Would you support a Rand Paul presidency run in 2028?
Posted by Consistent_Tax5951@reddit | Libertarian | View on Reddit | 112 comments
[removed]
Posted by Consistent_Tax5951@reddit | Libertarian | View on Reddit | 112 comments
[removed]
Awkward_Passion4004@reddit
Libertarian wing of the Republican Party". WTF is that?
Poop_Sock_Brock@reddit
right? thats an oxymoron if ive ever heard one
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
How so? There are many different ideologies in the Republican Party.
Poop_Sock_Brock@reddit
There is no such thing as a "Libertarian Republican" dude
december151791@reddit
The Republican Party is the clear lesser of two evils for libertarians. We can whine about it all we want but the reality is we live in a two party system.
SadTumbleweed1567@reddit
Absolutely not. Democrats are much better on civil liberties, and in the era of Trump, economics.
december151791@reddit
Which side is it that calls for gun bans? How about vaccine mandates? Mask mandates? Hate speech laws? Red flag laws?
Only one party with any political power in the US has literal self described socialists.
SadTumbleweed1567@reddit
Which side is claiming the authority to search homes without a judicial warrant or known exception to the warrant requirement? Which side is revoking immigration status based on speech? Justifying federal agents murdering people on the streets for protesting? Openly defying the judiciary with regards to following the law for immigration enforcement? Denying entry to visitors for having a meme critical of the President?
No socialist has so much as whiffed political power since Eugene V Debbs. Martin Luther King Jr might be the next closest but his legacy has been focused on his civil rights activism. Democrats are the party of liberalism. Republicans at this point have no coherent economic policy. Tariffs, but also no tariffs, or maybe tariffs? Who knows. Republicans raise the deficit more than Democrats do. Republicans want even more control over interest rates. Owe and for all your scare mongering over socialism, it's Republicans that are having the government own parts of private companies.
Yes, Democrats are not good. They are the party of the status quo of the last 20 years. Republicans are the party of deepening the problems of the lay 20 years. Growing authoritarianism, growing erosion of civil liberties, increased executive authority.
Poop_Sock_Brock@reddit
we live in a 2 party system by choice
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
According to who? Libertarian (in this sense) is an ideology. The Republican Party is a politician party.
Poop_Sock_Brock@reddit
fucking huh?
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
How do you not comprehend this? lol
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
A mostly dead wing that needs revived
SadTumbleweed1567@reddit
Absolutely not.
EveryCucumber1066@reddit
Not really. I would rather see his father run. Unfortunately he is quite old. Rand is not nearly as libertarian as he should be.
Nubraskan@reddit
I'd probably vote for him in the general elections if he won a primary with any party.
Support him? Eh.
Inevitable-Waltz-889@reddit
You should be thrilled if you got a Rand Paul type in the Oval Office.
BobaFettishx82@reddit
I’d prefer Massie. In a perfect world, Justin Amash would be his running mate.
pizzlepullerofkberg@reddit
Libertarians don't have any prayer so no.
paulhags@reddit
Libertarians need to focus on local government elections and buildup a foundation.
jstocksqqq@reddit
I agree with this. Which begs the question, if a mostly-libertarian candidate ran for president under the name of a different party, would the libertarian party nominate that person as their candidate as well?
1) Is it a good strategic move?
2) Is it within the legal structure available?
My thoughts is that it could be a good strategic move, but not without risk. Regardless, the LP should be focusing on lower-level elections and also collaborating with the Forward Party on improving the chances for third parties to get elected.
paulhags@reddit
1) It is not a good strategic move. Many would just believe that the libertarian party was a branch/caucus under a main party.
Growing the party from local elections up similar to how republicans have been doing for the last 10-15 years is the best strategy. Get some libertarian mayors and eventually congressman and senators; then we would be taken seriously. Libertarians are not even allowed on the debate stage for presidential elections currently.
cetologist-@reddit
What would be some good marketable policies that win over people split down the red/blue line?
paulhags@reddit
1) Individual liberty - You have the right to life, liberty and property and are free to pursue your own life as long as you don’t infringe on the rights of others.
2) limited government involvement in social and economic affairs. Government should not hand out rewards on the basis of political pressure; doing so leads to conflict.
3) free markets - you have the right to obtain property and exchange it through mutual agreement.
4) Peace - libertarian are against war. War tends to consolidate power in the hands of a ruling class.
jstocksqqq@reddit
Good points. I guess the more hopeful thing is that Rand Paul or Thomas Massie, or any other libertarian leaning Dems or GOP would join the LP like Justin Amash did.
2022_Perhaps@reddit
A tired trope in libertarianism while certain state parties (e.g., Libertarian Colorado) ask republicans to sign non-binding "liberty agreements" in exchange for not running competing candidates. If we can't go for federal government, and we can't go for local, what do we do? PTA?
BS. Run all levels. Let people grow tired of the uniparty and continue pushing liberty.
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
Sure, but far more libertarian minded candidates had traction on local levels back when Ron Paul represented the movement on a national stage.
trufus_for_youfus@reddit
Unfortunately that ship has sailed. It
mexican-street-tacos@reddit
I'd be thrilled if Rand ran.
SensitiveLack7509@reddit
Would strongly prefer Massie, but realistically neither of them are getting the Republican nomination in 2028. Trump political machine runs deep in the RNC, it's going to take several election cycles to purge that stink out of the national party.
Rand represents a step in the right direction, but there's plenty of room to criticize him, particularly for his views on censorship.
That said, for the last couple cycles, I've been voting for the "least bad" candidate, and Rand would certainly a better option than we've seen for a long time put forth by a major party.
mack_dd@reddit
I mean if both Rand Paul and Thomas Massie ran, they would just split the vote; giving the nomination to either some populist turd or worst, another neo-con.
I would like one or the other to run, but not both. Out of the two, if prefer Massie. dk which one is more electable (in both the primary and the general)
Exciting_Vast7739@reddit
I'd like to know what name recognition numbers look like between the two. In my world Massie has been headlining a lot more than Paul, because he took the spotlight by pushing Epstein File accountability. But that's my echo chamber.
Is Rand Paul widely known by people who are not libertarians or from his home state?
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
Definitely agree and I don’t see a scenario where both seek the nomination given their relationship. One will run and the other will heavily back the one who runs.
fatflyhalf@reddit
Also agree. Plus no one (to my knowledge has ever made the jump from Representative to President.
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
Garfield did and look what happened to him
Ziggity_Zac@reddit
They made a comic strip about ho2 much he loves lasagne, but hates Mondays.
mayorlazor@reddit
I’d like to see them both early in the primaries. To maximize the message of liberty. But I agree that come the actual voting one of them should step back and support the other.
alicecuriouser@reddit
I like both of them, but I think Rand Paul is more electable. Though not his father, his father's name will carry weight.
jgalt5042@reddit
No
zmaint@reddit
+1 for a Massie ticket.
december151791@reddit
Hell yes.
jimmytheeel@reddit
I support it. Divide the gop even further.
december151791@reddit
That's a shitty goal. That's how we end up with Gavin Newsom in the White House.
daboot013@reddit
Id take him over any one else in the senate or any governor. But I'd rather Massie/Amash get it.
McArsekicker@reddit
Yes
NeuroSeg@reddit
I'm in the same boat. Personally, I think Massie is about as good as we're going to get, although I do have some disagreements with him. The problem is getting Republicans to shake off the MAGA identity politics in favor of an actual limited government candidate in the primaries.
somnambulista23@reddit
I mean, I'd support a baked potato for president over either of last election's candidates. The biparty needs to end.
LoveIsOnlyAnEmotion@reddit
Mr. Potato for 2028!!! Let's go baby!
Hashtag_Labotomy@reddit
I heard Vermin Supreme supports potato politics.
Dick__Marathon@reddit
Ahh, Vermin Supreme. We've really just been sleeping on the next FDR for how many election cycles now?
Hashtag_Labotomy@reddit
Chariots with ponies hauling golden spuds. I can see it now. The cleanest toothed ponies you have ever seen.
nativevlan@reddit
There were more than 2 candidates in the last election
_Fucksquatch_@reddit
Couldn't agree more. This next election is going to be a shit show too
gumby_twain@reddit
I’m Gumby_Twain, and I endorse this message.
Memeguy85992@reddit
Yes 100%
VVTD33@reddit
He's not his daddy, but he's also not an R or D. So, unless a better Libertarian comes along, yeah.
Commercial-Ad-2448@reddit
Maybe if he was VP to massie……
Somhairle77@reddit
They are from the same state.
Commercial-Ad-2448@reddit
So can they not both run together?
rwarner13@reddit
correct
Alternative_Pilot_92@reddit
Says who?
PresSizey@reddit
The Constitution.
Somhairle77@reddit
The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President,
U.S. Constitution Amendment XII
Alternative_Pilot_92@reddit
That only applies to the same states electors.
Alternative_Pilot_92@reddit
Is that so?
https://www.yahoo.com/news/fact-check-president-vp-allowed-130000944.html
Alternative_Pilot_92@reddit
Try again.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/fact-check-president-vp-allowed-130000944.html
Varvaro@reddit
They can, nothing in the constitution forbids it
Educational-Year3146@reddit
Either Thomas Massie or Rand Paul would be the literal best current candidates the Republican party could put up.
But they won’t, precisely because its what the people want.
BringBackUsenet@reddit
No.
gangien@reddit
sure, but in reality, unless the democrats pull another DEI hire, they've gotta be the favorite. I think he should wait until 2032, personally.
PawnstarExpert@reddit
I'd take a lunch eat sandwich at this point. And I love Ron, I wish he would've gotten it back in 08, 12, but here we are!
BreakfastFluid9419@reddit
I’d prefer Massey, but at this point can’t vote for either big two party candidates. Registered as a libertarian hoping we have a better candidate this go around.
Hollirc@reddit
Rand Paul is a maga republican who panders to the lowest common denominator of libertarian voters who can’t be bothered to do even one google search.
So no.
Knorssman@reddit
Rand Paul has directly clashed with Trump regularly, it's inappropriate to say he is a MAGA republican who panders to libertarians.
Hollirc@reddit
Uh yeah maybe enough to keep hoodwinking the hoopleheads (and it’s working) but at every opportunity he’s been given he’s voted to increase spending, increase the size of the government, and supported the wild expansion of executive powers.
Lol he supports the idea that the president is above the law - that alone should be disqualifying. The apple fell FAR from the tree then rolled down a mountain into the swamp.
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
How exactly is he a MAGA Republican? He doesn’t vote any different than he did pre 2016.
Notworld@reddit
Why do you say it seems likely he’s running?
gabkins@reddit
Yes but I agree I'd rather Massie.
Dr-Dendro@reddit
As long as they’re not being supported by AIPAC and America comes first. You have my vote.
Norseman103@reddit
Paul and Massie are certainly the most closely aligned with libertarian ideals. Honestly, I’d support a turnip over what we currently have.
15_Years_Then_Banned@reddit
You guys actually think it will be anyone other than trump? The only way he’s leaving office is in a casket.
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
All signs are pointing to Vance at the moment. Rand will have to work overtime to come up with a plan to do anything to change that
Crazy_names@reddit
Yes, short answer. But he has had some relatively bad takes from a principals stance. Just 1 example, during the shutdown last November there was a bill to cut Congrssional pay during a shutdown and he opposed it on some technicality rather than working with Senator Kennedy to fix his problem with the motion. It was all just very 🫤. I like Massie better. But by all means I would take Paul over any Democrat and probably any Republican. I do like Vance in the GOP though I can be sure he wont just cave to the big GOP party influence like Trump seems to have done. I might consider Gabbard if she went back to the Democratic party but we all know she is now persona non grata so slim chance there. But I was in the moderate libertarian camp that though Trump would do good, and he did some good things, but this Iran war thing is poised to turn sour if not handled very carefully. And the lack of transparency on Epstein is troubling. So I'm not likely to be swayed that way again.
TheDrunkLibertarian@reddit
Paul and Massie together is the move
Vash_85@reddit
Paul or Massie, either would get my vote if they run.
That said, I'm a bit over the geriatric facility the white house has become over the last decade, so the younger the candidate the more I'll be looking into them.
brutalservant@reddit
I will write In Thomas Massie.
AlphaTangoFoxtrt@reddit
No, Rand Paul is not a libertarian. At every junction he has explicitly rejected being a libertarian and calls himself a "Constitutional Conservative".
He has carried way too much water for Trump in the past. I think he'd be a "less bad" Republican, but no I would not "support" him.
psychoknight@reddit
I started my path towards libertarianism with Rand’s 2016 campaign then realized he wasn’t libertarian enough and abandoned him
Firm_Balance_8285@reddit
Rand's actions after the 2020 election are disgusting and disqualifying.
RedditThrowaway-1984@reddit
Libertarians get too hung up on the “no true Scotsman” gambit. I think Rand Paul is more experienced and more electable than Massie. I’d prefer to get Paul elected than to get Massie on the ballot and lose.
AlphaTangoFoxtrt@reddit
OP did not ask:
OP asked:
No, I would not. If I was willing to compromise on my values, I'd be a Republican or a Democrat.
bt4bm01@reddit
I think they’re more needed in the congress. If they run, their seats will go to some jackoff most likely
DamperBeet746@reddit
Absolutely. Better than anybody else who is a contender for the ballot, other than Massie.
TechnicalAd4328@reddit
For sure
jstocksqqq@reddit
I think Rand Paul and Thomas Massie are the only two republicans I would ever support over someone from the libertarian party. I would love to see the libertarian party endorse them if they do run for president. Is it possible for someone to run as the nominee for both parties? That being said, the big concern I would have is that the libertarian party would be seen as associated with the Republican Party. It is a tricky situation because Republican party is so far gone and I don't want to see the libertarian party support get looped into the Republican party.
Live_Taste_7796@reddit
Yes
Crushed-Giant@reddit
I m not american, but yes, i would.
InterviewLeast882@reddit
Yes. I voted for his father three times.
ttc8420@reddit
He is not his father.
tee142002@reddit
Not, but he's better than anyone else that's run recently.
InterviewLeast882@reddit
Agree, but he and Massie are the best we’ve got.
alicecuriouser@reddit
Absofuckinglutely.
idontagreewitu@reddit
No, he's proven he's not actually a Libertarian until it suits his agenda. He's aligned with the Trump administration too many times for me to trust him as anything besides a flimsy Republican.
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
Again, this narrative keeps being repeated but what exactly did he side with Trump on that was un-libertarian?
MEI72@reddit
Depends. I'd vote for him over any of the recent past candidates but not a solid middle of the road mainstream politician.
Flamadin@reddit
No. I can't believe that he and Ron are even related.
LetzCuddle@reddit
no
nodisintegrations420@reddit
Rand paul aint a libertarian not has he ever claimed to be as far as i know
Consistent_Tax5951@reddit (OP)
This narrative is kind of tiring. Rand Paul votes heavily more like a libertarian than anybody in Congress has the past 20 years besides Massie.
First_West_4227@reddit
I voted for Chase Oliver, so petty sure I’d support Rand if Massie doesn’t go for it.
soapbark@reddit
cato the younger would never be elected. too idealistic imo
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