Why is the Libertarian Primary So Late for the 2020 Election Season?
The 2020 election season saw a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly with regard to the Libertarian Party (LP). Buoyed by former President Donald Trump's actions to reduce the size and influence of the federal government, many individuals, including myself, were pleasantly surprised by his libertarian leanings. However, the LP's primary process has drawn criticism, especially regarding its timing for the 2020 season. This article explores the reasons behind the late timing of the LP's primary and the broader implications for the libertarian movement.
The Influence of Donald Trump and Legalizing Drugs
Donald Trump's presidency marked a pivotal moment for the libertarian movement. His bold initiatives to trim the federal government, particularly the executive and judicial branches, resonated deeply with libertarians. This is a rare instance where a sitting president has taken actions aligned with libertarian principles. Many libertarians, including me, viewed this as a pleasant surprise. However, the LP's nominee in this period, a tarnished slate of candidates, disappointed many voters.
One of the primary issues that the Libertarian Party has historically championed is drug legalization. Despite early attempts by the party to secure this issue, it was the Democrats who ultimately resolved this debate, leaving the LP grappling with the reality that they missed a golden opportunity in 2016. That year, many voters saw both major party candidates as inherently evil and were faced with a stark choice of lesser evils.
The Quest for a Suitable Candidate
The search for a new candidate for the LP is a critical challenge. The party needs a hopeful who is both passionate and pragmatic. The specter of serving as a spoiler and the absence of a suitable moderate, independent candidate like Bill Weld, have further complicated the process. Given the party's desire to avoid being a spoiler, the LP must carefully consider its strategy and choose wisely.
Another major consideration is the timing of the primary. The LP's primary is often held during a politically slower period, such as late May of the election year. This timing is strategic in maximizing media exposure. However, the rules for ballot access vary widely by state, often determined by the two major parties. This complicates the LP's efforts to secure ballot access and thus participate in the broader political discourse.
The Nature of the LP's Primary Process
The Libertarian Party's primary process is quite different from that of the two major parties. Unlike the Democratic and Republican parties, which rely on primaries or caucuses, the LP's nomination process occurs at its national convention. At this convention, delegates make their cases for their preferred candidates, after which the convention committee votes to nominate one candidate. This process is more involved but avoids the pitfalls of costly and often contentious primary debates.
Unlike the major parties, the LP's primary does not involve extensive horse trading. Political parties, after all, remain private organizations, and the taxpayer should not bear the costs of candidate selection. The convention in Austin, Texas, in May 2020, serves as a platform for delegates to voice their support and ultimately choose a candidate. While the process can be lengthy and complex, it is designed to be efficient and free from the unnecessary expenditure that plagues the duopoly contests.
Implications and Future Outlook
The late timing of the LP's primary in 2020 underscores the party's ongoing struggle to establish a strong and viable candidate. The party has faced significant challenges, not least of which is the reluctance to engage in a costly and time-consuming primary process. The quest for a suitable candidate who can effectively represent the libertarian vision is essential.
As the 2020 election season moves forward, the LP must carefully navigate the complexities of the primary process and the broader political landscape. By choosing the right candidate and timing the primary strategically, the LP can strengthen its position and better position itself for future elections.