A Thinking Reed

"Man is but a reed, the most feeble thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed" – Blaise Pascal

Doings among the Libertarians

The Libertarian Party has nominated former Republican congressman (and Clinton impeachment manager) Bob Barr as its presidential candidate. Barr seems to be courting some of the same anti-war/small government conservative support as Ron Paul’s campaign (which is still going, incidentally).

The natural conclusion to draw here is that this will hurt McCain, if anyone. Barr is the most mainstream figure the Libertarians have nominated in years and is likely to get decent and respectful media coverage. He also represents the obvious alternative for disaffected Republicans in the traditional limited government mold. (Rather than, say, Republicans who are disappointed that McCain isn’t pro-torture enough.)

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2 responses to “Doings among the Libertarians”

  1. gaius sempronius gracchus

    He might hurt Obama and McCain equally, or even Obama more.

    Anti-war libertarianism could easily be attractive to the kind of young, relatively uncommitted and educated, upscale voters who have flocked to Obama even more than to McCain.

    Or he might have the insignificant impact expected, this time, for Nader.

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  2. Lee

    From what I’ve read, lots of Libs are skeptical about Barr’s recent conversion and, in particular, doubt how deep his non-interventionism actually runs. Others think his candidacy is an attempt at a crypto-Republican take over of the Libertarian Party (some prize!).

    I’m not sure how much Barr’s brand of libertarianism will actually appeal to potential Obama voters either. From what I can tell, his views on e.g. immigration are closer to that of Ron Paul’s “paleo” libertarianism, which I would think would be a turn off to most people in that demographic.

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