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May
Bob Barr is Running For President
Bob Barr announced yesterday that he is running for President this year. He will be running on the Libertarian ticket. I reported about his good polling numbers recently. He says he is in the race to win it, not just make a point. We will have to see how it goes, but a quick look at his website shows he seems to agree with a lot of my stances. Hopefully he will at least be allowed in the debates.
It’s been more than 450 days since Sen. Barack Obama announced his candidacy, and 383 since Sen. John McCain threw his hat in the ring, but Bob Barr is hoping that the best things come to those who wait.
“My name is Bob Barr and I’m a candidate for the presidency of the United States of America,” he told a small room of reporters, pre-empting them by raising the obvious question himself: “You might say Bob Barr, why are you running for president?”
Well, Barr tried to explain, articulating his desire to “cut the size, scope and power of government.” He spoke out in favor of the separation of powers, but against “a government run amok fiscally.” He said the American people “want a choice” and a restoration of habeas corpus.
But perhaps instead of explaining why he’s running, Barr should have explained how he could possibly take the White House. But that wasn’t to happen. “Please save any procedural questions for after the news conference,” said Barr’s political adviser, Russ Verney. OK, but what about money, Bob? “We have a substantial budget.” What swing states do you think you can win? Barr said he’s got a good plan for winning the Electoral College, but wouldn’t spill the beans.
Will those disenfranchised with McCain head towards Barr? Will Barr be able to get the Ron Paulites, since Paul is not running as a libertarian? Can he truly be a viable third party candidate? These are all questions we will have to wait and see in the upcoming months.
