Gary Johnson wins Libertarian presidential nomination at party convention

Gary Johnson wins Libertarian presidential nomination at party convention

Honestly, I have not really considered voting for a Liberterian. Always considered them to be too wacky for the mainstream. This election is different! Every candidate running for President seems to be a Wacko! It has left me frustrated! 

A recent national poll had Johnson receiving 10 percent of support from registered voters, drawing his strongest support from respondents under 35. Another national poll showed 44 percent of registered voters would want a third party to run against Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, and Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee.
The Libertarian Party is the only third party with ballot access in 50 states. This means Johnson will be the only alternative to Trump and Clinton available to all voters in this election.

I have heard Johnson's name come up more in conversations, social media, and the media itself. I certainly was not full on board with him and continued to focus my attention on the Dems and Repubs. Libertarian Party did not seem to be a realistic contender. 

Now, I am beginning to think I was too quick to judge. 

In his acceptance speech, and speaking with reporters after, Johnson repeatedly urged delegates to vote for his Weld as his running mate. Many Libertarian activists are skeptical of Weld, arguing his 1991-97 tenure saw too much growth in government and new gun control measures. But Johnson argued that Weld is the most plausible running mate in appealing to a national electorate, and could help build momentum and fundraising power for the ticket.

Source: CNN.com

I am watching and hoping that Weld gets his confirmation. It is a good east/west mix and they would have a good common sense to their policies that would make this election even more interesting! 

Am I alone in thinking that Americans really need to listen to a third party candidate that would possibly be more unifying in this Presidential election? I want change and what better way than going middle of the road and giving all of the establishment a real message that they should listen to Americans! 

What say you, ATS, would you like just 2 candidates to choose from or 3? 

Edit add: Would a Johnson/Weld ticket hurt the dems or repubs more? Or is it even possible, a third party could actually win this election?

originally posted by: CynConcepts
Gary Johnson wins Libertarian presidential nomination at party convention

Honestly, I have not really considered voting for a Liberterian. Always considered them to be too wacky for the mainstream. This election is different! Every candidate running for President seems to be a Wacko! It has left me frustrated! 

A recent national poll had Johnson receiving 10 percent of support from registered voters, drawing his strongest support from respondents under 35. Another national poll showed 44 percent of registered voters would want a third party to run against Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, and Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee.
The Libertarian Party is the only third party with ballot access in 50 states. This means Johnson will be the only alternative to Trump and Clinton available to all voters in this election.

I have heard Johnson's name come up more in conversations, social media, and the media itself. I certainly was not full on board with him and continued to focus my attention on the Dems and Repubs. Libertarian Party did not seem to be a realistic contender. 

Now, I am beginning to think I was too quick to judge. 

In his acceptance speech, and speaking with reporters after, Johnson repeatedly urged delegates to vote for his Weld as his running mate. Many Libertarian activists are skeptical of Weld, arguing his 1991-97 tenure saw too much growth in government and new gun control measures. But Johnson argued that Weld is the most plausible running mate in appealing to a national electorate, and could help build momentum and fundraising power for the ticket.

Source: CNN.com

I am watching and hoping that Weld gets his confirmation. It is a good east/west mix and they would have a good common sense to their policies that would make this election even more interesting! 

Am I alone in thinking that Americans really need to listen to a third party candidate that would possibly be more unifying in this Presidential election? I want change and what better way than going middle of the road and giving all of the establishment a real message that they should listen to Americans! 

What say you, ATS, would you like just 2 candidates to choose from or 3? 

You are not alone at all.

Voted for him in 2012 and will do so again this cycle.

I like a lot of what he says and he seems like a really genuine guy. But I'm not so much concerned with electing him or his party. I'm more invested in the impact his election would have on the electorate in general.

If we were actually able to take our power back and vote a LEGITIMATE candidate in, maybe we can finally unite under common sense and make some real stuff happen.

I'm sick of moving backwards.

originally posted by: atomish

originally posted by: CynConcepts
Gary Johnson wins Libertarian presidential nomination at party convention

Honestly, I have not really considered voting for a Liberterian. Always considered them to be too wacky for the mainstream. This election is different! Every candidate running for President seems to be a Wacko! It has left me frustrated! 

A recent national poll had Johnson receiving 10 percent of support from registered voters, drawing his strongest support from respondents under 35. Another national poll showed 44 percent of registered voters would want a third party to run against Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, and Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee.
The Libertarian Party is the only third party with ballot access in 50 states. This means Johnson will be the only alternative to Trump and Clinton available to all voters in this election.

I have heard Johnson's name come up more in conversations, social media, and the media itself. I certainly was not full on board with him and continued to focus my attention on the Dems and Repubs. Libertarian Party did not seem to be a realistic contender. 

Now, I am beginning to think I was too quick to judge. 

In his acceptance speech, and speaking with reporters after, Johnson repeatedly urged delegates to vote for his Weld as his running mate. Many Libertarian activists are skeptical of Weld, arguing his 1991-97 tenure saw too much growth in government and new gun control measures. But Johnson argued that Weld is the most plausible running mate in appealing to a national electorate, and could help build momentum and fundraising power for the ticket.

Source: CNN.com

I am watching and hoping that Weld gets his confirmation. It is a good east/west mix and they would have a good common sense to their policies that would make this election even more interesting! 

Am I alone in thinking that Americans really need to listen to a third party candidate that would possibly be more unifying in this Presidential election? I want change and what better way than going middle of the road and giving all of the establishment a real message that they should listen to Americans! 

What say you, ATS, would you like just 2 candidates to choose from or 3? 

You are not alone at all.

Voted for him in 2012 and will do so again this cycle.

I like a lot of what he says and he seems like a really genuine guy. But I'm not so much concerned with electing him or his party. I'm more invested in the impact his election would have on the electorate in general.

If we were actually able to take our power back and vote a LEGITIMATE candidate in, maybe we can finally unite under common sense and make some real stuff happen.

I'm sick of moving backwards.

Admittedly, early in the primaries, I was undecided between Bernie and Kasich. I voted for Kasich. Bill Weld, really seems like a middle of the road republican governor, I like that. Just wondering how many more would take notice. 2 Governors on a Liberterian ticket screams experience without establishment ties!

Another question ATS: Do you think Bernie would be more enticed to run Independent if there was already a third Liberterian party running? Or would he continue to toe the party line and support Hillary in the end?

Edit add: Bill Weld has been confirmed to be the VP for Johnson. I don't know about you, but this election just became even more interesting. Weld was a republican backing Kasich just a few months ago!!!

As a libertarian, I honestly think they could've chosen some better candidates, but I still like them more than Hillary and Trump.

originally posted by: CynConcepts
Admittedly, early in the primaries, I was undecided between Bernie and Kasich.

I forgive you. =]

I voted for Kasich.

Nevermind, no I don't.


Only teasing. ^_^

Bill Weld, really seems like a middle of the road republican governor, I like that. Just wondering how many more would take notice. 2 Governors on a Liberterian ticket screams experience without establishment ties!

I don't know a whole lot about Weld but looking forward to reading up, considering he gets confirmed as the VP nom.

But I do agree with you wholeheartedly, there is a whole lot of experience there (and in Johnson's case, despite some serious odds) and a metric crapton of common freaking sense. And people should notice.

And I believe they would if only the candidates weren't stifled and suppressed at every turn. The uphill battle any third party candidate faced is insane and perhaps insurmountable considering the rules get changed on a dime.

But I said it in 2012 and I'll say it again this year, if they make it into the debates they have a real serious shot at this. Short of that, they don't end up on the big boys stage and they get unnoticed. Sad but true. Keeping a close eye on the lawsuits against the CPD! Between that and getting leverage with polling orgs just to get his name on polls, that's his only shot IMO.

Eta: Saw about Weld. Guess I'll be reading up after all!

originally posted by: CynConcepts
Another question ATS: Do you think Bernie would be more enticed to run Independent if there was already a third Liberterian party running? Or would he continue to toe the party line and support Hillary in the end?

Quite hard to say. Id say it probably depends on where the demographics end up falling, i.e. how much support Johnson siphon from either Trump or Hillary, etc.

I could see a couple scenarios where the field split four ways would probably clinch it for Bernie.

originally posted by: cleverhans
As a libertarian, I honestly think they could've chosen some better candidates, but I still like them more than Hillary and Trump.

I have to admit I have always been a middle of the road voter, jumping from one party to another based on their selected candidates. Last few elections were choosing lesser evil and this year it became EXTREME! Libertarians may not approve, but I think Johnson/Weld ticket will be your ticket to get mainstream this election. Especially, if Clinton loses her nomination due to unforeseen charges against her! Those middle of the road democrats will look to Liberterians before voting for Trump!

a reply to: atomish

I know the Liberterians didn't like that in 2008 he backed Obama! Then, Kasich just months ago. I do like the fact that these 2 governors won on republican tickets in majority dem states! Plus, have that east/west mindset to unite our nation. I guess that is why I am liking their middle of the road approaches. They seem to understand more than Trump how to deal with establishment and would be more likely get more congress approval in creating necessary changes. I am tired of stalemates and executive orders! Our nation needs to unite!

At a critical time in our country's history, I believe we should not have a third-party candidate. Here are my reasons:

1) The media will give him about 5% coverage.
2) He is unknown to 90% of the voting population, most of whom are dedicated to their parties.
3) He will take more votes away from the Republican party than the Democrat party.
4) The campaign will be a waste of millions of dollars for the donors.
5) We can't afford to screw around this election cycle. It's either Trump or Hillary. Capitalism vs. Socialism. Liberty vs. Tyranny. There isn't a third side to a coin.

originally posted by: CynConcepts
a reply to: atomish

I know the Liberterians didn't like that in 2008 he backed Obama! Then, Kasich just months ago. I do like the fact that these 2 governors won on republican tickets in majority dem states! Plus, have that east/west mindset to unite our nation. I guess that is why I am liking their middle of the road approaches. They seem to understand more than Trump how to deal with establishment and would be more likely get more congress approval in creating necessary changes. I am tired of stalemates and executive orders! Our nation needs to unite!

Can't agree with you more!

That is really interesting that Weld was also an R governing a majority Dem state. On its own, it's an impressive accomplishment to be elected as such and then leave office with such high approval ratings.

You make a very cogent argument for the middle-of-the-road-ness of the ticket and I think you're right. That may prove a bigger boon to the party in the General than I had given thought to.

I think how much more interesting this cycle gets will be directly proportional to how much increased airtime Johnson/Weld get. If they get into the debates, it's going to be a show. And if Bernie runs Independent and it becomes an epic four-way race?

It wouldn't get much better.

originally posted by: ninjadan9
At a critical time in our country's history, I believe we should not have a third-party candidate. Here are my reasons:

1) The media will give him about 5% coverage.
2) He is unknown to 90% of the voting population, most of whom are dedicated to their parties.
3) He will take more votes away from the Republican party than the Democrat party.
4) The campaign will be a waste of millions of dollars for the donors.
5) We can't afford to screw around this election cycle. It's either Trump or Hillary. Capitalism vs. Socialism. Liberty vs. Tyranny. There isn't a third side to a coin.

No there isn't, but that coin is the one that bought our country as it was sold down the river.

We're looking for new currency. You can keep that rusty ol' joint.

ETA: I don't think Trump stands for capitalism (maybe the crony type!) OR necessarily Liberty. I think he stands for Trump.

Clinton is worse, IMO. But we lose "bigly" either way.

No thanks.

Gary Johnson thinks that upholding the law and "deporting 11 million illegal immigrants is crazy".

I disagree with Johnson %100 here. Wages would much higher in the construction sectors, and the labor sectors in general (im talking double or triple) if not for all the illegal competition.

what is his platform essentially ?

I'm legit curious

originally posted by: ninjadan9
At a critical time in our country's history, I believe we should not have a third-party candidate. Here are my reasons:

1) The media will give him about 5% coverage.
2) He is unknown to 90% of the voting population, most of whom are dedicated to their parties.
3) He will take more votes away from the Republican party than the Democrat party.
4) The campaign will be a waste of millions of dollars for the donors.
5) We can't afford to screw around this election cycle. It's either Trump or Hillary. Capitalism vs. Socialism. Liberty vs. Tyranny. There isn't a third side to a coin.

1.) I believe the media may increase their coverage due to Johnson's VP pick. It has Republican conspiracy written on it and that will be click bait for the media!
2.) I thought that a year ago and even 3 months ago...but more and more Americans are becoming disgusted with the choices we are left with that we are seeking any viable alternative. He is getting more and more notice!
3.) I have to agree to an extent. Those independents out there may pull the rug out from under Trump and Clinton. Bernie's young supporters may get so disgusted with Clinton though and look at an alternative leading them to Liberterian! I think it may be closer then folks believe!
4.) If Weld is able to get the Koch bros on board...they may not see it as a waste. Trump is too embarrassing to back fully. Republican founders may look for a lesser evil too. What's better than to ex-republican governors running as Liberterians?
5.) Ah...but isn't that the same old argument for the past 20+ years? Choose the lesser evil of two parties! Americans want change, their tired of the coin toss...time America gets a die and offers more choices! Eliminates some of the corrupted establishment power by needing to divide more.

originally posted by: Alien Abduct
No thanks.

Gary Johnson thinks that upholding the law and "deporting 11 million illegal immigrants is crazy".

I disagree with Johnson %100 here. Wages would much higher in the construction sectors, and the labor sectors in general (im talking double or triple) if not for all the illegal competition.

So based on this one issue, this stance makes him a worse candidate than Trump or Hillary?

Not being snarky, genuinely interested in your take.

originally posted by: Alien Abduct
No thanks.

Gary Johnson thinks that upholding the law and "deporting 11 million illegal immigrants is crazy".

I disagree with Johnson %100 here. Wages would much higher in the construction sectors, and the labor sectors in general (im talking double or triple) if not for all the illegal competition.

Are you going to tell me that you 100% agree with the other candidates promises? As individuals, we will never fully agree with another 100%. One can only make their own personal list on what is good for them individually, for we all have biases. For me, I can't vote for Clinton or Trump. They both do flip flop too much. There is no truth, just pandering.

originally posted by: syrinx high priest
what is his platform essentially ?

I'm legit curious

Gary Johnson's website

The link above is his page on how he feels about issues. Myself, I am somewhat a newbie in taking a more serious look at him and now, Bill Weld too. I am beginning to get excited again about this election! Check it out.

originally posted by: syrinx high priest
what is his platform essentially ?

I'm legit curious

Fiscal conservatism, social liberalism, non-aggression, non-intervention. In his tenure as 2-term Republican governor of NM (2/3rd democrat), he vetoed more legislation than all other 49 governors combined and left office with insanely high approval ratings considering the above. Generally speaking. =)

Here is his OnTheIssues Page

And here is his official campaign issues page: here

These are probably the best places to start.

Also, Johnson doesn't ask people to vote for him. He asks that people take the highly detailed quiz at ISideWith to see who your stances most align with between all the candidates.

If it's him, he asks that you research him and if you like what you see, vote!

I recommend anyone who hasn't taken the ISideWith quiz to do it ASAP. It's enlightening, regardless where you fall.

Eta: My results have been uploaded here in case anyone is interested: Results

Awesome! I was planning on writing Bernie in if it was just Trump v Hillary, but Gary's a great third choice for consideration.