AJC.com > Opinion > Opinion Talk > Archives > 2008 > June > 02 > Entry

View from Britain: Don’t underestimate Bob Barr

The Economist magazine says former congressman Bob Barr, the Libertarian nominee for U.S. President may tap into deep GOP discontent, just as did the candidacy of U.S. Rep. Ron Paul.

“Barr and the Libertarian Party, as well as Paul, are both imperfect vehicles for all this pent-up anger. But they are vehicles nonetheless,” the magazine writes. “Libertarians claim that they will put their candidate on the ballot in 48 states, as they did in 2004. They have already managed 28. “Barr claims that (admittedly sparse) polls give him 6-8 percent of the electorate. He could do particularly well in his native Georgia and the libertarian-leaning West. That could hurt McCain badly in states like Colorado and Nevada, which he needs to hold on to.”

Should Barr be taken seriously as a potential spoiler for John McCain’s candidacy?

Permalink | Comments (13) | Categories: Forum

Comments

Commenting is now closed for this entry.

By Robert K. McSwain

June 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Yes, I think Barr will do quite well, and I do sincerely hope he does go on to win the White House. He is, in the proverbial meaning, a true “Dark Horse” candidate and may be full of suprises yet to come. With my own libertarian leanings, I shall most likely vote for him, were it not for the fact my polling place is in a church, where it shouldn’t be, what with seperation of church and state and all that. That should be looked into, since there is a federal law that prohibits religions and churches from promoting or engaing in political shenanigans or they lose their income tax emempt status and have to start paying income taxes on the money they take in.

By Skeptic Tank

June 2, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

If there’s a God in Heaven, He will be giving Bob Barr a fighting chance in November. Whatever votes he steals from John McCain will not only save the Republicans from themselves, but America in general from an imposter of phenomenal magnitude. Barr is the conservative’s conservative, except that he aligns himself with mainstream America with his position on the phony Iraq war. He’s an imperfect candidate, but far more interesting than either candidate forced upon the American people by the Democrats and the Republicans.

By Peter

June 2, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Perfect! Why not give Ralph Nader an opponent? Democrats have long wished for such a battle. Run, Bob, Run! ! ! !

By Tim

June 2, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

What does your polling place being in a church have to do with whom you will vote for? Separation of church and state says that the government shall not impose a religion on you. Having your polling place in a church doesn’t impose religion on you anymore than walking in a McDonalds imposes cheeseburgers on you. Yu don’t have to listen to a preacher or join as a member of the church before you can vote! Grow a spine and vote for whom you want in office.

By gwarfan

June 2, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

You all have snakes in your head if you think he can win.

By Mike

June 2, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

I’ll be voting for Barr - he’s the only Republican in the race.

By sboat

June 2, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Finaly, a true conservative in the race! I gave up on the republicrats 2 years ago. Now I have someone to vote FOR.

That is much better than voting AGAINST someone. The last time I did that I voted against Roy Barnes. Look how that turned out. Sonny Perdue, the laughing stock of the south.

By Tom Ga Hunter

June 2, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Bob Barr=NONE OF THE ABOVE…less bad than the others.

By Darrell

June 2, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Former Congressman Barr used to be a Republican and believe that marriage was between a man and woman only, drugs should not be legal and that the ACLU was working against the average American citizen. Bob is a conservative no longer. He has fled those to grasp at a chance to stick his finger in the eye of his former party and ensure that the Republican ticket looses. Bob I worked hard for you before, but I can’t follow you on this road.

By whatever

June 2, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Per the above blurb, sure Barr has the potential, but it is highly unlikely. As badly as we need a third viable canidate, Mr. Barr is absolutely not the person. He is just a phony looking for his place in the limelight, a real lightweight.

By whatever

June 2, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Per the above blurb, sure Barr has the potential, but it is highly unlikely. As badly as we need a third viable canidate, Mr. Barr is absolutely not the person. He is just a phony looking for his own place in the political limelight, a real intellectual lightweight.

By whatever

June 2, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Per the above blurb, sure Barr has the potential, but it is highly unlikely. As badly as we need a third viable candidate, Mr. Barr is absolutely not the person. He is just a phony looking for his own place in the political limelight, a real intellectual lightweight.

By luangtom

June 4, 2008 2:46 AM | Link to this

Maybe someone can convince Jesse Ventura to run….

 

Kudzu.com: Mosquitos are breeding.  Ready for the bites?
Today's deal from DealSwarm.com
AJC Breaking News Updates