Bob Barr wins the Libertarian nomination for president

The Libertarian Party on Sunday picked former Republican Rep. Bob Barr to be its presidential candidate after six rounds of balloting.

news.yahoo.com...;_ylt=AkIWrAyRUafbmOLXcnFhMCas0NUE

I'm a bit surprised that the Libertarians chose Bob Barr. He doesn't seem to be in the same mold as Ron Paul, Harry Browne, Andre Marout, etc.

But if I don't vote for Ron Paul, then Bob Barr will get my vote.

Libertarian National Convention begins this week

There's a bit of a run down, if anyone is actually interested.

From the article from the OP:

Barr endorsed Wayne Allyn Root, who was eliminated in the fifth round, to be his vice-presidential nominee.

There is at least some consolation for Root (and me!)

[edit on 5/25/2008 by RabbitChaser]

[edit on 5/25/2008 by RabbitChaser]

reply to post by RabbitChaser


I read that post just now. Thanks.

Do you think Bob Barr is a sincere Libertarian? I'm not sure what to think. I thought he was too far to the right to be a Libertarian, but maybe I was wrong. The Yahoo article says he has reversed his stance on the war on drugs. Was pro war on drugs. Now he's not.

He helped write the Patriot act. If that's the case how could the Libertarians elect him? Or has he changed his stance on that?

I do tend to agree with him on his abortion stance though.

I'm not 100% Libertarian. Probably about 75% with 25% republican.

Could Barr's nomination just be a way to take potential votes away from Ron Paul?

reply to post by Blueracer


Now that this combo is set, I really do NOT want to see Ron Paul make an Independant run. That will only ENSURE that the Dems. or Reps. win in November. I'd like to see Paul do the right thing here, and get behind this ticket from the LP.

To answer some questions above...

I think he is sincere... he's at least been with the LP for 2 years... he's just not real personable. And he has changed his stances on some things... and has apparently been trying to correct the mistake he made in supporting the Patriot Act.

Regarding abortion, not to put you down or make light of it, but that should be the least of anyones concerns... and is the problem with most voters (not implying you specifically) -- but most pick ONE issue they want to vote for and go on that ONE view. I urge everyone to look at EVERY candidates views on EVERY issue. How else can you vote in good concience?

[edit on 5/26/2008 by RabbitChaser]

reply to post by RabbitChaser


I would like to see Ron Paul continue thru the republican convention. And then, like you said, back Barr/Root. Or whoever the running mate will be.

As far as abortion, I do not consider that the only issue. Please don't mistake me for that kind of voter. I did get some clarity on the aborttion issue by watching Bob Barr on Hannity & Colmes, thanks to youtube.

His view is the same as every other Libertarian that I know of. And that is that the federal government should stay out of it. And I can agree with that.

How can the Barr / Root ticket expect to win? I mean, they aren't black, female or republican. I thought that was what this election was about.

I am so confused now. Are we really supposed to look at issues now? All I know is that they BOTH had better be wearing flag pins on their collars or their entire presidential run will be a sham!

reply to post by Karlhungis


Right. Or catchy slogans like "change we can believe in".

Imagine if Barr/Root or Paul got half the media's attention that they give to Obama or Clinton. Or if they judged all of them on the issues only. Maybe then Barr or Paul would have a chance.

And another thing, a lot of people are so locked into republicans or democrats only. If Barr was a republican and McCane was a Libertarian, Barr would win easily. People need to quit voting for parties and concentrate on the issues that each individual has.

But then I guess that's too much work.

I did a little reading today and Bob Barr is polling anywhere from 6-8%. Not bad. For a Libertarian.

[edit on 8/22/2008 by Blueracer]

I was skeptical of Barr at first, but after a little more reading I've come to believe he is sincere.

Too bad he didn't have his change of heart when he was still in Congress.