Do Libertarians even have a chance in American politics?

Question

Do they have any clout at all in Washington, or are they just a joke?

Answer 1

I think the Libertarians should focus on winning races at the local and state level and build up a track record and a solid constituency before going for broke on the national level.

They spend too much of their resources trying to field and run widely unknown candidates for higher offices but they are basically ignored because most voters don't really know what they stand for. If they concentrated those resources on winning more lower level races, they could run on their record with candidates who have some name recognition.

Answer 2

The "Libertarian" Party cannot win anything, nor does it even stand for libertarianism. In 2008, the LP rejected libertarianism and only received a few more votes than before, despite the massive growth the libertarian movement experienced thanks to Ron Paul. True libertarians wanted nothing to do with Bob Barr or Wayne Allyn Root. Libertarianism can win, but only within a "major" party. I suspect that now is the time that the libertarian movement may have a chance to capture the Republican Party, especially with the conservatives talking about "limited government" once again. If they are sincere in their beliefs, they will support Ron Paul in 2012 (personally, I suspect his bill to audit the Federal Reserve, which is likely to pass, is designed to set up his 2012 campaign for the White House). Obama's presidency has been a disaster and he would be a lock to lose were it not for our not-so-fond memories of the Bush years.

Answer 3

Libertarians, even though have a pretty solid and decent platform, they really aren't taken seriously.
why?
because it seems more like a catch all group for anyone who has found one issue wrong with either of the other two parties.
many times i have discussion with people claiming to be libertarians, and hate both parties, but then you see them bashing the heck out of one or the other exclusively.

They keep claiming that both parties are the same corporate whores just different name...what do they think another party will become?


but they aren't a joke.
depending on what type of libertarian is running for an office, they will suck votes out of the party that they most closely resemble.
So people who like republicans, vote for a good conservative type libertarian, and wham the republican canidate loses, and so does the libertarian. Same thing that occurs when an independant runs for office.
they are suppose to more closely resemble republicans in poltiics, but they are far too diverse, to the point of looking wishy-washy!

Answer 4

Im sure they have their realm of influence. However, because of their core values I dont think they would stand a chance against the competition from the principal parties. Ever wonder why so many of our political leaders claim to be Libertarian however they retain membership as Republicans or Democrats.

Answer 5

As a political party? Zero clout. As libertarians who belong to other parties? Very little.

Answer 6

Sure I think the platform of the party appeals to alot of people. All we need is a guy with money. And a time like now where there are alot of disinfranchised voters and, Viola Libertarians rule the world.

Answer 7

As an ideology, libertarianism has some impact, primarily on the Republican Party. As a political party, they'll likely never make a dent in the duopoly.

Answer 8

Yeah I think they do. Even though I consider myself a Democrat, I like some Libertarian ideas, especially the ones about personal freedoms since I'm very socially liberal.

Answer 9

I think the L platform appeals to a lot of people, but the two-party fascist/socialist system we have in the U.S. usually discourages any significant amounts of third-party voting. In addition, the existing D's and R's work tirelessly to thwart third parties during election years -- keeping them off the ballot, campaign finance reform (aka the Incumbent Protection Act), etc.

Answer 10

I think that the American citizen is the one who doesn't have a chance in American politics.... no matter who gets elected, all they do is bend us over and lube us up.