I have been able to vote legally for 49 years. In my early years, I believed that I was supposed to be a “Democrat” or a “Republican.” When I became aware of a term “Independent,” I found my place. I had never been a ‘joiner,’ and it matched my attitude regarding everything of importance in my life.
In general elections I have voted for candidates from both major parties, but I have also twice voted for a “Libertarian.” I was aware that they could not win, but I voted my conscience when I believed they were the most qualified candidates.
In the last general election, the Libertarian Candidate, Gary Johnson, received only one-percent of the vote. Mr. Johnson will be the party’s candidate once again in November, and has reason to believe that his numbers will increase; possibly by a significant amount. The possibility exists because of expected rejection of Trump and Clinton by their party’s voters.
Johnson is the former Republican Governor of New Mexico. As his running mate, he selected Bill Weld, the former Republican Governor of Massachusetts. Both are popular in the Republican Party, and in a year when the GOP’s offering is a totally unqualified and inept braggadocio, they believe that they have an opportunity to receive many more votes. The Libertarian Party will likely be on the ballot in all 50 states.
While Trump has zero experience in government, both Johnson and Weld are former governors with very good credentials. But, could they upset the electoral college? The frightening fact is that it is of no consequence who wins the popular vote; your ballot may not be counted in the outcome. If neither Trump nor Clinton wins the needed 270 electoral votes, the outcome would be decided by the House of Representatives, an even more disastrous event than in 2000 when the Supreme Court gave us “W.”
Anyone who believes that he or she can predict anything in this, the strangest election year I have ever seen, is foolhardy. Nine months ago every, political “expert” stated that Trump would never win the Republican nomination.
Republican leaders were so desperate they resorted to supporting the most hated man in Washington, Ted Cruz. When that failed miserably, they anointed Trump. Those who denounced the ‘greatest danger to the Republican Party,’ now think he will win in November. The hypocrites on the right are hoping for a party win; to hell with the American people.
Democrats are interesting as well, but I do not agree with political pundits that the battle between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders is dividing the party. They have similar ideas and are both experienced and principled. Some claim that Hillary is ‘unlikable.’ When did ‘likability’ become a qualification to lead the free world? America needs a man or woman to represent all of our nation’s people and move our nation forward, not backwards. Experience is mandatory.
The idea that the Libertarian Party may make a difference in November is unlikely. Regardless of the outcome in the Democratic Party, Hillary and Bernie will support each other, and campaign for each other. They will unify the party in a strong effort to defeat the horrible offerings of the GOP.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of Ted Van Pelt
The Truth With No Restrictions 