The Iowa Libertarian Party Presidential Forum: Meet the Candidates
The 2020 Primary Season in Iowa ended not for me with the February Caucus but with the Iowa Libertarian Party Convention on February 29.
I went as a non-Party attendee with friends in the Party and real interest to see a Presidential debate in my backyard. I hope to share some of my thoughts over the next few days, with today's focus on the candidates themselves.
There is no clear frontman for the 2020 Nomination like Gary Johnson was in 2012 and 2016. Indeed, though all share the same principles, the candidates sometimes come from different directions themselves.
The current Libertarian Presidential field is quite large with the Party recognizing 19 candidates under their set of criteria, and there are easily a dozen more candidates with what can be considered serious campaigns.
With Libertarian party conventions in every state seemingly every weekend, it is likely a costly proposition to try to attend them all. It also makes debates unwieldy (for example, the recent Pennsylvania convention had 15 candidates in attendance).
I was impressed with the Iowa Party attracting such a great group of candidates with those conditions. In attendance were Ken Armstrong, Dan Behrman, Lincoln Chafee, Jacob Hornberger, Jo Jorgenson, Adam Kokesh, Sam Robb and Mark Whitney.
I would have liked to have also seen Max Abramson, an early confirmed attendee who has been busy with his day job in the New Hampshire House of Representative, John Monds, a late entrant to the race, and Souraya Faas, who had to make a last minute cancellation.
In any case, if this is the first time you have read my blog, I will give you the caveat that I lean Liberal with Libertarian tendencies. I mostly vote Blue, but have voted all across the map over the years, including third party. Observations are my own and should always taken with a grain of salt.
Ken Armstrong is admittedly a bit of a dark horse, but has done very, very well- currently in 4th place in total votes across Libertarian primaries.
Armstrong is a big man, but he is also a gentle giant. His team was well organized, which includes his wonderful wife Dawn. Armstrong brings a variety of experiences including commanding a NATO bunker in Italy. With that background mixed with a booming voice, it's no surprise that he gathers new supporters everywhere he speaks. He was one of the candidates who this blog had reached out to many months ago for our #voteyermusic project (you can read his response here) and it was awesome that talking to Ken, he remembered it.
We have talked about Dan Behrman at least a couple of times here (including this voteyermusic post).. We were excited to meet the man whose middle name is Taxation is Theft, and I wondered how big that Hat was going to be. It was big but what I didn't expect was just how Yellow it was going to be.
It's easy to focus on the hat and the name, and with a satire candidate (Vermin Supreme) in the same race, the media does like to pick on that. You stop focusing on the hat when you meet Behrman, and you immediately realize why he has become a top tier candidate. He's energetic, persuasive, and draws from his experience as a businessman; He draws in Libertarians, sure, though more importantly is able to pull Democrats, Republicans, Independents and non-voters. In a party that needs charisma and energy, but also substance, Behrman brings all of the above. Think he's not serious? Check out his website where he has put more thought into his policies than most Major media-covered candidate.
Lincoln Chafee is instantly recognizable with his suit and tie. I have seen plenty of candidates and celebrities, but it was still a bit shocking to see Gov. Chafee drive by in a rental car. Chafee's demeanor and now white-hair betrays someone who has been a bit of a political maverick in his time. It is also easy to criticize a politician who is now on his third political party. However, credit to Chafee for putting in real work. It would be easy to avoid crowds entirely and run from an air-conditioned office- but here he is being accessible as the rest.
Bookish would describe Jacob Hornberger's looks (which is fair, he has written at least a half-dozen books). One might make assumptions from his appearance that would run contrary to what he is- the current front runner for the Party nomination, and winner of something like 70% of state contests. At age 70 (still younger and light years more energetic than Trump, Biden, or Sanders), he is less noticeable in a room of outgoing candidates two-plus decade his junior.
The story lies in Jacob's bio. He is an attorney and a professor. To put it bluntly, the moment he opens his mouth, he commands attention. Little wonder why he is such a popular favorite around Libertarian friends I know. He has been talking Libertarian policy for at least 30+ years, so he can back his words up.
I feel Jo Jorgenson gets short shrift in always being described as the "1996 Vice Presidential nominee of the Libertarian Party". It feels like a slight. She was indeed Harry Browne's running mate, and this means she is one of a very few Americans who know what it is like to run on a National Campaign ticket for the White House. She's been involved in the Party in as many years. But just saying she was a nominee, doesn't give her enough credit. She has a PhD in Psychology from Clemson, where she is currently a Senior Lecturer. She also worked in Marketing for IBM in the 80s, before starting a digital business of her own.
In a campaign landscape that largely is becoming all-male, Dr. Jorgenson is one of the few females still leading a major run for the Presidency. With strong showings in Indiana, Georgia, and Nevada, arguably, no one else has done better in Libertarian primaries than Jorgenson except Hornberger.
Before the convention, my biggest thought was wondering what to expect from Adam Kokesh. Adam has a strong social media presence and an interesting history. Besides, he's the guy who's running on a platform to dissolve the Federal Government (more about that, next time); and a long history of protest, and arrests stemming from those protests. On top of that, Kokesh makes headlines with everything he does, and that includes showing up in places like Chris Cantwell (known worldwide as the "Crying Nazi")'s podcast and the Boston Straight Pride parade.
I asked those who had met him or spent time with him, but I got reassuring answers. Next, I took to the Google Machine to read some more on this provocateur. I quickly discovered that Kokesh went on to Cantwell's show to debate, and his appearance in Boston was to troll those who showed up. I found a lot of peace and love in a message from a guy who is probably well-armed. It seemed ironic, but here was the thing. As an advocate for Free Speech, he's got into some audiences that most would be too scared to go; and giving them a message that they need to hear. Sufficient to say, I was intrigued.
Now having met Kokesh, I will say I was way off on my initial assumptions. Not only was he approachable, I take him as the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. I don't want to sully his reputation as a firebrand, but he is a genuinely good guy.
Speaking of good guys, I can't say enough good about Sam Robb. Robb seems to be getting momentum every week he campaigns, including a Top 5 finish in the latest published Torch of Liberty Presidential preference poll.
I was fortunate to spend a few minutes talking "shop" with him, and he immediately felt like someone I had known for years. The secret is his background- an engineer, a Naval officer, a tech guy, a businessman, a dad of three girls, and a Sunday School Teacher. All of those qualities combine into one of the most relatable candidates that I have ever met. Heck, he even wrote a book of Dad jokes. It is easy to picture Robb as a favorite neighbor, a smart co-worker, or yes, even, your Sunday School Teacher. Like Armstrong, Robb had his wife Shari along, and she is an incredible asset to his team.
Last but not least, Mark Whitney is certainly someone you don't forget. He came to prominence in a time when I was off the net. I have to admit that my assumption of Libertarian comedian was that he would be one or the other (Libertarian or comedian) but not both. I was wrong. Whitney has been a long supporter of the Libertarian Party going back well over 25 years, and he is a very funny guy.
Whitney has gotten a lot of attention lately for some colorful language, but it's another case where perception is wrong. Whitney would argue with his fellow candidates all day long, but there is a genuine camaraderie there. We haven't had too many candidates who give the impression that they could shut Trump up (the aborted candidacy of Michael Avenatti, an exception), but no doubt, Whitney could. No doubt, he pulls in an unrivaled knowledge of the Law and the quick wits of a stand up comedian (something that has been missing from the campaign trail since Ben Glieb dropped out).
In any case, it is still early enough that any of these candidates could be the nominee of the Libertarian Party and the focus of national media attention. (I plan on spending more time talking about the Forum in upcoming posts. Don't worry). In short, I would say on a normal day, any of these candidates would be the most interesting person in the room.
When you put them all on the same stage, that's where the fun begins.
I went as a non-Party attendee with friends in the Party and real interest to see a Presidential debate in my backyard. I hope to share some of my thoughts over the next few days, with today's focus on the candidates themselves.
There is no clear frontman for the 2020 Nomination like Gary Johnson was in 2012 and 2016. Indeed, though all share the same principles, the candidates sometimes come from different directions themselves.
The current Libertarian Presidential field is quite large with the Party recognizing 19 candidates under their set of criteria, and there are easily a dozen more candidates with what can be considered serious campaigns.
With Libertarian party conventions in every state seemingly every weekend, it is likely a costly proposition to try to attend them all. It also makes debates unwieldy (for example, the recent Pennsylvania convention had 15 candidates in attendance).
I was impressed with the Iowa Party attracting such a great group of candidates with those conditions. In attendance were Ken Armstrong, Dan Behrman, Lincoln Chafee, Jacob Hornberger, Jo Jorgenson, Adam Kokesh, Sam Robb and Mark Whitney.
I would have liked to have also seen Max Abramson, an early confirmed attendee who has been busy with his day job in the New Hampshire House of Representative, John Monds, a late entrant to the race, and Souraya Faas, who had to make a last minute cancellation.
In any case, if this is the first time you have read my blog, I will give you the caveat that I lean Liberal with Libertarian tendencies. I mostly vote Blue, but have voted all across the map over the years, including third party. Observations are my own and should always taken with a grain of salt.
Ken Armstrong is admittedly a bit of a dark horse, but has done very, very well- currently in 4th place in total votes across Libertarian primaries.
Armstrong is a big man, but he is also a gentle giant. His team was well organized, which includes his wonderful wife Dawn. Armstrong brings a variety of experiences including commanding a NATO bunker in Italy. With that background mixed with a booming voice, it's no surprise that he gathers new supporters everywhere he speaks. He was one of the candidates who this blog had reached out to many months ago for our #voteyermusic project (you can read his response here) and it was awesome that talking to Ken, he remembered it.
We have talked about Dan Behrman at least a couple of times here (including this voteyermusic post).. We were excited to meet the man whose middle name is Taxation is Theft, and I wondered how big that Hat was going to be. It was big but what I didn't expect was just how Yellow it was going to be.
It's easy to focus on the hat and the name, and with a satire candidate (Vermin Supreme) in the same race, the media does like to pick on that. You stop focusing on the hat when you meet Behrman, and you immediately realize why he has become a top tier candidate. He's energetic, persuasive, and draws from his experience as a businessman; He draws in Libertarians, sure, though more importantly is able to pull Democrats, Republicans, Independents and non-voters. In a party that needs charisma and energy, but also substance, Behrman brings all of the above. Think he's not serious? Check out his website where he has put more thought into his policies than most Major media-covered candidate.
Lincoln Chafee is instantly recognizable with his suit and tie. I have seen plenty of candidates and celebrities, but it was still a bit shocking to see Gov. Chafee drive by in a rental car. Chafee's demeanor and now white-hair betrays someone who has been a bit of a political maverick in his time. It is also easy to criticize a politician who is now on his third political party. However, credit to Chafee for putting in real work. It would be easy to avoid crowds entirely and run from an air-conditioned office- but here he is being accessible as the rest.
Bookish would describe Jacob Hornberger's looks (which is fair, he has written at least a half-dozen books). One might make assumptions from his appearance that would run contrary to what he is- the current front runner for the Party nomination, and winner of something like 70% of state contests. At age 70 (still younger and light years more energetic than Trump, Biden, or Sanders), he is less noticeable in a room of outgoing candidates two-plus decade his junior.
The story lies in Jacob's bio. He is an attorney and a professor. To put it bluntly, the moment he opens his mouth, he commands attention. Little wonder why he is such a popular favorite around Libertarian friends I know. He has been talking Libertarian policy for at least 30+ years, so he can back his words up.
I feel Jo Jorgenson gets short shrift in always being described as the "1996 Vice Presidential nominee of the Libertarian Party". It feels like a slight. She was indeed Harry Browne's running mate, and this means she is one of a very few Americans who know what it is like to run on a National Campaign ticket for the White House. She's been involved in the Party in as many years. But just saying she was a nominee, doesn't give her enough credit. She has a PhD in Psychology from Clemson, where she is currently a Senior Lecturer. She also worked in Marketing for IBM in the 80s, before starting a digital business of her own.
In a campaign landscape that largely is becoming all-male, Dr. Jorgenson is one of the few females still leading a major run for the Presidency. With strong showings in Indiana, Georgia, and Nevada, arguably, no one else has done better in Libertarian primaries than Jorgenson except Hornberger.
Before the convention, my biggest thought was wondering what to expect from Adam Kokesh. Adam has a strong social media presence and an interesting history. Besides, he's the guy who's running on a platform to dissolve the Federal Government (more about that, next time); and a long history of protest, and arrests stemming from those protests. On top of that, Kokesh makes headlines with everything he does, and that includes showing up in places like Chris Cantwell (known worldwide as the "Crying Nazi")'s podcast and the Boston Straight Pride parade.
I asked those who had met him or spent time with him, but I got reassuring answers. Next, I took to the Google Machine to read some more on this provocateur. I quickly discovered that Kokesh went on to Cantwell's show to debate, and his appearance in Boston was to troll those who showed up. I found a lot of peace and love in a message from a guy who is probably well-armed. It seemed ironic, but here was the thing. As an advocate for Free Speech, he's got into some audiences that most would be too scared to go; and giving them a message that they need to hear. Sufficient to say, I was intrigued.
Now having met Kokesh, I will say I was way off on my initial assumptions. Not only was he approachable, I take him as the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. I don't want to sully his reputation as a firebrand, but he is a genuinely good guy.
Speaking of good guys, I can't say enough good about Sam Robb. Robb seems to be getting momentum every week he campaigns, including a Top 5 finish in the latest published Torch of Liberty Presidential preference poll.
I was fortunate to spend a few minutes talking "shop" with him, and he immediately felt like someone I had known for years. The secret is his background- an engineer, a Naval officer, a tech guy, a businessman, a dad of three girls, and a Sunday School Teacher. All of those qualities combine into one of the most relatable candidates that I have ever met. Heck, he even wrote a book of Dad jokes. It is easy to picture Robb as a favorite neighbor, a smart co-worker, or yes, even, your Sunday School Teacher. Like Armstrong, Robb had his wife Shari along, and she is an incredible asset to his team.
Last but not least, Mark Whitney is certainly someone you don't forget. He came to prominence in a time when I was off the net. I have to admit that my assumption of Libertarian comedian was that he would be one or the other (Libertarian or comedian) but not both. I was wrong. Whitney has been a long supporter of the Libertarian Party going back well over 25 years, and he is a very funny guy.
Whitney has gotten a lot of attention lately for some colorful language, but it's another case where perception is wrong. Whitney would argue with his fellow candidates all day long, but there is a genuine camaraderie there. We haven't had too many candidates who give the impression that they could shut Trump up (the aborted candidacy of Michael Avenatti, an exception), but no doubt, Whitney could. No doubt, he pulls in an unrivaled knowledge of the Law and the quick wits of a stand up comedian (something that has been missing from the campaign trail since Ben Glieb dropped out).
In any case, it is still early enough that any of these candidates could be the nominee of the Libertarian Party and the focus of national media attention. (I plan on spending more time talking about the Forum in upcoming posts. Don't worry). In short, I would say on a normal day, any of these candidates would be the most interesting person in the room.
When you put them all on the same stage, that's where the fun begins.
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