In what seems to be a wake-up call for Americans disillusioned with the two-party political system, Libertarian presidential candidate Chase Oliver and his running mate, Mike ter Maat, have taken their campaign trail through Texas. Following a disconcerting presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the Libertarians are eying the unsettled electorate that seeks alternatives. Oliver remarked, "The debate woke a lot of Americans up to the fact that the two choices provided by Democrats and Republicans just aren’t satisfactory," an observation he shared during a fundraiser in San Antonio's Monte Vista, as reported by the San Antonio Report.
Oliver, a former Democrat and anti-war activist turned Libertarian, aligns with Republicans on fiscal matters but retains more socially liberal inclinations. His vice presidential counterpart, ter Maat, an economist with past experience in the White House Office of Management and Budget, found refuge in the Libertarian party after becoming disenchanted with the GOP's departure from fiscal conservatism. Both candidates have been actively engaging with potential supporters across Texas, from Pride parades to breweries, not just drawing in Libertarians, but also courting Republicans and Democrats.
It was a strategic mission to expand the Libertarian Party's presence and political clout, starting from local to national levels. As Oliver aptly put it, "One of the reasons why I’m running is because I want to help identify winnable races and help them win," a statement he shared with the San Antonio Report. With their sights set on a variety of electoral races statewide, they are building a campaign network that stretches from the U.S. Senate to local commissioner posts, representing a long-term vision for Libertarian expansion.
The reception of their ideas at events, such as the $10,000 fundraiser in San Antonio, indicates there's a measurable, if cautious, interest in the Libertarian candidates. Discontent with the options presented by the dominant parties is palpable. As one attendee, Michael Chastain, said, "Trump is not even competent to hold the position he held, and Biden, as everybody saw in America two nights ago, is senile," echoing a sentiment of frustration with the status quo. He marked his support by donating $1,000 to Oliver's campaign, showcasing a desire for change that transcends the ballot box and seeks tangible party infrastructure, growth, and challenging presence in the political landscape.
With the examples of Ross Perot and Gary Johnson as third-party underdogs who made significant dents, albeit not successful in their bids for the presidency, Oliver and his team are working towards being more than just a footnote in electoral history. They hope their long-term investment towards building a party foundation will lead to Libertarians becoming a serious challenger to the dual hegemony which dominates the American political theater. As the San Antonio event and successive campaigning efforts suggest, local Libertarians welcome this push and see it as a pathway to recruiting volunteers, enhancing campaign management skills, and solidifying the party as a realistic alternative in the political sphere.
