Libertarian update

Our friends over in the Libertarian Party convened last weekend and picked their candidates for president and vice president. Soon, we will be inundated, inundated I tell ‘ya with messages from the Barr/Root campaign.

That’s right. The candidate for president is Former Republican Congressman from Georgia Bob Barr, who switched parties in 2006, griping about skyrocketing government expenditures.

Back in March, I wondered how much interest the convention would generate in the media. From the looks of a quick Google news search, which brought up 146 stories today, the major outlets all seemed to have given it at least a little notice. For what it’s worth, C-Span covered the whole thing live. I am pretty certain that I saw a person wearing a Guy Fawkes mask in the audience. I really wish I could find a picture. Anyway, here’s the AP story on the convention:

Not exactly the level of coverage devoted to the Democrats and Republicans, but they are not likely to get enough support to justify extensive media coverage. On the other hand, a lack of media coverage is one of the Barr/Root campaign’s largest obstacles to the presidency.

So, Mr. Barr can keep saying that he is in this race to win. Unfortunately for the right, this is really about giving conservative voters an alternative to John McCain. If the outpouring of support for Ron Paul is any indication, this could swing some tight races to the Democrats and put Hillary or Barack into the White House. Newt Gingrich agrees, but he is not happy about it:

Bob Barr will make it marginally easier for Barack Obama to become president. That outcome threatens every libertarian value Barr professes to champion.

Thanks, Bob.

At this juncture, the best scenario for the Democrats is that Barr will indeed draw some votes in Georgia, and perhaps even swing the state to the Democrats. That would be a huge coup for the Democrats in the Electoral College. On the other hand, this could be Ross Perot 2008 and Barr draws broad support from the Republicans and the Democrats cruise to victory. If even that little bit of wishful thinking turns out to be true, the Democrats will need to 1) thank the Libertarians profusely and 2) consider some of their policy positions. The GOP is fading, and this would be an opportunity to work with the disaffected Republican voters and swing a few tight Congressional races along the way. “Vote for Barr and against the other Republicans on the ballot.”

On a sadder note, the convention marked the end of Mike Gravel’s political career. His message did not appeal to the Democrats, nor did he make his case for the Libertarian nomination.

It was good to hear about Gravel’s beliefs and past service in Congress. So much for a real change, though.

I’m still voting Democratic this year, but it is always great to hear a fresh voice…especially one talking about personal freedom and responsibilities.

Chris

Libertarian update

In my excitement yesterday about Mike Gravel switching to the Libertarian Party and immediately announcing his candidacy (again) for president, I missed a little something.

I kind of assume that Ron Paul will seek the Libertarian nomination when he finally realizes that he won't get the GOP nomination. Most of us already knew this, but he did do well in North Dakota and Montana. Around this area (northcentral Pa.) there are still more signs for Ron Paul than any other candidate.

Now, it turns out that former Georgia Senator Bob Barr has been pondering a Libertarian run as well. Here's a his Wikipedia entry.

On the plus side, Barr seems to be a strong supporter of civil rights and fought for sunset provisions in the Patriot Act and is against domestic spying. He has also done an about face and now questions the wisdom of "War on Drugs."

On the other hand, he called for impeaching President Clinton even before the name "Monica" and her blue dress were headlines for months. He also has some pretty antiquated views on abortion. However, Larry Flynt (the hero of the First Amendment) dug up the fact that he made an exception to his pro-life stance when it was his wife who wanted to have an abortion. I guess only the rabble have to worry about the loss of the right to choose.

Here's what his more rabid "enemies" have to say about him. According to the Religious Freedom Coalition of the Southeast, Barr has been married three times and was once seen licking whipped cream off the chests of two women (while he was married, of course). But according to to this paragon of fidelity and religiosity, it is simply not okay to be gay. So sorry.

Anyway, a nomination fight among Gravel, Paul, and Barr will make for an interesting distraction from the Obama/Clinton/McCain sameness. Their convention is May 22-26 in Denver. Bets on how much the MSM covers this thing?

Personally, I don't agree with all of the Libertarian views, but the ideals of smaller government, lower taxes, and more freedom are appealing.

Chris