Darn You, Third Parties! (It happened with Bill Clinton, and it happened again this year)

National Review ^ | 11/03/2010 | Jim Geraghty

[zeestephen]

Swank,

I thought my statement about spiritual and cultural differences was self-evident.

Conservatism is built on Judeo-Christian religious principles.

Libertarianism is built on secular, man made principles.

Culturally, the the Libertarian-Conservative divide is also obvious.

Abortion, drugs, gay marriage, and American patriotism all instantly come to mind.

My point, before and now...

It is not realistic to believe that Conservatives and the GOP can craft a national platform that will appeal to large numbers of Libertarians.

[DM1]

“That is the first I have ever read that Taft would have lost to Wilson. Is there data that supports that?”

i had read a book last year about Teddy and they obviously mentioned this race. Apparently Taft was becoming deeply unpopular with the rank and file of his own party as well as the electorate at large. i dont know if there was actual polling done (cannot remember what the book referenced). they did mention that Taft being a former judge wasnt really into the whole “politicking” thing. Teddy needed little coaxing by certain party officials who tried during the convention to “draft” him to be the nominee but it was blocked. Anyhow do i konw for certain that Taft would have lost in a two man race? No however based on this source (albiet it is just one that i have read) it appears that he would have.
at any rate obviously its all water under the bridge and Teddy definitely didnt help by running as a Third Party that is for sure

[Ol' Dan Tucker]

Assuming third party voters will act rationally is probably not a sound assumption to make.

The reason they voted for the Libertarian candidate is that they are probably registered as Libertarian voters.

You're expecting them to abandon their party for the good of your party.