Jim, I see that Steve Sailer beat me to the punch -- no
surprise. I too view libertarianism, as a formal political
movement, as a near-nullity. That said, most Americans have a kind
of libertarian streak, which Grover Norquist sought to mobilize in
the "leave us alone" coalition. (Is he still holding meetings of
same?) The proper candidate could arouse that impulse, and maybe
capitalize on it to the extent of getting a bunch of votes out of
it, but that candidate is likely to be a Republican by brand and
allegiance, I'd think.
I do not see any convergence between liberals and libertarians,
especially given modern liberalism's comfort with totalitarian
impulses. Well, there's legalized marijuana. Heck, I'm in favor
of that. It's got no traction as an election issue, however.
topics:
Libertarianism