Barr Kicks Off Libertarian White House Bid

[RobRich]

Bob Barr today launched the official Libertarian Party presidential campaign.

If he wins the White House, he said he would immediately freeze discretionary spending in Washington. He also would begin withdrawing troops from Iraq and consider slashing spending at federal agencies such as the departments of education and commerce—as well as at overseas military bases.

The former U.S. attorney also said he would strictly enforce immigration laws.

Barr, 59, quit the Republican Party two years ago, saying he had grown disillusioned with its failure to shrink government and its willingness to scale back civil liberties in fighting terrorism. He has been particularly critical of President Bush over the war in Iraq and says the administration is ignoring constitutional protections on due process and privacy.

Source: Googe (Associated Press)

[jokostel]

That signifies the end for the democrats..
At least, this year.
Those that wont vote for obama or hillary will now split votes amongst mccain and this guy.
Thats a good 20-33% from the figures I heard last.

[RobRich]

For better or worse depending upon your specific perspective, Libertarian candidates do not typically garner such an immense level of political sway among registered Democrats and Republicans. However, there could be increased interest among centrist-oriented independent voters.

[pickel]

Originally Posted by RobRich

For better or worse depending upon your specific perspective, Libertarian candidates do not typically garner such an immense level of political sway among registered Democrats and Republicans. However, there could be increased interest among centrist-oriented independent voters.

I was going to write in Alfred E Newman, now maybe I'll a new choice !!!!

[Pexster]

That signifies the end for the democrats..
At least, this year.
Those that wont vote for obama or hillary will now split votes amongst mccain and this guy.
Thats a good 20-33% from the figures I heard last.

Excuse me? This guy was a Republican. He led the Clinton impeachment fiasco. If anyone is going to lose votes to this guy, it's McCain.

[jokostel]

Originally Posted by Pexster

Excuse me? This guy was a Republican. He led the Clinton impeachment fiasco. If anyone is going to lose votes to this guy, it's McCain.

Any 3rd party running steals more votes from dems than reps.
It's a common occurance.... and it's going to be a deal breaker in this race.

[draboo]

Originally Posted by pickel

I was going to write in Alfred E Newman, now maybe I'll a new choice !!!!

Al got my vote in `80.

[zepper]

Plus you have Nader and assorted other far-left wackos that will siphon off even more Dems for whom even the most leftist senator ever isn't left enough... For the past 25+ years, I've voted Libertarian for President, and probably will again. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who to vote for and who doesn't deserve your vote.

.br.

[MTAtech]

Originally Posted by jokostel

That signifies the end for the democrats..
At least, this year.
Those that wont vote for obama or hillary will now split votes amongst mccain and this guy.
Thats a good 20-33% from the figures I heard last.

You are so off-base you are in the viewing stands.

His candidacy throws a wild card into the White House race that many believe could peel away votes from Republican Sen. John McCain given the candidates' similar positions on fiscal policy. link

Originally Posted by jokostel

Any 3rd party running steals more votes from dems than reps.
It's a common occurrence.... and it's going to be a deal breaker in this race.

If it is so common, I am sure you won't mind linking to a citation of that fact. The way third parties effect elections is that if the third party is more liberal than the Democratic candidate, some Democrats will vote for that candidate instead of the Democratic candidate. An example is Ralph Nader in 2000.

On the other side, if the third party is more conservative than the Republican candidate, some Republicans will vote for that candidate instead of the Republican candidate. An example of that is Pat Buchanan in 2000 and Ross Perot in 1992.

Libertarian candidates typically take votes from Republicans who feel that the Republican candidate isn't conservative enough.

Barr will take some votes from McCain, as many Republicans believe McCain isn't conservative enough. Whether Barr will garner enough votes to make a difference cannot be predicted now but typically third-party runs grab single-digits. Ross Perot was an exception since he spent $65.4 million of his own money and received 19% of the popular vote.

[surreal]

Don't forget Ross Perot **