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Title: Bob Barr to Run for President as Libertarian
Source:
LA Times
URL Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/politic ... gn13-2008may13,0,5031407.story
Published: May 12, 2008
Author: Johanna Neumann
Post Date: 2008-05-12 14:09:41 by Rupert_Pupkin
Keywords: Bob Barr, Libertarian
Views: 294
Comments: 20
Bob Barr to run for president as a Libertarian The former GOP congressman from Georgia accuses the government of irresponsible spending. He says McCain can't call himself a true conservative. Clinton and Obama campaign in West Virginia. By Johanna Neuman Los Angeles Times Staff Writer 10:49 AM PDT, May 12, 2008 WASHINGTON -- Bob Barr, a former congressman from Georgia and a former Republican, today announced his candidacy for president as a Libertarian who would rein in federal spending and foreign wars. "The government has run amok fiscally," he said at a press conference. Saying that during the first quarter of this year the private sector was losing millions of jobs while the federal government was "hiring with enthusiasm," Barr added, "As the American people see their standard of living falling, the standard of government keeps going up." Expected to win the nomination of the Libertarian Party when it holds its convention in Denver over the Memorial Day weekend, Barr, 59, criticized Republican John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, for not being a true conservative. "There's not a great deal of substance there in terms of a commitment to cutting the size of government," Barr said He said no one who had authored the McCain-Feingold campaign reforms that cap individual donations could call himself a conservative, "at least with a straight face." Barr also lashed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for saying that if Iran threatens Israel's existence, the United States should "obliterate Iran." Calling the New York senator's statement "tremendously dire," Barr called the possibility of Iran possessing nuclear weapons "remote" and said he has seen "no evidence that indicates that is an imminent likelihood." Saying both the Republican and Democratic Parties have "bought into a system of running a charity called the United States of America," Barr blasted programs that use public funds to educate the children of illegal immigrants and maintain foreign military bases "that have no more efficacy in the 21st century." "The federal government needs to get away from the notion that simply because we have all this money in the Treasury -- or we can borrow more money -- that we can provide all these services," he said. "That is not responsible government." Political commentators debated the impact of Barr's entry, with some arguing that, like Ralph Nader in 2000, who pulled votes away from Democrat Al Gore, Barr could pull enough votes away from Republican McCain in 2008 to give the Democrats the election. Barr confirmed that he was asked by McCain supporters not to run for fear he would pull votes from the GOP, but he defended his decision by saying that "American voters deserve better than simply the lesser of two evils." Arguing that in recent election cycles, the losing candidates "blame somebody else," Barr said, "At the end of the day if I do succeed, it is not my intent to blame Sen. McCain or Sen. (Barack) Obama. I hope they would return the favor." If McCain loses to Obama, the Illinois senator, Barr said, it will be because his message or his candidacy doesn't resonate. "Each of us has the future in our own hands," he said, adding that his voters "are not likely to fall in the category of being enthusiastic about voting for John McCain, if such exists." But Christopher Barron, a Republican political consultant, thinks it is equally plausible that Barr could hurt Obama. "I think Bob Barr's candidacy could impact the race -- but I don't know at this point which candidate he is likely to help or hurt," he said. "If Barr's candidacy is fueled by the same people who supported Ron Paul -- college students, antiwar advocates and hard-core libertarians -- then I think it is unlikely to hurt Sen. McCain in any significant way because these are not the type of voters McCain is reaching out to. I could actually envision a scenario under which Barr's candidacy actually helps McCain by siphoning off some of the enthusiasm among college voters and antiwar advocates for Obama." And Jennifer Duffy of the Cook Political Report noted that Barr's effectiveness could turn on gathering enough voter petitions to get on the ballot in key swing states. "I think he is only a threat if he gets on the ballot in a decent number of battleground states," she said. One day before the West Virginia primary, Obama forecast a Clinton victory in the state - and Democratic unity in the fall. In a state with a high population of military veterans, Obama focused a speech in Charleston on health care for veterans. "I'm honored that some of you will support me and I understand that many more here in West Virginia will probably support Sen. Clinton," he said. "But when it's over, what will unify us as Democrats - what must unify us as Americans - is an unyielding commitment to the men and women who've served this nation." Pledging "zero tolerance" for situations in which homeless veterans are sleeping on the streets, Obama promised to build "a 21st century VA" as president. "It means no more red tape . . . no more shortfalls . . . no more delays . . . no more means-testing," he said. Endorsing legislation by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) to expand the GI Bill for veterans, Obama criticized McCain for opposing the bill and said, "At a time when the skyrocketing cost of tuition is pricing thousands of Americans out of a college education, we should be doing everything we can to give the men and women who have risked their lives for this country the chance to pursue the American dream." In Clear Fork, W. Va,. meanwhile, Clinton focused on the economy. She argued that during her husband's administration in the 1990s, 22.7 million new jobs were created, "and they were good jobs." Saying that the U.S. economy is "on the brink of a recession," Clinton noted that under the Bush administration, "the typical family" has lost $1,000 in earnings even as gasoline and grocery costs escalate. "I believe that when you're a leader you should lead on behalf of the people you represent, not on behalf of a few," she said, pledging universal healthcare, an end to the Bush administration's No Child Left Behind law and direct federal lending for college loans. Behind in the count of pledged delegates and superdelegates, Clinton was banking on a strong showing in West Virginia to boost her popular vote totals against Obama. "Even when times are tough and it looks like the deck is stacked against you, Americans are resilient," she said in a comment that may have reflected her own aspirations. "One of the jobs of the next president is to get Americans to believe again." McCain was in Portland, Ore., today and planned to give a speech this afternoon on global warming. His prepared remarks lash Bush for failing to sign the Kyoto global warming accords. "I will not shirk the mantle of leadership that the United States bears," McCain says. "I will not permit eight long years to pass without serious action on serious challenges. I will not accept the same dead-end of failed diplomacy that claimed Kyoto. The United States will lead and will lead with a different approach -- an approach that speaks to the interests and obligations of every nation." Oregon is considered a swing state in November. McCain's appearance there comes just days after Obama and Clinton stumped in the state.
Poster Comment: I guess it's official now. Hopefully Barr will make a bigger mark than other libertarian candidates have done. An endorsement from Ron Paul would certainly help. But no matter how many points he get, supporters of McCain will shriek "spoiler" and "vote stealer," even though most of the votes Barr gets are from people who'd never vote for McCain with our without an LP candidate in the race.
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#1. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#0)
Republicans are in such a panic now (and will be in such an even greater panic if they lose the by-election in Mississippi this week) that they'll be using all kinds of charges.
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
McCain=another one worlder moron who thinks the sky is falling.
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end.
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
if RP endorses Barr, then our decision will be easy. i wonder since he declared, however, that he is a Republican and always will be, if he'd endorse a Libertarian.
Exactly right on! I don't get the sense that any RP'r cares what the McCainiacs say. For them, it's not about party.
A few days ago Barr people made the statement that high level republicans from the "system" have been trying to warn him off from running for president.
With Chuck Baldwin running on the top of the CP ticket, I doubt that Dr. Paul would endorse one over the other, but rather maybe not endorse...OR...endorse them BOTH possibly. Of course, NOTHING surprises me anymore...
yes, i read that.
Long ago Ron Paul was dislodged by Pat Buchanan, I have to wonder who pulled the plug this time. So much for the so called "two party" system.
Jennifer, the Libertarian Party is always on the ballot in the overwhelming majority of states. Last I heard, the LP had already qualified for 48 states this time around. It's always on the Texas ballot. Ironically, I think part of the reason for that is that the GOPers have so obliterated the Dems in this state that the Libertarian candidate often comes in in second place in a number of down-ballot races.
“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.” - Sam Houston
What do you mean by that?
I dont mean anything. Do the research. Paul ran for president one time prior, Buchanan put pressure on him to quit and he did. This year was not his first swan dive.
If the goal is to make a loud and clear protest vote, go for the third party candidate who'll at least be on the radar screen. I also prefer Ron Paul to Bob Barr (Barr is a Johnny Come Lately on many issues), but if Barr can get at least in the high single digits, that will be a more effective way of sticking it to the establishment parties than an RP write-in.
The Wikipedia entry on Ron Paul gives no indication of Ron Paul's having withdrawn in 1988 (the only year in which I am aware of his having run for the presidency before this year). I think I even remember seeing him on the ballot (although I voted for Bush père that year. Not until 1996 did I vote for the Libertarian.)
To reason, indeed, he was not in the habit of attending. His mode of arguing, if it is to be so called, was one not uncommon among dull and stubborn persons, who are accustomed to be surrounded by their inferiors. He asserted a proposition; and, as often as wiser people ventured respectfully to show that it was erroneous, he asserted it again, in exactly the same words, and conceived that, by doing so, he at once disposed of all objections. - Macaulay, "History of England," Vol. 1, Chapter 6, on James II.
I would love to see Dr. Paul get the nomination rather then McStain. Hopefully buyer's regret will set in denying this idiot the nod at the GOP convention. If Ron Paul gets the GOP nod, I of course will support him in November. He is an honest man with a great deal of integrity and courage, well worth supporting despite areas him and I disagree on.
I guarantee he was on the ballot that year. I voted for him. I NEVER voted for ANYONE named Bush and never will. I thank God the Libertarians are always on the ballot in this state so that I have always had an alternative to the Bush Crime Family.
“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.” - Sam Houston
That won't happen. If Ron Paul endorses anyone it will be Baldwin.
God is always good!
He's a "former" CIA guy and that bothers me a lot. He paid for his wife to have an abortion. He is for the "fair tax", and doesn't want to abolish the Federal Reserve. IMO is as much of an establishment candidate as the top 3 are. Chuck Baldwin and Ron Paul are the only I am considering right now. I am leaning toward Ron Paul right now becasue he is the best choice period. If I am going to vote for someone that is going to lose anyway, I might as well vote for the best one.
God is always good!
300 million Americans and we have three scum representing us. Sad country indeed.
You have no idea how many people I have heard say exactly that phrase.
Bush: Worst President Ever
But no matter how many points he get, supporters of McCain will shriek "spoiler" and "vote stealer"
#2. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#0)
"I will not shirk the mantle of leadership that the United States bears," McCain says. "I will not permit eight long years to pass without serious action on serious challenges. I will not accept the same dead-end of failed diplomacy that claimed Kyoto. The United States will lead and will lead with a different approach -- an approach that speaks to the interests and obligations of every nation."
Lord Acton
#3. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#0)
#4. To: ghostdogtxn (#3)
I'm torn. If Barr is on the ballot in Texas I'll be sorely tempted to go ahead and vote for him, rather than writing in Ron Paul as I'd intended.
#5. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#0)
But no matter how many points he get, supporters of McCain will shriek "spoiler" and "vote stealer," even though most of the votes Barr gets are from people who'd never vote for McCain with our without an LP candidate in the race.
#6. To: christinePeppa, Jethro tull (#4)
if RP endorses Barr, then our decision will be easy.
#7. To: christine (#4)
if RP endorses Barr, then our decision will be easy. i wonder since he declared, however, that he is a Republican and always will be, if he'd endorse a Libertarian.
#8. To: Cynicom (#6)
A few days ago Barr people made the statement that high level republicans from the "system" have been trying to warn him off from running for president.
#9. To: christine (#8)
#10. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#0)
"I think he is only a threat if he gets on the ballot in a decent number of battleground states," she said.
#11. To: Cynicom (#9)
Long ago Ron Paul was dislodged by Pat Buchanan, I have to wonder who pulled the plug this time.
#12. To: Old Friend (#11)
#13. To: ghostdogtxn (#3)
#14. To: Cynicom (#12)
In the 1988 presidential election, Paul defeated activist Russell Means (an Oglala Lakota) to win the Libertarian Party nomination for president.[16] Though an early adopter of Reagan, Paul criticized the unprecedented deficits incurred under Reagan and Vice President George H. W. Bush, Paul's opponent.[48] On the ballot in 46 states and the District of Columbia,[55] Paul placed third in the popular vote with 432,179 votes (0.5%),[56] behind Bush and Michael Dukakis.[57] Paul was kept off the ballot in Missouri, and received votes there only when written in, due to what the St. Louis Post-Dispatch called a "technicality".[58]
#15. To: aristeides (#14)
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Robert F. Kennedy
#16. To: aristeides (#14)
#17. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#0)
An endorsement from Ron Paul would certainly help.
#18. To: Cynicom (#6)
(Edited)
A few days ago Barr people made the statement that high level republicans from the "system" have been trying to warn him off from running for president.
#19. To: RickyJ (#18)
#20. To: Cynicom (#19)
300 million Americans and we have three scum representing us.
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