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June 18, 2004
Biterman: Traveling a different route: Bad-who for U.S. President?Traveling a different route: Bad-who for U.S. President? by Aaron J. Biterman |
Richard Mack becomes "American Candidate" finalist
Because of how imbalanced our political system is, there's a very good chance that Richard Mack could reach more people as a Libertarian candidate from Showtime's "American Candidate" show than LP nominee Michael Badnarik will be able to reach through a traditional third-party campaign. Only if he wins the prize, though. Otherwise, Badnarik will probably get more net exposure.
Either way, way to go Richard Mack! Represent!
Be sure to stop by his American Candidate home page and add yourself as a supporter. You don't need to sign up or anything to do so.
The Salt Lake Tribune -- It's Showtime! Utahn makes cut to 'run' for office
...
Mack, a Provo resident and former Utah gubernatorial candidate for the Libertarian Party, has a much bigger platform for his vision of America -- a reality show on the cable channel Showtime.
Mack is one of 12 finalists for a new summer series called "American Candidate," an "unscripted" program premiering Aug. 1 in which a dozen hopefuls compete for a shot at $200,000 and national air time to run for president of the United States as the "People's Candidate."
In order to participate, Mack had to pull out of the Utah governor race. He faxed his intent to withdraw late last week, said former campaign manager Rob Latham.
"When this opportunity raised its head, I said, 'Man, I better grab it,' " Mack said from his Provo home Tuesday. "For me, to turn down this opportunity . . . would be very foolish."
...
Mack is a former Arizona county sheriff who says he is now a law-enforcement consultant, author and public speaker on "constitutional issues." During the governor race, he campaigned for less government, more states' rights, repeal of the Patriot Act, dismantling the IRS and the Department of Education and doing away with gun control laws.
...
The Sayings of Candidate Badnarik
I found this compilation of quote snippets to be a very distortive and fairly irresponsible piece of journalism. At first I was inclined to lay the blame on Badnarik, for saying stuff that begged to be smeared...but if you read through the reporter's full interview profile, you can see a much fuller (and more accurate) representation of reality.
It's a shame the reporter (or editor) didn't allow for a substantial article as the primary piece. I doubt many of the paper's reader's went online to go read the background notes.
The Austin Chronicle: News: The Sayings of Candidate Badnarik
June 10, 2004
FoxNews Q & A with Micael Badnarik
FOXNews.com - You Decide 2004 - Transcripts: Badnarik is Libertarian's Pick for President
June 09, 2004
FoxNews.com Candidate Profile: Michael Badnarik
FOXNews.com - You Decide 2004 - Candidate Profile: Michael Badnarik, Libertarian Party
June 08, 2004
Browne: In Praise of the Libertarian Party
In Praise of the Libertarian Party
by Harry Browne
June 4, 2004
With the Libertarian Party (LP) on television last weekend choosing its presidential nominee, it’s time for the smug, superior types to come out of the woodwork and tell us what a sorry spectacle the party is.
Every four years around this time we get statements like these from libertarians who aren’t in the party:
"The Libertarian Party has finished its regularly scheduled exercise in futility."
"The LP has displayed a genius for assigning itself a role in American politics akin to irrelevance."
As though that weren’t bad enough, disgruntled party members also level broadsides when they don’t get what they want:
"The LP attempted to shoot itself in the foot by not nominating [Aaron Russo] for president."
I recently received an email message from someone asking, "If the LP was a stock that you (or I) had bought 20 years ago, based on its performance would you still be holding onto it?" — as though I would choose a political party or organization of any kind in the same way I would choose a stock.
After 33 years in operation, the LP presidential candidate has never received more than 1% of the vote, the party has elected less than a thousand office-holders, and currently has no one in Congress or a state legislature.
The armchair quarterbacks inside and outside the party know just what the party needs to do to reverse its fortunes. It must focus on a particular issue to the exclusion of all other topics, stage the right kind of media events, conduct a campaign that’s more "in your face," merge campaigns with another third party, tone down the message, or find a celebrity to carry the party’s banner.
If only it were so easy.
The armchair quarterbacks pay no attention to the obstacles that the LP is up against. Nor do they recognize the tremendous good the LP does.
...
June 07, 2004
Libertarian presidential nominee is member of Free State Project
AP Wire | 06/04/2004 | Libertarian presidential nominee is member of Free State Project
Badnarik choosing principles over paychecks
Badnarik choosing principles over paychecks - PittsburghLIVE.com
...
Even though money is tight, Badnarik and his party will not apply for federal campaign finance funds. And unlike the two dominant parties that take tens of millions in federal dollars to subsidize their conventions, Libertarians insist on paying their own way. Always.
"Our principle is that we do not take other people's tax money for our own benefit," Badnarik said.
...
June 03, 2004
It Usually Begins With...Michael Badnarik?
It Usually Begins With...Michael Badnarik? by Jerome Tuccille
Worried Democrats work hard to keep Nader off the ballot
How ironic is it that members of a party called the Democratic Party would be working to keep a candidate from getting on election ballots?
Guardian Unlimited | US elections 2004 | Worried Democrats work hard to keep Nader off the ballot
Surprised Texan is Libertarian nominee
Surprised Texan is Libertarian nominee
The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - June 02, 2004
June 01, 2004
L.N. Smith: Michael Badnarik: The LP Picks a Winner
Michael Badnarik: The LP Picks a Winner, by L. Neil Smith
...
The simple truth is that the freedom movement needs every single individual of intelligence, competence, and integrity that it can find right now. The LP is the last hope that the America we remember has left.
All of us must begin telling everyone we know—especially if they're not libertarians—that if they're fed up with this mess the Republicans have made in Iraq and Afghanistan, if they want to see the USA Patriot Act go down in flames, along with all the unconstitutional intrusions and limitations that it has inflicted on us, if they want to see drug laws, the income tax, and federal gun laws repealed, and if they don't believe life under a Kerry Administration would be any better than it has been under Bush, their only option is to see both "major" parties shocked and embarrassed by a high turnout for Michael Badnarik.
...
Bob Smith: The Libertarian candidate has been chosen
excerpt:
Michael Badnarik may be the epitome of an American citizen candidate, drafted and endorsed to run for the highest office we have. It is no accident that his campaign opponents had nothing but good things to say about him. I met Michael when he attended and spoke at our Minnesota LP convention. He is hardly a typical politician. He listens more than he speaks, but when he does speak, it is from his heart with sincere, bold, and well-considered words. Badnarik's website is http://www.badnarik.org/
As Badnarik said in his acceptance speech:
What we have in 2004 is a unique
opportunity to change the world.
The United States was once a beacon of liberty to the world that gave hope to unfree people around the globe. Our national image no longer reflects those rays of hope, but it CAN do so once again, IF we can have the courage to send a message to Washington that we want a return to what made our nation great... LIBERTY. We must find the sense and courage to retake control of our government from the parties that have inflicted us with both international and domestic destruction.
I know that a great many of you reading this are incensed about the loss of 800+ of our best and brightest in a war that should never have been started. Badnarik, when elected, would bring our troops home from Iraq immediately. That position alone should be enough to get you to help him and vote for him. He would put an end to the disastrous War on Drugs, and much more that you are likely to find refreshing and positive. He is obviously a man to whom honor and honesty are much more than slogans.
As a Libertarian, I'm proud to have Michael Badnarik representing our party. I strongly urge you to get to know him, and to seriously consider just how wonderful it would be to have an honest man sitting in the White House.
May 31, 2004
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
The Libertarian Party gave its presidential nomination to Michael Badnarik on Sunday at a convention that featured something those of the two major parties will lack: suspense.
...
May 30, 2004
Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
LP News Online: July 2004: Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
Trinward: Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
This is from April, before Badnarik won the nomination (which happened today).
Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
By Steve Trinward
Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
BostonHerald.com - National News: Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
Atlanta - Michael Badnarik says ``there's no reason'' he can't take President Bush's place in the White House.
The Texan bases his optimism on winning the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination today.
Badnarik is a 49-year-old computer programmer from Austin who also teaches a course in constitutional law.
The Libertarian Party was formed in 1971 and stresses individual rights over the power of government. It claims nearly 600 elected officials across the country -- almost all of them in city or local government.
More than 800 delegates attended the convention in Atlanta.
Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
ATLANTA (AP) - Michael Badnarik, a computer programmer from Texas, won the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination on Sunday.
Badnarik, 49, of Austin, defeated former Hollywood movie producer Aaron Russo on the convention's third ballot, after former radio host Gary Nolan, who was eliminated on the second ballot, endorsed Badnarik.
``If I can win the nomination, there's no reason I can't win this election,'' Badnarik told a cheering convention that drew more than 800 delegates.
Badnarik teaches a course in constitutional law.
Formed in 1971, the Libertarian Party stresses the rights of individuals over the power of government, and a foreign policy of noninterference. It claims nearly 600 elected officials nationwide, almost entirely in city or county positions, and has been on the presidential ballot in all 50 states for the last three elections.
May 28, 2004
May 27, 2004
Survey: Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
May 26, 2004--Nineteen percent (19%) of Americans would consider voting for Aaron Russo if they knew he would end the War in Iraq and bring our troops home. Russo is a candidate for the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination.
If those surveyed knew that Russo was the only candidate who opposed a military draft, he would attract 14% of the vote in a three-way race with George Bush and John Kerry.
These results are from a national telephone survey of 500 adults conducted by Rasmussen Reports on May 23, 2004. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The survey was commissioned by Aaron Russo for President.
...
May 22, 2004
Bush's Third-Party Threat
I wrote about this article (and the two main Libertarian presidential campaigns) at my main blog.
CBS News | Bush's Third-Party Threat
May 21, 2004
While Democrats fret over the possibility of Ralph Nader causing them to lose another election by stealing votes on the left, President Bush may face an even greater third-party threat from the right wing. The Libertarian Party nominee could cost Mr. Bush his job in 2004.
...
May 21, 2004
Ferguson: Nolan/ Badnarik in 2004!
I'm reprinting this opinion piece by Mike Ferguson in full because I'm not certain that his commentary, which is posted directly on his main home page, will remain available at that location.
This month's Libertarian National Convention is sure to be eventful, as our Presidential campaigns have all developed both staunch supporters and opponents. I have met all three of the top-tier candidates and will admit that I struggled for a long time over which candidate - Gary Nolan or Michael Badnarik - would get my support for the nomination.
After being involved with this race, first in my role with the LP Presidential Straw Poll and most recently in my role as a Libertarian candidate for statewide office I have come to the conclusion that we need both Gary and Michael on our ticket.
Gary Nolan should be the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States this year.
Gary is the highest profile candidate we have when it comes to public name recognition. Despite the constant assertions from the Aaron Russo campaign to the contrary, Gary Nolan is better known to the general public.
Consider this for a moment for a moment: who is certain to have more name recognition, the candidate who has spent years at the microphone on a nationally-syndicated radio program that bears his name or the candidate who developed a career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry?
Gary Nolan tackled the issues of the day and has taken the message of freedom to the airwaves in dozens of markets throughout America during his time on the air. In addition to his work in radio, Gary has also logged plenty of time in real world politics. Anyone can talk about the way government should operate but not everyone backs it up by being involved in Washington politics. Gary's experience as the President of Capitol Watch and as a board member of Free the Eagle (an activist group that fights tax increases) is important to the Libertarian Party in this election cycle. It gives Gary the working knowledge of the issues Americans care about and the political credibility we need at the top of our ticket.
In addition to his impressive resume, Gary is a man of integrity. His passion for freedom is more evident to me every time I speak with him. Gary has put his personal and professional life on hold for well over a year now in order to present the message of freedom, Constitutionally-limited government and the Libertarian Party to anyone who will listen to him.
Gary is an excellent spokesman for our party and for our message. He has the right background, the right communication style and the right image to be an effective Presidential nominee.
Speaking of image, it is appropriate to address the importance of presenting a "Presidential" image and the controversies surrounding Aaron Russo's erratic behavior during this campaign. Like it or not, image is important. Our Presidential nominee will represent the Libertarian Party, our state and local candidates, our membership and our philosophy to the public. We must not take the risk of nominating someone who presents a realistic risk of harming our efforts at all levels of activism with a Libertarian "Howard Dean moment" like the one that fatally derailed the former Vermont Governor's credibility and bid for the Democratic nomination.
After hearing and reading about some of the actions in question, I decided to call some people who attended the various state conventions and were present to witness them. What I was told by those who saw the events first hand troubled me. The people I contacted are not on the Nolan campaign staff. I wanted independent confirmation of what happened. Here is what I learned:
At the New York convention, an attractive woman was about to ask Mr. Russo a question. Before she could ask, he joked "No, I won't sleep with you." At the Florida convention, Mr. Russo held up a bottle of beer and declared "This is my passion" in response to a political topic of discussion.
Of course, there is also the now infamous "belt buckle incident" at the Maryland convention. When being questioned by Carol Moore, who is a vocal Russo critic, he stepped off the stage while reaching for his belt buckle. Russo moved toward Moore and asked her to "help" him with the buckle
I am the first to acknowledge that Ms. Moore can be abrasive and disrespectful to those she does not agree with. During the course of the LP Presidential Straw Poll, I have also been the target of her criticism on more than one occasion.
The Russo campaign has worked hard to spin the story as either a complete misunderstanding, saying he genuinely needed help with his belt buckle (an explanation that insults basic human intelligence), or as a harmless joke blown out of proportion by someone who is working against his campaign. Either way, this is not the behavior and image we want to present to the public.
Being able to conduct yourself with class in the face of those who attack you is critical for someone who hopes to lead a political party as a Presidential nominee. The public needs to hear the real solutions we have to the issues they care about. That message will not be heard if the messenger himself is a distraction. That is why we need Gary Nolan at the top of our ticket. His engaging approach to communicating the message of freedom makes people want to listen to him.
So, what about the second spot on the Libertarian ticket? We have our man for that job, too
Michael Badnarik is the ideal choice for the Libertarian Party's nomination for Vice President of the United States.
To question Michael's passion for the Constitution, for liberty and for building the Libertarian Party would be a waste of time. His quest for our nomination is truly a labor of the love of freedom. He began this campaign as a locally-known activist in Texas and has now established himself as a devoted campaigner, a hard worker and a genuine expert on the U.S. Constitution.
Michael's aggressive, yet dignified, style of public speaking is exactly what we need in the V.P. role. The Libertarian Party needs to keep him on the campaign trail.
While Michael Badnarik is still running for our Presidential nomination, he has already publicly stated that we will accept the Vice Presidential nod. The fact that Michael is still "Lighting the Fires of Liberty, One Heart At a Time" after a year and a half of constant travel and shoestring budgets is a testament to Michael as a person and as a candidate.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to know both Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik. Both men have proven their ability and willingness to live on the campaign trail. Both men have proven their ability and desire to use their campaigns to support statewide and local Libertarian candidates. I have personally campaigned with both men and look forward to continuing to work with both Gary and Michael as I run for Missouri Lieutenant Governor this year.
Neither Gary nor Michael is basing his campaign on grandiose promises. Their campaigns are based on hard work, personal integrity, an understanding of reality, the realization that respect is to be earned, not demanded and a dedication to personally delivering our message all over the United States.
Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik, in that order, is an effective top of the ticket team for the Libertarian Party. I hope our delegates recognize this in Atlanta this month
May 20, 2004
McCullagh on Russo et al: Spamming for office
Spamming for office - News - ZDNet
COMMENTARY--Aaron Russo wants your vote so badly, he's willing to spam you for it.
Last week, Russo, a Hollywood producer who is running for president as a Libertarian Party candidate, fired off thousands of unsolicited e-mail messages announcing his campaign and asking recipients to "help support Russo financially" with "automatic monthly contributions."
Russo, whose films include "The Rose" and "Trading Places," is not alone. Political spam has become a thoroughly nonpartisan communications technique, with Democrats, Republicans and third parties alike turning to bulk e-mail in numbers that are still small but steadily increasing. Two percent of all spam is political, according to statistics compiled by antispam vendor Brightmail.
...
May 18, 2004
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
Aaron Russo Readies Race for Governor
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Nevada's next governor could turn out to be a long-time Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and a passionate interest in the defense of individual liberty.
Aaron Russo -- whose production credentials include the films Wise Guys, Trading Places, and The Rose, among others -- has authorized Nevada supporters to begin laying the foundation for a campaign to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Electric Nevada has learned.
Russo himself, after flying into Reno Friday, appeared at a Carson City GOP Lincoln Day event the same evening. A full-blown announcement of his candidacy is currently scheduled for March 22, sources say.
Famed political consultant Lyn Nofziger -- assistant to President Reagan for political affairs from 1981 to 1982 -- is in line to serve as the campaign's chief strategist, according to one source close to Russo.
"That's a 95 percent done deal," the source said.
Nofziger is currently president of Nofziger Communications, a Washington consulting firm. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and later became press secretary for Ronald Reagan's first race for Governor in 1966.
...
1997: Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Two things are notable in this article from just before Aaron Russo's 1998 run for Governor of Nevada: his claims about being "way ahead" and leading "by miles"-- while polls early in the race once it was underway put him 40 points behind the front-runner -- and this little note at the end:
Originally booked for March, the Pioneer Theater kick-off in Reno for the Aaron Russo campaign has been pushed back until May 10. The postponement will allow both the printer and the post office extra time, campaign sources said.
BTW, Russo ultimately got 26% of the primary vote, against 59% for winner Kenny Guinn.
Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Excerpt:
Russo himself says he was amazed in Vegas to find people plucking at him -- as he walked through the audience -- as though he was some kind of rock star.
And he believes the contrast with establishment candidates like former interim UNLV president Kenny Guinn, and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, will be clear.
"Think about this," he challenged the reporter interviewing him. "Think what would happen if Kenny Guinn went to the Pioneer Theater [in Reno] and said 'Come see me,' How many people would show up? There'd be five people in the audience.
"You think if Frankie Sue did it. And then watch what happens when I'm there.
"We're way ahead of anybody. We're not the underdog; we're the leader.
"That's what people have to realize," argues Russo. "I have thousands and thousands of supporters already. And those supporters all want to work, they all want to volunteer.
"So... I look at myself as the person who leads this campaign by miles. By miles. And they're going to have to catch me."
What will make that difficult for establishment candidates, he believes, is that the Russo campaign already has intensely loyal support at the grassroots.
"We have real people who want me to win," says Russo. "We have passion, we have compassion, we have people who are ready to put up money, people who are verbal about what they're doing with me, You know, we have people who are really totally supportive.
"It's like a whole new Perot thing happening -- but from a different point of view than Perot," he said.
...
1998: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Another blast from the past-- Aaron Russo's 1998 campaign for Governor of Nevada.
Washingtonpost.com: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
The most telling bit in this blast from the past was this:
Russo has no campaign manager, no financial chairman, no strategist.
He did back in April of that year-- high-level strategist Lyn Nofziger. But not in this article from August, weeks before the actual primary election. Weird.
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
LAS VEGAS RJ:NEWS: COLUMN: John L. Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 1998
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
From Tahiti to Nevada
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Aaron Russo for Governor?
E! Online News - Aaron Russo for Governor?
by Marcus Errico
Apr 10, 1997, 3:40 PM PT
May 17, 2004
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
May 15, 2004
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
FoxNews Q & A with Micael Badnarik
FOXNews.com - You Decide 2004 - Transcripts: Badnarik is Libertarian's Pick for President
FoxNews.com Candidate Profile: Michael Badnarik
FOXNews.com - You Decide 2004 - Candidate Profile: Michael Badnarik, Libertarian Party
June 08, 2004
Browne: In Praise of the Libertarian Party
In Praise of the Libertarian Party
by Harry Browne
June 4, 2004
With the Libertarian Party (LP) on television last weekend choosing its presidential nominee, it’s time for the smug, superior types to come out of the woodwork and tell us what a sorry spectacle the party is.
Every four years around this time we get statements like these from libertarians who aren’t in the party:
"The Libertarian Party has finished its regularly scheduled exercise in futility."
"The LP has displayed a genius for assigning itself a role in American politics akin to irrelevance."
As though that weren’t bad enough, disgruntled party members also level broadsides when they don’t get what they want:
"The LP attempted to shoot itself in the foot by not nominating [Aaron Russo] for president."
I recently received an email message from someone asking, "If the LP was a stock that you (or I) had bought 20 years ago, based on its performance would you still be holding onto it?" — as though I would choose a political party or organization of any kind in the same way I would choose a stock.
After 33 years in operation, the LP presidential candidate has never received more than 1% of the vote, the party has elected less than a thousand office-holders, and currently has no one in Congress or a state legislature.
The armchair quarterbacks inside and outside the party know just what the party needs to do to reverse its fortunes. It must focus on a particular issue to the exclusion of all other topics, stage the right kind of media events, conduct a campaign that’s more "in your face," merge campaigns with another third party, tone down the message, or find a celebrity to carry the party’s banner.
If only it were so easy.
The armchair quarterbacks pay no attention to the obstacles that the LP is up against. Nor do they recognize the tremendous good the LP does.
...
June 07, 2004
Libertarian presidential nominee is member of Free State Project
AP Wire | 06/04/2004 | Libertarian presidential nominee is member of Free State Project
Badnarik choosing principles over paychecks
Badnarik choosing principles over paychecks - PittsburghLIVE.com
...
Even though money is tight, Badnarik and his party will not apply for federal campaign finance funds. And unlike the two dominant parties that take tens of millions in federal dollars to subsidize their conventions, Libertarians insist on paying their own way. Always.
"Our principle is that we do not take other people's tax money for our own benefit," Badnarik said.
...
June 03, 2004
It Usually Begins With...Michael Badnarik?
It Usually Begins With...Michael Badnarik? by Jerome Tuccille
Worried Democrats work hard to keep Nader off the ballot
How ironic is it that members of a party called the Democratic Party would be working to keep a candidate from getting on election ballots?
Guardian Unlimited | US elections 2004 | Worried Democrats work hard to keep Nader off the ballot
Surprised Texan is Libertarian nominee
Surprised Texan is Libertarian nominee
The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - June 02, 2004
June 01, 2004
L.N. Smith: Michael Badnarik: The LP Picks a Winner
Michael Badnarik: The LP Picks a Winner, by L. Neil Smith
...
The simple truth is that the freedom movement needs every single individual of intelligence, competence, and integrity that it can find right now. The LP is the last hope that the America we remember has left.
All of us must begin telling everyone we know—especially if they're not libertarians—that if they're fed up with this mess the Republicans have made in Iraq and Afghanistan, if they want to see the USA Patriot Act go down in flames, along with all the unconstitutional intrusions and limitations that it has inflicted on us, if they want to see drug laws, the income tax, and federal gun laws repealed, and if they don't believe life under a Kerry Administration would be any better than it has been under Bush, their only option is to see both "major" parties shocked and embarrassed by a high turnout for Michael Badnarik.
...
Bob Smith: The Libertarian candidate has been chosen
excerpt:
Michael Badnarik may be the epitome of an American citizen candidate, drafted and endorsed to run for the highest office we have. It is no accident that his campaign opponents had nothing but good things to say about him. I met Michael when he attended and spoke at our Minnesota LP convention. He is hardly a typical politician. He listens more than he speaks, but when he does speak, it is from his heart with sincere, bold, and well-considered words. Badnarik's website is http://www.badnarik.org/
As Badnarik said in his acceptance speech:
What we have in 2004 is a unique
opportunity to change the world.
The United States was once a beacon of liberty to the world that gave hope to unfree people around the globe. Our national image no longer reflects those rays of hope, but it CAN do so once again, IF we can have the courage to send a message to Washington that we want a return to what made our nation great... LIBERTY. We must find the sense and courage to retake control of our government from the parties that have inflicted us with both international and domestic destruction.
I know that a great many of you reading this are incensed about the loss of 800+ of our best and brightest in a war that should never have been started. Badnarik, when elected, would bring our troops home from Iraq immediately. That position alone should be enough to get you to help him and vote for him. He would put an end to the disastrous War on Drugs, and much more that you are likely to find refreshing and positive. He is obviously a man to whom honor and honesty are much more than slogans.
As a Libertarian, I'm proud to have Michael Badnarik representing our party. I strongly urge you to get to know him, and to seriously consider just how wonderful it would be to have an honest man sitting in the White House.
May 31, 2004
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
The Libertarian Party gave its presidential nomination to Michael Badnarik on Sunday at a convention that featured something those of the two major parties will lack: suspense.
...
May 30, 2004
Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
LP News Online: July 2004: Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
Trinward: Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
This is from April, before Badnarik won the nomination (which happened today).
Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
By Steve Trinward
Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
BostonHerald.com - National News: Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
Atlanta - Michael Badnarik says ``there's no reason'' he can't take President Bush's place in the White House.
The Texan bases his optimism on winning the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination today.
Badnarik is a 49-year-old computer programmer from Austin who also teaches a course in constitutional law.
The Libertarian Party was formed in 1971 and stresses individual rights over the power of government. It claims nearly 600 elected officials across the country -- almost all of them in city or local government.
More than 800 delegates attended the convention in Atlanta.
Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
ATLANTA (AP) - Michael Badnarik, a computer programmer from Texas, won the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination on Sunday.
Badnarik, 49, of Austin, defeated former Hollywood movie producer Aaron Russo on the convention's third ballot, after former radio host Gary Nolan, who was eliminated on the second ballot, endorsed Badnarik.
``If I can win the nomination, there's no reason I can't win this election,'' Badnarik told a cheering convention that drew more than 800 delegates.
Badnarik teaches a course in constitutional law.
Formed in 1971, the Libertarian Party stresses the rights of individuals over the power of government, and a foreign policy of noninterference. It claims nearly 600 elected officials nationwide, almost entirely in city or county positions, and has been on the presidential ballot in all 50 states for the last three elections.
May 28, 2004
May 27, 2004
Survey: Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
May 26, 2004--Nineteen percent (19%) of Americans would consider voting for Aaron Russo if they knew he would end the War in Iraq and bring our troops home. Russo is a candidate for the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination.
If those surveyed knew that Russo was the only candidate who opposed a military draft, he would attract 14% of the vote in a three-way race with George Bush and John Kerry.
These results are from a national telephone survey of 500 adults conducted by Rasmussen Reports on May 23, 2004. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The survey was commissioned by Aaron Russo for President.
...
May 22, 2004
Bush's Third-Party Threat
I wrote about this article (and the two main Libertarian presidential campaigns) at my main blog.
CBS News | Bush's Third-Party Threat
May 21, 2004
While Democrats fret over the possibility of Ralph Nader causing them to lose another election by stealing votes on the left, President Bush may face an even greater third-party threat from the right wing. The Libertarian Party nominee could cost Mr. Bush his job in 2004.
...
May 21, 2004
Ferguson: Nolan/ Badnarik in 2004!
I'm reprinting this opinion piece by Mike Ferguson in full because I'm not certain that his commentary, which is posted directly on his main home page, will remain available at that location.
This month's Libertarian National Convention is sure to be eventful, as our Presidential campaigns have all developed both staunch supporters and opponents. I have met all three of the top-tier candidates and will admit that I struggled for a long time over which candidate - Gary Nolan or Michael Badnarik - would get my support for the nomination.
After being involved with this race, first in my role with the LP Presidential Straw Poll and most recently in my role as a Libertarian candidate for statewide office I have come to the conclusion that we need both Gary and Michael on our ticket.
Gary Nolan should be the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States this year.
Gary is the highest profile candidate we have when it comes to public name recognition. Despite the constant assertions from the Aaron Russo campaign to the contrary, Gary Nolan is better known to the general public.
Consider this for a moment for a moment: who is certain to have more name recognition, the candidate who has spent years at the microphone on a nationally-syndicated radio program that bears his name or the candidate who developed a career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry?
Gary Nolan tackled the issues of the day and has taken the message of freedom to the airwaves in dozens of markets throughout America during his time on the air. In addition to his work in radio, Gary has also logged plenty of time in real world politics. Anyone can talk about the way government should operate but not everyone backs it up by being involved in Washington politics. Gary's experience as the President of Capitol Watch and as a board member of Free the Eagle (an activist group that fights tax increases) is important to the Libertarian Party in this election cycle. It gives Gary the working knowledge of the issues Americans care about and the political credibility we need at the top of our ticket.
In addition to his impressive resume, Gary is a man of integrity. His passion for freedom is more evident to me every time I speak with him. Gary has put his personal and professional life on hold for well over a year now in order to present the message of freedom, Constitutionally-limited government and the Libertarian Party to anyone who will listen to him.
Gary is an excellent spokesman for our party and for our message. He has the right background, the right communication style and the right image to be an effective Presidential nominee.
Speaking of image, it is appropriate to address the importance of presenting a "Presidential" image and the controversies surrounding Aaron Russo's erratic behavior during this campaign. Like it or not, image is important. Our Presidential nominee will represent the Libertarian Party, our state and local candidates, our membership and our philosophy to the public. We must not take the risk of nominating someone who presents a realistic risk of harming our efforts at all levels of activism with a Libertarian "Howard Dean moment" like the one that fatally derailed the former Vermont Governor's credibility and bid for the Democratic nomination.
After hearing and reading about some of the actions in question, I decided to call some people who attended the various state conventions and were present to witness them. What I was told by those who saw the events first hand troubled me. The people I contacted are not on the Nolan campaign staff. I wanted independent confirmation of what happened. Here is what I learned:
At the New York convention, an attractive woman was about to ask Mr. Russo a question. Before she could ask, he joked "No, I won't sleep with you." At the Florida convention, Mr. Russo held up a bottle of beer and declared "This is my passion" in response to a political topic of discussion.
Of course, there is also the now infamous "belt buckle incident" at the Maryland convention. When being questioned by Carol Moore, who is a vocal Russo critic, he stepped off the stage while reaching for his belt buckle. Russo moved toward Moore and asked her to "help" him with the buckle
I am the first to acknowledge that Ms. Moore can be abrasive and disrespectful to those she does not agree with. During the course of the LP Presidential Straw Poll, I have also been the target of her criticism on more than one occasion.
The Russo campaign has worked hard to spin the story as either a complete misunderstanding, saying he genuinely needed help with his belt buckle (an explanation that insults basic human intelligence), or as a harmless joke blown out of proportion by someone who is working against his campaign. Either way, this is not the behavior and image we want to present to the public.
Being able to conduct yourself with class in the face of those who attack you is critical for someone who hopes to lead a political party as a Presidential nominee. The public needs to hear the real solutions we have to the issues they care about. That message will not be heard if the messenger himself is a distraction. That is why we need Gary Nolan at the top of our ticket. His engaging approach to communicating the message of freedom makes people want to listen to him.
So, what about the second spot on the Libertarian ticket? We have our man for that job, too
Michael Badnarik is the ideal choice for the Libertarian Party's nomination for Vice President of the United States.
To question Michael's passion for the Constitution, for liberty and for building the Libertarian Party would be a waste of time. His quest for our nomination is truly a labor of the love of freedom. He began this campaign as a locally-known activist in Texas and has now established himself as a devoted campaigner, a hard worker and a genuine expert on the U.S. Constitution.
Michael's aggressive, yet dignified, style of public speaking is exactly what we need in the V.P. role. The Libertarian Party needs to keep him on the campaign trail.
While Michael Badnarik is still running for our Presidential nomination, he has already publicly stated that we will accept the Vice Presidential nod. The fact that Michael is still "Lighting the Fires of Liberty, One Heart At a Time" after a year and a half of constant travel and shoestring budgets is a testament to Michael as a person and as a candidate.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to know both Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik. Both men have proven their ability and willingness to live on the campaign trail. Both men have proven their ability and desire to use their campaigns to support statewide and local Libertarian candidates. I have personally campaigned with both men and look forward to continuing to work with both Gary and Michael as I run for Missouri Lieutenant Governor this year.
Neither Gary nor Michael is basing his campaign on grandiose promises. Their campaigns are based on hard work, personal integrity, an understanding of reality, the realization that respect is to be earned, not demanded and a dedication to personally delivering our message all over the United States.
Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik, in that order, is an effective top of the ticket team for the Libertarian Party. I hope our delegates recognize this in Atlanta this month
May 20, 2004
McCullagh on Russo et al: Spamming for office
Spamming for office - News - ZDNet
COMMENTARY--Aaron Russo wants your vote so badly, he's willing to spam you for it.
Last week, Russo, a Hollywood producer who is running for president as a Libertarian Party candidate, fired off thousands of unsolicited e-mail messages announcing his campaign and asking recipients to "help support Russo financially" with "automatic monthly contributions."
Russo, whose films include "The Rose" and "Trading Places," is not alone. Political spam has become a thoroughly nonpartisan communications technique, with Democrats, Republicans and third parties alike turning to bulk e-mail in numbers that are still small but steadily increasing. Two percent of all spam is political, according to statistics compiled by antispam vendor Brightmail.
...
May 18, 2004
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
Aaron Russo Readies Race for Governor
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Nevada's next governor could turn out to be a long-time Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and a passionate interest in the defense of individual liberty.
Aaron Russo -- whose production credentials include the films Wise Guys, Trading Places, and The Rose, among others -- has authorized Nevada supporters to begin laying the foundation for a campaign to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Electric Nevada has learned.
Russo himself, after flying into Reno Friday, appeared at a Carson City GOP Lincoln Day event the same evening. A full-blown announcement of his candidacy is currently scheduled for March 22, sources say.
Famed political consultant Lyn Nofziger -- assistant to President Reagan for political affairs from 1981 to 1982 -- is in line to serve as the campaign's chief strategist, according to one source close to Russo.
"That's a 95 percent done deal," the source said.
Nofziger is currently president of Nofziger Communications, a Washington consulting firm. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and later became press secretary for Ronald Reagan's first race for Governor in 1966.
...
1997: Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Two things are notable in this article from just before Aaron Russo's 1998 run for Governor of Nevada: his claims about being "way ahead" and leading "by miles"-- while polls early in the race once it was underway put him 40 points behind the front-runner -- and this little note at the end:
Originally booked for March, the Pioneer Theater kick-off in Reno for the Aaron Russo campaign has been pushed back until May 10. The postponement will allow both the printer and the post office extra time, campaign sources said.
BTW, Russo ultimately got 26% of the primary vote, against 59% for winner Kenny Guinn.
Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Excerpt:
Russo himself says he was amazed in Vegas to find people plucking at him -- as he walked through the audience -- as though he was some kind of rock star.
And he believes the contrast with establishment candidates like former interim UNLV president Kenny Guinn, and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, will be clear.
"Think about this," he challenged the reporter interviewing him. "Think what would happen if Kenny Guinn went to the Pioneer Theater [in Reno] and said 'Come see me,' How many people would show up? There'd be five people in the audience.
"You think if Frankie Sue did it. And then watch what happens when I'm there.
"We're way ahead of anybody. We're not the underdog; we're the leader.
"That's what people have to realize," argues Russo. "I have thousands and thousands of supporters already. And those supporters all want to work, they all want to volunteer.
"So... I look at myself as the person who leads this campaign by miles. By miles. And they're going to have to catch me."
What will make that difficult for establishment candidates, he believes, is that the Russo campaign already has intensely loyal support at the grassroots.
"We have real people who want me to win," says Russo. "We have passion, we have compassion, we have people who are ready to put up money, people who are verbal about what they're doing with me, You know, we have people who are really totally supportive.
"It's like a whole new Perot thing happening -- but from a different point of view than Perot," he said.
...
1998: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Another blast from the past-- Aaron Russo's 1998 campaign for Governor of Nevada.
Washingtonpost.com: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
The most telling bit in this blast from the past was this:
Russo has no campaign manager, no financial chairman, no strategist.
He did back in April of that year-- high-level strategist Lyn Nofziger. But not in this article from August, weeks before the actual primary election. Weird.
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
LAS VEGAS RJ:NEWS: COLUMN: John L. Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 1998
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
From Tahiti to Nevada
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Aaron Russo for Governor?
E! Online News - Aaron Russo for Governor?
by Marcus Errico
Apr 10, 1997, 3:40 PM PT
May 17, 2004
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
May 15, 2004
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Browne: In Praise of the Libertarian Party
In Praise of the Libertarian Party
by Harry Browne
June 4, 2004
With the Libertarian Party (LP) on television last weekend choosing its presidential nominee, it’s time for the smug, superior types to come out of the woodwork and tell us what a sorry spectacle the party is.
Every four years around this time we get statements like these from libertarians who aren’t in the party:
"The Libertarian Party has finished its regularly scheduled exercise in futility."
"The LP has displayed a genius for assigning itself a role in American politics akin to irrelevance."
As though that weren’t bad enough, disgruntled party members also level broadsides when they don’t get what they want:
"The LP attempted to shoot itself in the foot by not nominating [Aaron Russo] for president."
I recently received an email message from someone asking, "If the LP was a stock that you (or I) had bought 20 years ago, based on its performance would you still be holding onto it?" — as though I would choose a political party or organization of any kind in the same way I would choose a stock.
After 33 years in operation, the LP presidential candidate has never received more than 1% of the vote, the party has elected less than a thousand office-holders, and currently has no one in Congress or a state legislature.
The armchair quarterbacks inside and outside the party know just what the party needs to do to reverse its fortunes. It must focus on a particular issue to the exclusion of all other topics, stage the right kind of media events, conduct a campaign that’s more "in your face," merge campaigns with another third party, tone down the message, or find a celebrity to carry the party’s banner.
If only it were so easy.
The armchair quarterbacks pay no attention to the obstacles that the LP is up against. Nor do they recognize the tremendous good the LP does.
...
Libertarian presidential nominee is member of Free State Project
AP Wire | 06/04/2004 | Libertarian presidential nominee is member of Free State Project
Badnarik choosing principles over paychecks
Badnarik choosing principles over paychecks - PittsburghLIVE.com
...
Even though money is tight, Badnarik and his party will not apply for federal campaign finance funds. And unlike the two dominant parties that take tens of millions in federal dollars to subsidize their conventions, Libertarians insist on paying their own way. Always.
"Our principle is that we do not take other people's tax money for our own benefit," Badnarik said.
...
June 03, 2004
It Usually Begins With...Michael Badnarik?
It Usually Begins With...Michael Badnarik? by Jerome Tuccille
Worried Democrats work hard to keep Nader off the ballot
How ironic is it that members of a party called the Democratic Party would be working to keep a candidate from getting on election ballots?
Guardian Unlimited | US elections 2004 | Worried Democrats work hard to keep Nader off the ballot
Surprised Texan is Libertarian nominee
Surprised Texan is Libertarian nominee
The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - June 02, 2004
June 01, 2004
L.N. Smith: Michael Badnarik: The LP Picks a Winner
Michael Badnarik: The LP Picks a Winner, by L. Neil Smith
...
The simple truth is that the freedom movement needs every single individual of intelligence, competence, and integrity that it can find right now. The LP is the last hope that the America we remember has left.
All of us must begin telling everyone we know—especially if they're not libertarians—that if they're fed up with this mess the Republicans have made in Iraq and Afghanistan, if they want to see the USA Patriot Act go down in flames, along with all the unconstitutional intrusions and limitations that it has inflicted on us, if they want to see drug laws, the income tax, and federal gun laws repealed, and if they don't believe life under a Kerry Administration would be any better than it has been under Bush, their only option is to see both "major" parties shocked and embarrassed by a high turnout for Michael Badnarik.
...
Bob Smith: The Libertarian candidate has been chosen
excerpt:
Michael Badnarik may be the epitome of an American citizen candidate, drafted and endorsed to run for the highest office we have. It is no accident that his campaign opponents had nothing but good things to say about him. I met Michael when he attended and spoke at our Minnesota LP convention. He is hardly a typical politician. He listens more than he speaks, but when he does speak, it is from his heart with sincere, bold, and well-considered words. Badnarik's website is http://www.badnarik.org/
As Badnarik said in his acceptance speech:
What we have in 2004 is a unique
opportunity to change the world.
The United States was once a beacon of liberty to the world that gave hope to unfree people around the globe. Our national image no longer reflects those rays of hope, but it CAN do so once again, IF we can have the courage to send a message to Washington that we want a return to what made our nation great... LIBERTY. We must find the sense and courage to retake control of our government from the parties that have inflicted us with both international and domestic destruction.
I know that a great many of you reading this are incensed about the loss of 800+ of our best and brightest in a war that should never have been started. Badnarik, when elected, would bring our troops home from Iraq immediately. That position alone should be enough to get you to help him and vote for him. He would put an end to the disastrous War on Drugs, and much more that you are likely to find refreshing and positive. He is obviously a man to whom honor and honesty are much more than slogans.
As a Libertarian, I'm proud to have Michael Badnarik representing our party. I strongly urge you to get to know him, and to seriously consider just how wonderful it would be to have an honest man sitting in the White House.
May 31, 2004
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
The Libertarian Party gave its presidential nomination to Michael Badnarik on Sunday at a convention that featured something those of the two major parties will lack: suspense.
...
May 30, 2004
Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
LP News Online: July 2004: Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
Trinward: Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
This is from April, before Badnarik won the nomination (which happened today).
Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
By Steve Trinward
Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
BostonHerald.com - National News: Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
Atlanta - Michael Badnarik says ``there's no reason'' he can't take President Bush's place in the White House.
The Texan bases his optimism on winning the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination today.
Badnarik is a 49-year-old computer programmer from Austin who also teaches a course in constitutional law.
The Libertarian Party was formed in 1971 and stresses individual rights over the power of government. It claims nearly 600 elected officials across the country -- almost all of them in city or local government.
More than 800 delegates attended the convention in Atlanta.
Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
ATLANTA (AP) - Michael Badnarik, a computer programmer from Texas, won the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination on Sunday.
Badnarik, 49, of Austin, defeated former Hollywood movie producer Aaron Russo on the convention's third ballot, after former radio host Gary Nolan, who was eliminated on the second ballot, endorsed Badnarik.
``If I can win the nomination, there's no reason I can't win this election,'' Badnarik told a cheering convention that drew more than 800 delegates.
Badnarik teaches a course in constitutional law.
Formed in 1971, the Libertarian Party stresses the rights of individuals over the power of government, and a foreign policy of noninterference. It claims nearly 600 elected officials nationwide, almost entirely in city or county positions, and has been on the presidential ballot in all 50 states for the last three elections.
May 28, 2004
May 27, 2004
Survey: Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
May 26, 2004--Nineteen percent (19%) of Americans would consider voting for Aaron Russo if they knew he would end the War in Iraq and bring our troops home. Russo is a candidate for the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination.
If those surveyed knew that Russo was the only candidate who opposed a military draft, he would attract 14% of the vote in a three-way race with George Bush and John Kerry.
These results are from a national telephone survey of 500 adults conducted by Rasmussen Reports on May 23, 2004. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The survey was commissioned by Aaron Russo for President.
...
May 22, 2004
Bush's Third-Party Threat
I wrote about this article (and the two main Libertarian presidential campaigns) at my main blog.
CBS News | Bush's Third-Party Threat
May 21, 2004
While Democrats fret over the possibility of Ralph Nader causing them to lose another election by stealing votes on the left, President Bush may face an even greater third-party threat from the right wing. The Libertarian Party nominee could cost Mr. Bush his job in 2004.
...
May 21, 2004
Ferguson: Nolan/ Badnarik in 2004!
I'm reprinting this opinion piece by Mike Ferguson in full because I'm not certain that his commentary, which is posted directly on his main home page, will remain available at that location.
This month's Libertarian National Convention is sure to be eventful, as our Presidential campaigns have all developed both staunch supporters and opponents. I have met all three of the top-tier candidates and will admit that I struggled for a long time over which candidate - Gary Nolan or Michael Badnarik - would get my support for the nomination.
After being involved with this race, first in my role with the LP Presidential Straw Poll and most recently in my role as a Libertarian candidate for statewide office I have come to the conclusion that we need both Gary and Michael on our ticket.
Gary Nolan should be the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States this year.
Gary is the highest profile candidate we have when it comes to public name recognition. Despite the constant assertions from the Aaron Russo campaign to the contrary, Gary Nolan is better known to the general public.
Consider this for a moment for a moment: who is certain to have more name recognition, the candidate who has spent years at the microphone on a nationally-syndicated radio program that bears his name or the candidate who developed a career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry?
Gary Nolan tackled the issues of the day and has taken the message of freedom to the airwaves in dozens of markets throughout America during his time on the air. In addition to his work in radio, Gary has also logged plenty of time in real world politics. Anyone can talk about the way government should operate but not everyone backs it up by being involved in Washington politics. Gary's experience as the President of Capitol Watch and as a board member of Free the Eagle (an activist group that fights tax increases) is important to the Libertarian Party in this election cycle. It gives Gary the working knowledge of the issues Americans care about and the political credibility we need at the top of our ticket.
In addition to his impressive resume, Gary is a man of integrity. His passion for freedom is more evident to me every time I speak with him. Gary has put his personal and professional life on hold for well over a year now in order to present the message of freedom, Constitutionally-limited government and the Libertarian Party to anyone who will listen to him.
Gary is an excellent spokesman for our party and for our message. He has the right background, the right communication style and the right image to be an effective Presidential nominee.
Speaking of image, it is appropriate to address the importance of presenting a "Presidential" image and the controversies surrounding Aaron Russo's erratic behavior during this campaign. Like it or not, image is important. Our Presidential nominee will represent the Libertarian Party, our state and local candidates, our membership and our philosophy to the public. We must not take the risk of nominating someone who presents a realistic risk of harming our efforts at all levels of activism with a Libertarian "Howard Dean moment" like the one that fatally derailed the former Vermont Governor's credibility and bid for the Democratic nomination.
After hearing and reading about some of the actions in question, I decided to call some people who attended the various state conventions and were present to witness them. What I was told by those who saw the events first hand troubled me. The people I contacted are not on the Nolan campaign staff. I wanted independent confirmation of what happened. Here is what I learned:
At the New York convention, an attractive woman was about to ask Mr. Russo a question. Before she could ask, he joked "No, I won't sleep with you." At the Florida convention, Mr. Russo held up a bottle of beer and declared "This is my passion" in response to a political topic of discussion.
Of course, there is also the now infamous "belt buckle incident" at the Maryland convention. When being questioned by Carol Moore, who is a vocal Russo critic, he stepped off the stage while reaching for his belt buckle. Russo moved toward Moore and asked her to "help" him with the buckle
I am the first to acknowledge that Ms. Moore can be abrasive and disrespectful to those she does not agree with. During the course of the LP Presidential Straw Poll, I have also been the target of her criticism on more than one occasion.
The Russo campaign has worked hard to spin the story as either a complete misunderstanding, saying he genuinely needed help with his belt buckle (an explanation that insults basic human intelligence), or as a harmless joke blown out of proportion by someone who is working against his campaign. Either way, this is not the behavior and image we want to present to the public.
Being able to conduct yourself with class in the face of those who attack you is critical for someone who hopes to lead a political party as a Presidential nominee. The public needs to hear the real solutions we have to the issues they care about. That message will not be heard if the messenger himself is a distraction. That is why we need Gary Nolan at the top of our ticket. His engaging approach to communicating the message of freedom makes people want to listen to him.
So, what about the second spot on the Libertarian ticket? We have our man for that job, too
Michael Badnarik is the ideal choice for the Libertarian Party's nomination for Vice President of the United States.
To question Michael's passion for the Constitution, for liberty and for building the Libertarian Party would be a waste of time. His quest for our nomination is truly a labor of the love of freedom. He began this campaign as a locally-known activist in Texas and has now established himself as a devoted campaigner, a hard worker and a genuine expert on the U.S. Constitution.
Michael's aggressive, yet dignified, style of public speaking is exactly what we need in the V.P. role. The Libertarian Party needs to keep him on the campaign trail.
While Michael Badnarik is still running for our Presidential nomination, he has already publicly stated that we will accept the Vice Presidential nod. The fact that Michael is still "Lighting the Fires of Liberty, One Heart At a Time" after a year and a half of constant travel and shoestring budgets is a testament to Michael as a person and as a candidate.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to know both Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik. Both men have proven their ability and willingness to live on the campaign trail. Both men have proven their ability and desire to use their campaigns to support statewide and local Libertarian candidates. I have personally campaigned with both men and look forward to continuing to work with both Gary and Michael as I run for Missouri Lieutenant Governor this year.
Neither Gary nor Michael is basing his campaign on grandiose promises. Their campaigns are based on hard work, personal integrity, an understanding of reality, the realization that respect is to be earned, not demanded and a dedication to personally delivering our message all over the United States.
Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik, in that order, is an effective top of the ticket team for the Libertarian Party. I hope our delegates recognize this in Atlanta this month
May 20, 2004
McCullagh on Russo et al: Spamming for office
Spamming for office - News - ZDNet
COMMENTARY--Aaron Russo wants your vote so badly, he's willing to spam you for it.
Last week, Russo, a Hollywood producer who is running for president as a Libertarian Party candidate, fired off thousands of unsolicited e-mail messages announcing his campaign and asking recipients to "help support Russo financially" with "automatic monthly contributions."
Russo, whose films include "The Rose" and "Trading Places," is not alone. Political spam has become a thoroughly nonpartisan communications technique, with Democrats, Republicans and third parties alike turning to bulk e-mail in numbers that are still small but steadily increasing. Two percent of all spam is political, according to statistics compiled by antispam vendor Brightmail.
...
May 18, 2004
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
Aaron Russo Readies Race for Governor
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Nevada's next governor could turn out to be a long-time Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and a passionate interest in the defense of individual liberty.
Aaron Russo -- whose production credentials include the films Wise Guys, Trading Places, and The Rose, among others -- has authorized Nevada supporters to begin laying the foundation for a campaign to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Electric Nevada has learned.
Russo himself, after flying into Reno Friday, appeared at a Carson City GOP Lincoln Day event the same evening. A full-blown announcement of his candidacy is currently scheduled for March 22, sources say.
Famed political consultant Lyn Nofziger -- assistant to President Reagan for political affairs from 1981 to 1982 -- is in line to serve as the campaign's chief strategist, according to one source close to Russo.
"That's a 95 percent done deal," the source said.
Nofziger is currently president of Nofziger Communications, a Washington consulting firm. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and later became press secretary for Ronald Reagan's first race for Governor in 1966.
...
1997: Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Two things are notable in this article from just before Aaron Russo's 1998 run for Governor of Nevada: his claims about being "way ahead" and leading "by miles"-- while polls early in the race once it was underway put him 40 points behind the front-runner -- and this little note at the end:
Originally booked for March, the Pioneer Theater kick-off in Reno for the Aaron Russo campaign has been pushed back until May 10. The postponement will allow both the printer and the post office extra time, campaign sources said.
BTW, Russo ultimately got 26% of the primary vote, against 59% for winner Kenny Guinn.
Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Excerpt:
Russo himself says he was amazed in Vegas to find people plucking at him -- as he walked through the audience -- as though he was some kind of rock star.
And he believes the contrast with establishment candidates like former interim UNLV president Kenny Guinn, and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, will be clear.
"Think about this," he challenged the reporter interviewing him. "Think what would happen if Kenny Guinn went to the Pioneer Theater [in Reno] and said 'Come see me,' How many people would show up? There'd be five people in the audience.
"You think if Frankie Sue did it. And then watch what happens when I'm there.
"We're way ahead of anybody. We're not the underdog; we're the leader.
"That's what people have to realize," argues Russo. "I have thousands and thousands of supporters already. And those supporters all want to work, they all want to volunteer.
"So... I look at myself as the person who leads this campaign by miles. By miles. And they're going to have to catch me."
What will make that difficult for establishment candidates, he believes, is that the Russo campaign already has intensely loyal support at the grassroots.
"We have real people who want me to win," says Russo. "We have passion, we have compassion, we have people who are ready to put up money, people who are verbal about what they're doing with me, You know, we have people who are really totally supportive.
"It's like a whole new Perot thing happening -- but from a different point of view than Perot," he said.
...
1998: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Another blast from the past-- Aaron Russo's 1998 campaign for Governor of Nevada.
Washingtonpost.com: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
The most telling bit in this blast from the past was this:
Russo has no campaign manager, no financial chairman, no strategist.
He did back in April of that year-- high-level strategist Lyn Nofziger. But not in this article from August, weeks before the actual primary election. Weird.
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
LAS VEGAS RJ:NEWS: COLUMN: John L. Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 1998
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
From Tahiti to Nevada
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Aaron Russo for Governor?
E! Online News - Aaron Russo for Governor?
by Marcus Errico
Apr 10, 1997, 3:40 PM PT
May 17, 2004
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
May 15, 2004
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
It Usually Begins With...Michael Badnarik?
It Usually Begins With...Michael Badnarik? by Jerome Tuccille
Worried Democrats work hard to keep Nader off the ballot
How ironic is it that members of a party called the Democratic Party would be working to keep a candidate from getting on election ballots?
Guardian Unlimited | US elections 2004 | Worried Democrats work hard to keep Nader off the ballot
Surprised Texan is Libertarian nominee
Surprised Texan is Libertarian nominee
The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - June 02, 2004
L.N. Smith: Michael Badnarik: The LP Picks a Winner
Michael Badnarik: The LP Picks a Winner, by L. Neil Smith
...
The simple truth is that the freedom movement needs every single individual of intelligence, competence, and integrity that it can find right now. The LP is the last hope that the America we remember has left.
All of us must begin telling everyone we know—especially if they're not libertarians—that if they're fed up with this mess the Republicans have made in Iraq and Afghanistan, if they want to see the USA Patriot Act go down in flames, along with all the unconstitutional intrusions and limitations that it has inflicted on us, if they want to see drug laws, the income tax, and federal gun laws repealed, and if they don't believe life under a Kerry Administration would be any better than it has been under Bush, their only option is to see both "major" parties shocked and embarrassed by a high turnout for Michael Badnarik.
...
Bob Smith: The Libertarian candidate has been chosen
excerpt:
Michael Badnarik may be the epitome of an American citizen candidate, drafted and endorsed to run for the highest office we have. It is no accident that his campaign opponents had nothing but good things to say about him. I met Michael when he attended and spoke at our Minnesota LP convention. He is hardly a typical politician. He listens more than he speaks, but when he does speak, it is from his heart with sincere, bold, and well-considered words. Badnarik's website is http://www.badnarik.org/
As Badnarik said in his acceptance speech:
What we have in 2004 is a unique
opportunity to change the world.
The United States was once a beacon of liberty to the world that gave hope to unfree people around the globe. Our national image no longer reflects those rays of hope, but it CAN do so once again, IF we can have the courage to send a message to Washington that we want a return to what made our nation great... LIBERTY. We must find the sense and courage to retake control of our government from the parties that have inflicted us with both international and domestic destruction.
I know that a great many of you reading this are incensed about the loss of 800+ of our best and brightest in a war that should never have been started. Badnarik, when elected, would bring our troops home from Iraq immediately. That position alone should be enough to get you to help him and vote for him. He would put an end to the disastrous War on Drugs, and much more that you are likely to find refreshing and positive. He is obviously a man to whom honor and honesty are much more than slogans.
As a Libertarian, I'm proud to have Michael Badnarik representing our party. I strongly urge you to get to know him, and to seriously consider just how wonderful it would be to have an honest man sitting in the White House.
May 31, 2004
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
The Libertarian Party gave its presidential nomination to Michael Badnarik on Sunday at a convention that featured something those of the two major parties will lack: suspense.
...
May 30, 2004
Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
LP News Online: July 2004: Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
Trinward: Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
This is from April, before Badnarik won the nomination (which happened today).
Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
By Steve Trinward
Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
BostonHerald.com - National News: Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
Atlanta - Michael Badnarik says ``there's no reason'' he can't take President Bush's place in the White House.
The Texan bases his optimism on winning the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination today.
Badnarik is a 49-year-old computer programmer from Austin who also teaches a course in constitutional law.
The Libertarian Party was formed in 1971 and stresses individual rights over the power of government. It claims nearly 600 elected officials across the country -- almost all of them in city or local government.
More than 800 delegates attended the convention in Atlanta.
Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
ATLANTA (AP) - Michael Badnarik, a computer programmer from Texas, won the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination on Sunday.
Badnarik, 49, of Austin, defeated former Hollywood movie producer Aaron Russo on the convention's third ballot, after former radio host Gary Nolan, who was eliminated on the second ballot, endorsed Badnarik.
``If I can win the nomination, there's no reason I can't win this election,'' Badnarik told a cheering convention that drew more than 800 delegates.
Badnarik teaches a course in constitutional law.
Formed in 1971, the Libertarian Party stresses the rights of individuals over the power of government, and a foreign policy of noninterference. It claims nearly 600 elected officials nationwide, almost entirely in city or county positions, and has been on the presidential ballot in all 50 states for the last three elections.
May 28, 2004
May 27, 2004
Survey: Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
May 26, 2004--Nineteen percent (19%) of Americans would consider voting for Aaron Russo if they knew he would end the War in Iraq and bring our troops home. Russo is a candidate for the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination.
If those surveyed knew that Russo was the only candidate who opposed a military draft, he would attract 14% of the vote in a three-way race with George Bush and John Kerry.
These results are from a national telephone survey of 500 adults conducted by Rasmussen Reports on May 23, 2004. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The survey was commissioned by Aaron Russo for President.
...
May 22, 2004
Bush's Third-Party Threat
I wrote about this article (and the two main Libertarian presidential campaigns) at my main blog.
CBS News | Bush's Third-Party Threat
May 21, 2004
While Democrats fret over the possibility of Ralph Nader causing them to lose another election by stealing votes on the left, President Bush may face an even greater third-party threat from the right wing. The Libertarian Party nominee could cost Mr. Bush his job in 2004.
...
May 21, 2004
Ferguson: Nolan/ Badnarik in 2004!
I'm reprinting this opinion piece by Mike Ferguson in full because I'm not certain that his commentary, which is posted directly on his main home page, will remain available at that location.
This month's Libertarian National Convention is sure to be eventful, as our Presidential campaigns have all developed both staunch supporters and opponents. I have met all three of the top-tier candidates and will admit that I struggled for a long time over which candidate - Gary Nolan or Michael Badnarik - would get my support for the nomination.
After being involved with this race, first in my role with the LP Presidential Straw Poll and most recently in my role as a Libertarian candidate for statewide office I have come to the conclusion that we need both Gary and Michael on our ticket.
Gary Nolan should be the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States this year.
Gary is the highest profile candidate we have when it comes to public name recognition. Despite the constant assertions from the Aaron Russo campaign to the contrary, Gary Nolan is better known to the general public.
Consider this for a moment for a moment: who is certain to have more name recognition, the candidate who has spent years at the microphone on a nationally-syndicated radio program that bears his name or the candidate who developed a career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry?
Gary Nolan tackled the issues of the day and has taken the message of freedom to the airwaves in dozens of markets throughout America during his time on the air. In addition to his work in radio, Gary has also logged plenty of time in real world politics. Anyone can talk about the way government should operate but not everyone backs it up by being involved in Washington politics. Gary's experience as the President of Capitol Watch and as a board member of Free the Eagle (an activist group that fights tax increases) is important to the Libertarian Party in this election cycle. It gives Gary the working knowledge of the issues Americans care about and the political credibility we need at the top of our ticket.
In addition to his impressive resume, Gary is a man of integrity. His passion for freedom is more evident to me every time I speak with him. Gary has put his personal and professional life on hold for well over a year now in order to present the message of freedom, Constitutionally-limited government and the Libertarian Party to anyone who will listen to him.
Gary is an excellent spokesman for our party and for our message. He has the right background, the right communication style and the right image to be an effective Presidential nominee.
Speaking of image, it is appropriate to address the importance of presenting a "Presidential" image and the controversies surrounding Aaron Russo's erratic behavior during this campaign. Like it or not, image is important. Our Presidential nominee will represent the Libertarian Party, our state and local candidates, our membership and our philosophy to the public. We must not take the risk of nominating someone who presents a realistic risk of harming our efforts at all levels of activism with a Libertarian "Howard Dean moment" like the one that fatally derailed the former Vermont Governor's credibility and bid for the Democratic nomination.
After hearing and reading about some of the actions in question, I decided to call some people who attended the various state conventions and were present to witness them. What I was told by those who saw the events first hand troubled me. The people I contacted are not on the Nolan campaign staff. I wanted independent confirmation of what happened. Here is what I learned:
At the New York convention, an attractive woman was about to ask Mr. Russo a question. Before she could ask, he joked "No, I won't sleep with you." At the Florida convention, Mr. Russo held up a bottle of beer and declared "This is my passion" in response to a political topic of discussion.
Of course, there is also the now infamous "belt buckle incident" at the Maryland convention. When being questioned by Carol Moore, who is a vocal Russo critic, he stepped off the stage while reaching for his belt buckle. Russo moved toward Moore and asked her to "help" him with the buckle
I am the first to acknowledge that Ms. Moore can be abrasive and disrespectful to those she does not agree with. During the course of the LP Presidential Straw Poll, I have also been the target of her criticism on more than one occasion.
The Russo campaign has worked hard to spin the story as either a complete misunderstanding, saying he genuinely needed help with his belt buckle (an explanation that insults basic human intelligence), or as a harmless joke blown out of proportion by someone who is working against his campaign. Either way, this is not the behavior and image we want to present to the public.
Being able to conduct yourself with class in the face of those who attack you is critical for someone who hopes to lead a political party as a Presidential nominee. The public needs to hear the real solutions we have to the issues they care about. That message will not be heard if the messenger himself is a distraction. That is why we need Gary Nolan at the top of our ticket. His engaging approach to communicating the message of freedom makes people want to listen to him.
So, what about the second spot on the Libertarian ticket? We have our man for that job, too
Michael Badnarik is the ideal choice for the Libertarian Party's nomination for Vice President of the United States.
To question Michael's passion for the Constitution, for liberty and for building the Libertarian Party would be a waste of time. His quest for our nomination is truly a labor of the love of freedom. He began this campaign as a locally-known activist in Texas and has now established himself as a devoted campaigner, a hard worker and a genuine expert on the U.S. Constitution.
Michael's aggressive, yet dignified, style of public speaking is exactly what we need in the V.P. role. The Libertarian Party needs to keep him on the campaign trail.
While Michael Badnarik is still running for our Presidential nomination, he has already publicly stated that we will accept the Vice Presidential nod. The fact that Michael is still "Lighting the Fires of Liberty, One Heart At a Time" after a year and a half of constant travel and shoestring budgets is a testament to Michael as a person and as a candidate.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to know both Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik. Both men have proven their ability and willingness to live on the campaign trail. Both men have proven their ability and desire to use their campaigns to support statewide and local Libertarian candidates. I have personally campaigned with both men and look forward to continuing to work with both Gary and Michael as I run for Missouri Lieutenant Governor this year.
Neither Gary nor Michael is basing his campaign on grandiose promises. Their campaigns are based on hard work, personal integrity, an understanding of reality, the realization that respect is to be earned, not demanded and a dedication to personally delivering our message all over the United States.
Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik, in that order, is an effective top of the ticket team for the Libertarian Party. I hope our delegates recognize this in Atlanta this month
May 20, 2004
McCullagh on Russo et al: Spamming for office
Spamming for office - News - ZDNet
COMMENTARY--Aaron Russo wants your vote so badly, he's willing to spam you for it.
Last week, Russo, a Hollywood producer who is running for president as a Libertarian Party candidate, fired off thousands of unsolicited e-mail messages announcing his campaign and asking recipients to "help support Russo financially" with "automatic monthly contributions."
Russo, whose films include "The Rose" and "Trading Places," is not alone. Political spam has become a thoroughly nonpartisan communications technique, with Democrats, Republicans and third parties alike turning to bulk e-mail in numbers that are still small but steadily increasing. Two percent of all spam is political, according to statistics compiled by antispam vendor Brightmail.
...
May 18, 2004
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
Aaron Russo Readies Race for Governor
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Nevada's next governor could turn out to be a long-time Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and a passionate interest in the defense of individual liberty.
Aaron Russo -- whose production credentials include the films Wise Guys, Trading Places, and The Rose, among others -- has authorized Nevada supporters to begin laying the foundation for a campaign to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Electric Nevada has learned.
Russo himself, after flying into Reno Friday, appeared at a Carson City GOP Lincoln Day event the same evening. A full-blown announcement of his candidacy is currently scheduled for March 22, sources say.
Famed political consultant Lyn Nofziger -- assistant to President Reagan for political affairs from 1981 to 1982 -- is in line to serve as the campaign's chief strategist, according to one source close to Russo.
"That's a 95 percent done deal," the source said.
Nofziger is currently president of Nofziger Communications, a Washington consulting firm. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and later became press secretary for Ronald Reagan's first race for Governor in 1966.
...
1997: Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Two things are notable in this article from just before Aaron Russo's 1998 run for Governor of Nevada: his claims about being "way ahead" and leading "by miles"-- while polls early in the race once it was underway put him 40 points behind the front-runner -- and this little note at the end:
Originally booked for March, the Pioneer Theater kick-off in Reno for the Aaron Russo campaign has been pushed back until May 10. The postponement will allow both the printer and the post office extra time, campaign sources said.
BTW, Russo ultimately got 26% of the primary vote, against 59% for winner Kenny Guinn.
Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Excerpt:
Russo himself says he was amazed in Vegas to find people plucking at him -- as he walked through the audience -- as though he was some kind of rock star.
And he believes the contrast with establishment candidates like former interim UNLV president Kenny Guinn, and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, will be clear.
"Think about this," he challenged the reporter interviewing him. "Think what would happen if Kenny Guinn went to the Pioneer Theater [in Reno] and said 'Come see me,' How many people would show up? There'd be five people in the audience.
"You think if Frankie Sue did it. And then watch what happens when I'm there.
"We're way ahead of anybody. We're not the underdog; we're the leader.
"That's what people have to realize," argues Russo. "I have thousands and thousands of supporters already. And those supporters all want to work, they all want to volunteer.
"So... I look at myself as the person who leads this campaign by miles. By miles. And they're going to have to catch me."
What will make that difficult for establishment candidates, he believes, is that the Russo campaign already has intensely loyal support at the grassroots.
"We have real people who want me to win," says Russo. "We have passion, we have compassion, we have people who are ready to put up money, people who are verbal about what they're doing with me, You know, we have people who are really totally supportive.
"It's like a whole new Perot thing happening -- but from a different point of view than Perot," he said.
...
1998: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Another blast from the past-- Aaron Russo's 1998 campaign for Governor of Nevada.
Washingtonpost.com: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
The most telling bit in this blast from the past was this:
Russo has no campaign manager, no financial chairman, no strategist.
He did back in April of that year-- high-level strategist Lyn Nofziger. But not in this article from August, weeks before the actual primary election. Weird.
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
LAS VEGAS RJ:NEWS: COLUMN: John L. Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 1998
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
From Tahiti to Nevada
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Aaron Russo for Governor?
E! Online News - Aaron Russo for Governor?
by Marcus Errico
Apr 10, 1997, 3:40 PM PT
May 17, 2004
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
May 15, 2004
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
Underdog surges to win Libertarian nomination
The Libertarian Party gave its presidential nomination to Michael Badnarik on Sunday at a convention that featured something those of the two major parties will lack: suspense.
...
Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
LP News Online: July 2004: Libertarian presidential candidates debate at national convention
Trinward: Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
This is from April, before Badnarik won the nomination (which happened today).
Why I'm Still Backing Badnarik
By Steve Trinward
Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
BostonHerald.com - National News: Libertarian Party picks presidential nominee
Atlanta - Michael Badnarik says ``there's no reason'' he can't take President Bush's place in the White House.
The Texan bases his optimism on winning the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination today.
Badnarik is a 49-year-old computer programmer from Austin who also teaches a course in constitutional law.
The Libertarian Party was formed in 1971 and stresses individual rights over the power of government. It claims nearly 600 elected officials across the country -- almost all of them in city or local government.
More than 800 delegates attended the convention in Atlanta.
Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Texas Programmer Wins Libertarian Nod
ATLANTA (AP) - Michael Badnarik, a computer programmer from Texas, won the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination on Sunday.
Badnarik, 49, of Austin, defeated former Hollywood movie producer Aaron Russo on the convention's third ballot, after former radio host Gary Nolan, who was eliminated on the second ballot, endorsed Badnarik.
``If I can win the nomination, there's no reason I can't win this election,'' Badnarik told a cheering convention that drew more than 800 delegates.
Badnarik teaches a course in constitutional law.
Formed in 1971, the Libertarian Party stresses the rights of individuals over the power of government, and a foreign policy of noninterference. It claims nearly 600 elected officials nationwide, almost entirely in city or county positions, and has been on the presidential ballot in all 50 states for the last three elections.
May 28, 2004
May 27, 2004
Survey: Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
May 26, 2004--Nineteen percent (19%) of Americans would consider voting for Aaron Russo if they knew he would end the War in Iraq and bring our troops home. Russo is a candidate for the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination.
If those surveyed knew that Russo was the only candidate who opposed a military draft, he would attract 14% of the vote in a three-way race with George Bush and John Kerry.
These results are from a national telephone survey of 500 adults conducted by Rasmussen Reports on May 23, 2004. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The survey was commissioned by Aaron Russo for President.
...
May 22, 2004
Bush's Third-Party Threat
I wrote about this article (and the two main Libertarian presidential campaigns) at my main blog.
CBS News | Bush's Third-Party Threat
May 21, 2004
While Democrats fret over the possibility of Ralph Nader causing them to lose another election by stealing votes on the left, President Bush may face an even greater third-party threat from the right wing. The Libertarian Party nominee could cost Mr. Bush his job in 2004.
...
May 21, 2004
Ferguson: Nolan/ Badnarik in 2004!
I'm reprinting this opinion piece by Mike Ferguson in full because I'm not certain that his commentary, which is posted directly on his main home page, will remain available at that location.
This month's Libertarian National Convention is sure to be eventful, as our Presidential campaigns have all developed both staunch supporters and opponents. I have met all three of the top-tier candidates and will admit that I struggled for a long time over which candidate - Gary Nolan or Michael Badnarik - would get my support for the nomination.
After being involved with this race, first in my role with the LP Presidential Straw Poll and most recently in my role as a Libertarian candidate for statewide office I have come to the conclusion that we need both Gary and Michael on our ticket.
Gary Nolan should be the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States this year.
Gary is the highest profile candidate we have when it comes to public name recognition. Despite the constant assertions from the Aaron Russo campaign to the contrary, Gary Nolan is better known to the general public.
Consider this for a moment for a moment: who is certain to have more name recognition, the candidate who has spent years at the microphone on a nationally-syndicated radio program that bears his name or the candidate who developed a career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry?
Gary Nolan tackled the issues of the day and has taken the message of freedom to the airwaves in dozens of markets throughout America during his time on the air. In addition to his work in radio, Gary has also logged plenty of time in real world politics. Anyone can talk about the way government should operate but not everyone backs it up by being involved in Washington politics. Gary's experience as the President of Capitol Watch and as a board member of Free the Eagle (an activist group that fights tax increases) is important to the Libertarian Party in this election cycle. It gives Gary the working knowledge of the issues Americans care about and the political credibility we need at the top of our ticket.
In addition to his impressive resume, Gary is a man of integrity. His passion for freedom is more evident to me every time I speak with him. Gary has put his personal and professional life on hold for well over a year now in order to present the message of freedom, Constitutionally-limited government and the Libertarian Party to anyone who will listen to him.
Gary is an excellent spokesman for our party and for our message. He has the right background, the right communication style and the right image to be an effective Presidential nominee.
Speaking of image, it is appropriate to address the importance of presenting a "Presidential" image and the controversies surrounding Aaron Russo's erratic behavior during this campaign. Like it or not, image is important. Our Presidential nominee will represent the Libertarian Party, our state and local candidates, our membership and our philosophy to the public. We must not take the risk of nominating someone who presents a realistic risk of harming our efforts at all levels of activism with a Libertarian "Howard Dean moment" like the one that fatally derailed the former Vermont Governor's credibility and bid for the Democratic nomination.
After hearing and reading about some of the actions in question, I decided to call some people who attended the various state conventions and were present to witness them. What I was told by those who saw the events first hand troubled me. The people I contacted are not on the Nolan campaign staff. I wanted independent confirmation of what happened. Here is what I learned:
At the New York convention, an attractive woman was about to ask Mr. Russo a question. Before she could ask, he joked "No, I won't sleep with you." At the Florida convention, Mr. Russo held up a bottle of beer and declared "This is my passion" in response to a political topic of discussion.
Of course, there is also the now infamous "belt buckle incident" at the Maryland convention. When being questioned by Carol Moore, who is a vocal Russo critic, he stepped off the stage while reaching for his belt buckle. Russo moved toward Moore and asked her to "help" him with the buckle
I am the first to acknowledge that Ms. Moore can be abrasive and disrespectful to those she does not agree with. During the course of the LP Presidential Straw Poll, I have also been the target of her criticism on more than one occasion.
The Russo campaign has worked hard to spin the story as either a complete misunderstanding, saying he genuinely needed help with his belt buckle (an explanation that insults basic human intelligence), or as a harmless joke blown out of proportion by someone who is working against his campaign. Either way, this is not the behavior and image we want to present to the public.
Being able to conduct yourself with class in the face of those who attack you is critical for someone who hopes to lead a political party as a Presidential nominee. The public needs to hear the real solutions we have to the issues they care about. That message will not be heard if the messenger himself is a distraction. That is why we need Gary Nolan at the top of our ticket. His engaging approach to communicating the message of freedom makes people want to listen to him.
So, what about the second spot on the Libertarian ticket? We have our man for that job, too
Michael Badnarik is the ideal choice for the Libertarian Party's nomination for Vice President of the United States.
To question Michael's passion for the Constitution, for liberty and for building the Libertarian Party would be a waste of time. His quest for our nomination is truly a labor of the love of freedom. He began this campaign as a locally-known activist in Texas and has now established himself as a devoted campaigner, a hard worker and a genuine expert on the U.S. Constitution.
Michael's aggressive, yet dignified, style of public speaking is exactly what we need in the V.P. role. The Libertarian Party needs to keep him on the campaign trail.
While Michael Badnarik is still running for our Presidential nomination, he has already publicly stated that we will accept the Vice Presidential nod. The fact that Michael is still "Lighting the Fires of Liberty, One Heart At a Time" after a year and a half of constant travel and shoestring budgets is a testament to Michael as a person and as a candidate.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to know both Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik. Both men have proven their ability and willingness to live on the campaign trail. Both men have proven their ability and desire to use their campaigns to support statewide and local Libertarian candidates. I have personally campaigned with both men and look forward to continuing to work with both Gary and Michael as I run for Missouri Lieutenant Governor this year.
Neither Gary nor Michael is basing his campaign on grandiose promises. Their campaigns are based on hard work, personal integrity, an understanding of reality, the realization that respect is to be earned, not demanded and a dedication to personally delivering our message all over the United States.
Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik, in that order, is an effective top of the ticket team for the Libertarian Party. I hope our delegates recognize this in Atlanta this month
May 20, 2004
McCullagh on Russo et al: Spamming for office
Spamming for office - News - ZDNet
COMMENTARY--Aaron Russo wants your vote so badly, he's willing to spam you for it.
Last week, Russo, a Hollywood producer who is running for president as a Libertarian Party candidate, fired off thousands of unsolicited e-mail messages announcing his campaign and asking recipients to "help support Russo financially" with "automatic monthly contributions."
Russo, whose films include "The Rose" and "Trading Places," is not alone. Political spam has become a thoroughly nonpartisan communications technique, with Democrats, Republicans and third parties alike turning to bulk e-mail in numbers that are still small but steadily increasing. Two percent of all spam is political, according to statistics compiled by antispam vendor Brightmail.
...
May 18, 2004
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
Aaron Russo Readies Race for Governor
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Nevada's next governor could turn out to be a long-time Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and a passionate interest in the defense of individual liberty.
Aaron Russo -- whose production credentials include the films Wise Guys, Trading Places, and The Rose, among others -- has authorized Nevada supporters to begin laying the foundation for a campaign to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Electric Nevada has learned.
Russo himself, after flying into Reno Friday, appeared at a Carson City GOP Lincoln Day event the same evening. A full-blown announcement of his candidacy is currently scheduled for March 22, sources say.
Famed political consultant Lyn Nofziger -- assistant to President Reagan for political affairs from 1981 to 1982 -- is in line to serve as the campaign's chief strategist, according to one source close to Russo.
"That's a 95 percent done deal," the source said.
Nofziger is currently president of Nofziger Communications, a Washington consulting firm. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and later became press secretary for Ronald Reagan's first race for Governor in 1966.
...
1997: Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Two things are notable in this article from just before Aaron Russo's 1998 run for Governor of Nevada: his claims about being "way ahead" and leading "by miles"-- while polls early in the race once it was underway put him 40 points behind the front-runner -- and this little note at the end:
Originally booked for March, the Pioneer Theater kick-off in Reno for the Aaron Russo campaign has been pushed back until May 10. The postponement will allow both the printer and the post office extra time, campaign sources said.
BTW, Russo ultimately got 26% of the primary vote, against 59% for winner Kenny Guinn.
Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Excerpt:
Russo himself says he was amazed in Vegas to find people plucking at him -- as he walked through the audience -- as though he was some kind of rock star.
And he believes the contrast with establishment candidates like former interim UNLV president Kenny Guinn, and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, will be clear.
"Think about this," he challenged the reporter interviewing him. "Think what would happen if Kenny Guinn went to the Pioneer Theater [in Reno] and said 'Come see me,' How many people would show up? There'd be five people in the audience.
"You think if Frankie Sue did it. And then watch what happens when I'm there.
"We're way ahead of anybody. We're not the underdog; we're the leader.
"That's what people have to realize," argues Russo. "I have thousands and thousands of supporters already. And those supporters all want to work, they all want to volunteer.
"So... I look at myself as the person who leads this campaign by miles. By miles. And they're going to have to catch me."
What will make that difficult for establishment candidates, he believes, is that the Russo campaign already has intensely loyal support at the grassroots.
"We have real people who want me to win," says Russo. "We have passion, we have compassion, we have people who are ready to put up money, people who are verbal about what they're doing with me, You know, we have people who are really totally supportive.
"It's like a whole new Perot thing happening -- but from a different point of view than Perot," he said.
...
1998: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Another blast from the past-- Aaron Russo's 1998 campaign for Governor of Nevada.
Washingtonpost.com: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
The most telling bit in this blast from the past was this:
Russo has no campaign manager, no financial chairman, no strategist.
He did back in April of that year-- high-level strategist Lyn Nofziger. But not in this article from August, weeks before the actual primary election. Weird.
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
LAS VEGAS RJ:NEWS: COLUMN: John L. Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 1998
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
From Tahiti to Nevada
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Aaron Russo for Governor?
E! Online News - Aaron Russo for Governor?
by Marcus Errico
Apr 10, 1997, 3:40 PM PT
May 17, 2004
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
May 15, 2004
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Survey: Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
Russo Poised to Attract Anti-War Votes
May 26, 2004--Nineteen percent (19%) of Americans would consider voting for Aaron Russo if they knew he would end the War in Iraq and bring our troops home. Russo is a candidate for the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination.
If those surveyed knew that Russo was the only candidate who opposed a military draft, he would attract 14% of the vote in a three-way race with George Bush and John Kerry.
These results are from a national telephone survey of 500 adults conducted by Rasmussen Reports on May 23, 2004. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The survey was commissioned by Aaron Russo for President.
...
May 22, 2004
Bush's Third-Party Threat
I wrote about this article (and the two main Libertarian presidential campaigns) at my main blog.
CBS News | Bush's Third-Party Threat
May 21, 2004
While Democrats fret over the possibility of Ralph Nader causing them to lose another election by stealing votes on the left, President Bush may face an even greater third-party threat from the right wing. The Libertarian Party nominee could cost Mr. Bush his job in 2004.
...
May 21, 2004
Ferguson: Nolan/ Badnarik in 2004!
I'm reprinting this opinion piece by Mike Ferguson in full because I'm not certain that his commentary, which is posted directly on his main home page, will remain available at that location.
This month's Libertarian National Convention is sure to be eventful, as our Presidential campaigns have all developed both staunch supporters and opponents. I have met all three of the top-tier candidates and will admit that I struggled for a long time over which candidate - Gary Nolan or Michael Badnarik - would get my support for the nomination.
After being involved with this race, first in my role with the LP Presidential Straw Poll and most recently in my role as a Libertarian candidate for statewide office I have come to the conclusion that we need both Gary and Michael on our ticket.
Gary Nolan should be the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States this year.
Gary is the highest profile candidate we have when it comes to public name recognition. Despite the constant assertions from the Aaron Russo campaign to the contrary, Gary Nolan is better known to the general public.
Consider this for a moment for a moment: who is certain to have more name recognition, the candidate who has spent years at the microphone on a nationally-syndicated radio program that bears his name or the candidate who developed a career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry?
Gary Nolan tackled the issues of the day and has taken the message of freedom to the airwaves in dozens of markets throughout America during his time on the air. In addition to his work in radio, Gary has also logged plenty of time in real world politics. Anyone can talk about the way government should operate but not everyone backs it up by being involved in Washington politics. Gary's experience as the President of Capitol Watch and as a board member of Free the Eagle (an activist group that fights tax increases) is important to the Libertarian Party in this election cycle. It gives Gary the working knowledge of the issues Americans care about and the political credibility we need at the top of our ticket.
In addition to his impressive resume, Gary is a man of integrity. His passion for freedom is more evident to me every time I speak with him. Gary has put his personal and professional life on hold for well over a year now in order to present the message of freedom, Constitutionally-limited government and the Libertarian Party to anyone who will listen to him.
Gary is an excellent spokesman for our party and for our message. He has the right background, the right communication style and the right image to be an effective Presidential nominee.
Speaking of image, it is appropriate to address the importance of presenting a "Presidential" image and the controversies surrounding Aaron Russo's erratic behavior during this campaign. Like it or not, image is important. Our Presidential nominee will represent the Libertarian Party, our state and local candidates, our membership and our philosophy to the public. We must not take the risk of nominating someone who presents a realistic risk of harming our efforts at all levels of activism with a Libertarian "Howard Dean moment" like the one that fatally derailed the former Vermont Governor's credibility and bid for the Democratic nomination.
After hearing and reading about some of the actions in question, I decided to call some people who attended the various state conventions and were present to witness them. What I was told by those who saw the events first hand troubled me. The people I contacted are not on the Nolan campaign staff. I wanted independent confirmation of what happened. Here is what I learned:
At the New York convention, an attractive woman was about to ask Mr. Russo a question. Before she could ask, he joked "No, I won't sleep with you." At the Florida convention, Mr. Russo held up a bottle of beer and declared "This is my passion" in response to a political topic of discussion.
Of course, there is also the now infamous "belt buckle incident" at the Maryland convention. When being questioned by Carol Moore, who is a vocal Russo critic, he stepped off the stage while reaching for his belt buckle. Russo moved toward Moore and asked her to "help" him with the buckle
I am the first to acknowledge that Ms. Moore can be abrasive and disrespectful to those she does not agree with. During the course of the LP Presidential Straw Poll, I have also been the target of her criticism on more than one occasion.
The Russo campaign has worked hard to spin the story as either a complete misunderstanding, saying he genuinely needed help with his belt buckle (an explanation that insults basic human intelligence), or as a harmless joke blown out of proportion by someone who is working against his campaign. Either way, this is not the behavior and image we want to present to the public.
Being able to conduct yourself with class in the face of those who attack you is critical for someone who hopes to lead a political party as a Presidential nominee. The public needs to hear the real solutions we have to the issues they care about. That message will not be heard if the messenger himself is a distraction. That is why we need Gary Nolan at the top of our ticket. His engaging approach to communicating the message of freedom makes people want to listen to him.
So, what about the second spot on the Libertarian ticket? We have our man for that job, too
Michael Badnarik is the ideal choice for the Libertarian Party's nomination for Vice President of the United States.
To question Michael's passion for the Constitution, for liberty and for building the Libertarian Party would be a waste of time. His quest for our nomination is truly a labor of the love of freedom. He began this campaign as a locally-known activist in Texas and has now established himself as a devoted campaigner, a hard worker and a genuine expert on the U.S. Constitution.
Michael's aggressive, yet dignified, style of public speaking is exactly what we need in the V.P. role. The Libertarian Party needs to keep him on the campaign trail.
While Michael Badnarik is still running for our Presidential nomination, he has already publicly stated that we will accept the Vice Presidential nod. The fact that Michael is still "Lighting the Fires of Liberty, One Heart At a Time" after a year and a half of constant travel and shoestring budgets is a testament to Michael as a person and as a candidate.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to know both Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik. Both men have proven their ability and willingness to live on the campaign trail. Both men have proven their ability and desire to use their campaigns to support statewide and local Libertarian candidates. I have personally campaigned with both men and look forward to continuing to work with both Gary and Michael as I run for Missouri Lieutenant Governor this year.
Neither Gary nor Michael is basing his campaign on grandiose promises. Their campaigns are based on hard work, personal integrity, an understanding of reality, the realization that respect is to be earned, not demanded and a dedication to personally delivering our message all over the United States.
Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik, in that order, is an effective top of the ticket team for the Libertarian Party. I hope our delegates recognize this in Atlanta this month
May 20, 2004
McCullagh on Russo et al: Spamming for office
Spamming for office - News - ZDNet
COMMENTARY--Aaron Russo wants your vote so badly, he's willing to spam you for it.
Last week, Russo, a Hollywood producer who is running for president as a Libertarian Party candidate, fired off thousands of unsolicited e-mail messages announcing his campaign and asking recipients to "help support Russo financially" with "automatic monthly contributions."
Russo, whose films include "The Rose" and "Trading Places," is not alone. Political spam has become a thoroughly nonpartisan communications technique, with Democrats, Republicans and third parties alike turning to bulk e-mail in numbers that are still small but steadily increasing. Two percent of all spam is political, according to statistics compiled by antispam vendor Brightmail.
...
May 18, 2004
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
Aaron Russo Readies Race for Governor
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Nevada's next governor could turn out to be a long-time Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and a passionate interest in the defense of individual liberty.
Aaron Russo -- whose production credentials include the films Wise Guys, Trading Places, and The Rose, among others -- has authorized Nevada supporters to begin laying the foundation for a campaign to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Electric Nevada has learned.
Russo himself, after flying into Reno Friday, appeared at a Carson City GOP Lincoln Day event the same evening. A full-blown announcement of his candidacy is currently scheduled for March 22, sources say.
Famed political consultant Lyn Nofziger -- assistant to President Reagan for political affairs from 1981 to 1982 -- is in line to serve as the campaign's chief strategist, according to one source close to Russo.
"That's a 95 percent done deal," the source said.
Nofziger is currently president of Nofziger Communications, a Washington consulting firm. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and later became press secretary for Ronald Reagan's first race for Governor in 1966.
...
1997: Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Two things are notable in this article from just before Aaron Russo's 1998 run for Governor of Nevada: his claims about being "way ahead" and leading "by miles"-- while polls early in the race once it was underway put him 40 points behind the front-runner -- and this little note at the end:
Originally booked for March, the Pioneer Theater kick-off in Reno for the Aaron Russo campaign has been pushed back until May 10. The postponement will allow both the printer and the post office extra time, campaign sources said.
BTW, Russo ultimately got 26% of the primary vote, against 59% for winner Kenny Guinn.
Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Excerpt:
Russo himself says he was amazed in Vegas to find people plucking at him -- as he walked through the audience -- as though he was some kind of rock star.
And he believes the contrast with establishment candidates like former interim UNLV president Kenny Guinn, and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, will be clear.
"Think about this," he challenged the reporter interviewing him. "Think what would happen if Kenny Guinn went to the Pioneer Theater [in Reno] and said 'Come see me,' How many people would show up? There'd be five people in the audience.
"You think if Frankie Sue did it. And then watch what happens when I'm there.
"We're way ahead of anybody. We're not the underdog; we're the leader.
"That's what people have to realize," argues Russo. "I have thousands and thousands of supporters already. And those supporters all want to work, they all want to volunteer.
"So... I look at myself as the person who leads this campaign by miles. By miles. And they're going to have to catch me."
What will make that difficult for establishment candidates, he believes, is that the Russo campaign already has intensely loyal support at the grassroots.
"We have real people who want me to win," says Russo. "We have passion, we have compassion, we have people who are ready to put up money, people who are verbal about what they're doing with me, You know, we have people who are really totally supportive.
"It's like a whole new Perot thing happening -- but from a different point of view than Perot," he said.
...
1998: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Another blast from the past-- Aaron Russo's 1998 campaign for Governor of Nevada.
Washingtonpost.com: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
The most telling bit in this blast from the past was this:
Russo has no campaign manager, no financial chairman, no strategist.
He did back in April of that year-- high-level strategist Lyn Nofziger. But not in this article from August, weeks before the actual primary election. Weird.
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
LAS VEGAS RJ:NEWS: COLUMN: John L. Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 1998
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
From Tahiti to Nevada
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Aaron Russo for Governor?
E! Online News - Aaron Russo for Governor?
by Marcus Errico
Apr 10, 1997, 3:40 PM PT
May 17, 2004
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
May 15, 2004
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Bush's Third-Party Threat
I wrote about this article (and the two main Libertarian presidential campaigns) at my main blog.
CBS News | Bush's Third-Party Threat
May 21, 2004
While Democrats fret over the possibility of Ralph Nader causing them to lose another election by stealing votes on the left, President Bush may face an even greater third-party threat from the right wing. The Libertarian Party nominee could cost Mr. Bush his job in 2004.
...
Ferguson: Nolan/ Badnarik in 2004!
I'm reprinting this opinion piece by Mike Ferguson in full because I'm not certain that his commentary, which is posted directly on his main home page, will remain available at that location.
This month's Libertarian National Convention is sure to be eventful, as our Presidential campaigns have all developed both staunch supporters and opponents. I have met all three of the top-tier candidates and will admit that I struggled for a long time over which candidate - Gary Nolan or Michael Badnarik - would get my support for the nomination.
After being involved with this race, first in my role with the LP Presidential Straw Poll and most recently in my role as a Libertarian candidate for statewide office I have come to the conclusion that we need both Gary and Michael on our ticket.
Gary Nolan should be the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States this year.
Gary is the highest profile candidate we have when it comes to public name recognition. Despite the constant assertions from the Aaron Russo campaign to the contrary, Gary Nolan is better known to the general public.
Consider this for a moment for a moment: who is certain to have more name recognition, the candidate who has spent years at the microphone on a nationally-syndicated radio program that bears his name or the candidate who developed a career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry?
Gary Nolan tackled the issues of the day and has taken the message of freedom to the airwaves in dozens of markets throughout America during his time on the air. In addition to his work in radio, Gary has also logged plenty of time in real world politics. Anyone can talk about the way government should operate but not everyone backs it up by being involved in Washington politics. Gary's experience as the President of Capitol Watch and as a board member of Free the Eagle (an activist group that fights tax increases) is important to the Libertarian Party in this election cycle. It gives Gary the working knowledge of the issues Americans care about and the political credibility we need at the top of our ticket.
In addition to his impressive resume, Gary is a man of integrity. His passion for freedom is more evident to me every time I speak with him. Gary has put his personal and professional life on hold for well over a year now in order to present the message of freedom, Constitutionally-limited government and the Libertarian Party to anyone who will listen to him.
Gary is an excellent spokesman for our party and for our message. He has the right background, the right communication style and the right image to be an effective Presidential nominee.
Speaking of image, it is appropriate to address the importance of presenting a "Presidential" image and the controversies surrounding Aaron Russo's erratic behavior during this campaign. Like it or not, image is important. Our Presidential nominee will represent the Libertarian Party, our state and local candidates, our membership and our philosophy to the public. We must not take the risk of nominating someone who presents a realistic risk of harming our efforts at all levels of activism with a Libertarian "Howard Dean moment" like the one that fatally derailed the former Vermont Governor's credibility and bid for the Democratic nomination.
After hearing and reading about some of the actions in question, I decided to call some people who attended the various state conventions and were present to witness them. What I was told by those who saw the events first hand troubled me. The people I contacted are not on the Nolan campaign staff. I wanted independent confirmation of what happened. Here is what I learned:
At the New York convention, an attractive woman was about to ask Mr. Russo a question. Before she could ask, he joked "No, I won't sleep with you." At the Florida convention, Mr. Russo held up a bottle of beer and declared "This is my passion" in response to a political topic of discussion.
Of course, there is also the now infamous "belt buckle incident" at the Maryland convention. When being questioned by Carol Moore, who is a vocal Russo critic, he stepped off the stage while reaching for his belt buckle. Russo moved toward Moore and asked her to "help" him with the buckle
I am the first to acknowledge that Ms. Moore can be abrasive and disrespectful to those she does not agree with. During the course of the LP Presidential Straw Poll, I have also been the target of her criticism on more than one occasion.
The Russo campaign has worked hard to spin the story as either a complete misunderstanding, saying he genuinely needed help with his belt buckle (an explanation that insults basic human intelligence), or as a harmless joke blown out of proportion by someone who is working against his campaign. Either way, this is not the behavior and image we want to present to the public.
Being able to conduct yourself with class in the face of those who attack you is critical for someone who hopes to lead a political party as a Presidential nominee. The public needs to hear the real solutions we have to the issues they care about. That message will not be heard if the messenger himself is a distraction. That is why we need Gary Nolan at the top of our ticket. His engaging approach to communicating the message of freedom makes people want to listen to him.
So, what about the second spot on the Libertarian ticket? We have our man for that job, too
Michael Badnarik is the ideal choice for the Libertarian Party's nomination for Vice President of the United States.
To question Michael's passion for the Constitution, for liberty and for building the Libertarian Party would be a waste of time. His quest for our nomination is truly a labor of the love of freedom. He began this campaign as a locally-known activist in Texas and has now established himself as a devoted campaigner, a hard worker and a genuine expert on the U.S. Constitution.
Michael's aggressive, yet dignified, style of public speaking is exactly what we need in the V.P. role. The Libertarian Party needs to keep him on the campaign trail.
While Michael Badnarik is still running for our Presidential nomination, he has already publicly stated that we will accept the Vice Presidential nod. The fact that Michael is still "Lighting the Fires of Liberty, One Heart At a Time" after a year and a half of constant travel and shoestring budgets is a testament to Michael as a person and as a candidate.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to know both Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik. Both men have proven their ability and willingness to live on the campaign trail. Both men have proven their ability and desire to use their campaigns to support statewide and local Libertarian candidates. I have personally campaigned with both men and look forward to continuing to work with both Gary and Michael as I run for Missouri Lieutenant Governor this year.
Neither Gary nor Michael is basing his campaign on grandiose promises. Their campaigns are based on hard work, personal integrity, an understanding of reality, the realization that respect is to be earned, not demanded and a dedication to personally delivering our message all over the United States.
Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik, in that order, is an effective top of the ticket team for the Libertarian Party. I hope our delegates recognize this in Atlanta this month
May 20, 2004
McCullagh on Russo et al: Spamming for office
Spamming for office - News - ZDNet
COMMENTARY--Aaron Russo wants your vote so badly, he's willing to spam you for it.
Last week, Russo, a Hollywood producer who is running for president as a Libertarian Party candidate, fired off thousands of unsolicited e-mail messages announcing his campaign and asking recipients to "help support Russo financially" with "automatic monthly contributions."
Russo, whose films include "The Rose" and "Trading Places," is not alone. Political spam has become a thoroughly nonpartisan communications technique, with Democrats, Republicans and third parties alike turning to bulk e-mail in numbers that are still small but steadily increasing. Two percent of all spam is political, according to statistics compiled by antispam vendor Brightmail.
...
May 18, 2004
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
Aaron Russo Readies Race for Governor
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Nevada's next governor could turn out to be a long-time Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and a passionate interest in the defense of individual liberty.
Aaron Russo -- whose production credentials include the films Wise Guys, Trading Places, and The Rose, among others -- has authorized Nevada supporters to begin laying the foundation for a campaign to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Electric Nevada has learned.
Russo himself, after flying into Reno Friday, appeared at a Carson City GOP Lincoln Day event the same evening. A full-blown announcement of his candidacy is currently scheduled for March 22, sources say.
Famed political consultant Lyn Nofziger -- assistant to President Reagan for political affairs from 1981 to 1982 -- is in line to serve as the campaign's chief strategist, according to one source close to Russo.
"That's a 95 percent done deal," the source said.
Nofziger is currently president of Nofziger Communications, a Washington consulting firm. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and later became press secretary for Ronald Reagan's first race for Governor in 1966.
...
1997: Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Two things are notable in this article from just before Aaron Russo's 1998 run for Governor of Nevada: his claims about being "way ahead" and leading "by miles"-- while polls early in the race once it was underway put him 40 points behind the front-runner -- and this little note at the end:
Originally booked for March, the Pioneer Theater kick-off in Reno for the Aaron Russo campaign has been pushed back until May 10. The postponement will allow both the printer and the post office extra time, campaign sources said.
BTW, Russo ultimately got 26% of the primary vote, against 59% for winner Kenny Guinn.
Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Excerpt:
Russo himself says he was amazed in Vegas to find people plucking at him -- as he walked through the audience -- as though he was some kind of rock star.
And he believes the contrast with establishment candidates like former interim UNLV president Kenny Guinn, and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, will be clear.
"Think about this," he challenged the reporter interviewing him. "Think what would happen if Kenny Guinn went to the Pioneer Theater [in Reno] and said 'Come see me,' How many people would show up? There'd be five people in the audience.
"You think if Frankie Sue did it. And then watch what happens when I'm there.
"We're way ahead of anybody. We're not the underdog; we're the leader.
"That's what people have to realize," argues Russo. "I have thousands and thousands of supporters already. And those supporters all want to work, they all want to volunteer.
"So... I look at myself as the person who leads this campaign by miles. By miles. And they're going to have to catch me."
What will make that difficult for establishment candidates, he believes, is that the Russo campaign already has intensely loyal support at the grassroots.
"We have real people who want me to win," says Russo. "We have passion, we have compassion, we have people who are ready to put up money, people who are verbal about what they're doing with me, You know, we have people who are really totally supportive.
"It's like a whole new Perot thing happening -- but from a different point of view than Perot," he said.
...
1998: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Another blast from the past-- Aaron Russo's 1998 campaign for Governor of Nevada.
Washingtonpost.com: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
The most telling bit in this blast from the past was this:
Russo has no campaign manager, no financial chairman, no strategist.
He did back in April of that year-- high-level strategist Lyn Nofziger. But not in this article from August, weeks before the actual primary election. Weird.
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
LAS VEGAS RJ:NEWS: COLUMN: John L. Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 1998
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
From Tahiti to Nevada
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Aaron Russo for Governor?
E! Online News - Aaron Russo for Governor?
by Marcus Errico
Apr 10, 1997, 3:40 PM PT
May 17, 2004
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
May 15, 2004
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
McCullagh on Russo et al: Spamming for office
Spamming for office - News - ZDNet
COMMENTARY--Aaron Russo wants your vote so badly, he's willing to spam you for it.
Last week, Russo, a Hollywood producer who is running for president as a Libertarian Party candidate, fired off thousands of unsolicited e-mail messages announcing his campaign and asking recipients to "help support Russo financially" with "automatic monthly contributions."
Russo, whose films include "The Rose" and "Trading Places," is not alone. Political spam has become a thoroughly nonpartisan communications technique, with Democrats, Republicans and third parties alike turning to bulk e-mail in numbers that are still small but steadily increasing. Two percent of all spam is political, according to statistics compiled by antispam vendor Brightmail.
...
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
Aaron Russo Readies Race for Governor
Film Producer Readies Race For Nevada Governor Chair
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Nevada's next governor could turn out to be a long-time Hollywood producer with a flair for the dramatic and a passionate interest in the defense of individual liberty.
Aaron Russo -- whose production credentials include the films Wise Guys, Trading Places, and The Rose, among others -- has authorized Nevada supporters to begin laying the foundation for a campaign to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Electric Nevada has learned.
Russo himself, after flying into Reno Friday, appeared at a Carson City GOP Lincoln Day event the same evening. A full-blown announcement of his candidacy is currently scheduled for March 22, sources say.
Famed political consultant Lyn Nofziger -- assistant to President Reagan for political affairs from 1981 to 1982 -- is in line to serve as the campaign's chief strategist, according to one source close to Russo.
"That's a 95 percent done deal," the source said.
Nofziger is currently president of Nofziger Communications, a Washington consulting firm. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and later became press secretary for Ronald Reagan's first race for Governor in 1966.
...
1997: Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Two things are notable in this article from just before Aaron Russo's 1998 run for Governor of Nevada: his claims about being "way ahead" and leading "by miles"-- while polls early in the race once it was underway put him 40 points behind the front-runner -- and this little note at the end:
Originally booked for March, the Pioneer Theater kick-off in Reno for the Aaron Russo campaign has been pushed back until May 10. The postponement will allow both the printer and the post office extra time, campaign sources said.
BTW, Russo ultimately got 26% of the primary vote, against 59% for winner Kenny Guinn.
Thousands of Nevada Supporters Put Me in Front, Claims Russo
Excerpt:
Russo himself says he was amazed in Vegas to find people plucking at him -- as he walked through the audience -- as though he was some kind of rock star.
And he believes the contrast with establishment candidates like former interim UNLV president Kenny Guinn, and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, will be clear.
"Think about this," he challenged the reporter interviewing him. "Think what would happen if Kenny Guinn went to the Pioneer Theater [in Reno] and said 'Come see me,' How many people would show up? There'd be five people in the audience.
"You think if Frankie Sue did it. And then watch what happens when I'm there.
"We're way ahead of anybody. We're not the underdog; we're the leader.
"That's what people have to realize," argues Russo. "I have thousands and thousands of supporters already. And those supporters all want to work, they all want to volunteer.
"So... I look at myself as the person who leads this campaign by miles. By miles. And they're going to have to catch me."
What will make that difficult for establishment candidates, he believes, is that the Russo campaign already has intensely loyal support at the grassroots.
"We have real people who want me to win," says Russo. "We have passion, we have compassion, we have people who are ready to put up money, people who are verbal about what they're doing with me, You know, we have people who are really totally supportive.
"It's like a whole new Perot thing happening -- but from a different point of view than Perot," he said.
...
1998: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Another blast from the past-- Aaron Russo's 1998 campaign for Governor of Nevada.
Washingtonpost.com: Candidates Try to Beat the Odds in Nevada
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
The most telling bit in this blast from the past was this:
Russo has no campaign manager, no financial chairman, no strategist.
He did back in April of that year-- high-level strategist Lyn Nofziger. But not in this article from August, weeks before the actual primary election. Weird.
Guinn will remind voters of long-haired Russo until primary
LAS VEGAS RJ:NEWS: COLUMN: John L. Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 1998
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
From Tahiti to Nevada
Russo's Road to the Race for Governor
by Steve Miller
copyright (c) 1997, Electric Nevada
Aaron Russo for Governor?
E! Online News - Aaron Russo for Governor?
by Marcus Errico
Apr 10, 1997, 3:40 PM PT
May 17, 2004
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
May 15, 2004
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Jesse Walker: In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
In Defense of Spoilers and Quixotes
Don't you know there's an election on?
Jesse Walker
John Kerry's best chance to win the presidency is to stay out of public and legally change his name to Not Bush. The Democratic grassroots may have accepted Kerry as the "realistic" nominee, but it's the opportunity to vote for Not Bush that's excited them; and it's Not Bush who's been picking up swing voters in the polls. So strong is this sentiment, in fact, that the liberals' worst antipathy seems reserved for those who might dilute the Not Bush vote.
That would be you, Mr. Nader. ...
Libertarian hopeful makes his case
Bradenton Herald | 05/13/2004 | Libertarian hopeful makes his case
BRADENTON - According to a Libertarian Party candidate for president, this is the year the party can make a difference.
"Now there is a chance to take America back," said Gary Nolan, who spoke Wednesday evening at the Fogartyville Cafe to rally support for his campaign.
Nolan said voting for the Libertarian Party would be a win-win situation.
If he wins the presidency, he said he will protect the people's rights to keep their wealth.
If he loses, he predicts the Democrats and Republicans will move in that direction when they see the number of votes going to the Libertarians.
Nolan said voters who think Republicans are fiscal conservatives should know that with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, domestic spending has increased at a rate of 7 percent to 10 percent a year.
"That is compared to the 2½-3 percent when there was a Democrat, Clinton, in the White House and a Republican Congress," he said. "If the fiscal conservatives vote for George Bush again, they'll be telling him, 'You're doing the right thing.' "
...
Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
MSNBC - Pollsters: Kerry aside, Bush is in trouble
WASHINGTON - Voters may not yet be ready to flock to challenger John Kerry, but President Bush’s continuing decline in opinion surveys — including one released Wednesday — is a clear warning sign for an incumbent trying to persuade the public to rehire him for four more years, pollsters say.
...
“He is in dangerous territory now,” pollster John Zogby said of Bush.
Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup poll, said Bush’s slowly sinking job approval rating, down to 46 percent in his latest survey, was similar to the dropping trajectory of the last three incumbents to lose their elections -- George Bush, the current president’s father, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In contrast, the five most recent incumbent presidents who won their elections never dipped below 50 percent in their job approval rating at any point in the election year, he said.
“The Bush campaign has to be concerned and worried at this point,” Newport said. “When you look at the trend, you certainly see that Bush is beginning to track the trajectory of the three losing presidents rather than the winners.”
...
Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
It's difficult to conceive of how a Kerry-McCain ticket would do anything other than blow the doors off of a Bush/Cheney ticket, if that ended up being the battle. Kerry and McCain would wipe the floor with them. Apparently it's not going to happen, but it would be something to see if it did. I still wouldn't vote for any of them, but that ticket would be hugely appealing to the mainstream middle base of voters-- Bush and Cheney would lose virtually that whole bloc, and be left with only diehard Republicans (and a reduced lot of them) and the religious right. And gun owners if he doesn't renew the assault weapons ban (which he most likely will do).
Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Slamming the door on a Kerry-McCain ticket
By Scot Lehigh, Globe Columnist, 4/13/2004
HERE'S TODAY'S question: How hard does a door have to slam before it's truly closed?
But first let's begin with the little tease of a joke that went untold.
According to a Democratic wag, one suggestion for a bit of levity at John Kerry's fund-raiser in Washington last Wednesday called for the senator to glance at his watch, then deadpan that they probably shouldn't wait any longer for John McCain to show up before starting the program.
Not a laugh riot, certainly, but as Kerry jokes go, it wouldn't have been bad. And it would have added a piquant note to a topic that has been much on the political world's mind: Is there any real prospect that the Arizona Republican might actually join Kerry on the Democratic ticket?
McCain said no - ``no, no, and no,'' actually - again on Sunday during an appearance on NBC's ``Meet the Press,'' a thrice-buttressed negative that may finally put to rest an idea the Kerry camp appears to have an interest in fanning.
But certainly in some quarters, that pairing is seen as a winner.
...
Bush's disappearing financial advantage
MSNBC - Bush's disappearing financial advantage
By David Shuster
MSNBC Correspondent
Updated: 7:09 p.m. ET April 15, 2004
In politics, it is known as the burn rate — the speed at which a campaign spends the money it has raised. The Hardball ad watch team estimates that the Bush campaign has already spent nearly half of its pre-convention advertising budget.
With the polls showing the president even or slightly behind John Kerry, it means that the Bush campaign's huge financial advantage has now all but disappeared.
...
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik, by L. Neil Smith
TLE Interviews Michael Badnarik
by L. Neil Smith
lneil@lneilsmith.com
Exclusive to THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE
TLE: First things first, Mike. Why are you in competition for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the Presidency of the United States?
...
Reform Party endorses Nader
Reform Party endorses Nader, giving him ballot access in 7 states, including Fla., Mich.
SAM HANANEL
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Independent Ralph Nader, reviled by some Democrats for his presidential bid, was endorsed Wednesday by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in at least seven states, including the battlegrounds of Florida and Michigan.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said the candidate welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the Reform Party's ballot lines in each state, or try to gain ballot access through other means.
...
May 03, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
April 30, 2004
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Dean campaign metrics
This is an old article, but I want to save these numbers.
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Dean campaign metrics
The Seattle Times: As campaign struggles, backers say Dean's value lies online
excerpt:
Last year, Dean raised about $41 million from more than 95,000 people, about half of that through online donations. Supporters posted more than 314,000 comments on Dean's Web log last year, according to the campaign, and 180,000 people used Meetup.com to organize and find Dean meetings around the country.
As of yesterday, the campaign said, 638,121 people have registered on the Dean Web site, www.deanforamerica.com
Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Daily Illini | Libertarian presidential candidate speaks at UI
Gary Nolan, front-runner for the Libertarian presidential nomination, covered a range of issues concerning the bureaucracies, economy and civil liberties of the country at Noyes Lab on Tuesday. ...
April 27, 2004
April 26, 2004
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
April 24, 2004
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
April 20, 2004
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
'Nader nation' - who are these voters?
Perhaps the strangest thing about this article is that it poses two seemingly conflicting notions: that Nader's base could be both broader than it was in 2000, and smaller than it was in 2000. It sounds strange, but I think it could end up being proven true.
Kerry's Consigliere
The Atlantic | May 2004 | Kerry's Consigliere
For the legendary strategist Bob Shrum, a lifetime in Democratic politics comes down to John Kerry and a final shot at the White House
April 19, 2004
April 15, 2004
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
April 13, 2004
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate
Boston.com / News / Nation / For Kerry aides, McCain would fit bill as running mate