Did Gary Johnson Throw out AP's pistol?

[RJ Liberty]

This story seems a little too contrived don't you think?

That's what I think. Austin Petersen prominently gives Gary a gun in front of the whole delegation, then Petersen's supporters find the gun in the trash at the event? Why would Johnson throw the gun away at the convention hall? It's a fake story, put together by Petersen supporters, or by people hoping to raise the drama around the LP.

 

[younglibertarian]

For all of you saying that this isn't a big deal, I'd recommend hopping on social media and looking at the flocks of AP supporters who will not be voting Johnson this fall.

 

[69360]

There are differences between Gary and Austin, but I don't see a big difference. I get it why Austin endorsed Gary, because Austin probably wants to run again in 2020, but then with a war chest and automatic ballot access, assuming Gary won't run again (which I think he won't). Could be a landslide victory for Austin. He is only 35, so he could be the prime Libertarian candidate for years, if not decades, to come.

I have nothing against this Peterson. But before running for potus again, perhaps he should get some experience? Run for a local or state office in the meantime. Lets say Johnson succeeds and gets the matching funds. If the LP nominates a nobody like Peterson in 2020 they will be right back where they started from.

 

[69360]

For all of you saying that this isn't a big deal, I'd recommend hopping on social media and looking at the flocks of AP supporters who will not be voting Johnson this fall.

Honestly, who cares? Johnson won't be president. We all know that. But I think the numbers of LP members who won't vote for him over some purity test will be dwarfed by the numbers of never Trump or never Clinton voters who will vote for him.

The LP got a million votes last time. I don't think they have a million card carrying members do they?

 

[younglibertarian]

Honestly, who cares? Johnson won't be president. We all know that. But I think the numbers of LP members who won't vote for him over some purity test will be dwarfed by the numbers of never Trump or never Clinton voters who will vote for him.

The LP got a million votes last time. I don't think they have a million card carrying members do they?

That is nice and all, but what is the purpose if you alienate half of your original base? This is about building the party for the long term. A bunch of protest voters who come one election then go back to their respective parties are useless.

 

[William Tell]

That is nice and all, but what is the purpose if you alienate half of your original base? This is about building the party for the long term. A bunch of protest voters who come one election then go back to their respective parties are useless.

I agree. The people they are making mad are the ones who usually vote LP in the general. Sure, they might get Kristol and Rubin this year but its a suicide move long term.

 

[RJ Liberty]

Honestly, who cares? Johnson won't be president. We all know that. But I think the numbers of LP members who won't vote for him over some purity test will be dwarfed by the numbers of never Trump or never Clinton voters who will vote for him.

The LP got a million votes last time. I don't think they have a million card carrying members do they?

No. No they don't. Even after 30% growth this year, registration is at 411,250, so Johnson was getting far more voters in 2012 than those actually registered in the party. I know that's true for me: I voted for Johnson in 2012, but I was a member of another third party. Johnson received 1,275,971 votes, so 3/4ths of his vote totals were from people officially outside the LP. And, obviously, with his poll numbers at 10%, nearly all of those people are outside the LP.

 

[69360]

That is nice and all, but what is the purpose if you alienate half of your original base? This is about building the party for the long term. A bunch of protest voters who come one election then go back to their respective parties are useless.

The hope is they stick around.

I'm just about ready to change my registration to LP. They have a legitimate ticket plus they are on the verge of becoming an actual party here in Maine. It seems worth it to me. If it goes back to a circular firing squad of perennial losers and fat guys stripping, I won't want to stay.

 

[younglibertarian]

The hope is they stick around.

I'm just about ready to change my registration to LP. They have a legitimate ticket plus they are on the verge of becoming an actual party here in Maine. It seems worth it to me. If it goes back to a circular firing squad of perennial losers and fat guys stripping, I won't want to stay.

The Weld VP pick was essentially firing half of your team before playing in the super bowl in hopes that the crowds join us.

 

[69360]

The Weld VP pick was essentially firing half of your team before playing in the super bowl in hopes that the crowds join us.

Meh, could have been worse. I think his credibility and fundraising will bring more value for the LP than some policy point that fails a purity test.

 

[specsaregood]

I'm not R3v, obviously, but here's a link where Gary says, at the 9:07 mark, that he would abolish the Fed, and if he couldn't get it abolished (which he thinks is likely, due to Congress), he'd get it audited.

Meh its better than actively opposing it but pretty darn lightly supported. He basically says if congress abolishes it, that he would go along with it. He certainly isn't promoting it. Then talks about the treasury printing money which is basically the big government position instead of the gold standard or similar systems.

Also that was 4 years ago, anything more recent?

 

[angelatc]

disappointment in Johnson beyond words

Agreed. Petersen was acting like an adult, Johnson responded like a jerk.

 

[Rudeman]

Honestly, who cares? Johnson won't be president. We all know that. But I think the numbers of LP members who won't vote for him over some purity test will be dwarfed by the numbers of never Trump or never Clinton voters who will vote for him.

The LP got a million votes last time. I don't think they have a million card carrying members do they?

They are 100% not getting the Cruz never-Trump people. The consensus were open to Petersen but none were impressed by GJ, they view him as another liberal. No idea what the Bush/Romney types think. So I wouldn't bank on all those never votes. Plus there's the potential Kristol candidate.

 

[69360]

They are 100% not getting the Cruz never-Trump people. The consensus were open to Petersen but none were impressed by GJ, they view him as another liberal. No idea what the Bush/Romney types think. So I wouldn't bank on all those never votes. Plus there's the potential Kristol candidate.

I voted for Cruz in the primary, now I intend to vote for Johnson. Go figure.

 

[Rudeman]

I voted for Cruz in the primary, now I intend to vote for Johnson. Go figure.

That's fine, I'm just relaying what I've seen from the pro-Cruz sites that I visit. Now that may change but that's just the initial reaction that I saw. I think a lot are also waiting to see who the Kristol candidate is.

 

[nasaal]

The Weld VP pick was essentially firing half of your team before playing in the super bowl in hopes that the crowds join us.

More like recruiting a world class international soccer player with an american parent to the US Men's national team before the world cup. His ability to fund raise and his appeal to independents is certainly a net gain over losing fat guys who strip on stage.

If you don't want to support them then that's absolutely fine. That's your right and even your duty.

 

[GunnyFreedom]

More like recruiting a world class international soccer player with an american parent to the US Men's national team before the world cup. His ability to fund raise and his appeal to independents is certainly a net gain over losing fat guys who strip on stage.

If you don't want to support them then that's absolutely fine. That's your right and even your duty.

Provided that your world class soccer player actually plays baseball, and sucks at soccer.

 

[nasaal]

Provided that your world class soccer player actually plays baseball, and sucks at soccer.

Makes no sense. When talking about viability with regards to elections, getting someone who broke records with how he won his re-election in a blue state, is a net gain.

Dislike them and don't support them if you choose, but the analogy is correct given the purpose of the campaign.

 

[GunnyFreedom]

Makes no sense. When talking about viability with regards to elections, getting someone who broke records with how he won his re-election in a blue state, is a net gain.

Dislike them and don't support them if you choose, but the analogy is correct given the purpose of the campaign.

I don't GAF about 'elections,' I GAF about running a Constitutional government. If making a chalk mark in a "win" box is that vital to you, well, lol you do you. I will rather focus on actually saving America by upholding these little things called "principles." Electoral victory is worthless if you are promoting people just as scummy as the other guys.

 

[nasaal]

I don't GAF about 'elections,' I GAF about running a Constitutional government. If making a chalk mark in a "win" box is that vital to you, well, lol you do you. I will rather focus on actually saving America by upholding these little things called "principles." Electoral victory is worthless if you are promoting people just as scummy as the other guys.

You just accused someone of repeated strawmen, and here you are. With regards to the goal of the campaign, getting Weld on board vs losing half of a very very small crowd, is a net gain.

I didn't say my personal goals, nor did I mention yours.

You don't GAF about elections. That's good, because you will never have an impact on one with your outlook. You GAF about running a constitutional government. That's too bad, because you will never be able to impact the change required to bring the america people to your line of thinking.

You cannot bring about a coalition for constitutional government without a national platform from which to speak on it. You cannot get that platform unless you are a member of a major party. In the 2 party system you have no opportunity to form such a coalition because you have no basis on which to adjust the platform in an actionable way.

This leaves you to the process of generating new major parties. You will never in a million years do this without compromise from all involved.

This isn't the route that you wish to take. That's fine, and even laudable, but you remain separate from the process.

Do what you feel is best for your, man. Hopefully everyone else does the same.