Gary Johnson and William Weld on Hillary, Trump, and Why You Should Vote Libertarian

"The dragon that I'm jousting against this year is this frozen monopoly of the two parties that have frozen a lot of people's thinking in place," says William Weld, former Republican governor of Massachusetts and current Libertarian party vice presidential candidate. "And they think, 'I have to be a right-winger,' or, 'I have to be a left-winger.' They're not thinking, 'What do I think?'"
Weld and his running mate, former Republican governor of New Mexico and Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, are trying to pry open the vice grip that the Republican and Democratic parties have held on electoral politics for decades. They believe the historic unpopularity of the major party candidates gives them a unique opportunity to present their brand of fiscal conservatism, social tolerance, and a non-interventionist foreign policy to the American public.
The candidates point out that a plurality of the public already broadly reflects their views. If they can make their pitch successfully, they believe they'll garner 40 to 50 percent of the vote, enough to pull off one of the biggest electoral upsets in American history. But what is their pitch to different constituencies, and are these optimistic projections actually within the realm of possibility?
Reason TV's Nick Gillespie sat down with Johnson and Weld at FreedomFest in Las Vegas earlier this month to discuss their platform, prospects, and pitches to disgruntled Republicans and Democrats. The Libertarians have reached new heights in national polling in the weeks since, drawing 13 percent in the latest CNN/ORC survey (at the time this interview was taped, their best result to that point had been 12 percent in a July 8-12 CBS News/New York Times survey).
In a wide-ranging discussion, the nominees clarify how they would handle balancing the budget, scaling back the war on drugs, reforming entitlement programs, selecting Supreme Court justices, addressing immigration and national security policy, and more. Watch the video above for the full interview, or scroll down for downloadable versions.
About 19 minutes.
Hosted by Nick Gillespie. Produced by Justin Monticello. Shot by Meredith Bragg and Jim Epstein. Music by RW Smith.
Visit reason.com/rea... for a rush transcript and downloadable versions. Subscribe to ReasonTV's KZbin Channel to receive notification when new material goes live.

[@bradydm2001]

Weld is largely exactly right. Many Americans are absolutely trapped in the stale red/blue mindset. They hate the do-nothing Congresses yet they fail to see it reflects the citizenry's stalemate. Key words: stale, stalemate. Johnson/Weld 2016

[@IMissLiberty]

The press don't help by reporting politics as sport. Instead of poking holes in candidate facts and logic, they suggest better strategies for winning, as if each party is a sports team. "Stalemate" indeed; where the game is win, lose, or draw, and only two sides. Our government is supposed to make sure the rules that protect our rights are properly refereed.

[@mannysilveira5967]

weld is not afraid to put named out there.

[@pamfolkner3786]

The press don't help when they spoon feed voters the idea that we only have two choices. And yes, it's all about ratings, I get that. Let the press do their thing. This is America. But these are my issues - Polls don't help when they ask "who would you vote for Hillary or Trump?" when another candidate will be on the ballot in all 50 states. Is some polls Johnson is leading Clinton and Trump in the 18-24 age group, but here's another issue. Most polls are done by landline phones. What % of voters still have landline phones? I'm over 50 and I don't. I'm throwing the BS flag on how the polls are done now. They have not kept up with technology at all. And while I'm on a rant - lets force a change in campaign funding. Every legal citizen of voting age can contribute X dollars. That's it. Corporations aren't people and can't contribute. The federal government can't contribute. No PACs, no SuperPacs, etc. A level playing field with who can donate. Every citizen of voting age is equal with their dollars. And no, you can't self fund in the primary or the general election. (Trump) This shouldn't be about who has more money, or who can tap into more money (Hillary.)

[@heavenlymessages3863]

WELD IS A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS! BETTER EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU VOTE FOR THE GLOBALIST!! JOHNSON AND WELD WERE PUT IN PLACE AS A TROJAN HORSE BY THE KOCH BROTHERS! www.naturalnews.com/055097_Gary_Johnson_forced_immunizations_medical_freedom.html

[@atrociousconsequences4432]

How would electing a libertarian loony change the "do-nothing Congresses" ?

[@JasonNewman3]

I really wish this ticket was flipped. Weld is simply a much better orator. Regardless, my vote is going to Johnson/Weld. Feel the Johnson

[@daverayshow]

agree. but they are a team. Glad i like them both.

[@CountArtha]

They're probably grooming him to be top of the ticket next time. Johnson will never be polished or savvy enough to be a serious presidential candidate.

[@JasonNewman3]

It isn't about what I want, but rather what will get people to cast a Libertarian ballot. Johnson, in my opinion, is a great choice. I only wish he had the oratory skills of Weld for the lone reason to appeal to more uninformed people. I think when some people see Johnson's "quirkiness," it may turn them off. That speaks more to the climate of the American voter than it does the qualities of Gary Johnson.

[@tanaka1477]

Johnson has more rockstar charm though, he's more likely to bring in Dems.

[@CountArtha]

Lee Hearts Exactly. The Libertarian Party won't be libertarian long if they keep courting lefties and socialists.

[@Edward135i]

Berniecrat here, nice to hear a presidential candidate saying something sane for once, I feel like I have a choice again.

[@Inncognito777]

Amen!

[@Mastikator]

Feel The Johnson

[@MrGrifft]

He never speaks about where he is going to be increasing spending, he wants to increase state taxes, reduce federal. Bernie has incredibly different policies to Johnson. I wouldn't be surprised if he is in favour of removing the minimum wage, labour laws, etc, like most libertarians.

[@Mastikator]

MrGrifft He probably is but he's also probably fully aware that it's just not gonna happen, so he doesn't say "vote for me if you want to remove the minimum wage laws".

[@travismonk2804]

Do it man! Solid choice.

[@dbc7772011]

You just won my vote Gary! Reason… Reduce our ridiculous defense budget.

[@dbc7772011]

Agreed. I've read our defense budget out spends the next 6-9 countries COMBINED! China, Russia, Saudis, Great Britain etc .

[@EileenTheCr0w]

+dbc7772011 And it's not even all on actual defense. They count many things as "defense" that never see any use in the field. Making sure the Pentagon can have charging stations for electric cars, etc.. We could cut the budget in half and still be even more prepared to defend ourselves than we are today honestly.

[@EileenTheCr0w]

+dbc7772011 It's being more efficient and prioritizing that we need to work on.

[@lentil5176]

If we had no gun laws there wouldn't be need for a federal military

[@BronzeEngraver1247]

the military really needs to uprgrade their acccounting systems to prevent waste and fraud

[@jakebormann810]

Bill Weld is so much better at this part of the game. Love them both and Gary has my vote, but Bill can deliver a message like a consummate professional.

[@tg798]

Johnson doesn't rly represent true libertarianism imo and he's not very good at answering questions a lot but I agree with him on some things he isn't total shit

[@EileenTheCr0w]

+Smitty Werbenjagenmenjensen he's like 40% shit.. Which is better than Clinton and Trumps respective 80% and 75% shit rating.. But still not nearly as good as Rand Paul, Austin Peterson or Macafee imo.. They all hover around a 10% shit level lol.

[@tg798]

+Eileen the Crow I supported petersen at first but then supported mcafee for a few weeks leading up to the convention I love everything about mcafee and outside of politics he has a rly cool story and an amazing voice

[@EileenTheCr0w]

+Smitty Werbenjagenmenjensen Either of them would've made a much better standard bearer and would've been more interesting to ordinary voters too imo. Johnson and Weld are just so boring and don't represent libertarianism very well.

[@EileenTheCr0w]

+Silent Echos Clearly Donald Trump won the Republican ticket so I think this year is an exception. Governorship doesn't seem to matter this year. Being outside the establishment does.

[@qhack]

I don't agree with them on every issue, but they are hands down a better choice over Hillary or Trump.

[@markkilian1859]

agreed

[@carrcorp2]

Damn right

[@coffeefish]

Look at their droopy eyes. These guys aren't for real.

[@markkilian1859]

Bright lights jag off

[@calohtar]

+coffeefish Definitely, that's my number one requirement for a presidential candidate. No droopy eyes.

[@MainMan1154]

I can't believe the people in these comments hating Gary and somehow thinking AP would have been a better pick. For the first time in practically centuries, we have two Governors on a ticket talking about their LIMITATIONS in the presidency and respecting the powers of the Constitution. They aren't talking about magically fixing problems with sweeping policy changes like Trump, Clinton or even AP did, they're talking about realistically working with Congress and moving policy in the direction of smaller government. The fact that they aren't going to force dogmatic Libertarian policy down American's throats makes them MORE Libertarian than AP, not less. They are still going to respect the will of the people in Congress even if that will is not purely Libertarian.

[@tg798]

true, but still mcafee>

[@MainMan1154]

+Smitty Werbenjagenmenjensen I love McAfee as an individual, but as an executive it's clear Johnson and Weld are the best fit for the job. They know how to enact Libertarian policy in government from experience. I'd love to see McAfee in a cyber security role if possible though.

[@transvansantos345]

Right on, Michael. As someone who first voted for Harry Brown in 1996, I think this is the best chance the party has ever had to become THE Third Party. Also, I lived in Mass when Weld was Gov. and he was pretty damn good. He flew a tie dye flag at half mast for Jerry Garcia in 1995 when he died. The local Republicans lost their minds. He was at the Boston Garden Dead shows earlier that year too. And New Mexico is the best state in the Union, a second home to me for years. These guys would blow hillary and trump off the stage.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Smart.

[@hjp11]

+Tailypo Congress will be there for those compromises. And they were clear in this interview that they would work with both parties. I really cannot see what your point is, who in the diverse America in been left out? They are even against business been allowed to not sell products to gays. I pointed this one out because most people things that government outside business equal to business doing anything they want..

[@haroldgoodman130]

Vote your conscience with the rest of us. Vote Libertarian.

[@JeffKubel]

Voting my conscience would involve me not voting at all.

[@JJFrostMusic]

+Jeff Kubel then don't bitch when the government becomes tyrannical

[@johns4656]

If they were actual libertarians I would. Weld especially is nothing more than an establishment hack.

[@endlessnameless7004]

The government already is tyrannical, and it is our Constitutional right to bitch all we want.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

It is not irrational to object to others claims to possess the power to vote on matters of individual liberty.

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

It seems like many libertarians are not willing to support Gary Johnson, because he is not what they would deem "ideologically pure". So rather than support the candidate that most closely matches their philosophy, libertarians would rather tear him down for his lack of "purity". Which is why we will always be ruled by heavy weight statists.

[@Inncognito777]

Thank you

[@theaceofspades39]

If you don't think Johnson seems principled, I think you're out of your mind. Maybe his principles aren't 100% yours but to say he isn't principled to me seems disingenuous. He's a pragmatist without a doubt, you want some anarcho-capitalist that speaks of Utopia, look elsewhere

[@Harry-Sachs]

I'd love anarcho capitalism but it wouldn't fly very well with the people. at least not right away

[@pamfolkner3786]

So did Gary Johnson hijack the Libertarian party? Maybe so. He's actually not against a required driver's license for example. He is not pro government regulation, but he likes his clean air and water. So he's a liberal Libertarian? LOL Maybe that's why he is drawing votes from both of the major parties.

[@camillo1234]

First time i hear these guys speak but they make a ton more sense than clinton amd drumpf.

[@coffeefish]

And they are under no pressure what so ever. No huge campaign staff to manage, no media pressure, no crazy travel itinerary. No wonder they sound good; they have nothing else to do. These are not real candidates.

[@billybuchanan385]

+coffeefish actually there is a ton of pressure and I have followed him since 2012. just before the Cnn townhall meeting it got real for them. maybe sooner. but their campaign has a huge sum of money being donated by us and now some super pacs

[@coffeefish]

Billy Buchanan And they aren't just spoilers for the establishment?

[@billybuchanan385]

+coffeefish I'm not sure you know what spoiler really means. they are here to spoil the establishment

[@coffeefish]

Billy Buchanan It's to little to late. They can't win, and they won't win. The election is over for them. They had a chance and the vast majority of voters rejected them. Now they are just sucking up the scrap votes like bottom feeders.

[@qwertyqart]

jesus, these guys should be having higher numbers then Trump & Hillary combined :)

[@JorgeMartinez-yp7kl]

Have been a republican all my life! I am voting for Gary

[@stenbak88]

I think I'm there as well

[@pamfolkner3786]

I stepped out a few elections ago and voted for Gary in 2012 as a protest vote to the GOP. They didn't get the message! Johnson/Weld are solid in the middle. We may not agree with everything they say, but dang it, these guys are willing to discuss the issues and work with both sides. And they are liars and they aren't idiots!

[@HickoryDickory86]

I'm sure you meant "aren't liars." ;)

[@datavortex]

Hands down the best candidates running in 2016.

[@hailmary7283]

I don't know if I can watch Johnson and Weld speak anymore because its too painful. Not because I disagree with them, but because I agree with them and they are both SOOOO much better than Clinton and Trump. And yet we all know either Trump or Clinton will be president.

[@galacticpenguintv6752]

If they get in the debates, they have a chance.

[@leticiah6843]

May Day actually our votes do not count towards who becomes president, that is all up to the electoral college. Who, like the comment above, we know will choose either Hillary or Trump which is sickening.

[@ThePromisedWLAN]

I like Libertarian positions broadly, there are a few particulars one could split hairs on but overall the country could use a dramatic reduction in government. I don't see them outdoing Trump even if they can manage to get into the national debates. But they could pull more votes than Hillary and that would put the Libertarian party in a stronger position next election four years from now.

[@joelhc9703]

Once you understand the vision of Objectivism on politics and Laissez-Faire Capitalism you can not compromise with this kind of Libertarianism. You (libertarians) are the least bad among the three options but you are still insufficient and reprehensible (unacceptable in the sense that it can not be considered good).

[@taylorlenard5975]

Damn! It's nice to hear some candidates who actually know their ish on the presidential ticket. I didn't have to cringe once! Feel the Johnson!!!

[@DelZ3030]

I'm very much set on voting for Johnson, but I think he's been far too timid this election. Wear your principles proudly. If he were to get into debates, I'm sure he'd win actual arguments, but I fear he'd appear dull to the low attention span populace

[@jamesclerkmaxwell676]

#GaryJohnson2016 lets get this guy in the debates. He may not be 100% libertarian but he's providing by far more freedom than any president in two decades.

[@freedomsadvocate]

Sorry, you just lost my vote. I DON'T COMPROMISE ON THE 2ND AMENDMENT. (garland).

[@freedomsadvocate]

My wife told me to explain myself a bit more. I am a longtime L (and l.) bryer and garland are anti-gunners. They don't want us to be able to defend ourselves if the gov'ment wants to take our rights and kill us. I disagree. I am retired military. I know that the 2nd amendment is the last level of protection we have from tyranny. I don't take it lightly. You shouldn't either. These guys do. Nuff said.

[@vejymonsta3006]

Murica!

[@A_friend_of_Aristotle]

These two guys are the ONLY candidates that understand the executive branch of government. Clinton wants the power for it's own sake, Trump doesn't understand the position. Folks, if you're dissatisfied with the choice between Clinton and Trump, Johnson/Weld are offering you a better alternative. Take it.

[@vagabondsue5085]

Oh, Bill. I thought you were a stick in the mud. But, to find out; you are more rounded of a speaker than Mr. Johnson. (speaking in broad brush strokes of course).

[@PragmaticCulture]

Though I and many other Libertarians would've preferred Austin Petersen, Johnson is very much free market and anti-interventionist. He is by far the best presedential option and fairly libertarian.

[@Inncognito777]

+Jeff Saltis Austin needs to win an office, any kind, in the meantime

[@drummerjoe69ful]

If Gary can make it to the debates, he just might have a chance..

[@BronzeEngraver1247]

if he makes it into the debates, he gonna need to really sell free trade and free market healthcare, and especially focus attention of immagration, because if just makes a blanket argument of "we cant deport these people, its madness" etc, etc, he is going to alienate the audience and the general public as whole.

[@walperstyle]

RON PAUL 2012

[@TheMikediaz100]

Central Libertarians???? COUNT ME IN!

[@wesleyogilvie8105]

Gary Johnson must get 15%! We can not afford a Trump or Clinton presidency, nor do we want it!

[@dwspidey318]

"The only problem with Hilary is she is establishment" - Come on Gary you are killing me!

[@billybuchanan385]

best we have got so far other than him saying she is the author of our current military and international endeavors which are a mess

[@dwspidey318]

He did say other negatives but he constantly defends her and its sickening. He talks about this facade of criminal intent which is lunacy. And he is much tougher on Trump. At least shred both. They are your competitors for crying out loud!

[@itshappeningmaybe]

Nick, if you're reading this, thank you for prodding the two of them. They have gotten a lot of heat for being too left-leaning, and I think they deserve a bit of a check from someone like yourself.

[@elcosteno168]

wow! I consider myself a progressive. But I would vote for Johnson and Weld in a second! I will even volunteer to get these two men in the white house.

[@janeprepper177]

Why am I just hearing about these guys TODAY? Is it a "Alphabet News" conspiracy to keep these guys off the air? These guys are great. Added this vid to my facebook.

[@Kleineganz]

I've been following Gary Johnson since his last run for the presidency in 2012 but yeah the mainstream media has really not been covering them much at all (unfortunately).

[@travismonk2804]

These guys are making a lot of sense... I'm sold.

[@Boristien405]

Everyone is changing their votes to Johnson! They see he is the most honest, reasonable, and experienced candidate! Get him to the debates! 🇺🇸

[@tylerl4320]

Yeah, that didn’t happen.

[@Boristien405]

@@tylerl4320 He legit got more votes than almost any LP candidate ever LOL. It did happen; thousands changed their votes coming into the election and the spread of voters decided the outcome in multiple states

[@tylerl4320]

@@Boristien405 He got like 5% of the vote, and most actual libertarians weren’t for him

[@itsarendezvous]

Some of their ideals are most certainly not libertarian but I like them better than everybody else.

[@pidgeon620]

+Ahmad Wright They're moderate Libertarians, which is the most appropriate application of Libertarianism this year. And Gary Johnson always reminds us that he's running for President, not Dictator. He understands our system of government and will abide by the Constitution when in office.

[@Shove72]

Dude - He wants to nominate Napolitano to the SCOTUS as his first act in Office. If Johnson's stance on reproductive freedom is moderate, I'll eat my maxi pads...........

[@pidgeon620]

GARY JOHNSON 2016!!! Shove72 I don't know which will be more awkward for you: eating your maxi pad or finding out that you're wrong. Gary Johnson is a moderate candidate who would be the best possible option for our country. I don't know what your problem is with his stance on women's reproductive rights, but I believe that the only person who is qualified to make decisions about it is the woman herself. That is Gary Johnson's stance as well.

[@nakoagnosis2645]

There are different types of Libertarians man.

[@nakoagnosis2645]

The religious people should just let the woman work that out with the creator themselves... aka FREE WILL. It is one of the 20 or so universal laws, along with the law of Polarity, law of Gender, law of Light, law of Causation aka cause & effect etc..

[@_Chev_Chelios]

Gary is impossible to listen to. His weird whining and slouchy posture is unpresidential and unappealing.

[@simplestatic]

but you would consider whining and name calling(Trump) is more "presidential"?

[@carneroscam78]

Agreed. He needs to go through some sort of public persona boot camp. Sit up straight, speak in a more even tone, don't contort the face -- and for the love of God, permanently drop all utterances of "look" and "at the end of the day".

[@_Chev_Chelios]

simplestatic, I did not make any comment about Trump. #priceofteainchina

[@_Chev_Chelios]

Jeff Saltis, You don't know who "my candidate" is or even if I have one, lol! Jeff, don't you know what happens when you assume? Me telling the truth about Gary will not be what stops him from getting many votes. His messy messaging and odd-looking relationship with Weld will do that. BTW Jeff, I'm a libertarian. doh.

[@mrtron1850]

Better than Crooked Hillary or Doofy Donald. That's for sure.

[@el300cdg4]

GARY JOHNSON 2016

[@ElGeecho]

The more I hear from him, the more it's obvious that Weld doesn't belong on a Libertarian ticket.

[@FillingtheVoidRevues]

Weld seems really dispassionate..He rubs me the wrong way, and there's clips of him praising Obama, showing that he doesn't understand the 2nd amendment and calling Hillary a "good kid."

[@ElGeecho]

***** , if you're replying to me, then you're mistaken. I hate Trump's guts. I don't like Weld because of his stances on gun control, his bad supreme court recommendations, and his tendency to praise Hillary at every opportunity.

[@noyb154]

Get them in the polls!! Talk about DNC fix, this is just as bad. Guaranteed DNC and RNC both try to keep these guys out of the media polls.

[@xcableguy536]

Amazed at how quick the Republicans took over the Libertarian party

[@dallaswwood]

I think Weld would be a better debater than Johnson. Johnson is great, but he has a tendency to make goofy faces when he's talking.

[@lukasnummer1]

Partly that´s due to a nerve disease developed after a sports accident.

[@TROLOLOLOLOLOLOLEWL]

Johnson/Weld 2016 ONLY SANE CHOICE. VOTE OUTSIDE THE RED AND BLUE BOX.

[@nakoagnosis2645]

EVERYONE PLEASE SPREAD THESE VIDEOS BY SOCIAL MEDIA! ~ & Go get your bumper stickers & yard signs and proudly stand up and Vote Libertarian! JOHNSON / WELD 2016!!

[@VarietyVlogVV]

Bill Weld is basically a centrist with libertarian leanings, but I saw libertarians supporting Rand Paul who is a conservative with libertarian leanings. Libertarian-ism is just as far away from centrist ideology as it is far away from conservatism. Why are libertarians who liked Rand Paul dismissing Bill Weld?

[@simplestatic]

especially when Rand Paul alluded to endorsing Johnson on twitter

[@swordarmstudios6052]

Centrism is something of a silly idea because it implies a Binary equation to human beleif systems, and that is not how human beings think. However So long as people are in principle for efficent goverment, for respecting peoples rights, and understanding the general principles of a constitution I'm all for them. I would actually call centrism and libertarianism is actually getting closer, especially if it takes the sensible, rational approach to centrism ... ie efficent goverment with carefully enumerated and limited powers, faith in marketplaces and social tolerance. I don't expect everyone to be in love wth the NAP, most people don't even know what that is, and you have to sell something people can understand without requiring them to read a Road to Serfdom. Libertarianism should be a reasoned philosophy ... which requires restraint and anaylsis, not internet hate sex. I'm a libertarian, and I always liked Bill Weld. But libertarians are a faction just like any other, and factions make people stupid. I'll probally abandon the party right before it gets a majority, just because people in large groups will always be stupid zombies ... and we are starting to see the begining of that already.

[@VarietyVlogVV]

Bryan Winter as someone who works in libertarian campaigns, I don't see factionism as a major problem in the party, but rather I see individualism as an overarching theme. This isn't a bad thing, it just makes people within in the party unwilling to accept a candidate that doesn't perfectly fit their ideals.

[@StageMan57]

I'd like to know..."why Weld"? I'm 59, and I'm from Massachusetts for 57 of those years. I lived in and around Boston from the age of 30. I know how Weld ran the State. I just wish these guys really researched their running mates before they committed.

[@Lem0nsquid]

i feel as though weld would serve better as president. however im still voting for johnson/weld the way it is

[@Inncognito777]

Johnson chose Weld doe

[@michelebaffo5741]

What a pleasant breath of fresh air! . Now let's ask why large parts of the electorate don't even know or want to know what these guys have to offer. Whatever that is (duopoly? campaign funding? state of the media? state of the electorate?), it's an essential problem. . I have long regretted that the U.S. system doesn't use coalitions. It would likely render a smaller force like the Libertarians essential in forming the winning coalition. I think it would exert beautiful pressure on the established parties to be just reasonable. And it would offer the right valve to a mostly grudging electorate like this year. A vote for the Libertarians (or any other smaller group) wouldn't mean to effectively abstain. It would mean to give them more leverage in negotiating a coalition and its policies. And, once voting 'third-party' were common enough, in a terrible year like this one the Libertarians might as well come out on top.

[@koreyford3322]

"There's a six lane highway going right down the middle but no one wants to drive it"- Johnson/Weld I'm in! Two heads are better than one. Have ever seen two men more comfortable with each other. They are a true example of team if Ive ever seen one

[@IMissLiberty]

No, they're polling higher among millenials because the millenials don't get their news from the old media. Their parents would poll similarly if they got their news elsewhere.

[@jeffreystevens8042]

I like Weld more in the interviews, but regardless, this is the best ticket of 2016.

[@fredschwarz3334]

I'll be voting for them....but these are the least libertarian people ever to top the Libertarian Party ticket. How could Gillespie not press then on Freedom of Association. Whatever one thinks of bakers who don't want to bake cakes for gay wedding, no "libertarian" could POSSIBLY endorse the notion that they should be compelled to do so. Shame on Nick for not asking about this.

[@Ebacherville]

I think the majority of the libertarian party knows that they will never get elected as "all out" libertarians.. and baby steps towards freedom and liberty are needed. We know how government works , they use incremental steps towards less and less freedoms.. this is the counter to that progress.. incidental steps away from tyranny. Were adding ice cubes to the frog in the pot on the stove.

[@fredschwarz3334]

Ebacherville Reasonable. But wouldn't you think the party standard-bearer would at LEAST pay lip service to the idea of Freedom of Association?

[@Boristien405]

They are statistically over 95% Libertarian.

[@johnmills2786]

Seriously? The gay wedding cake issue is what bothers you? How about their not endorsing privatizing all roads? What about the fact that Gary isn't advocating zero taxes when he takes office? First, I think there are reasons why libertarians should endorse the notion of state interference in business discrimination; it is at least debatable as to how the NAP applies. Far more importantly, however, is that if we can get to where that's the serious national issue to be discussed, then we've come such a long, long, way, baby.

[@fredschwarz3334]

If you think freedom of association is a trivial issue, you are a confused libertarian indeed.

[@margaretbaker2874]

I like Johnson, he is so passionate and truthful. Weld is very peaceful and seems sweet. I am a fan. These are people I could actually meet and be at ease.

[@ITSbigwillystyle]

"Wow our nation is slowly turning into a similar situation as Brazil or South Africa, but at least we still got MUH CONSTITUTION"

[@ITSbigwillystyle]

***** We also face many troubles the founders weren't facing as well, my friend. Things the constitution doesn't explicitly address, or those which have since been repealed. Some issues we face were addressed with old legislation that has since been repealed or replaced. The constitution has no value to the current establishment, it is disobeyed and manipulated at will. We don't need a politician who clings to this crippled edifice that is ill-equipped to deal with our current woes, we need a Leviathan to wreck the system and produce anew, and create fertile ground for liberty to flourish again.

[@ITSbigwillystyle]

***** Listen to you, you sound like a communist. You need to quit hanging onto these bogeyman the left hangs over your head as a means to castrate you and render you not a threat. Hitler breathed oxygen too, does that mean you and I are like Hitler? Get it together man, the left is waging a war on the liberties of Americans, they have control of the mass media. I can't think of anything more laughable and worthy of ridicule than someone believing clinging to "muh constitutional values" is going to win the fight against them, when they trample on that document at their pleasure. The founding fathers also put forth sentiments that blood would need to be shed to water the "tree of liberty". Now, hopefully it doesn't come to that, but in an age where your enemy doesn't follow the rules, you *cannot* afford to play by them.

[@donAllister]

Great interview. I am hopeful the pragmatic libertarian gains ground. I don't see how the ideas, the concept, can fail in the long run.

[@MichaelJamesonofgoogle]

It's really unfortunate that Gary and Bill were the nominees. Austin Peterson and Larry Sharpe would have gotten us to over 15% I guarantee it.

[@foreman1975]

I was undecided who to vote for , but now I know I will vote for Gary!!!!

[@Rikishade1]

Although I do not agree with Johnson's views on Campaign finance, the trans pacific partnership, private prisons, healthcare, and his very non-interventionist stance on foreign policy he is still far preferable to the w remaining alter 2 alternatives and that is why I'm voting libertarian.

[@0Sirk0]

Super glad I watched this. Tell your kids

[@noControl556]

You cannot let Hillary off that easy if you are going to sway any Trump supporters.

[@JubileeGiggles]

i appreciate how they give insight into the actual powers the president has, rather than the "I will" statements of the other candidates.

[@Chaaos2]

I'm libertarian and I am not voting for GJ and especially not Bill weld.. The Libertarian party fucked up by not electing Austin Peterson.

[@quintessenceSL]

I am looking forward to seeing Weld in the debates. I may not agree with his stance on a lot of issues, but he puts forth cogent arguments which is the start of building consensus.

[@tg798]

Austin wasn't that bad but he was cringey af

[@kingBRANDONcastle]

Who are you voting for?

[@PragmaticCulture]

If Austin Petersen had spoken less formulaic during the debates and more open on a true Libertarian mindset he could've won.

[@EileenTheCr0w]

+quintessenceSL if he makes it..

[@MegaStrive]

Sorry no matter how right these guys are they don't have a chance.... why take 5 to 10 percent of the votes? Waste of resources

[@Ebacherville]

Thank you Reason TV, and thanks to Gary and Bill!

[@mscorpglobaltransportation1383]

although I don't agree with them on every issue I wish they had a chance

[@thefpvlife7785]

I'm not a millennial. I'm in my forties and I'm so glad that I came across this video.

[@brandonbuchner1771]

Every time I hear Bill say "duopoly" I hear "doo-wop-oly" and imagine The Temptations in office.

[@ginasanchez2301]

The fake third party choice

[@JohnMichaelStrubhart2022]

The most sane available choice.

[@g00se99]

If I was American I could never vote for anyone who personally like Hillary Clinton. I consider that to be a damning association or statement.

[@jagrider9234]

The whole problem with Hillary is that she has power on her mind. Im sure she's a nice person, but she lies to get into office. She doesn't have my vote, but excluding the fact shes running for president, and that her future was to be a pleb, she's not that bad.

[@marce11o]

Damn these old guys look GOOD.

[@Philosopheee]

Look at these two guys. I love this. Will vote

[@pbkayakyer]

Not gonna do it!!! They're poor excuses for libertarians

[@VeniVidiVid]

Agreed, in many respects they may be. You know who are even worse excuses for libertarians...?

[@Vorpal_Wit]

I'll take a shitty Libertarian over whatever the fuck those other two are, any day, all day.

[@BoxRadishScissors]

They're better than a corrupt, compulsive liar and corrupt, draft dodging man-child.

[@cgmcnama]

Your "ideal" Libertarian would never win. It's not getting what you want it is about compromise. Sorry, but all the boos for requiring a driver's license at the Libertarian Convention is crazier then Trump.

[@markkilian1859]

enjoy voting for tyranny then

[@Stranded360]

Why did we pick gary johnson again?

[@Moore-s5p]

true libertarians are pro-life

[@gallardohairstudio9934]

the future. thank GOD.

[@johndillard7625]

Best team in decades. I'm in!

[@casey8182]

maximize freedom, end the fed

[@stevemcgee99]

THE FUTURE IS WIDE OPEN!

[@mepemcl]

Bill Weld for 2020!

[@Terminxman]

What I just don't fucking get...is that people are acting like illegal immigration should just be allowed. How does that make sense?

[@brianh1546]

Once your party makes them citizens guess what party they'll probably vote for.

[@RougeSamurai77]

Well they aren't republicans even though Reagan gave them amnesty.

[@As3sinoL0C0]

This dumb argument implies that "it's wrong because it's illegal" which is a ridiculous way to judge laws.

[@RougeSamurai77]

It is wrong because there are a bunch of people waiting to immigrate legally and then some retarded idiot swims over the Rio grand and starts collecting benefits.

[@asimchillify]

+Cross Roads Productions But it is a problem that simply cannot be stopped.

[@FourthRoot]

#FeelTheJohnson

[@benjaminfirth2890]

Finally. Finally. Something to believe in and support. I was feeling so helpless politically before. Johnson and Weld have my vote now.

[@DCUPtoejuice]

If there has ever been a year to "throw away your vote" this is the one.

[@PlayKingJosiah]

Ayyeee

[@ronpaulrevered]

Cringe

[@HADA_DAO]

what are sacred cows?

[@Snoopod]

I'm all for Johnson/Weld, but living in a swing state I have a tough decision to make. I only have one vote, and given our highly flawed single vote system, I might just have to go Hillary to ensure we don't get Trump. If only we had a single transferable voting.

[@samuelegbert2837]

You don't have to do that. Gary only needs a little more support to get to 15% to be in the debates. Once the hive minded people of America see that there is a third option, and a viable one that is gaining ground, they will all flock over. Gary just needs the early support from people like you and me to get him momentum : )

[@Kai-tn4yx]

+DailyLGS You are right. If I lived in a swing state, I would vote for Hillary to prevent Trump. I suggest you do the same. However, living in a safe blue state, voting for Johnson/Weld is affordable.

[@RCmack]

The television networks should have allowed Gary Johnson to debate with Trump and Hillary Clinton. Perhaps Trump and Hillary would have been afraid to have Johnson debate the issues with them. I believe Johnson would have a shot of winning a debate with Trump and Hillary. I think a lot of folks who don't want Trump to win the Presidency are afraid if they vote for Johnson, it would be like voting for Trump. Johnson and Ward's ideas make sense, but not enough folks know about them, which is unfortunate

[@FAITHandLOGIC]

Weld should be the Presidential candidate with Johnson as the VP

[@CameronKiesser]

I feel you. So true.

[@johndillard7625]

They're a team. You get both. Who cares who is at the top of the ticket. By voting for this team, you're voting for honesty and competence.

[@Voysh2Voysh69]

Johnson & Weld had stated at the CNN Town Hall that they are a co-Presidency. They would share the same staff and run the Oval Office together. So you technically are getting Bill Weld as President. Gary Johnson admitted that he looks up to Weld and would be willing to defer certain areas to him.

[@firefoxhits]

Nathan, you can't be serious? This country is in danger. If Trump loses and Hillary gets in, that is the the start of the loss of freedoms and liberties as the globalists take control. How do you not see this? The Libertarians have no hope of winning and a vote for them is a vote against Trump and advantage for Crooked Hillary! You want to vote Libertarian, you vote for them in 2020 when the Republicans are in power and you have your freedoms guaranteed and then have a choice between republicans and Libertarians. Think this through.

[@CameronKiesser]

Get Jill Stein then!!!

[@Garybpilot]

I just did a video on Gary Johnson on my channel! Check it out!

[@bsmith6784]

Is it just me or does Weld sound like Sully (Richard McGonagle) from Uncharted? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpqVZJujjLeMd68

[@robertjohnston6723]

Trump/Pence 2016! Hillary for prison 2016! I'll vote for Hillary before I vote for this snake in the grass, a wolf in sheep clothing!!!

[@jimmynickels4326]

Ones of their best interviews yet.

[@74MOOGLY]

Pitiful excuses for Libertarians...they might as well vote for Clinton instead of themselves. Nick...the Jacket is on point.

[@exa121RETURNS]

Fuck bullies and fuck sociopathic politicians/fear-mongers. GARY JOHNSON 4 PREZ

[@TimJSwan]

The reason that people polarize is because they can't vote according to their beliefs in a system which only takes their first vote. You need a topological ordering of all the candidates from each voter to get the correct winning candidate.

[@JimSistare]

#NeverTrumpOrClinton #NeverHillaryOrTrump #RiggedSystem #StupidPolls #LiveFree #Libertarian #JohnsonWeld2016 #GaryJohnson #teamgov #YouIn?

[@Vanguard521]

Not perfect by any means - still much better than major party alternatives... Liberty Caucus was ignored - Susan Collins?! Not Thomas Massie?!

[@humbughumbughumbug]

"you could be a social conservative, but don't push that on me" Oh boy. Two years later looking back at this interview, social conservatives are NOT what people should be worried about! *Ducks away from Anti-Fa* *Ducks away from Hollywood* *Ducks away from colleges*

[@fosforus1588]

+ReasonTV Thanks for posting this! I also recommend checking mic volumes better next time. Thanks!

[@maximillianvermontsuperbik2624]

You don't have to vote for CRIMINALS and/or Complete Idiots ! These guys are a viable alternative !