JRE #801 – Gary Johnson

5/17/2016

This podcast dives into Gary Johnson’s Libertarian political philosophy, exploring his views on issues ranging from the two-party system to the drug war and government overreach. Johnson’s stance on personal liberty and limited government resonates with many, but he also faces challenges in navigating a system seemingly rigged against third-party candidates. The podcast highlights the complexities of political reform and the obstacles faced by those seeking to shake up the status quo.

Major Topics & Underlying Themes

1. The Rigged Game of the Two-Party System

   1. Johnson argues that the two-party system limits voter choices and doesn’t represent the majority of Americans’ views.
   2. He criticizes the influence of the Commission for Presidential Debates and claims it’s designed to exclude third-party candidates.
   3. Johnson believes that gaining visibility in national polls is crucial for third-party candidates to have a chance.
   4. He highlights the importance of the Libertarian party in providing an alternative to the Democrat and Republican parties.

2. The Libertarian Approach to Social and Fiscal Issues

   1. Johnson advocates for fiscal conservatism and social liberalism, suggesting it aligns with the values of many independent voters.
   2. He emphasizes the need for limited government intervention in personal choices and believes in individual liberty.
   3. He challenges the perception of Libertarians as fringe figures and argues they offer a more practical approach to governance.
   4. Johnson believes in individual responsibility and emphasizes the need for a level playing field, advocating for free market solutions in areas like healthcare.

3. The Drug War and its Impact

   1. Johnson strongly advocates for the legalization of marijuana and believes it would lead to less overall substance abuse and reduce crime.
   2. He points out the hypocrisy of banning hemp, a non-psychoactive cannabis product, and highlights its potential benefits.
   3. Johnson argues that the drug war is a major factor in the high incarceration rate in the US, contributing to social issues like distrust of law enforcement.
   4. He criticizes the influence of prison unions and other vested interests that oppose drug policy reform.

4. The Need for Government Reform

   1. Johnson believes in a smaller, more efficient government and advocates for devolution of power to the states.
   2. He highlights the inefficiency of federal programs like Medicaid and Medicare, suggesting a state-based approach could lead to more effective solutions.
   3. Johnson proposes abolishing the Department of Homeland Security or merging it with the FBI, citing its overreach and questionable priorities.
   4. He criticizes the influence of special interest groups and lobbyists, advocating for transparency in campaign finance and government spending.

5. The Role of Technology in Governance

   1. Johnson believes in the potential of online voting to make participation in democracy more accessible.
   2. He recognizes the Internet’s role in challenging the status quo and empowering citizens to hold government accountable.
   3. Johnson sees the Internet as a platform for disseminating information and promoting transparency in government.
   4. He acknowledges the challenges posed by online trolls and misinformation, but believes in the Internet’s potential to foster a more informed citizenry.

6. The Limits of Political Change

   1. Johnson acknowledges the inertia of the political system and the difficulty of enacting substantial change.
   2. He discusses the complexities of navigating the different branches of government and the obstacles to implementing effective policies.
   3. Johnson highlights the challenges of term limits and the potential for incumbency protection to hinder change.
   4. He raises concerns about the influence of powerful institutions and the potential for individuals in office to become co-opted by the system.

7. The Future of the Libertarian Movement

   1. Johnson believes that the Libertarian movement has the potential to grow in popularity, fueled by dissatisfaction with the two-party system.
   2. He sees opportunities for Libertarian ideas to gain traction in the current political landscape, particularly among independent voters.
   3. Johnson highlights the importance of promoting Libertarian principles and increasing awareness of the party’s platform.
   4. He expresses optimism about the possibility of winning a presidential election, emphasizing the need for greater visibility and engagement with voters.

8. The Need for Transparency and Accountability

   1. Johnson emphasizes the importance of transparency in government, arguing for open access to information and data.
   2. He advocates for increased accountability for government officials and a greater emphasis on public oversight.
   3. Johnson believes that a more transparent and accountable government will foster greater trust and engagement from citizens.
   4. He criticizes the lack of transparency in government spending and the influence of special interest groups, advocating for a more open and responsive political system.

9. The Global Political Landscape and US Foreign Policy

   1. Johnson expresses concerns about the US’s involvement in foreign conflicts and the unintended consequences of military interventions.
   2. He advocates for a more restrained foreign policy and a greater emphasis on diplomacy and peaceful resolutions.
   3. Johnson criticizes the use of drone strikes and the high number of civilian casualties, advocating for more careful consideration of military action.
   4. He believes that the US should focus on building alliances and strengthening partnerships with other nations, particularly in addressing global threats like terrorism.

Memorable Quotes

• “At the end of the day, don’t the 2 major parties represent about 30% of the electorate?”
• “The rigged game is is that if you’re not in the polls, There’s no way that you can poll at 15%.”
• “We’ve we’ve figured the dollar value alone of being in the presidential debates is several $100,000,000.”
• “We have the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world And the reason behind that is that the war on drugs.”
• “I’ve always maintained that legalizing marijuana will make for a better planet.”