The Libertarian Party should be having its moment. With record dissatisfaction with both major-party nominees, and building anti-Establishment tendencies among grassroots political activists, the time is ripe for Gary Johnson and his running mate Bill Weld to prove that Libertarians can compete.
Unfortunately, their moment in the sun, Wednesday night’s CNN Townhall with the Libertarian ticket, had mixed results. Although this is the first time the third party has received the honor of a prime time speaking slot, the ticket wasn’t particularly ready for prime time.
Johnson and Weld did not give many specifics on the Libertarian vision, and seemed to understand that they were a “spoiler” ticket as opposed to one with a real chance of earning the Oval Office.
Both Johnson and Weld seem to see the 15% polling floor, a requirement to be in televised Presidential debates, as their ultimate goal —not the White House. That won’t do much to correct their main complaint about the media: that Johnson and Weld are treated like a presidential campaign afterthought. Johnson complained, for example: “Right now we see day after day where really it’s two candidates running for president—occasionally they throw in our names.” But it’s hard to fault the media for not taking them seriously if they don’t take themselves seriously.
Johnson, who should differ markedly from the other presidential candidates on the size and scope of government, moderated his positions significantly for the CNN audience. He and Weld seemed cautious about how appealing the Libertarian vision would be, and held back on going into detail, or to extremes.
While Johnson did note that he’d eliminate a corporate income tax, require Congress to balance the budget and cut spending—something he did well as a New Mexico governor—he didn’t go into specific policies or spending bills he’d roll back, even on his key issues.
And when Johnson mentioned abolishing the IRS, it was clear his potential vice president wasn’t on the same page. Where Johnson is in favor of abolishing personal income tax in favor of a national sales tax, Weld is more practical—and succinct. “I don’t think we need to go as far as to abolish the IRS,” Weld told the audience.
Most disappointingly for many Libertarians was probably Johnson’s failure to outline his position on drug laws. When asked by Chris Cuomo to elaborate on his policy on legalizing drugs, Johnson limited the discussion to marijuana only. “We are not espousing the legalization of any drugs outside of marijuana,” Johnson said.
The Libertarian ticket, of course, has plenty of time to improve, and plenty of fertile ground to till over the next several months. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are likely to remain unlikable, and major donors are still sitting on the sidelines in the Republican Party.
Johnson may also get the chance to outline a more comprehensive presidential vision if he does achieve that magic 15% number, allowing him to confront the other two candidates in the presidential debates. Perhaps by then, he’ll be ready for prime time.