This thread discusses the Content article: LP Presidential Candidates

I want a candidate who will be able to effectively communicate the Libertarian message. We have to admit that third party politics still have a long way to go. Selecting a candidate just on name recognition or electability would be a mistake if it meant lowering our standards on their dedication to the ideals of liberty.

My least favorite candidates:
Gravel - he is way too far socialist on economic issues.
Imperato - he comes across as a wacko. He doesn't understand the libertarian philosophy at all.
Milnes - no explanation needed.

My favorite candidates:
Smith - I think she is a really good speaker and is dedicated to libertarian principles. She was really great in the one debate I attended.
Ruwart - She has been a long time libertarian activist. I know that she is very dedicated to libertarian ideals. I'm not sure how effective she is as a speaker. She made a mistake of waiting too long to enter the fray.

Other promising candidates:
Phillies - I was originally not a Phillies fan, but he has become a much better speaker. He certainly has paid his dues in LP activism over the years.
Kubby? - I've never really seen him speaking but I love the South Park ads/cartoons that were done.
Jingozian? - I really don't know much about him, but he did ok in the NJ/PA convention debate.
Root? - Good speaker, but I'm not really that sure about him. At this time I don't think he'd make a good candidate, but he could change my mind.

To be honest, known of these people do anything for me.I really donot see anyone that i could really vote for.

It may sound strange to describe such an attractive woman as a pit bull, but I see Christine Smith as just that, a pit bull for liberty. She is the real deal, an uncompromising libertarian. She is one of only 3 or 4 candidates seeking our nomination who deserves serious consideration. Her principled stands on the issues, her forceful delivery, and her willingness to take constructive criticism all mark her as an outstanding candidate. I hope our NJ delegates to the convention will give her strong consideration.

I think the name recognition of Barr or Gravel can only work in the positive for us. We have stuck with pretty much "hard-line" Libertarian candidates for 30+ years and it hasn't accomplished much. Whoever we pick has a miniscule chance of even affecting the outcome of the race at this point, so we don't have to worry about sending someone to the White House who isn't libertarian enough. What we do have to worry about is exposure. The big media outlets are actually using the "l" word on some of their shows. People are paying attention to these guys and to us, as a serious political contender. They might actually let Barr into a debate. That can only help us to grow.

I went to christina smiths websight, she sure is a pitbull.I see she has no use for the present leadership of the lp.She says many of the good libertarians have left the party.She would not support any of the other candadates.Reading her websight i would hesitate joining the lp.