IndependentPoliticalReport.com original coverage from the floor of the Libertarian Party National Convention…
The Libertarian Party today held a debate between the candidates for its presidential nod. Under the party’s bylaws, the only candidates allowed in the debate are those who have collected sufficient delegate signature tokens.
Of the individuals currently seeking the Libertarian nomination for president, only Gary Johnson (with 263 tokens), amd Lee Wrights (with 127), collected enough tokens (53). What follows in the comments will be quotes from the various talking points presented by the candidates.
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The debate event opened at 6:05 pm PST, with a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by a local singer. Former national chairman David Bergland was then introduced as the moderator of the debate.
“Eric Sundwall // May 5, 2012 at 6:29 am
Caught the last half hour. Horrible the delegates didn’t let the others debate. That damn token system sucks. Herd mentality.”
I gave my delegate token petitions to Jim Burns for both the Presidential debate and the Vice Presidential debate.
The other side of that coin would be a dearth of candidates who all seemed peachy keen. Suppose thirty former governors, eight ex-Senators, nineteen super celebrities all sought the coveted LP nomination 203(x)
A dearth would be a shortage …
You mean a surplus or a surfeit …
Otherwise, good point.
since whhen are likes on Facebook more important than years of dedicated activism
As long as I have the podium on this thread on an early Sunday morning before recovering from my goth dance party and going to my cool cafe for frappes and crepes, I’ll point to some math that could accrue from the token system.
Suppose Mr. Wrights wasn’t able to get 30 tokens? That the delegates were perfectly capable of establishing a tyranny of the majority. Mr. Johnson would have been debating himself. That’s a real possibility in the future.
The other side of that coin would be a dearth of candidates who all seemed peachy keen. Suppose thirty former governors, eight ex-Senators, nineteen super celebrities all sought the coveted LP nomination 203(x) and none could make the threshold because each candidate had a devoted following. The possibility of nobody debating would still make the C-SPAN debate, which nobody watches in the future either, dead in the water.
The ‘reality’ in this case was that Burns and Person came up just shy of the token count and wouldn’t have hurdled the LP off the cliff of respectability. Yes, Sloan on stage would have chortled me a bit, I admit. But, 18 more tokens also would have made him legit according to the rules . . .
@110 – Were all of these ‘others’ you allude to all present at the convention. I know Milnes wasn’t.
Jim Burns is a long time activist that isn’t keen on Federal paperwork, you’re right ban him.
Mr. Person is a Harvard grad. Too fringe?
Sam Sloan was the last individual to argue in front of the Supreme Court, not being a lawyer. (that’s the best I can say . .. )
Not sure the other two(?), but I’m willing to let them by your filter. The rhetoric slide can go both ways.
My three criteria avoid all that pain.
JT: I believe my comments were of disappointment, not bitter. Always keen on knowing my irrational moments, like responding to anonymous posters.
Three simple qualifications that prove we are the absolute party of inclusion when it comes to letting anyone try to make the best case for liberty in the context of its biggest pursuit.
Being comfortable in your own skin.
@110 Your prejudices are well kept. Well played.
Out pursuit of liberty ought to protect the sensibility that anybody willing to try and minimally qualified;
1. A member of the national party
2. Having filed with the FEC or willing to do so if nominated
3. Thirty Five years of age
I’ve never been called a hipster before, irony be damned. Delegates; throw a supplicant a bone instead of piling all the food on one plate. You still get to eat.
Holtz: “Sorry, but the LP’s presidential debate isn’t for indulging anybody’s hipster taste for politics-as-irony.”
Totally agree. Johnson & Wrights were the only 2 candidates who really deserved a place in the debate. All of the decisions of the delegates at this convention renews my faith in Libertarians. It shows that more of them disagree with some people who make irrational, bitter comments on IPR.
Lee Wrights For President has 105 Facebook likes.
Gary Johnson For President has 30 times as many.
Les Antman just said in nominating Wrights that “millions stand ready” to join a Wrights campaign to stop all wars.
Mary Ruwart just played a video promoting Wrights’ Million Vote March.
So far, 129 people have joined the Million Vote March.
@108
Puerto Rico might call itself a “Commonwealth” or “Estado Libre” or whatever, but constitutionally it is a territory, under the direct (albeit devolved) authority of Congress just as much as Guam or the old pre-state territories.
115 bh: …any involvement in politics is all about one’s self-image, and never about a sincere effort to move society towards more freedom.
me: I sense some facetiousness here. Still, I would submit that the image one projects is integral to the effort. The medium is the message in many ways. We see this with Ron Paul. His “Dr. No” positioning seems quite sincere and authentic, which makes his message more attractive than if he were all about triangulation or something. I don’t think he’d have gotten as much traction as he has if he were a typical scheming pol.
Very nice blow by blow coverage on IPR. The comments bring up some very good points. While the “fair tax” has many detractors, “no tax” also equates to “no solution”. I’m not seeing Wrights as a VP. Gray is too strong in that department. Wrights could be (very effective) in a GJ cabinet.
Right, because any involvement in politics is all about one’s self-image, and never about a sincere effort to move society towards more freedom.
i agree. As much as I disagree with his stance on this issue, I know he is not pandering.
BH@110,
“Sorry, but the LP’s presidential debate isn’t for indulging anybody’s hipster taste for politics-as-irony.”
Damn straight. The LP’s presidential debate is for making the subsidized vacationer attendees feel like PLAYAS.
They both needed better SOUND BITES. Wrights had more; Johnson looked REALLY tired and confused and sometimes incomprehensible. Does he have any LIBERTARIAN writers to help him come up with good lines. If he wins, Wrights should give him some of his. And where is that 2004 Badnarik debate which made him the dark horse winner. Bet he had a lot of good sound bites which he probably never used again during the rest of his campaign. Four or five good sound bits PER ISSUE should be a minimum requirement for running for Prez.
I was disappointed that Wrights again dodged the question of what federal spending he would specifically cut, and how he would pay for the remainder.
Johnson’s was the only campaign that answered when IPQ asked them for a 2013 budget. Johnson’s budget is more radical than that of Ron Paul, who (like Wrights) talks about “replacing the income tax with nothing” but has not published a budget for 2013 that actually does so.
ES@105 Horrible the delegates didn’t let the others debate
Which others? Can you be more specific?
The one who talks about the stigmata that once appeared on her palms?
The one who advocates free health insurance and free eeducation for all?
The one who advocates building a border wall with Mexico?
The one whose campaign site talks about his conviction for stalking a female news anchor, his theory that the FBI framed him for his political views, his history of mental illness, his SSI disability, and his efforts to avoid homelessness?
The one who says it’s very important that all men vote for a female for President while all women vote for a male?
The one who during the Platform debate yesterday offered a near-hysterical defense of his felony conviction for attempted kidnapping?
The one who wants to create LP electoral success by picking a town to revitalize via spam and free vocational education?
The one who says he is still learning campaign finance rules in this, his 5th consecutive presidential race?
Sorry, but the LP’s presidential debate isn’t for indulging anybody’s hipster taste for politics-as-irony.
Steve M @ 99,
In selecting a two-person candidate team, it’s best to look for complementary contrast — each of the two candidates bringing strengths, qualities and assets that the other doesn’t.
Johnson and Gray are pretty much peas in a pod.
Same main strength (credentials as former government employees).
Same main policy set (mild drug policy reform).
Same main weaknesses (neither one really sets a room on fire, and ideologically they both represent one party demographic where another demographic is key to maintaining internal energy through November).
As far as “knowing what’s best for the LP,” I’m trying to think like someone who actually wants it to succeed.
Personally, I’m just peachy with a Johnson/Gray ticket, because it won’t tempt me to fall off the non-voting wagon, and will likely mildly accelerate the LP’s disintegration in a less agonizing way than other developments have.
But if I was hoping to “save” the LP, turn it around and make it politically successful, I’d rate a Johnson/Wrights ticket as more likely to help with that than a Johnson/Gray ticket.
Johnson seems like the “mainstream” candidate. Wrights seems like the true “libertarian” candidate. I think both would do a good job representing the party. Both sounded very good up on the stage last night.
The delegates will have a tough decision to make!
I watched the CSpan video and was impressed by both Gary Johnson and Lee Wrights. I am glad I donated to both. I am sorry I couldn’t attend the Convention as I had planned, but will do all I can to support our nominees in the upcoming campaign. We must do our best to present our candidates and our love of liberty to the American people.
Caught the last half hour. Horrible the delegates didn’t let the others debate. That damn token system sucks. Herd mentality.
Couldn’t be more disappointed with my fellow ‘libertarians’.
Well, aside from Gov. Johnson’s odd gaffe of calling Puerto Rico a territory , I thought the Lib Prez debate was gentlemanly, well-informed and very informative. If people have trouble deciding, that’s a problem we want to have!
I suspecty Bergland’s Q & A was recapping his book somewhat!
I will be happy to campaign for Gary Johnson if he wins the nomination, but I would RUN THROUGH A BRICK WALL for Lee Wrights!
Bergland decided on all the questions, but he was soliciting opinions throughout the convention, and that is probably why he did a damn good job of asking what people wanted answered.
We were not given the questions in advance. We both heard them at the same time the delegates and America did.
When are they going to announce the winner of the LP Nomination?
@98 is that presuming that you know what is best? I am not so inclined to believe that Wrights would make a better partner for Johnson then Gray would. I am convinced Wrights is someone you want actively supporting the ticket though.
Paulie @96,
I admit that I don’t know Judge Gray well enough to know whether he cares enough about the LP to do the best thing for it and its presidential ticket.
Getting offline for tonight, everyone call me 415-690-6352
Agreed with Knapp except for last paragraph. Wrights may be more competitive for VP now but Gray withdrawing? I don’t see that happening.
The Debate will be replayed Tomorrow morning at 7AM Pacific, 10 AM Eastern before the LIVE coverage of the convention begins on C-SPAN.
Wrights has become a good candidate. We appreciate his efforts for almost two years now.
Both men looked tired.
Nice crowd considering travel expenses are at world record highs !
I’m not looking forward to Nov. The fight for FREEDOM begins now ! Will you be active for Gary Johnson beginning Monday Morning ? That will decide if the usual .004 is a thing of the past.
Gary Johnson was a better Gov. than Romney was and he was a much better Gov’t CEO than Obama will ever be. In 2012 the LP actually does have the BEST candidate in the POTUS race !!!!! Don’t be afraid to share that important information !!!!!!!!!
Anyone hear the figures on the johnson fundraiser? The Wrights fundraiser ? Those answers are more important than the so-called debate tonight.
Thank you to the kind people who posted reports above during the debate. I will watch the video later on Cspan but while I was working I checked now and then to IPR for the live comments.
I decided to watch the whole debate before commenting.
Personally, I doubt that the debate changed the outcome of the presidential nomination.
All Johnson had to do to remain the frontrunner was not get mauled, and he didn’t. He did look like a deer in the headlights for about the first half of the debate, but once he got comfortable he acquitted himself reasonably well.
In order to change the game, Wrights had to knock it out of the park.
While he was more poised, more engaged with the audience, more direct and unequivocal in his responses, etc., than Johnson I don’t think he nailed Johnson’s hide to the wall or anything.
He was up against the classic problem: In order to beat this guy, I have to tear him a new asshole. But if I tear him a new asshole, I look at least as bad as he does.
So he took the high road and IMO came out with a pretty convincing “win” in terms of being a better speaker, better on the issues, etc., but it was probably not enough.
It may have been enough, however, to send Judge Gray to talk to Johnson tonight about withdrawing for VP in favor of Wrights. Wrights is clearly up to the job, might win it even in a head-to-head with gray, and would help with the party unity/energizing end of things.
Nick Sarwark on another thread:
#LNC2012 is the hash tag for the convention. Seen a few other people on Twitter here.
Lots of coverage on LPRadicals group on facebook
I’m proud to be a Libertarian right now. The debate went as well as I had hoped it would. It looked professional, it featured only Johnson & Wrights, and both men did an admirable job. The frequent cutaways to the delegates were also good. Well done.
Speaking as an undecided delegate, Wrights seems to me was the better debater.
However I expect a lot of Johnson supporters will show up who are not even here yet just to vote.
I like both candidates a lot, but Wrights won that debate hands down! Wow! I love hearing that man speak. No one articulates Libertarian principles better IMHO.
Regardless, I will gladly support Johnson or Wrights in the general election. I didn’t like everything Governor Johnson had to say, but there was a LOT I did like. Very excited for November.
I hope Wrights wins it tomorrow! He’s a real libertarian and someone to be trusted!
Too bad I saw more GJ signs that Wrights ones 🙁
Excellent job by both!
closing statements…Johnson brags about his civil liberties , he will def grab from the left so thats good.Johnson had more Liberty Torches than anyone….his self accolades are a little tiresome but i still like him…..ends with touting his experience
Wrights ….says both good guys , says when he doesnt win he continues to fight just like always , much more classy closing statement , gives Johnson honor , thanks us , whereas Johnson said nothing like that…
Johnson has experience but Wrights gets all the love , in 1 year lets see whose still around
Wow, did you all have as much fun as I did???
Reverend Wrights of the Church of Libertarianism.
Not to be confused with Reverend Wright of the Church of Obamaism.
Okay, I simply have to ask this question: Has Lee Wrights ever been a preacher???
To my knowledge, only in the “Church of Libertarianism”
Ron Paul
Wrights—says he will support Paul lovers , says we should get them to join excom in Cali , we are their natural home…Lee Wrights tells Paul supporters come home
Johnson , says he told his people to support RP when he dropped out ….says RP folk already know where to go….tells RP to come out of closet …. kind of a dig that he has joined us and RP has not
WILL YOU REMAIN ACTIVE IN THE LP AFTER NOVEMBER – JOHNSON: “I will remain a Libertarian the rest of my life.” Johnson
WILL YOU REMAIN ACTIVE IN THE LP AFTER NOVEMBER – WRIGHTS: “After Nov I’m going to go home and have a nap [laughter]. But after that, I’ll be back to work. This is my home…”
Does anyone know if the debators were given the questions beforehand?
Good question. I don’t know.
When elections over will you remain an activist , didnt say yes right away , gives bullshit answer ,says if were successful he’d probably stay around but didnt commit to doing activism but will stay a member….translation dont expect to see him
Wrights says,this is his home and he aint going nowhere…believe that!
Gary Johnson says: “I really want this job”.
Johnson says “Let’s not abolish the Fed–just audit them”.
i don’t think that is what he said. He wants to focus on the audit as a more achievable step but I did not here him say he opposes ending the fed completely if and when we can.
I’d like to say how great it was to see Ed and Alicia Clarke at the convention today.
CLIMATE CHANGE – JOHNSON: “Completely opposed to Cap & Trade. The best way to improve the environment is with a free-market economy… My concern with current policy is that we are going to spend trillions of dollars on mediation, to no effect.”
Does anyone know if the debators were given the questions beforehand?
Climate Change
Wrights ,Global warming , we dont know , says gov wont help us know and will make it worse if in their hands
Johnson , says its real and man made …yuck, at least Dems will like it , blaming consumers, pretty much the answer id expect…
Okay, I simply have to ask this question: Has Lee Wrights ever been a preacher???
CLIMATE CHANGE – WRIGHTS: Where I come from, global warming is called “‘summer.'”
Can States repeal Federal Laws
Johnson says nullification good , little too pro-states rights
Wrights…loves nullification…not bound by unjust laws
doesnt love states rights either , says individual rights are supreme
I don’t know who prepared these questions, but I think they’re covering most of the topics which concern Libertarians.
Settled Territories
Wrights . they should decide for themselves whether to be a state , Wrights says let them decide ,if you want freedom you gotta give it
Johnson…Johnson sounding very educated but boring , says let them decide too but not very fiery about it
TERRITORIES – WRIGHTS: “They have the right to decide their own fate.”
Long bills, should congress read them??
Johnson says yes but goes back to his record of vetoes in NM….relying on his accolades when his answers are lukewarm
Wrights…would support it,but knows they wouldnt follow it….seems not to have a great answer here…..every question involving Congress Lee answers he couldnt do much because they dont follow rules
@63 Why is Wrights link to LFA, not his campaign site?
LPHQ press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 4, 2012
Libertarian National Convention Chooses Presidential Debaters
LAS VEGAS – Delegates of the National Libertarian Convention here Friday chose two participants of a presidential debate that will precede elections of the Libertarian Party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees.
The debate, a key event in the nominating process, will begin at 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 4th at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev. and will broadcast live on C-Span It will be moderated by David Bergland, a former party National Chair and the 1984 presidential nominee.
According to the results of a secret vote, taking part in tonight’s debate will be:
Gary Johnson, a former two-term governor for New Mexico, whose frequent use of the veto pen has earned him the nickname of “Governor Veto.” He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them. See also http://www.garyjohnson2012.com
R. Lee Wrights, a long-time Libertarian Party activist, writer and publisher. Mr. Wrights has dedicated his life and career to promoting the ideas of small government and individual freedom. See also LibertyForAll.net
“Everything points to a vigorous, interesting debate,” said Mark Hinkle, Libertarian Party Chair. “Both the debaters are seasoned politicians with solid Libertarian credentials. We’re looking forward to a campaign that will showcase our beliefs and values. We’re the small government alternative to Big Government Democrats and Republicans, which resonates with millions of voters who are deeply concerned with our weak economy and who fear it will get worse.”
The debaters were selected by convention delegates in a secret ballot, in which a candidate needed to score10 percent of the vote or higher to be allowed to take part.
While participation in the debate does not guarantee nomination for President, the poll serves as an important indicator of delegate preferences.
The Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees will be elected at the convention Saturday through independent voting processes starting with the presidential nomination. In the Libertarian Party, the Presidential nominee does not choose his or her running mate.
Party rules call for selecting the nominees through several rounds of balloting. If no candidate for President or Vice President attains a majority on the first ballot, the candidate finishing last will be eliminated from the race. In addition, any candidate polling less than 5 percent will also be eliminated from the subsequent ballot. A candidate securing a majority of convention delegates will be the nominee. All elections are being conducted at no expense to taxpayers.
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, which is active in all 50 states and has more than 250,000 registered voters.
Libertarians call for ending government interference in personal, family and business decisions, much lower government spending, repeal of dangerous and unnecessary regulations, lower taxes, a currency free of government manipulation, free trade, and a peaceful, non-interventionist foreign policy.
Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country, despite the fact that many state governments place roadblocks in order to keep third party candidates off the ballot and deprive voters of a real choice.
Additional information about the 2012 Libertarian National Convention can be found at http://www.LibertyWillWin.com.
Additional information about the Libertarian Party can be found at http://www.LP.org.
P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party with a mission to give voters a choice to downsize Big Government, to do so in the most humane way possible, to greatly reduce taxes, and to slash high government spending. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can simply make a contribution.
Johnson is finally becoming impassioned. It’s becoming to him.
Congress question
Wrights says they shall make no laws , they dont follow Constitution….
Johnson , 1 subject at a time act ,he says yes, switches to earmarks , vetoed 750 bills as governor…
disses both major parties , prob why they kicked him out , i like that
ONE SUBJECT AT A TIME ACT – JOHNSON: “I would absolutely support it… Also would use presidential veto to kill legislation with expensive earmarks.”
Johnson says “Let’s not abolish the Fed–just audit them”.
ONE SUBJECT AT A TIME ACT – WRIGHTS: “‘Congress shall make no law!’ and stop there!”
Fed Question
e hands down
Johnson , says we had inflation before the Fed and would abolish Fed but that its not the real problem , supporting Treasury printing money…in lieu of abolishing the Fed audit them…weak answer…. playing politician
Wrights ,simply End the Fed , repeal all legal tender laws ..he wins that on
BERGLAND says: “The Federal Reserve System…” and several people interrupt and shout “End The Fed!!”. Bergland laughs appreciatively. Bergland at his best in elder statesman mode. Libertarian hero.
WRIGHTS: [Pointing to the people who shouted out…] “I agree with them: End the Fed!” to loud applause.
WE DON’T LIKE THE FAIR TAX!!
Stop calling it that. It isn’t. I prefer fraudulent tax.
Bruce Majors posted in LP Radical Caucus
Bruce Majors 6:57pm May 4
I’m broadcasting Libertarian National Convention 2012 live on #Ustream. Come watch and chat! 6:55 PM http://ustre.am/Kk9H
No, no, Gary…have you really not learned that we don’t like the Fair Tax??
WE DON’T LIKE THE FAIR TAX!!
How do you pay for gov w/o taxes
Wrights says if they do what theyre supposed to it would be cheap….Wrights very entertaining,
Johnson…advocacy of 43% percent cut in spending….Jognson more practical , Wrights got the passion tho
Johnson promoting Fair Tax …
Gary..why did you have to bring up the dang Fair Tax again?
Wrights says: “I’ll abolish the IRS and replace it with nothing!!”
Now that, my friends, is a tax plan!
Point for Wrights!
WRIGHTS: “We need to remove this stain on the Constitution and repeal the 16th Amendment.”
IRS question…..
Johnson …abolish all federal income tax ,abolish IRS ,says he knows we don’t like taxes.8 years of no new taxes as Governor , likes Fair Tax ,skillfully didnt harp on it tho
Wrights says abolish and replace it with nothing ,no fair tax….Wrights wins that question…..abolish 16th amendment
“fair” tax fireworks
WRIGHTS: “We do need to abolish the income tax and replace it with NOTHING! … I’m sorry folks, but there’s no such thing as a ‘fair tax’!”
Johnson: “Abolish the IRS”.
Housing question ,what shuld be done by the government,Wrights says get them out of the way, says bring common sense back
Johnson says Gov. responsible for making loans available and people to blame for buying houses they cant afford, says we should have let it collapse ,
Wrights said “I’d abolish the Department of Education., because I don’t believe in child abuse”
Education ,Johnson says abolish dept.of ed. and give it to states , likes voucher system , bring competition
Wrights being much funnier with his answers..says publiced bad because hedont like child abuse
Johnson says leave it to the states ,wrights says he dont want state goverments in charge either
Johnson said that he didn’t “create any jobs as governor–the private sector creates jobs”.
says easier regulations ….but not getting rid of them…dont know about that
Johnson has best record as job creator by not notdoing it and letting private sector do it….awesome answer….
Wrights is really pulling forward as the superior orator, in my view. With his folksy North Carolina accent, I’m feeling safer already.
Wrights admits he’s honery….and about creating jobs by firing people ….for every govjob eliminated 150 private sector jobs created…
JOHNSON: “The biggest problem with our foreign policy is that we are … bankrupt.”
Gray will get it, easily. But Wrights should stay involved and perhaps in 4 years it’ll be his time.
Agreed. Would make a good ticket tho I think Judge Gray will get it.
**or have ever established
Both guys are doing great!!
Johnson will veto homeland security…..or ever established TSA…i like what im hearing
It surprised me that Johnson was opposed to all foreign aid. That will engender him to the Paul people.
Saying “balanced budget” often is a great idea. It’s a huge issue right now.
Very proud of both candidates …a proud day for all of us
I don’t know about out the park, but Wrights’ answer was good for Radical fare.
Johnson’s foreign policy sounds pretty non-interventionist to me.
Johnson says “balanced budget” often
Johnson: “I’m completely opposed to foreign aid”.
SUMMARIZE YOUR FOREIGN POLICY – JOHNSON: “Against any foreign aid… We should follow a policy of nonintervention.”
SUMMARIZE YOUR FOREIGN POLICY – WRIGHTS: Our foreign policy creates more enemies than anything else. I call our foreign policy the ‘nosy neighbor policy…’ Stop being a nosy neighbor and start being a good neighbor.”
Lee Wrights knocks it out of the park on the foreign policy question
Lee Wrights: “Stop being a nosy neighbor. That’s my foreign policy”.
I am surprised by how good of a spokesman Wrights is for the Radical position.
“Stop being a nosey neighbor, start being a good neighbor–that’s my foreign policy.”
Johnson says: “Iran is not a military threat”.
Wrights: “I would declare peace. I am not a pacifist. If we’re attacked, I’ll declare war.
DEPLOYMENTS – JOHNSON: “I’m a noninterventionist… Iran is not a military threat.”
DEPLOYMENTS – WRIGHTS: “If I were Commander in Chief there would be no deployments… let’s be clear I am not a pacifist. If attacked, we go to war.”
WHAT EXECUTIVE ORDERS WOULD YOU ISSUE IN YOUR FIRST WEEK – JOHNSON: “I can think of only one executive order that I would issue, and that would be to repeal all previous executive orders.”
14 CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS — WHICH WOULD YOU ELIMINATE? – JOHNSON: “Housing & Urban Development, Education … Homeland Security”.
Johnson’s mention of DHS arguably earned the loudest applause of the evening so far.
Johnson: “I am a non-interventionist.”
“Let’s stop using our military, lets stop the unintended consequences that come along with using our military might”
He then went on to criticize saber rattling against Iran.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE WITH REGARD TO THE 2008-2011 BAILOUTS – WRIGHTS: “No business is too big to fail!”
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE WITH REGARD TO THE 2008-2011 BAILOUTS – JOHNSON: “Capitalism on the way up, Communism on the way down.”
Ooooh, a question about Executive Orders: Lee Wrights said he’d issue an Executive Order repealing all Executive Orders!
There will be no open questions from audience.
IMMIGRATION – WRIGHTS: It is easier to swin the Rio Grande than to climb Mt Bureaucracy!
Wrights has more passion, Johnson is smoother but both seem to be doing very well – even compared with all their previous appearances I have seen to date.
Some previous comments on the debate here
https://independentpoliticalreport.com/2012/05/random-comments-about-the-weekends-libertarian-national-convention
However please post additional debate comments here, other comments there
2ND AMENDMENT – WRIGHTS: “I don’t dial 911 … Without the ability to defend ourselves, all the other rights go away … our founders didn’t protect the right to guns because they were afraid of their neighbors — they did so because they feared government.
DO LIBERTARIANS REALLY WANT TO LEGALIZE DRUGS? – WRIGHTS: “There is a drug problem in this country — it’s called the drug war. America needs to take a lesson from its own history, he explained. Let’s stop sending people to prison … send them to treatment instead!”
I like Wrights. I like Johnson for the candidacy, but Wrights seems like a stand-up guy.
DO LIBERTARIANS REALLY WANT TO LEGALIZE DRUGS? – JOHNSON: “40 years ago, no one was talking about ending the drug war, except for Libertarians. Now 40% of Americans are in favor, and only Libertarians are in front of the issue.”
PURPOSE OF THE LP – JOHNSON: “Just don’t tell me what to do! … People have a duty not to harm others.”
PURPOSE OF THE LP – WRIGHTS: “Being active in the LP is our way of defending ourselves. … Libertarianism is a life choice… Libertarianism is realizing it’s OK to be different.
WHAT IS THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY? – WRIGHTS: “The Libertarian Party is my family. It should be everyone’s home.”
WHAT IS THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY? – JOHNSON: LP will stand for liberty. For government responsibility. Encompasses the best of both donkeys and elephants. Democrats have stood up poorly for civil rights; Republicans have stood up (poorly) for economic liberty. The Libertarian Party stands for economic liberty and social tolerance.”
Everyone please help us liveblog here
OPENING STATEMENT – WRIGHTS: “I feel like I’m at a family reunion,” said Lee Wrights. I’m running for president so I can leave you alone. What makes Libertarians different is that we realize government is not the solution. I’m just going to declare peace.” Wrights focused special attention on Drug Prohibition, calling it “the most devastating war this country has ever been in. War doesn’t work!” he said.