5 ms·

I written elsewhere that I don't see any distinction between libertarians and conservatives. Rather I see libertarianism as a flag of convenience, a pose. Gary

I written elsewhere that I don't see any distinction between libertarians and conservatives. Rather I see libertarianism as a flag of convenience, a pose. Gary Johnson was a Republican governor and ran in the 2012 Republican primary before running as a Libertarian in the general. Bob Barr was a Republican congressman and House manager of the Clinton impeachment trial; he is a Republican again today; he supported Trump. Ron Paul retired as a Republican. Zero difference. At best the LP serves as a safe and convenient parking place for quasi-protest votes.

dragonwriter 10y ago
There's a substantial difference between libertarian and conservative ideology, even if both are, in the US two party system, often found in coalition within the Republican Party. (One of the effects of the electoral system in the US and the way it reinforces partisan duopoly is that ideological coalitions are not express coalitions between parties, but covered up under veils of unity within the major parties until someone else feels that their faction isn't getting enough attention within the major party and splits for a third-party as a protest.)
- CalChris 10y ago
  Where you see a difference in ideology, I see a difference in posture. I think you'll find 'libertarians' somewhere between mute and meek in their criticisms of Trump. This is their former standard bearer: http://townhall.com/columnists/bobbarr/2016/12/14/of-cabinet-picks-and-conniption-fits-n2259558 http://townhall.com/columnists/bobbarr/2016/12/14/of-cabinet...
  - jessaustin 10y ago
    Who the hell is "Bob Barr"? Was he married to Roseanne?