The Libertarian Party is a political party in the United States that promotes civil liberties, non-interventionism, laissez-faire capitalism, and limiting the size and scope of government. In the 2016 United States presidential election, the party nominated Gary Johnson and William Weld as its presidential and vice presidential candidates, respectively.
Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson is a businessman and politician who served as the 29th Governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003. He was the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States in the 2012 and 2016 elections. Johnson was known for his pro-marijuana stance and for advocating for a smaller government.
William Weld
William Weld is an American attorney, businessman, and politician who served as the 68th Governor of Massachusetts from 1991 to 1997. He was the Libertarian Party's nominee for Vice President of the United States in the 2016 election. Weld is known for his socially liberal and fiscally conservative views.
The Libertarian Party Platform
The Libertarian Party platform is based on the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government. The party supports free markets, civil liberties, non-interventionism, and a foreign policy of peace and free trade. It also advocates for the repeal of all laws restricting consensual activities between adults, such as drug use and prostitution.
The Libertarian Party's Place in American Politics
The Libertarian Party has been a minor party in American politics since its founding in 1971. While it has never won a presidential election or a seat in Congress, it has had some successes at the state and local level. In 2016, the party's presidential ticket received over four million votes, which was a record high for the party.
The Libertarian Party's Impact on the 2016 Election
The Libertarian Party was seen as a potential spoiler in the 2016 election, as both major party candidates had historically low approval ratings. Some analysts believed that Johnson could draw enough support away from both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to prevent either from winning a majority of electoral votes.
Johnson's Gaffes
Despite high hopes for the Libertarian Party in the 2016 election, the campaign was plagued by several gaffes from Gary Johnson. In a television interview, Johnson was unable to name a single foreign leader he admired. He also famously asked "What is Aleppo?" when asked about the Syrian city that was at the center of that country's civil war.
The Impact of Third-Party Candidates
Ultimately, neither Gary Johnson nor any other third-party candidate was able to win any states in the 2016 election. However, some political analysts believe that third-party candidates played a significant role in the outcome of the election. Johnson's support in key swing states may have siphoned away enough votes from Clinton to give Trump the edge in those states.
Libertarian Party Candidates in Other Races
While the Libertarian Party is best known for its presidential candidates, it also fields candidates in a variety of other races. In 2016, the party had more than 800 candidates running for various offices across the country. While most of these candidates did not win their races, some were successful at the local level.
The Future of the Libertarian Party
Despite the disappointment of the 2016 election, the Libertarian Party remains a force in American politics. With a growing number of Americans disillusioned with the two major parties, the Libertarian Party could see increased support in future elections. However, the party will need to overcome challenges such as ballot access and public perception in order to become a major player in American politics.
Conclusion
The Libertarian Party's 2016 presidential campaign was a historic one, with Gary Johnson and William Weld receiving record high support for the party. While the campaign was not without its challenges, it demonstrated that there is a significant appetite for a third-party option in American politics. Whether the Libertarian Party can capitalize on this momentum remains to be seen, but it is clear that the party will continue to play a role in shaping the political landscape in the years to come.