Better late than never I guess, especially when it comes to running for president. There’s a new face in the 2024 presidential race. Meet Chase Oliver, the Libertarian Party’s freshly minted nominee. In a whirlwind of elimination votes and fervent debates at the party’s national convention in Washington, Oliver emerged victorious, beating out nine other hopefuls, including a last-minute bid by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
For those who need a refresher, Chase Oliver is no stranger to the political arena. This openly gay former Democrat made waves in 2022 when he pushed a U.S. Senate race in Georgia to a runoff—a feat that put him on the political map. Now, he’s set his sights on the highest office in the land, armed with a platform of radical freedom and limited government intervention.
But let’s not gloss over the drama that unfolded. Oliver’s triumph wasn’t just a simple case of ballot-counting. The convention was a high-octane event, a four-day marathon of speeches, debates, and strategic maneuvering. And in a twist straight out of a political thriller, both Donald J. Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made plays for the Libertarian endorsement. Trump, not officially listed as a candidate, snagged a meager six write-in votes. Kennedy, added to the list on the day of the voting, was ousted in the first round, capturing only 19 votes—just 2% of the total.
So, what does Oliver bring to the table? The Libertarian Party, often seen as the renegade faction of American politics, champions unrestricted personal liberties and a minimalistic government approach. Their rallying cry, “Become Ungovernable,” emblazoned across convention badges and signs, encapsulates their ethos. They’re calling for the dismantling of regulatory bodies, with some even advocating for the abolition of behemoths like the IRS and FBI. They also stand firmly behind the legalization of drugs and prostitution, the embrace of cryptocurrency, and the opposition to tariffs and foreign military expenditure. Not to mention their vocal support for Julian Assange’s release from UK detention.
The Libertarian Party—one of the more established minor parties—boasts significant name recognition and ballot presence. Oliver’s nomination guarantees him a spot on the November ballot in at least 37 states, a figure that party leaders are optimistic will increase.