Libertarians Can Pander, Too
Bob Barr shunned Ron Paul’s anyone-but-these-guys endorsement press conf this a.m., but that’s because he was preparing his own “historic” event two hours later. From a mid-afternoon Barr release describing what went down:
“Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party nominee for president, has invited GOP Congressman Ron Paul to be his running mate in the upcoming election. In a letter sent to Paul, Barr called Paul one of the "few American patriots" who exist in today's society, and asked him to "seriously consider this final offer as an opportunity to show true, lasting leadership beyond party politics."
Paul has, of course, been the 3rd party darling since his grassroots internet-fueled run for the GOP nod earned $40M+ and a better finish in IA than Rudy Giuliani. The ’88 Libertarian nom's press conf made it clear that Paul isn't interested in endorsing his current or former party’s nominee – or anyone else’s. But without his support, it’s unlikely Barr can rally that potentially lucrative grassroots base to his cause.
With all that in mind, it’s hard to see Barr’s announcement as anything more than an attempt to catch a capture a little media attention from piggybacking on Paul’s briefly newsworthy presser today. Paul’s not likely to take the bait – after all, he just got finished expressly not endorsing any candidate.
Barr’s making a play for Paul’s now-officially candidateless supporters. With all the trouble he’s had from hardline Libertarians so far, it’s doubtful that asking a party legend to take an inferior role in Barr’s campaign will do him any favors.
Oh, and whither Wayne Allyn Root, Barr’s existing running mate you ask? According to the release from the Barr camp this afternoon, he’s ready to step down should Dr. Paul decide to step in for some triage on Barr’s listing campaign.
“I want to end the charade once and for all," Root said. "I am willing to sacrifice anything to advance the cause of liberty, freedom, smaller government and to enable the American taxpayer to keep more of their own money and property. Understanding Dr. Ron Paul's reputation and name recognition in the freedom movement, I am willing to step aside as Libertarian vice presidential candidate if he would be willing to take my place.”
Godspeed, Wayne Allyn Root. Godspeed.
(EVAN McMORRIS-SANTORO)
Former United Stated Senator from Alaska:
Maurice Robert "Mike" Gravel
Got history cred?
You forgot LaRouche if we're listing presidential punchlines.
The governent can give millions of dollars to CEO’s from the failed Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac and yet, cannot give a second stimulus checks to American citizens in these hard economic times?
Republicans say No to a second stimulus while the Democrats say Yes to a second stimulus!
Is the Republican Congress working for CEO’s or are they working for you, the people?
The Democrats have a majority in congress now, dolt.
Ben Stein: can you say "filibuster?"