This weekend, former President Donald Trump spoke at the Libertarian National Convention. I give him great credit for that. He was booed mercilessly, except when he promised to pardon a notorious criminal. Although his speech was solid and tailor-made for a Libertarian audience, what really stood out to me was that because he knew he wasn’t speaking to an adoring crowd, he left the ad-libs and off-prompter stories for another day. This served him well. I hope he continues with this approach.
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However, in the context of the upcoming presidential election, the Republican and Libertarian parties really should forge a strategic alliance to challenge incumbent President Joe Biden. Despite their differences, the two parties share several philosophical tenets that could serve as a foundation for collaboration. By focusing on limited government, individual liberty, fiscal conservatism, and free-market principles, Republicans and Libertarians can present a united front that appeals to a broad spectrum of voters.
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One of the most significant philosophical overlaps between the Republican and Libertarian parties is a belief in limited government. Both parties believe in reducing the size and scope of federal government intervention in citizens’ lives. This principle is rooted in the belief that government should not overreach into personal freedoms and that local and state governments are better positioned to address many issues. Trump made it clear in his speech to the Libertarians that he firmly believes in and supports the 10th Amendment.
Republicans have historically championed deregulation and state sovereignty, arguing that a smaller federal government leads to greater efficiency and individual autonomy. Similarly, Libertarians emphasize the importance of minimal state intervention, advocating for dismantling many federal agencies and functions. This shared belief can be the cornerstone of the alliance, promoting policies that limit federal power and enhance personal freedoms.
At the heart of both the Republican and Libertarian philosophies is a commitment to individual liberty. Libertarians, in particular, are staunch defenders of personal freedoms, including free speech, privacy rights, and the right to bear arms. Republicans also prioritize these liberties, especially concerning Second Amendment rights, property rights, and freedom of religion.
By aligning their platforms around protecting and expanding individual liberties, the two parties can attract voters who feel their personal freedoms are under threat. This includes advocating for policies that safeguard against government surveillance, defend free speech on college campuses, and protect religious practices from state interference. Although Trump touched on these foundational tenets to a lukewarm reception, both parties have embraced these first principles. Indeed, emphasizing a unified stance on economic freedom and individual liberty can resonate with a diverse electorate, including independents and moderate Democrats concerned about civil liberties.
Fiscal conservatism is another critical area where Republicans and Libertarians can find common ground. Republicans, at least rhetorically, advocate for balanced budgets, reduced government spending, and lower taxes. The Party of Reagan, for 50 years, has argued that fiscal responsibility is essential for economic stability and growth. Moreover, Republicans traditionally emphasize tax cuts and spending reductions as a means to stimulate the economy and reduce the national debt. Libertarians take this a step further, calling for significant cuts to federal programs (and eliminating some of them) and a reevaluation of military spending. By presenting a cohesive plan for fiscal reform, the two parties can appeal to fiscally conservative voters concerned about the national debt and government waste, fraud, and abuse.
Free-market capitalism is a fundamental principle shared by both Republicans and Libertarians. Republicans have long argued that economic freedom leads to innovation, efficiency, and prosperity. This belief in the power of the free market to allocate resources and drive economic growth is central to the GOP’s economic policies. Republicans also promote policies that reduce business regulations and encourage entrepreneurship. Trump was strong in this area as president. Libertarians, while agreeing with these principles, also advocate for eliminating corporate welfare and subsidies, arguing that the market should operate without government interference. By combining these perspectives, the two parties can present a robust vision for economic growth that prioritizes innovation and competition.
To effectively unite their efforts, the Republican and Libertarian parties should consider developing a shared platform highlighting their common goals and policy proposals, focusing on limited government, economic freedom, individual liberty, fiscal conservatism, and free-market principles. They should also collaborate on candidate endorsements, supporting individuals who embody the principles of both parties and can appeal to a wider electorate. Libertarian candidates can often be found running for office and serving in political office at the local level. The GOP could and should do a better job of identifying these local elected officials and grooming them for higher office.
By finding and emphasizing their philosophical common ground, the Republican and Libertarian parties can create a powerful coalition capable of mounting a serious challenge to Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election. Focusing on the respective parties’ shared values of limited government, economic freedom, individual liberty, fiscal conservatism, and free-market principles while respecting property rights, gun rights, and free speech, the two parties can appeal to a broad range of voters who are looking for a government that respects their freedoms, promotes economic prosperity, and keeps America not only great but that shining city on a hill.
