and whether or not we'll ever see anything outside of (R) or (D). This year is a GREAT year to show the American people that there ARE options outside of them. But I think it would need to be a clean card, 100% libertarian and let the people see what it's all about. From what I read, if some start just pushing it as "republican lite", then it may not get as much attention as it deserves.

[Kathianne]

You can always vote, always! I've written in a candidate before, so I kinda know where you're at.

But I do wonder about the future, and whether or not we'll ever see anything outside of (R) or (D). This year is a GREAT year to show the American people that there ARE options outside of them. But I think it would need to be a clean card, 100% libertarian and let the people see what it's all about. From what I read, if some start just pushing it as "republican lite", then it may not get as much attention as it deserves.


Actually I'd like to see some of those Republicans former Republicans or soon to be if given an alternative, have the Libertarian Party as possible landing place. Most of those holding out and looking for leaders that really are for smaller government, return to using the state governments for their intended purposes, can find much in common with the Libertarians. Between newly disenchanted Republicans and right leaning independents, the ranks of that party could swell. I don't think to the level of changing the Presidency by 2020, but the Republicans did so in the 1800's so never say never. The 'new Libertarians' wouldn't be so 'out there' as the current Libertarians and they are far more numerous.

[aboutime]

Truth is....and nobody will like this. The Libertarian party still has no chance until the FAIR TAX becomes the law of the land. And, for anyone who remembers Neal Boortz.....WHEN COWS FLY?

[crin63]

Gary Johnson won't bring over the Conservatives defecting from the Republican Party other than a protest vote against the other 2 parties but Austin Peterson might.

Austin Peterson has been on Glenn Beck and Steve Deace shows at least. Of the Libertarian candidates, he is the most favored by the Conservatives I know. His pro-gay, pro-amnesty and somewhat weak but best of the 3 position on abortion is hurting him though.

[Elessar]

My view is these are all re-incarnations of Ron Paul, who was a
flash-in-the-pan at best 3 times.

They would put us back into the early 18th Century,
which is not possible in this modern world.

[Abbey Marie]

Gary Johnson won't bring over the Conservatives defecting from the Republican Party other than a protest vote against the other 2 parties but Austin Peterson might.

Austin Peterson has been on Glenn Beck and Steve Deace shows at least. Of the Libertarian candidates, he is the most favored by the Conservatives I know. His pro-gay, pro-amnesty and somewhat weak but best of the 3 position on abortion is hurting him though.

Ugh.

[Gunny]

I know a few here have talked about going Libertarian. What are your thoughts on this? Cool of Johnson to think he even as a prayer in this, but I don't think a running mate at this point will make a difference for that card. And as stated, since it won't be happening, it would be best to go full libertarian and fully get the message out there. Maybe it will help towards 2020, 2024? Who knows.

-----

Two former Republican governors favored to win their bids for the Libertarian Party's presidential ticket at their party's national convention this weekend in Orlando may be in trouble.

Top Libertarian officials huddling here are starkly divided between those focused on putting up a viable general election ticket like former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson versus those focused on maintaining ideological purity.

This split -- highlighted by widespread hesitancy from purists around Johnson's running mate, former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld -- is threatening to doom this ticket entirely.

All of the national delegates here are free to vote for whichever candidate they want at this weekend's meetings, unlike the two major parties, which bind most delegates according to a primary or caucus process.

Many establishment Libertarians in Florida support a Johnson-Weld ticket because it would give credibility to the party and Weld presents strong fundraising potential, but more radical Libertarians say Weld is just "Republican-lite" and does not align with the core values of the party.

They argue that Libertarians won't win this cycle anyway, but that this time they have a chance to be heard, and that they should therefore nominate a purist who will do the best job of getting their core message across.

The Libertarian ticket, no matter who it is, will face a steep climb in November, as the party got only 1 percent of the vote in 2012. But party leaders cite the unpopularity of both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump and polls that show Americans more open to a third party than ever before.

Weld debated three other vice presidential hopefuls on Friday night, earning polite applause from the audience but failing to hit Libertarian talking points.

His most colorful line: Weld said that if Donald Trump is elected, the United States "will be the North Korea of the next eight years."

Johnson said he was pleased with the debate.

"I hope Bill Weld is the nominee," he said afterwards. "I think if Bill Weld is the nominee, I think we actually have a chance of winning the presidency."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/favored-libertarian-ticket-jeopardy/story?id=39450409

There is actually a Libertarian party? I honestly don't pay attention to 3rd parties because they're a dead end road. When I say I would vote 3rd party note I always us "viable 3rd party". I think the last 3rd party to do anything but screw sh*t up was the Republican party in 1860. And they caused a freakin' civil war. Teddy's Bull Mosse party helped put Woodrow Wilson in office. Another war.

It just doesn't work. The MSM and both GOP and Dems keeping locked out means you better have LOTS of money. Some organization might help as well. In the meantime, I want the Dems nowhere near any power. I'm voting against them. They could manage to screw up boiling water.

[gabosaurus]

If the Libertarian ticket runs two Republicans, which of the two major parties is going to lose the most voters?

[Gunny]

If the Libertarian ticket runs two Republicans, which of the two major parties is going to lose the most voters?

You might want to worry about your own problems. Younger leftwingers don't like Hitlery. They're not going to vote either.

[aboutime]

If the Libertarian ticket runs two Republicans, which of the two major parties is going to lose the most voters?



Another, typical, leftist post by gabby. Trying to distract attention from cutting the grass and weeds in your own backyard (the DNC), while playing the DNC Playbook tricks to point elsewhere (someone elses grass) to avoid exposing your own ignorance. Still doesn't work gabby, even after all these years.

[Drummond]

Reality check: a vote cast for the Libertarians is a wasted vote. It can only, realistically, serve to split what could otherwise be effective voting done to combat another Dem victory.

.. though actually, I should rethink that .. ? No Socialist Dem lover would consider weakening effective opposition a 'wasteful' exercise .. on the contrary, I'm sure the Dems would happily pray for such an outcome.

So - who wants to help them out on this .. ? Fracture meaningful anti-Dem opposition, thereby letting them win again ?

[fj1200]

You can always vote, always! I've written in a candidate before, so I kinda know where you're at.

But I do wonder about the future, and whether or not we'll ever see anything outside of (R) or (D). This year is a GREAT year to show the American people that there ARE options outside of them. But I think it would need to be a clean card, 100% libertarian and let the people see what it's all about. From what I read, if some start just pushing it as "republican lite", then it may not get as much attention as it deserves.

Republicans are "conservative-lite." ;)


My view is these are all re-incarnations of Ron Paul, who was a
flash-in-the-pan at best 3 times.

They would put us back into the early 18th Century,
which is not possible in this modern world.

By that definition whoever didn't win was a flash-in-the-pan. :dunno: Nevertheless is it your position that the US returning to a limited-government Constitutional Federalist Republic isn't possible in the modern world?

[Gunny]

Republicans are "conservative-lite." ;)



By that definition whoever didn't win was a flash-in-the-pan. :dunno: Nevertheless is it your position that the US returning to a limited-government Constitutional Federalist Republic isn't possible in the modern world?

THAT would take a LOT of changes.

[fj1200]

THAT would take a LOT of changes.

True.

[Elessar]

Republicans are "conservative-lite." ;)



By that definition whoever didn't win was a flash-in-the-pan. :dunno: Nevertheless is it your position that the US returning to a limited-government Constitutional Federalist Republic isn't possible in the modern world?

I did not say that...You did. Trying to put words into someone's mouth is a typical tactic of yours.
Ron Paul was a flash-in-the-pan due to his immediate fandom. He fizzled out very fast all 3 times.

[fj1200]

I did not say that...You did. Trying to put words into someone's mouth is a typical tactic of yours.
Ron Paul was a flash-in-the-pan due to his immediate fandom. He fizzled out very fast all 3 times.

I think if you'll look he held in there for longer than the majority of the other candidates. Not that he had any chance but... And FWIW I didn't put words in your mouth, I asked a question which was indicated by the question mark. It's a nefarious tactic that I use to dig deeper into what you were trying to say with that whole "modern world" comment. :)

[Gunny]

I think if you'll look he held in there for longer than the majority of the other candidates. Not that he had any chance but... And FWIW I didn't put words in your mouth, I asked a question which was indicated by the question mark. It's a nefarious tactic that I use to dig deeper into what you were trying to say with that whole "modern world" comment. :)

Ron Paul held in as long as he did because he's from Texas. We got a LOT of people. His isolationist stance is what screwed the pooch for him. I never liked him at all. He had some good ideas then would blurt out some screwball crap. Same reason I don't like Trump.

[fj1200]

Ron Paul held in as long as he did because he's from Texas. We got a LOT of people. His isolationist stance is what screwed the pooch for him. I never liked him at all. He had some good ideas then would blurt out some screwball crap. Same reason I don't like Trump.

That's apparently not a disqualifier this time around. :eek:

[Gunny]

That's apparently not a disqualifier this time around. :eek:

Got to agree. Apparently NOTHING is a disqualifier this time around.