As a Libertarian, someone who doesn’t want the government to get too involved in our personal lives and one who keeps a constant eye on politics, this race to the White House between Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz and Donald Trump has fascinated me to no end.
I watched Hillary Clinton win Super Tuesday, which shocked me because I believed that her many email scandals would work against her. I also observed Bernie Sanders’ attempts to connect with the crowd and his promises of free public college and taxing the rich.
I saw Ted Cruz, the favored GOP establishment nominee, not faring well during Super Tuesday. Finally, I also saw Donald Trump, one of the most controversial icons of the presidential race, make promises to build a wall and then turn what should have been a civil debate about politics into a huge catfight.
Not one of these people, from my perspective, will make a good leader of the United States.
Hillary Clinton has problems maintaining security, Bernie Sanders encourages too much government involvement, Ted Cruz’s arrogance and extreme ambition cause him to do whatever it takes to receive the nomination and Donald Trump is hardly representative of a stellar citizen, to say the least.
I even hear that there are many Republican candidates reluctantly resigning themselves to choosing a third-party candidate lest Donald Trump win the nomination, which seems likely since he already won half of the delegates.
Trump even told Good Morning America, “Let me tell you, a third party guarantees—not 90 percent, or 99 percent—100 percent that your Democrats will win, probably Hillary.”
However, voting Libertarian shouldn’t simply be a second choice. Personally, I want to see a third-party candidate win this election, or at the very least, make massive waves across the political landscape.
Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, for instance, is an ideal candidate with worthy qualifications who can count on my vote. Others should strongly consider supporting Johnson as well.
As the former New Mexico governor, Johnson managed the state budget so well that by the time he left office, New Mexico was one of only four states with a balanced budget.
With previous business experience, Johnson translates his business mindset to government in his public policy decisions.
Johnson also has the ability to garner more votes than any other Libertarian candidate in history; he placed third in the 2012 presidential election.
All in all, Johnson is the lead candidate in my opinion.
That being said, this upcoming Nov. 4, you should vote for who you think is right for this country: Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or Green.
In the end, your voice needs to be heard. Don’t just follow the loudest voices in the crowd, whether they be on social media or elsewhere.
And don’t be afraid to vote Libertarian.