Why we (and our candidates) shouldn't call ourselves "Libertarians"

[malkusm]

http://pewresearch.org/databank/dail...?NumberID=1007

While the small-government advocacy of the Tea Party movement and other conservative candidates has drawn attention to some libertarian beliefs, Americans are evenly split in their judgments of the word "libertarian." When asked for their reaction to the word, as many give a positive response (38%) as give a negative response (37%). About one-in-ten (9%) have neither a positive or negative reaction to the term, while 16% don't know or refused to respond. In fact, with nearly a quarter of the public not having a positive or negative reaction, "libertarian" produced far fewer responses than words such as "socialism" or "capitalism" or "progressive." Also, though most libertarian-friendly candidates find a home in the GOP, on balance, Republicans have a negative reaction to "libertarian." Fully 44% of Republicans give a negative response to the word, while just three-in-ten (31%) have a positive response. In contrast, Democrats are divided (39% positive, 37% negative) and independents are positive (44% positive, 32% negative) to "libertarian."

[AlexMerced]

Yeah Dems love Libertarians, they think of them as conservatives they can tolerate.

[cmasslibertarian]

Yeah Dems love Libertarians, they think of them as conservatives they can tolerate.

tell that to maddow

[Fozz]

Yeah Dems love Libertarians, they think of them as conservatives they can tolerate.

Maybe in 2007, but not anymore. The liberals are firm supporters of big government, and I think a lot of them, probably most of them, would prefer Republicans who resemble David Frum and George W. Bush over Republicans like Rand Paul or even Ron.

Liberals may want "libertarians" like Bill Maher who think libertarianism is all about drugs and sexuality.

[TheBlackPeterSchiff]

Dems like Libertarians when they talk down Republicans, thats it.