With both major parties shooting themselves in the foot, is it time for the Libertarian Party?

Question

Looking at the pitiful lists of candidates running around for the Demos, and knowing the Repubs have shot themselves by supporting Bush the Second, is it finally our turn?

Answer 1

I think its probably time for a libertarian president, though I think that president is likely to be Ron Paul. Libertarian now returns more search results than Marxist or Marxism. Ron Paul's rally this past weekend outdrew a bunch of other candidates competing with him for the Republican nomination who were at an event next door from which he had been excluded. Ron Paul drew a standing room only crowd of over 1000 at this event in Iowa, while "Iowans for Tax Relief," which had excluded Ron Paul, the Congressman with the best anti-tax voting record in the history of Congress, drew 600 people or so and even more empty seats.

By the time of the Libertarian Convention, Ron Paul may have already locked up the GOP nomination. If that is the case, the LP needs to not participate in a presidential election and instead focus its resources on beating some of the most anti-libertarian members of Congress (it would certainly be nice to replace John Kerry with a Libertarian, for example). The worst thing the LP can do is to play the role of Ralph Nader and end up costing Ron Paul the election and electing Hillary.

If the GOP nominates Ron Paul, all libertarians and everybody else who wants less government need to support him, even if they disagree with parts of his platform. I don't want a circumstance to occur where a vote for the LP happens to be a vote for Hillary Clinton.

Answer 2

Ok... lets take this question piece by piece. first, is it time for a Libertarian? Only if that person has some charisma and has ideas. A third party candidate will have a very tough time unless they have some Ching. Bloomberg would have a sporting change ONLY because he has money. Pitiful list of Demos? yes. it is. Hillary in the White House while Bill gets a hummer in the Lincoln Bedroom. I don't think they want that again. Bill Clinton is Charismatic, but, he's going to be the First Ladies B****H. believe it.

Now as for the Republicans shooting themselves in the foot with Bush 2, i disagree. There is more than that, although that's a contributing factor. Republicans didn't know how to handle the power. Remember, they haven't had REAL control is over 40 years. Even with Reagan in office, the Congress was Democratic. 4 years of Republican Congress did nothing. They didn't have a plan.

The best option is a Strong Person that shoots straight. I believe if Fred Thompson gets in the race, he will score big points. I like his character. He has a strong personality. He doesn't take anything off anyone. I see him as a cross between Ronald Reagan and John Wayne. A savvy politician with the strength of the Duke. That's just me. I don't see a 3rd party ever winning, unless they put forth a candidate that is head and shoulders better than the rest and I don't see that any time soon.

Answer 3

I don't think it's time for the libertarian party just yet. I think it's the time for the Democratic party, but only because they are a little better than the Republican party.

It's like with the Democratic party .... the average American person at least has a fighting chance ... With the Republicans this same person has no chance.

The political history of the Democrats proves that they are anything but saints. So I say get the Democrats in ... a Libertarian is unelectable in this day and time ... hold the newly elected Democratic majority's feet to the fire... see through the opposition's rants and examine whose side the Dems really are on. If the Dems betray us to special interest, the Dems should be out forever in the next elections, and we should support Libertarian candidates and give them a chance.

Whoever proves themselves to be for the people's interest, not special interest ... should be in power.

Answer 4

Although the Libertarian party has some appealing aspects, I don't think they will make much of a splash (if any) in this election. I think the majority of both Democrats and Republicans will stick to their party lines. If your looking for a presidential candidate who exhibits the most libertarian views ( although not many), check out Bill Richardson .

Answer 5

Once the Libertarian Party completes the reform of its platform, then it might become ready to take on the Big Boys.

Reforming the LP from within is a necessary but not sufficient step toward the evolution of the LP from its present supper club mentality to a more outwardly-focused organization.

There are several essays on this subject available at
www.ReformTheLP.org if you are interested.

Answer 6

George Phillies? Not a chance. The Libertarian Party can only succeed in splintering the country further.

Answer 7

The libertarian party always shoots itself in the nads by advocating to end drug laws. And abolishing income taxes. The first one Parents won't support. The second, is not a realistic position because the government would shut down, or tax consumption with a sales tax on everything, which nobody else would want.

Answer 8

Ron Paul is a Libertarian.

Answer 9

The libertarian party can't get a good candidate.

Answer 10

Only when you hear all the voices do you get a better understanding in decision making, it is far to late, but this country needs to become a 3 or 4 party democracy, let everyone choose.