This site exists for the discussion of third parties, which includes the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, Independent American Party, and many others. However, there are more and more discussions popping up in the alternative media and sometimes the mainstream media that the libertarian movement, or “era”, is getting more attention. Some of these contain information which might be useful to IPR readers, so I’m making an exception and posting some of the articles I’ve found which discuss this libertarian trend. Is this a good thing for the Libertarian Party? Is the Libertarian Party growing at the same pace as the movement? If not, why not?
Here is a good video on the topic by John Stossel, who often represents libertarian ideas, and two writers from Reason magazine, Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch.
Also, Justin Raimondo of Antiwar.com discusses the topic in an article entitled “Where are Libertarians Going?” . If I recall correctly, Mr. Raimondo used to be active in the Libertarian Party, although I don’t believe he self-identifies with the party at this time.
In doing research for this article, I found at least two hit pieces against the libertarian movement than articles for it. Is it possible the movement is scaring the leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties? Here’s one article indicating that some people in the GOP are starting to change their views: “Poll: Libertarian Values Making Big Gains in the Republican Party” . Also, here’s an article about the other group: “Libertarian Democrats: A Movement in Search of a Leader”
As we head into the new year, there remain serious challenges to the progress of third parties. Perhaps the current condition of the United States, which is a result of ongoing rule by the Republican and Democratic parties, is causing many of the country’s citizens to rethink their views. Libertarian ideals, among others, just might be posing some answers to some of the difficult questions people are asking.
I run into a lot more people now who know what the word libertarian means, and who have a positive impression of it, than I did 13 years ago. This is a good sign.
There is a rising trend of overall dissatisfaction with the two parties. Independents are way on the rise, and while still tiny, third parties are seeing growth. I will say that we haven’t seen a huge increase in votes for the LP, but Sarvis’ performance in Virginia was a promising sign.
When the two parties put forward terrible candidates like Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli, we have an opportunity. When one of the two parties doesn’t run a candidate, we have an opportunity. The LP & other parties should target races with likely unpopular candidates, and races where the incumbent is in a heavily-favored district & therefore less likely to receive a challenge from the other half of the duopoly.
Talk of libertarianism seems to be on the rise. However, I don’t see a move in a libertarian direction in policy taking place, or party growth (outside of normal fluctuations), or improvements at the ballot box in any significant way.
Maybe some of these things will happen soon. Maybe not. Until they do, this kind of stuff just seems like a bunch of BS to me.
I discussed this topic in an earlier article:
https://independentpoliticalreport.com/?s=are+libertarians+getting+anywhere