Libertarians for Palin
David Harsanyi explains the Libertarian case for Sarah Palin.
According to Harsanyi, Palin is ‘in contrast to any national candidate in recent memory… the one that exudes the economic and cultural sensibilities of a geniune Western-style libertarian.’
About Palin’s conservatism he writes: ‘Palin’s penchant for reform-minded conservatism is certainly at odds with the racket Washington Republicans have offered up the past 8 years.’
For example, Palin ‘vetoed 300 pork projects in Alaska in her first year in office. She made a habit of knocking out big-government Republicans in her brief political career.’ For this, she enjoys ‘a sterling approval rating in a state with arguably the nation’s most libertarian-minded populace.’
Another example of Palin’s style of conservatism which should be quite popular among libertarians is her stance on health care. ‘Palin says she wants to “allow free-market competition and reduce onerous government regulation.” These days, any mention of the “free market” that’s not framed as a crass pejorative is a sign of progress,’ Harsanyi explains.
Now, some libertarians express concerns with regards to her pro-life stance. On this the author argues that she may indeed be ‘fervently opposed to abortion’ but ‘is certainly more philosophically consistent than the namby pambyism of your average politician.’ Libertarians should, Harsanyi points out, keep in mind that the abortion issue is quite complicated. Even the selfprofessed libertarian candidate Ron Paul believed it should be illegal.
Other libertarian critics argue she is too moralistic. She wants, they say, tell Americans how to live. Harsanyi explains, however, that she may be a social conservative, but that she is ‘quite soft’ on these issues. For instance, ‘Palin does not support gay marriage (neither does Obama, it should be noted). Yet, in 2006, Palin’s first veto as Governor was a bill that sought to block state employee benefits and health insurance for same-sex couples.’
When it comes to the issue of drugs, and especially marijuana, Palin is quite different from other conservative Republicans. To her, the War on Drugs is not a major issue. She even addmited that she cannot “claim a Bill Clinton and say that I never inhaled.” As the author points out at Real Clear Politics, her words signify a relaxed approach to this subject not often seen among Republicans.
And education? Should libertarians like Palin when it comes to this issue? Why yes, they should. She is pro school-choice. Although some have smeared her for being in favor of teaching creationism in schools, the reality is that her views on this matter aren’t religious conservative, but libertarian; she believes that parents should decide what their children learn, not the state.
Harsanyi makes quite a strong libertarian case for Palin. His article should, at the very least, make libertarians and libertarian-minded voters pause and think for a moment about this unusual candidate for the Vice Presidency. McCain took a risk with her, but she add more to the Republican ticket than most thought when McCain announced his choice for running mate.
Does Libertarian mean something different in the Netherlands than it does in the US? It is laughable even to suggest that she’s a Libertarian dream. This looks like more of the PR that is churned out for non-US consumption. It wouldn’t pass the laugh test in the US.
Don’t buy the spin. Sarah Palin loves pork more than most politicians do.
http://tinyurl.com/5d8krlAs mayor, Sarah Palin hired Ted Stevens’ lobbyist firm to bring in more than $26.9 million of federal earmarks during the course of only four years in a town of only 6700 residents.Sarah Palin was the only gubernatorial candidate who campaigned for the bridge to nowhere. Later, she opposed it only because of cost overruns.As governor, Sarah Palin sent Senator Ted Stevens a $200 million wishlisht of pork projects for Alaska just this year. SOOooiee!
I have to agree. Palin strikes me more as a social conservative than a libertarian. Not that you can’t be both, just that it is rare, extremely rare. Worse yet, she seem to be a typical opportunistic politician; I have not seen any indications yet of actual principals.
MvdG Please supply some links to Reason or CATO/CatoUnbound if you really think many Libertarians accept Palin.
This post isn’t pro-Palin: http://www.reason.com/news/show/128472.html
The commenters here aren’t very impressed, 4sure:
http://www.reason.com/convention2008/show/128480.html
Thamrs I am both a social conservative, (Libertarian leaning conservative) and somewhat isolationist, and I know many more like me. I don’t believe it is inconsistent to be both libertarian "l") and conservative "C". Especially if you are a student of the Constitution (and read about modern court activism). Social conservatism matches up with libertarians when you realize many of the so called "social issues" were forced upon the general public by liberals in the courts, not through legislative appeal. Its the left that is trying to impose its agenda upon (traditional America) not the other-way around, in reality..
Palin has spoken at Alaskan Libertarian Party meetings and has friends there. When she ran for governor, she was endorsed by the Alaskan Libertarian Party, even though they had their own candidate. The Libertarian candidate stepped aside at the last minute and told people to vote for Palin. When she was governor she worked with Libertarian groups on things like reversing smoking bans. You all probably have been hearing a lot about the Alaskan Independence Party also, it was coo-pted in the 90s by Republicans who were dissatisfied with the Republican ticket and they got a governor into office (Walter Hickel). Recently its supported the Constitution Party on a national level. Palin as spoken to both political parties about her support for minor parties in the political process. This isn’t going to be a bad story if it fully comes out
She has a libertarian streak, but that’s about it. She said the War in Iraq was "Gods Will" .. I don’t think you would hear that from too many Libertarians. Still, I think she’s more conservative than McCain, and certainly more of a Libertarian.
Libertarians don’t try to get books banned at the local library.
Here’s an actual piece from the Libertarian Party:
http://www.lp.org/blogs/andrew-davis/should-libertarians-be-happy-with-palin
Female libertarian here who will be voting for McCain/Palin.
Oh, and Netherlands person - gather up some of your Dutch pals and fall into a quarry, and I’ll do you the favor of sealing it off. 
Your cries of "Stupid fat American we tell you who to vote for! Vote for another stupid fat cowboy and we kill you!!!1" will merely bounce of the quarry walls and right back to you. 