A GREAT QUESTION AND SANDY’S ANSWER
Political Lore (www.politicallore.com) has a fascinating story in re the two leading potential libertarian candidates for President in 2012: Cong. Ron Paul and former Gov. Gary Johnson.
It is a good question and it should be resolved. For both to run splits the libertarian vote and causes an establishment candidate to win. On the one hand, Gary Johnson has youth and is similar to the ideas of Paul without the social conservatism that turns off some from supporting the Texas congressman. However, Cong. Paul is clearly the number one movement libertarian, has tremendous name recognition and can raise money and supporters. One site dedicated to the internet sites dedicated or supporting Paul, has about 265 pro-Paul sites registered. (Your blogger just registered THIS site there this weekend.) Paul is also on the opinion shows almost every night and is a frequent guest on foreign media as well. It will be hard for Johnson to overcome that. He would have to establish all of that exposure Paul has now.
Ron Paul and Gary Johnson agree on virtually all of the top issues that are relevant in a nationwide election. The differences come in the emphasis placed on the different issues. Johnson tends to focus more on civil liberties and a non interventionist foreign policy than sound monetary policy and the Federal Reserve.
I agree. The simple solution is one the author does not state but implies: Both of them run together as a team. Let Paul/Johnson be the 2012 ticket for the libertarian movement. Paul brings the enthusiasm and money; Johnson brings the future voice of the movement. If they win, Paul would probably only serve one term and then campaign for Johnson as his successor. If they lose, Johnson would inherit most of Paul’s support and take up that mantle. He would be the TV king that Paul is now.
Let Paul and Johnson run together – no drama on running mates BUT two campaigners to stump a state or nation. Paul/Johnson 2012 is the libertarian dream ticket.
Somebody might ask: What about Jindal? I am conflicted. Jindal is very intelligent and very much an over-achiever. He’s been a success in every job he held. He’s trying to clean up his native state – no mean feat. I believe he will be a great President and I hope I can help him. The Conflicted Libertarian is truly nonplussed.
However, I believe 2016 (or 2020) is Jindal’s year after eight years as Governor of Louisiana.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Or, let Ron Paul and Gary Johnson both run, then when the primaries start coming up, have the one with lesser support drop out and put his full weight behind the other one’s candidacy. Then, if they win the nomination, the other can come aboard as runningmate.
January 14th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Thanks for coming, Gary Johnson 2012. It is an intriguing idea but I am afraid that what would happen is what occurred in 2008 – the conservatives split the vote and McCain won the nomination. I still contend that Cong. Ron Paul is the logical choice to run again and then by having Gov. Johnson to pass the baton to as his running mate, that will ensure a great candidate for 2016. Then I will likely be really conflicted since I believe Gov. Jindal will run at that time.
Please come again and comment!
Sandy