Here is the link to Gary Johnson’s Twitter feed.
The first of three debates held by the Commission on Presidential Debates begins in a few minutes. Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson will not be on the stage, but will be offering live commentary via Twitter. (Note: the date on the post is 9/27, not 9/26, due to time zone settings.)
LPIA.org comment: During a 60 Minutes interview, Gary Johnson said he was the compromise candidate. Here is one way he is a compromise: he has experience representing the people as an elected official, like Clinton; he has experience growing and leading a for-profit business, like Trump. Unlike either of his opponents, he has experience serving as the chief executive of a state.
LPIA.org comment: While many Iowans are listening or watching the presidential debate and following Gary Johnson’s commentary, several Iowans are watching rising rivers and hoping their home and businesses do not flood. Our thoughts are with them.
8:30 CT – here’s a recent tweet from @GovGaryJohnson: Neither @HillaryClinton nor @realDonaldTrump talks about spending reductions. It’s not an option to do nothing regarding spending. #debates
Vice President nominee Bill Weld is also tweeting live during the debate. Here is a link to Gov. Weld’s Twitter feed.
From the Johnson-Weld.com website on the issue of jobs: “As governors, both Gary Johnson and Bill Weld supported policies that incentivized job growth. In 2012, Gov. Johnson was praised as having the best “job creation” record of all presidential candidates. And Weld transformed Massachusetts from having the highest to the lowest unemployment rate of any industrialized state in less than 8 years.”
8:40 CT – LPIA.org is doing a live blog during the debate. We are not necessarily capturing the most entertaining parts of the evening, but hopefully we will provide some useful information to voters and supporters.
8:50 CT – a recent tweet from @GovBillWeld: We have to have much more training of our police forces, particularly with respect to the use of deadly force. Training does work!
LPIA.org comment: The feed shown by the CBS affiliate in Des Moines has an audio delay. The candidates talk, but their words do not match what they say.
From the Johnson-Weld campaign website on criminal justice reform: “How is it that the United States, the land of the free, has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world? The answer is simple: Over time, the politicians have “criminalized” far too many aspects of people’s personal lives.” Read more here.
Want to hear different solutions than you are hearing listening to the debate now? Tweet to #LetGaryDebate.
9:05 CT – a recent tweet from @GovGaryJohnson: I am waiting to be inspired. Still waiting.
LPIA.org comment: Des Monies WHO Radio has a Rate the Debate link on its website. They ask for political affiliation: Republican, Independent, Democrat. Alas, the media still doesn’t seem to care what Libertarian think.
9:15 CT – a recent tweet from @GovGaryJohnson on the topic of Securing America: Transitioning from outdoing each other on #NSA spying on innocent Americans to outdoing each other on invading other countries
The Libertarian Party issued this press release today with comment by Chair of the Libertarian National Committee Nicholas Sarwark on the exclusion of Gary Johnson from the debate.
9:25 CT – a recent tweet from @GovGaryJohnson: I opposed the #iraqwar from the beginning. I thought we had the military surveillance capability to see WMDs and act on them
9:29 CT – a recent tweet from @GovBillWeld: .@realDonaldTrump is way off base on arming other countries with nuclear weapons–it’s our number one problem! Scary
9:32 CT – a recent tweet from @GovGaryJohnson: We have the ability to monitor #IranDeal compliance. We can act responsibly if they violate it.
9:34 CT – a recent tweet from @GovGaryJohnson: Neither the rhetoric of @realDonaldTrump nor the record of @HillaryClinton depicts the Commander in Chief I want
9:40 CT – a recent tweet from @GovGaryJohnson: There still is hope. Let me in the second debate.
If this debate has left you wanting the third choice of Libertarian Gary Johnson, considering donating your time and/or money, and lifting your voice, in support of the candidate. Visit the Iowa for Gary Johnson Facebook page and the Johnson-Weld campaign website.
