With one presumptive presidential nominee who is a remnant of a 1990s administration and another who promises to make American great again, Generation-Y — which is soon to become the largest section of the voting population — is left longing for a candidate of the future. Many have placed their hope in democratic socialist Bernie Sanders, but perhaps their energy would be better focused elsewhere.
“The time may be beginning to be right for Mr. Johnson and right for us, especially right for those under 30, the millennials,” Bernie Quigley wrote in his recent Observer article about Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. “They might find in Mr. Johnson a better bet and a better fit for their lives as they rise to political culture than they would find in the dated philosophical roots of Vermont Democrat Bernie Sanders.”
It’s no secret that Sanders has continuously crushed Clinton among voters under 30, something that can be reasonably attributed to his positions on social issues — which younger generations tend to be most passionate about — as well as the fact he appears much more authentic and genuine in his stances than the former secretary of state.
However, much of America’s youth fails to grasp the dangers that would come along with a Sanders presidency: increased spending and centralized government. They are noble in their desire to help the less fortunate and those who are suffering, but are unable to recognize that taking power away from the rich and handing it over to the national government does nothing to empower individuals. Gary Johnson, on the other hand, would offer a combination of socially liberal views and small government.
“Millennials love Mr. Sanders, finding in him the wise grandfather and singular man of character; the ‘Grey Champion’ who turns the tide for them,” Quigley wrote. “But they should take a look at Mr. Johnson as well, because in their young lives they should recognize that the Ford guy and the Chevy guy thinking of ‘right’ and ‘left’ political binaries today are historical artifacts belonging to a day long past. Mr. Johnson and other libertarians cannot really be understood in this context, but can offer fresh eyes to a new approach and a new American era.”
Gone are the days in which American politics consists of just conservative and liberal on each end of a linear scale. A perpendicular line, upon which authoritarian and libertarian exist at opposing ends, now intersects the right/left line, taking into account a person’s thoughts on what the size, role, and power of the national government should be. Young Sanders supporters might be surprised that they actually fall in one of the two libertarian quadrants, despite their support for a pro-big government candidate.
“Mr. Johnson and other libertarians imply a Jeffersonian approach to government. Both mainstream parties are based on the principle of centralized, globalized government — and have been from the beginning,” Quigley concluded. “America faces today a full paradigm shift, and libertarians like Mr. Johnson offer a path forward.”
