2024 Elections
Libertarians nominate Chase Oliver for president for 2024 Elections
Oliver secured the nomination after seven rounds of voting receiving nearly 60% of the delegate votes in the final round
In a dramatic turn of events at the Libertarian Party convention held in Washington, D.C., political activist Chase Oliver emerged as the party's presidential nominee for the 2024 election. The decision came after a grueling eight-hour voting process, which saw Oliver surpassing former President Donald Trump and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., both of whom had sought the party's endorsement.
Oliver, a 38-year-old openly gay man from Atlanta, Georgia, secured the nomination after seven rounds of voting, ultimately receiving nearly 60% of the delegate votes in the final round. His victory was a significant setback for the Mises Caucus, a right-leaning faction within the party that had supported Michael Rectenwald, who led in the initial rounds but was eliminated in the sixth round. Oliver's final opponent was the "none of the above" option, which he defeated to clinch the nomination.
The convention, held at the Washington Hilton, was marked by intense debates and high-profile speeches. Trump, the Republican Party's presumptive nominee, addressed the Libertarian delegates on Saturday night, urging them to unite with him to defeat President Joe Biden. However, his speech was met with boos and heckles from the audience, and he received only six write-in votes in the first round of voting. Trump later claimed on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would have secured the nomination had he genuinely pursued it, citing Republican Party rules that prevent dual nominations.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who also sought the Libertarian nomination, received a warmer reception when he spoke on Friday, criticizing both Trump and Biden for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, Kennedy was eliminated in the first round of voting, securing only 19 votes, or 2% of the total.
In his victory speech, Oliver emphasized his commitment to Libertarian principles of small government and individual freedoms. He pledged to deliver a hopeful and optimistic message of liberty to both Libertarians and those yet to discover their libertarian leanings. Oliver's platform includes significant reductions in the federal budget, the abolition of the death penalty, the closure of all overseas military bases, and the cessation of military support for Israel and Ukraine. He also advocates for decriminalizing abortion, simplifying the pathway to citizenship, and expanding work visas.
Oliver's nomination marks a significant moment for the Libertarian Party, which has historically struggled to make a substantial impact in U.S. presidential elections. The party's candidate in the 2020 election received only 1% of the popular vote. However, with the anticipated rematch between Trump and Biden, the Libertarian candidate's role could be more influential, particularly in swing states where small vote margins could determine the outcome.
The selection of Oliver, a self-described "armed and gay" activist, reflects the party's diverse policy positions, which can be seen as liberal, conservative, or neither. His previous political campaigns in Georgia, including a 2022 Senate race where he received over 2% of the votes, have demonstrated his ability to attract a dedicated following. Oliver's presence in the Senate race forced a runoff between Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker, highlighting his potential to act as a spoiler in tight races.
Oliver's campaign strategy includes targeting young voters disillusioned with the current two-party system, particularly those concerned about the Israel-Hamas conflict, the immigration crisis, and the rising cost of living. He has already made campaign stops in all 50 states and plans to continue building a nationwide campaign with a focus on expanding the party's foundation and increasing the number of registered Libertarians.
Joining Oliver on the ticket is vice presidential candidate Mike ter Maat, who endorsed Oliver after being eliminated in the fifth round of voting. Ter Maat's support was crucial in securing Oliver's victory, and the two candidates aim to present a united front in the upcoming election.
As the Libertarian Party moves forward with Oliver as its nominee, the 2024 presidential race promises to be one of the most contentious and closely watched in recent history. Oliver's candidacy, while a long shot for the presidency, has the potential to influence the election's outcome and challenge the dominance of the two major parties.