The Iowa Libertarian Party Presidential Forum: The Candidates Speak
Life has been strange, of late, but I always intended to write at least three (and heck, maybe four) posts covering the Iowa Libertarian Party Presidential Forum.
It was very exciting to have something like this in my backyard, and I feel obliged to write about it, since I didn't see anything about it in the Des Moines paper (Not to worry, they barely cover the Democratic and Republican races either, these days).
The Libertarian Party, of note, has established itself as America's third party- in 2016, appearing on the ballot in all 50 states, gaining over 3% of the vote, and receiving in the neighborhood of Four-and-a-half million votes.
There has always been a strong contingent for a Third Party. In my lifetime, the Reform Party made a strong impact, but seemed to be tied to the personality of Ross Perot. The Green Party under Ralph Nader similarly was able to get the nation's attention, but has become something of a boutique party for Jill Stein, and now, Howie Hawkins.
There are many reasons why people vote. Pundits like to predict human behavior, but they often don't take into account nuances. There are various reasons why someone might mark a ballot a certain way including: Smaller government spending and Federal Debt, Attraction to someone who is not a career politician, Avoiding Foreign Wars, Surveillance Issues and Personal Liberty, Drug Policy, Censorship and Free Speech, Second Amendment Issues, Corporate Welfare. These are all issues that the Libertarians can run on as having advantage over the Two Parties.
The Libertarians have a strong foundation for continued growth as I have observed from their National Leadership (Think Liberty founder Joshua Smith was a keynote speaker and is running to be LNC Chair) and strong state Leadership in Iowa.
The Iowa debate is online at the LPIA Facebook site, and is very lively. It's a quick two hours, but if you don't have time, I would like to share my thoughts.
I don't consider myself a Libertarian, and did feel a bit of an outsider since the Forum was tied to the State Convention. That said, I will allow two things - 1) I have voted, volunteered and contributed all over the Electoral Map and 2) I find that my best political conversations are generally with a Libertarian audience. I find Libertarians to be generally consistent in their views, well-thought out in their beliefs, and usually drama free.
I am old enough to remember when the public image of Libertarians were that they were progressive Leftists best exemplified by people like Noam Chomsky and Russell Means. An interpretation of 21st Century Libertarians may be that they are small government Republicans personified by the 2008 ticket of Bob Barr and Wayne Allyn Root.
I personally think the biggest opportunity for the Party lies in the ability to draw from both of these groups.
With that all out of the way, I would like to share my assessment of how each candidate performed during the debate.
Sam Robb was sat first. Robb focused much on new Libertarians, and a message of bringing in discontented Republicans and Democrats. Quoting Gary Johnson "Most Americans are Libertarians. They just don't know it yet."- Robb asked the Libertarian crowd to think about why they first joined the Party, and to use that feeling as a guide to bring new members in.
Robb talked about the sense of belonging he felt in joining the party. I think this is a good message, and echoes what I have heard from others. It's a pretty strong image- of similar clubs you may belong to, that you feel a part of. Robb spoke of the camaraderie of all involved- apparent in the hugs and laughs all around.
Robb spoke of the unity of the Party, acknowledging the strengths of the candidates who appeared on the panel- activists, communicators, philosophers, Party veterans. Robb suggests that he could be the face of the Party and be strong with the group behind him, as the 'relatable' candidate or the candidate that people look at and say "I identify with him".
I have to admit that is a strength of his candidacy. I spoke to him before the debate, and if people really want a candidate to have a beer with, Robb is certainly that. He has the personalty of someone you feel like you have known for years. To his candidacy, he brings a positive message and stresses a sense of belonging and a message of Liberty.
As a candidate, he points out that he is Christian and he is Pro-Life. These are views that are counter to some peoples' expectations of what a Libertarian candidate should be. He even jokes about it with his t-shirts.
While it may not be a default Libertarian position, Robb may be a desirable candidate to those on the Right, and he is likable enough for those on the Left. Memorable quote: "If you elect me, I'll be your huckleberry"
Dan Behrman is of course the Guy in the Yellow Hat, but you cannot find a more effective Libertarian activist. He says that he would rather have debates with Trump supporters or Sanders supporters, than debate his Libertarian rivals, because he can use his energies to convince those on the right and left to follow him.
While I would emphasize there is more to Behrman than his "Taxation is Theft" moniker, it undoubtedly is the centerpiece of his campaign. Wearing the bright yellow hat everywhere, he engages into conversation with people he meets and convinces them that the government is stealing their money.
Of note, while the other candidates did engage in some back-and-forth, Behrman rarely gets dragged into the fray, nor does he take potshots at the other candidates. Behrman brags that he polls with less negatives than any other candidates.
Don't discount any of this. People like a positive candidate, and don't like mudslinging. Behrman personifies that. He's got a naturally appealing personality and does well at his arguing his point. It is hard to beat him at likeability.
Another point worth mentioning is that Dan believes the success of the Libertarian Party starts with moving the country towards Libertarianism, not just merely electing a President. Behrman is able to boast of attracting support and donations from people who might not necessarily of been attracted to the party otherwise. He says he can win Left and Right to his philosophy, he just needs a bigger megaphone.
Memorable quote: "I came to cut taxes and chew bubblegum, and I am all out of Bubblegum" Bonus Fun Fact: Libertarian Presidential Candidate Brian Ellison was on the livestream chat and said Dan is his son's favorite candidate.
I have already spent some time talking about Adam Kokesh, but out of the gate, he can argue that there are only three candidates with National name recognition and Media response (Lincoln Chafee, Vermin Supreme, and him) and of the three, he is the only one who has been consistently Libertarian
Kokesh is dynamic in person, for sure. He has a rock star personality, but also has a wit, humor and intelligence to him that shows up in his speech. He has long standing Libertarian ties, and came into the convention, already a lifetime member of the Libertarian Party of Iowa (Sam Robb and Mark Whitney would also make this commitment on that date).
Kokesh's military experience is what gained him his fame, and he equally places blame on the Republicans (Bush and Cheney who sent him overseas) and Democrats (Obama keeping troops in the Middle East). He suggests that as nominee if he is excluded from debates, he will march with other veterans on the White House to get his voice heard.
Kokesh's idea to abolish the Federal government may be better described as making government Local and Customizing it. It has allowed Kokesh to attract a wide swath of supporters, including the endorsement of 2008 Green Party nominee Cynthia McKinney. He wants to see a paradigm shift, not small meaningless changes. He argues that government needs to be localized, and his plan to abolish the Federal Government will lead to less corruption and a sense of what kind of government the community actually needs. While others claimed, a federal government was needed (to protect the 2nd amendment, to prevent hurtful policies like segregation), Kokesh quoted Thomas Jefferson "Too much Liberty, rather than Too Little".
Kokesh says his idea of localized government appeals to everyone- "deplorables", "Bernie Bros", and soccer moms- because it's customizable.
Memorable quote: Kokesh had many witty lines, but none as memorable as his quote on Federal Aid to foreign countries- "taking money from the poor people in rich countries to give to the rich people in poor countries".
Mark Whitney's ascent to fame may have began in Des Moines, named the Register's Best Overall Comedian at the 2007 Iowa Theater Festival. Whitney claims he is America's worst politician, though he suggests that is what is needed as the two parties will set fire to the first elected Libertarian President.
Plain speaking- Whitney says he is not going to bomb any country who hasn't bombed us, and was the only person to bring lawsuit to Barack Obama over it. Whitney's image of the Libertarian Party (and perhaps, politics in general) is to have the debate, to bring the best arguments together, and decide what works best. He argues that the Party should not be groupthink or simply "Let's get rid of that. Let's get rid of that".
Whitney argues that the Office of President is the most Libertarian part of government, by its nature.
Whitney says Humor is his power. He says more people will be drawn to him because more people will hear a message of peace and prosperity as he takes the attack to Trump, and will turn out to vote.
Memorable quote: Every time Whitney opens his mouth is memorable, I will go with he's the "angriest, nicest guy you'll ever meet." Also especially memorable when talking about the treatment of refugees at the border, those responsible should be put in a cage.
Jo Jorgenson has been a Libertarian since 1979, and was bombarded with comments like "You Can't Get Rid of Social Security". As someone who worked for IBM in Marketing and built her own Million Dollar company, she has since realized that she was focusing on Features not Benefits. Her argument is that she can bring a government which can provide cleaner environment, quality education, safer neighborhoods, and go to the doctor without going broke. Her argument for her candidacy is that she can best explain the Libertarian message to the American audience in a compassionate way.
Jorgenson was Harry Browne's running mate on the Libertarian ticket in 1996. She mentions the success and ballot totals that Gary Johnson attained, but also significantly points to the biggest growth to the Party which came in 1995 and 1996. Jorgenson says the path for the success of the Party includes running local and state candidates, knocking on doors, making calls, etc.
Jorgenson plans to stick to whatever the Party decides the Platform should look like, and then come together to support it. Her plan for the Party is to grow it and make it larger. She is excited to bring the message and thinks that she can get Americans excited, especially on issues that Americans are interested in, but candidates might not be speaking to like the environment.
Jorgenson has a degree in Industrial Organizational Philosophy and says that while the Libertarian faithful don't need a lengthy persuasive argument, the majority of the American public does. They need to show voters the path to the end result of their goal on things like healthcare and education. You have to "show".
Memorable quote: With 40 years as a Libertarian, she is tired of the Party being classified as a bunch of old white men who hate taxes and like to smoke pot.
Lincoln Chafee acknowledged that he was new to the Libertarian Party, but acknowledged that voters have been looking for an outsider which explains the success of candidates like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, but they also want someone with experience- and he has been a councilmen, a mayor, a Governor and a Senator.
He has been bucking the establishment for years; a record including keeping taxes low, asking Bush and Cheney where is the proof for weapons in Iraq, and saving Rhode Island taxpayers from shelling out $75 million to pay for baseball player Curt Schilling's failed game show. Chafee's motivation to run for the 2016 Democratic nomination was Hillary's vote for the Iraqi War.
Chafee did note that he supports universal healthcare, a seemingly non-Libertarian point of view, but acknowledges that it's complicated, and that the fight over Obamacare divided the country. More in line with the Party, his suggestion is to refer to the 10th Amendment and suggests states should be responsible for those decisions.
Chafee may not have always pleased the audience with his answers, but he feels that he is electable. I have often mused if anyone would take Ross Perot's path to success. Chafee didn't call out Perot by name, but he believes he Libertarian Party should be lazer focused on two things- Get and Stay Out of Foreign Wars and Reduce the National Deficit. That is his intended platform. He does not plan to address other Libertarian issues like blanket legalization of drugs.
While Chafee may not have been a crowd favorite that day, he says the path to victory is to hang the deficit around Trump's neck like a millstone, and referencing Edward Snowden, a policy of not lying to the American public.
Memorable quote: Hillary Clinton and Chafee were the first Democrats in the 2016 race. As others (Jim Webb, Martin O'Malley and Bernie Sanders) got in, Sanders "caught fire" out of nowhere. Chafee thinks the Libertarian nominee can do the same.
Jacob Hornberger took the stage to great applause. He won the Iowa Libertarian Caucus. Hornberger said he believes that Americans should keep every cent that they earn, and the election will be about Socialism. He points out that the Democrats have embraced Bernie Sanders's idea, but that Trump has been equally socialist and among other reasons, it is evident on his stands on Medicare and Social Security.
Ending and/or Phasing Out Medicare and Social Security is a major theme for Hornberger. He points out that the Libertarian candidates have the same opinions in a lot of areas (foreign wars, drug legalization) but ending these socialist policies are a key difference that he feels make him the appropriate candidate to lead the Party. Hornberger says that the current Healthcare crisis can't be resolved by keeping Medicare and Medicaid intact.
He also encourages the Party to use the excitement of the Presidential Race to engage and energize people. The Hornberger campaign would be focused on principles and not typical campaign mudslinging. Hornberger said he would like to have the discussion of what a government looks like in a free society. Hornberger says the Party needs to lead and show the Libertarian way to prosperity,
Memorable quote: He says the Party needs to embrace the "Radical Philosophy" of Libertarianism, Hornberger then explained some of his outreach- how he was attracting people from the left with policies like Open Borders and fighting racism.
The last person to be sat was Ken Armstrong with a booming voice and a great wit. His claim to be the Dark Horse of the Party (backed by strong showings at the ballot box) is accurate as he went from an unknown to a Nominee front runner in a year's time. Armstrong says uniquely as a Libertarian, he was one of only two candidates at the debate who had held elective office.
Armstrong points out that he has an unique set of qualifications- NATO commander, College instructor, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Hawaii, credentialed to the White House as an expert on Human smuggling. It was interesting when foriegn policy questions did come up, Armstrong was very nuanced in his answer. Asked about whether there was still a need for NATO, he said he did not believe there was. He suggests a Jeffersonian approached and envisioned a plan to turn Camp David into a place where any World Leader could come to meet and hash out any issues they may have.
Armstrong brings a positive message, that he will say what he believes and that the best days of the Libertarian Party are ahead, and he is excited to be part of that.
Memorable line: "The LP of Iowa is the second best kept secret of the Libertarian Party, and the first one is (Ken Armstrong).
It was very exciting to have something like this in my backyard, and I feel obliged to write about it, since I didn't see anything about it in the Des Moines paper (Not to worry, they barely cover the Democratic and Republican races either, these days).
The Libertarian Party, of note, has established itself as America's third party- in 2016, appearing on the ballot in all 50 states, gaining over 3% of the vote, and receiving in the neighborhood of Four-and-a-half million votes.
There has always been a strong contingent for a Third Party. In my lifetime, the Reform Party made a strong impact, but seemed to be tied to the personality of Ross Perot. The Green Party under Ralph Nader similarly was able to get the nation's attention, but has become something of a boutique party for Jill Stein, and now, Howie Hawkins.
There are many reasons why people vote. Pundits like to predict human behavior, but they often don't take into account nuances. There are various reasons why someone might mark a ballot a certain way including: Smaller government spending and Federal Debt, Attraction to someone who is not a career politician, Avoiding Foreign Wars, Surveillance Issues and Personal Liberty, Drug Policy, Censorship and Free Speech, Second Amendment Issues, Corporate Welfare. These are all issues that the Libertarians can run on as having advantage over the Two Parties.
The Libertarians have a strong foundation for continued growth as I have observed from their National Leadership (Think Liberty founder Joshua Smith was a keynote speaker and is running to be LNC Chair) and strong state Leadership in Iowa.
The Iowa debate is online at the LPIA Facebook site, and is very lively. It's a quick two hours, but if you don't have time, I would like to share my thoughts.
I don't consider myself a Libertarian, and did feel a bit of an outsider since the Forum was tied to the State Convention. That said, I will allow two things - 1) I have voted, volunteered and contributed all over the Electoral Map and 2) I find that my best political conversations are generally with a Libertarian audience. I find Libertarians to be generally consistent in their views, well-thought out in their beliefs, and usually drama free.
I am old enough to remember when the public image of Libertarians were that they were progressive Leftists best exemplified by people like Noam Chomsky and Russell Means. An interpretation of 21st Century Libertarians may be that they are small government Republicans personified by the 2008 ticket of Bob Barr and Wayne Allyn Root.
I personally think the biggest opportunity for the Party lies in the ability to draw from both of these groups.
With that all out of the way, I would like to share my assessment of how each candidate performed during the debate.
Sam Robb was sat first. Robb focused much on new Libertarians, and a message of bringing in discontented Republicans and Democrats. Quoting Gary Johnson "Most Americans are Libertarians. They just don't know it yet."- Robb asked the Libertarian crowd to think about why they first joined the Party, and to use that feeling as a guide to bring new members in.
Robb talked about the sense of belonging he felt in joining the party. I think this is a good message, and echoes what I have heard from others. It's a pretty strong image- of similar clubs you may belong to, that you feel a part of. Robb spoke of the camaraderie of all involved- apparent in the hugs and laughs all around.
Robb spoke of the unity of the Party, acknowledging the strengths of the candidates who appeared on the panel- activists, communicators, philosophers, Party veterans. Robb suggests that he could be the face of the Party and be strong with the group behind him, as the 'relatable' candidate or the candidate that people look at and say "I identify with him".
I have to admit that is a strength of his candidacy. I spoke to him before the debate, and if people really want a candidate to have a beer with, Robb is certainly that. He has the personalty of someone you feel like you have known for years. To his candidacy, he brings a positive message and stresses a sense of belonging and a message of Liberty.
As a candidate, he points out that he is Christian and he is Pro-Life. These are views that are counter to some peoples' expectations of what a Libertarian candidate should be. He even jokes about it with his t-shirts.
While it may not be a default Libertarian position, Robb may be a desirable candidate to those on the Right, and he is likable enough for those on the Left. Memorable quote: "If you elect me, I'll be your huckleberry"
Dan Behrman is of course the Guy in the Yellow Hat, but you cannot find a more effective Libertarian activist. He says that he would rather have debates with Trump supporters or Sanders supporters, than debate his Libertarian rivals, because he can use his energies to convince those on the right and left to follow him.
While I would emphasize there is more to Behrman than his "Taxation is Theft" moniker, it undoubtedly is the centerpiece of his campaign. Wearing the bright yellow hat everywhere, he engages into conversation with people he meets and convinces them that the government is stealing their money.
Of note, while the other candidates did engage in some back-and-forth, Behrman rarely gets dragged into the fray, nor does he take potshots at the other candidates. Behrman brags that he polls with less negatives than any other candidates.
Don't discount any of this. People like a positive candidate, and don't like mudslinging. Behrman personifies that. He's got a naturally appealing personality and does well at his arguing his point. It is hard to beat him at likeability.
Another point worth mentioning is that Dan believes the success of the Libertarian Party starts with moving the country towards Libertarianism, not just merely electing a President. Behrman is able to boast of attracting support and donations from people who might not necessarily of been attracted to the party otherwise. He says he can win Left and Right to his philosophy, he just needs a bigger megaphone.
Memorable quote: "I came to cut taxes and chew bubblegum, and I am all out of Bubblegum" Bonus Fun Fact: Libertarian Presidential Candidate Brian Ellison was on the livestream chat and said Dan is his son's favorite candidate.
I have already spent some time talking about Adam Kokesh, but out of the gate, he can argue that there are only three candidates with National name recognition and Media response (Lincoln Chafee, Vermin Supreme, and him) and of the three, he is the only one who has been consistently Libertarian
Kokesh is dynamic in person, for sure. He has a rock star personality, but also has a wit, humor and intelligence to him that shows up in his speech. He has long standing Libertarian ties, and came into the convention, already a lifetime member of the Libertarian Party of Iowa (Sam Robb and Mark Whitney would also make this commitment on that date).
Kokesh's military experience is what gained him his fame, and he equally places blame on the Republicans (Bush and Cheney who sent him overseas) and Democrats (Obama keeping troops in the Middle East). He suggests that as nominee if he is excluded from debates, he will march with other veterans on the White House to get his voice heard.
Kokesh's idea to abolish the Federal government may be better described as making government Local and Customizing it. It has allowed Kokesh to attract a wide swath of supporters, including the endorsement of 2008 Green Party nominee Cynthia McKinney. He wants to see a paradigm shift, not small meaningless changes. He argues that government needs to be localized, and his plan to abolish the Federal Government will lead to less corruption and a sense of what kind of government the community actually needs. While others claimed, a federal government was needed (to protect the 2nd amendment, to prevent hurtful policies like segregation), Kokesh quoted Thomas Jefferson "Too much Liberty, rather than Too Little".
Kokesh says his idea of localized government appeals to everyone- "deplorables", "Bernie Bros", and soccer moms- because it's customizable.
Memorable quote: Kokesh had many witty lines, but none as memorable as his quote on Federal Aid to foreign countries- "taking money from the poor people in rich countries to give to the rich people in poor countries".
Mark Whitney's ascent to fame may have began in Des Moines, named the Register's Best Overall Comedian at the 2007 Iowa Theater Festival. Whitney claims he is America's worst politician, though he suggests that is what is needed as the two parties will set fire to the first elected Libertarian President.
Plain speaking- Whitney says he is not going to bomb any country who hasn't bombed us, and was the only person to bring lawsuit to Barack Obama over it. Whitney's image of the Libertarian Party (and perhaps, politics in general) is to have the debate, to bring the best arguments together, and decide what works best. He argues that the Party should not be groupthink or simply "Let's get rid of that. Let's get rid of that".
Whitney argues that the Office of President is the most Libertarian part of government, by its nature.
Whitney says Humor is his power. He says more people will be drawn to him because more people will hear a message of peace and prosperity as he takes the attack to Trump, and will turn out to vote.
Memorable quote: Every time Whitney opens his mouth is memorable, I will go with he's the "angriest, nicest guy you'll ever meet." Also especially memorable when talking about the treatment of refugees at the border, those responsible should be put in a cage.
Jo Jorgenson has been a Libertarian since 1979, and was bombarded with comments like "You Can't Get Rid of Social Security". As someone who worked for IBM in Marketing and built her own Million Dollar company, she has since realized that she was focusing on Features not Benefits. Her argument is that she can bring a government which can provide cleaner environment, quality education, safer neighborhoods, and go to the doctor without going broke. Her argument for her candidacy is that she can best explain the Libertarian message to the American audience in a compassionate way.
Jorgenson was Harry Browne's running mate on the Libertarian ticket in 1996. She mentions the success and ballot totals that Gary Johnson attained, but also significantly points to the biggest growth to the Party which came in 1995 and 1996. Jorgenson says the path for the success of the Party includes running local and state candidates, knocking on doors, making calls, etc.
Jorgenson plans to stick to whatever the Party decides the Platform should look like, and then come together to support it. Her plan for the Party is to grow it and make it larger. She is excited to bring the message and thinks that she can get Americans excited, especially on issues that Americans are interested in, but candidates might not be speaking to like the environment.
Jorgenson has a degree in Industrial Organizational Philosophy and says that while the Libertarian faithful don't need a lengthy persuasive argument, the majority of the American public does. They need to show voters the path to the end result of their goal on things like healthcare and education. You have to "show".
Memorable quote: With 40 years as a Libertarian, she is tired of the Party being classified as a bunch of old white men who hate taxes and like to smoke pot.
Lincoln Chafee acknowledged that he was new to the Libertarian Party, but acknowledged that voters have been looking for an outsider which explains the success of candidates like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, but they also want someone with experience- and he has been a councilmen, a mayor, a Governor and a Senator.
He has been bucking the establishment for years; a record including keeping taxes low, asking Bush and Cheney where is the proof for weapons in Iraq, and saving Rhode Island taxpayers from shelling out $75 million to pay for baseball player Curt Schilling's failed game show. Chafee's motivation to run for the 2016 Democratic nomination was Hillary's vote for the Iraqi War.
Chafee did note that he supports universal healthcare, a seemingly non-Libertarian point of view, but acknowledges that it's complicated, and that the fight over Obamacare divided the country. More in line with the Party, his suggestion is to refer to the 10th Amendment and suggests states should be responsible for those decisions.
Chafee may not have always pleased the audience with his answers, but he feels that he is electable. I have often mused if anyone would take Ross Perot's path to success. Chafee didn't call out Perot by name, but he believes he Libertarian Party should be lazer focused on two things- Get and Stay Out of Foreign Wars and Reduce the National Deficit. That is his intended platform. He does not plan to address other Libertarian issues like blanket legalization of drugs.
While Chafee may not have been a crowd favorite that day, he says the path to victory is to hang the deficit around Trump's neck like a millstone, and referencing Edward Snowden, a policy of not lying to the American public.
Memorable quote: Hillary Clinton and Chafee were the first Democrats in the 2016 race. As others (Jim Webb, Martin O'Malley and Bernie Sanders) got in, Sanders "caught fire" out of nowhere. Chafee thinks the Libertarian nominee can do the same.
Jacob Hornberger took the stage to great applause. He won the Iowa Libertarian Caucus. Hornberger said he believes that Americans should keep every cent that they earn, and the election will be about Socialism. He points out that the Democrats have embraced Bernie Sanders's idea, but that Trump has been equally socialist and among other reasons, it is evident on his stands on Medicare and Social Security.
Ending and/or Phasing Out Medicare and Social Security is a major theme for Hornberger. He points out that the Libertarian candidates have the same opinions in a lot of areas (foreign wars, drug legalization) but ending these socialist policies are a key difference that he feels make him the appropriate candidate to lead the Party. Hornberger says that the current Healthcare crisis can't be resolved by keeping Medicare and Medicaid intact.
He also encourages the Party to use the excitement of the Presidential Race to engage and energize people. The Hornberger campaign would be focused on principles and not typical campaign mudslinging. Hornberger said he would like to have the discussion of what a government looks like in a free society. Hornberger says the Party needs to lead and show the Libertarian way to prosperity,
Memorable quote: He says the Party needs to embrace the "Radical Philosophy" of Libertarianism, Hornberger then explained some of his outreach- how he was attracting people from the left with policies like Open Borders and fighting racism.
The last person to be sat was Ken Armstrong with a booming voice and a great wit. His claim to be the Dark Horse of the Party (backed by strong showings at the ballot box) is accurate as he went from an unknown to a Nominee front runner in a year's time. Armstrong says uniquely as a Libertarian, he was one of only two candidates at the debate who had held elective office.
Armstrong points out that he has an unique set of qualifications- NATO commander, College instructor, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Hawaii, credentialed to the White House as an expert on Human smuggling. It was interesting when foriegn policy questions did come up, Armstrong was very nuanced in his answer. Asked about whether there was still a need for NATO, he said he did not believe there was. He suggests a Jeffersonian approached and envisioned a plan to turn Camp David into a place where any World Leader could come to meet and hash out any issues they may have.
Armstrong brings a positive message, that he will say what he believes and that the best days of the Libertarian Party are ahead, and he is excited to be part of that.
Memorable line: "The LP of Iowa is the second best kept secret of the Libertarian Party, and the first one is (Ken Armstrong).
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