A Libertarian Perspective on Recent Political Developments: RNC, DNC, and the Silence on LNC's Chase Oliver
Analyzing GOP and DNC platforms while the Libertarian Party stays silent on Chase Oliver’s nomination.
While the two-party system continues to drown out diverse voices, the recent activities of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have once again showcased the surprising similarities of left and right ideologies while trying to convince the public they are vehemently opposed to one another. Yet, the Libertarian Party, which prides itself on individual freedom and minimal government intervention, seems to have fallen into an echo of silence concerning its presidential nominee, Chase Oliver. This absence raises important questions about the party’s strategy and commitment to its principles.
The RNC and DNC: Business as Usual
The RNC has been busy consolidating its conservative base, emphasizing traditional values, deregulation, and building up national defense. The recent focus has been on countering progressive policies proposed by the Biden administration. From vehement opposition to increased federal spending to staunch support for Second Amendment rights, the RNC’s stance has been predictable, yet RNC-branded elected politicians continue to raise federal spending and have recently changed their platform to be more like the Democrats when it comes to Social Security and other programs. While their messaging suggests a commitment to smaller government, lower taxes, and the preservation of individual liberties – the reality of how they vote shows more in common with Democrats. They both want to increase the military-industrial complex, keep and expand social programs, expand the federal government, etc. - all done with the force of government and borrowing the money to pay for it all. Only a couple seem concerned about the federal deficit and the federal debt.
Look at the changes this year to the GOP platform: got rid of their 40-year desire to ban abortion nationwide, their stance on gun rights has now been watered down, and finally, a push to abolish the federal Department of Education rather than try to reform the education system as in the past.
Conversely, the DNC has been doubling down on its progressive agenda, advocating for expanded social programs, climate change action, and expensive healthcare policies. The DNC will hold its national convention in August. They push for student debt relief, and higher minimum wages, always through increased government intervention.
Both committees have showcased their ideologies in a way that further polarizes the electorate, leaving little room for a middle ground, even though they agree on more things than they disagree on. This polarization creates a perfect set-up for the Libertarian Party. Yet, despite this potential, the Libertarian Party's recent silence on its presidential candidate, Chase Oliver, is just plain weird and a squandering of potential influence.
The Libertarian Party's Missed Opportunity
Chase Oliver, a fresh face in the Libertarian Party, represents a significant opportunity to break the mold of the binary political landscape. His nomination could have been a safe harbor for disillusioned voters from both sides of the aisle. However, the party’s lack of vocal support and promotion since his nomination raises concerns about their strategic approach. Sadly, our national chair recently did her Monday Stream where she only mentioned his first name once, while speaking Donald Trump and Jill Stein’s names repeatedly. It was just a weird, delusional layout of her plan for the future. I hope her plan propels the LP in a positive light, promoting Libertarian Party-branded candidates and influencing public policy. I haven’t seen it yet in her 2+ years as chair, and hopefully, she’ll get to the point where we are changing policy. Perhaps I am dumb, and she’s a brilliant strategist, though I have yet to see the fruits of her labor, for which, she certainly has worked extremely hard.
When I was chair of the Libertarian Party of Florida, I did plenty of coalition work, as our national chair is suggesting she is doing. For example, I was invited and attended GOP events as well as a Green Party of Florida convention. At the time, I had Florida legislators and their aides, as well as local mayors, contacting me about upcoming legislation on which the LP Florida influenced. While I do not see this happening with any productive value on the national stage, perhaps things are happening behind the scenes, that I am not aware of and her work will bear fruit.
One of the key tenets of libertarianism is the belief in the power of the individual and the minimization of governmental control. This philosophy resonates with many Americans who feel alienated by the overreach of both major parties. Yet, by not actively promoting Oliver, the Libertarian Party risks fading into obscurity when it should be seizing the moment to amplify our popular message of freedom.
The Silence on Chase Oliver Must Stop
The absence of discourse around Chase Oliver since his nomination is not just a missed marketing opportunity; it reflects a deeper issue within the Libertarian Party. To truly challenge the status quo, the party must not only present its candidates but also vigorously defend and promote its philosophy resulting in public policy.
Chase Oliver’s platform includes critical libertarian policies such as reducing government spending, protecting civil liberties, and promoting free-market solutions. His stance on criminal justice reform, ending the war on drugs, and supporting equal rights for all provides a refreshing alternative to the often rigid platforms of the RNC and DNC. These are issues that resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, yet without visibility, they risk being overshadowed.
The Libertarian Party must leverage the current political climate, where dissatisfaction with the two-party system is at an all-time high. By actively promoting Oliver and engaging with the electorate through social media, public appearances, and policy discussions, the party can carve out a significant niche.