ATTENTION LIBERTARIANS: Are there any mainstream presidential candidates that have any appeal for you?

Question

It's difficult to get the mix that appeal to libertarians, there are only so many Ron Pauls to go around.

The Republicans pay lip service to libertarian ideals on the economic front and respect the second amendment, but trample libertarian ideals with their social conservatism.

The Dems pay lip service to civil liberties, but are not respecters of free markets and economic freedom, rather trying to import a European style socialism to foist on US citizens.

Is there any viable R or D candidate out there who you, libertarian-minded voters, consider anywhere near your ideals? Bill Richardson with his socially liberal ideals & some semblance of financial restraint? Rudy Guiliani?

From a libertarian persective, what are the candidates' strengths and shortcomings? Are there any that would NOT expand government and increase spending? Are there any that WOULD respect personal liberty and free markets? What's the score? Discuss.

Answer 1

Mitt Romney comes close for me.

First I recognize there are NO candidates of either party who even really come close.

I look at who will follow the Constitution closely. That eliminates most Liberals, because they believe it is a "Living Document" to be interpreted as they see fit. I disagree. I believe "It is what it is". There is a process to change or amend it and States get the say, not the courts.

Then I decide if I want the most inefficient organization, our government, to manage my life (healthcare, my business, what my underage family members can/can't do). No.

I think our freedoms have been eroding with both parties, but I don't want a Nanny State. We pay plenty in taxes.

And what's wrong with becoming rich, don't you want to be rich?

Hillary is a liar and too divisive. Obama is too inexperienced. What has he DONE? Rudy is very competent, has a proven track record, and has been successful working with GOP and Dems. (NYC is mainly Dems). I do disagree with a few of his major positions, however....like his stance on the 2nd Amendment. Mitt Romney also has a proven track record and comes from Teddy Kennedy's (very Democratic) home state where he's done very, very well. He's worked closely with both parties. Bill Richardson has no chance as do most of the others, as I see it right now.
It will be interesting......

Answer 2

The presidential candidate with the greatest libertarian creditentials in Ron Paul, a Republican congressman from Texas. He ran as the libertarian candidate in 1988 and holds mainstream, conservative libertarian views. He was one of the few Republicans to oppose the Patriot Act and was endorsed by 2004 nominee Michael Bandarick. There are some problems with Paul's candidacy (He announced a few days ago on C-SPAN). He has registered few points in the polls and has been overshadowed by more powerful, popular, and wealthier candidates. He also has ruled out running as a libertarian, though this could change. Nevertheless, Paul's candidacy could raise awarness about libertarian ideas and proposals.

Answer 3

This is a no brainer. Ron Paul. The only other candidate that comes close is Dennis Kucinich. Guiliani is in favor of gun control, one BIG strike against him. As a libertarian, I simply do not trust any of the mainstream candidates... in fact I view them all as a threat to my liberty and nation. Ron Paul is the only candidate that has proven he will adhere to the limited power of the Constitution. He has a flawless voting record, a sound non-interventionalist policy, and, as an economist, he recognizes the danger of the Federal Reserve(there is nothing "federal" about the Fed) and our worthless dollar. He would reestablish the gold standard so that our dollar was actually backed by something. We are over 8-trillion dollars in debt thanks to pointless wars and unrestrained government spending. We borrow this money from private international bankers (a.k.a. Federal Reserve) with high interest rates, and these interest rates cause deficit increases an average $1.96 billion per day. Who do you think pays for this national debt? Who pays the Fed interest rates? You do. Everything our government spends on comes at your expense.. remember that. And remember that Ron Paul recognizes this and is just as upset as you are. The unfortunate side of all this is that Ron Paul does not get the media coverage that guilianiobamamccainclintonromney(same person).... so much for media responsibility and "free press". http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

Answer 4

Well the obvious answer is Ron but you already covered that ground.

I hear that Chuck Hagel is somewhat of a Reagan Republican; but I need to hear more from him and if he doesn't declare it is a moot point.

It is most vexing having a one party system. The current Republican administration is content with expanding the role of government and spending more money than the last administration. You know you are in deep doo doo when you wax nostalgic for the fiscal restraint of the Clinton administration.

So, right now of all the declared candidates in the Republicrat party, none except for Ron Paul are acceptable.

Answer 5

Mitt Romney is absolutely the most Libertarian candidate who can actually win. He demonstrated this by turning around the MA govt and balancing their budget. He believes in containing govt and as a billionaire has a business background. We need a pro-business president and there are none others running who favor small govt but Romney does; he knows govt does not have the solution to life, people do.

Answer 6

The problem with the Libertarian party is that fundementally they are against intrusion in people's lives. Which makes it difficult to get your message out during a campaign. Solve this problem you are looking at a viable poltical option.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Ron Paul is so desperate to try and drum up support so much on Yahoo Answers, he doesn't have a chance in hell. He'd be better to throw his support to one of the candidates that will actually have a chance of getting elected.

Answer 9

If you look at a President for one reason only your really are short changing yourself. It like picking one because they have black hair.
You need to look at the big picture not the small ones.