tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926413038778731189.post4074234533957894898..comments2023-10-16T07:13:12.123-05:00Comments on A plain blog about politics: Johnson Out, InJonathan Bernsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039630306253241noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926413038778731189.post-83715063191471939552011-12-23T13:04:49.947-06:002011-12-23T13:04:49.947-06:00Johnson is a rare example of a libertarian with go...Johnson is a rare example of a libertarian with governing experience. For the anarchist fringe of the Libertarian Party, he won't be radical enough. But most will view his record as impressive -- he vetoed everything in sight, pardoned hundreds of drug offenders and remains one of the most popular politicians in New Mexico. Having said that, the LP nomination is Paul's if he wants it. There's also talk of Jesse Ventura running, although it sounds like what he really wants is to be Paul's VP candidate, then run in 2016 in his own right.<br /><br />Jonathan, you're analysis is good. I'll just ad that Johnson was clearly screwed by GOP insiders, while they helped along Huntsman and tolerated Santorum, two other marginal figures. Hey, that's the way the game works, but the GOP shouldn't be surprised by Johnson's move. This is a warning sign for their treatment of Ron Paul going forward.<br /><br />phat, it's hard to disagree with that. My impression is that he just doesn't want to be a Senator and he's not going to let any political consultants talk him into it. It's too bad… Johnson would provide a Senatorial voice for blue state libertarians just as Rand Paul does for red state libertarians.Couveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00926561539205771774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926413038778731189.post-44727665050805428632011-12-23T12:12:18.801-06:002011-12-23T12:12:18.801-06:00Why anyone who has a good opportunity to win a Sen...Why anyone who has a good opportunity to win a Senate seat wouldn't run is beyond me. Just kinda nuts, if you ask me.phathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07711722602776883761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926413038778731189.post-61753894835618529532011-12-23T11:43:12.053-06:002011-12-23T11:43:12.053-06:00Long term, I suspect Johnson has more of a future ...Long term, I suspect Johnson has more of a future than Paul. He does have less baggage, and more reasonable positions for the most part (he's not a goldbug, for instance). But agreed that the Senate seat would have made more sense for him right now.Maxwell Jamesnoreply@blogger.com