By: Timothy Aderman
Republicans are jockeying for position as the Grand Ol’ Party prepares to challenge Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party for the presidency. Larger-than-life names including Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have thrown their hats in the ring. Others including Jeb Bush and Bobby Jindal are contemplating running for the Republican Party nomination.
Various third parties must grapple for whatever light of the spotlight falls offstage. The Libertarian Party is the largest, most influential, and best positioned third party to challenge the Republican and Democratic Parties.
While some media outlets may neglect third parties, there is one party whose nominee’s viability as a competitive candidate is highly understated. Gary Johnson, a businessman turned politician is running for president under the Libertarian Party ticket for 2016. Johnson, a business man turned politician, hails from New Mexico. He last ran for president in 2012. In this election, over 1.2 million enthusiastic voters cast their vote in his favor. While low compared to voter turnout for then-incumbent Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, Johnson garnered far more votes than other third party candidates.
Johnson is currently running for the president under the Libertarian Party for 2016. As a third party candidate, winning the election may be a fantasy. The so-called two-party system dominates every branch of government. However, Johnson’s political views propagating limited government, particularly in regard to fiscal conservatism, may pressure some Republican candidates to restrain their more liberal tendencies.
After the retirement of Libertarian figurehead, Ron Paul, the Libertarian Party has sought to capitalize on its momentum. Young people, particularly college students, have gravitated towards the party’s ideals of limited government. Alongside this age group, disgruntled Republicans have sought alternatives to their severely fractured party. As Gary Johnson pursues the presidency, he is even better positioned than in 2012 to challenge Republican nominees due to heightened awareness of his party’s attractive views stemming from Ron Paul and the dissonance in the Republican party. While the media spotlight refrains from showcasing third parties, Gary Johnson’s presence may also bring Republican nominees in line with conservatism.
Photo: Gary Johnson Facebook