Someone else was chosen.
On Sunday, the Libertarian Party selected party activist Chase Oliver as its presidential nominee, sidelining former President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who also addressed the party’s convention.
While third-party candidates historically struggle to gain momentum in U.S. presidential elections, the Libertarian Party’s decision has drawn increased attention this year, especially with the impending rematch between Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden. The outcome could once again pivot on narrow vote margins in key battleground states.
In an announcement on social media, Oliver expressed gratitude for his nomination and emphasized the importance of unity and progress toward liberty.
Trump’s appearance at the convention on Saturday was met with repeated boos from the audience, failing to secure the endorsement he sought. Despite this, his Republican allies commended his decision to address the unfriendly crowd.
In contrast, Kennedy received a warmer reception during his speech on Friday, where he criticized both Trump and Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. While expressing support for the Libertarians, an endorsement from the party could have facilitated his ballot access across all 50 states, a crucial step towards qualifying for the upcoming presidential debates.
The Libertarian Party advocates for small government and individual freedoms, adopting a diverse range of policy positions that defy traditional labels of liberal or conservative.
Oliver, an activist from Atlanta, previously ran for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House in Georgia. His campaign platform includes substantial cuts to the federal budget to achieve fiscal balance, abolition of the death penalty, and the closure of overseas military bases along with ending military support to Israel and Ukraine.
