The Great Libertarian Debate

Like a good dialogue about the issues facing this economy? Ever thought about the merits of the largest third party in this country?

The Libertarian Party was founded in 1971. It's most commonly held belief is that individuals deserve freedom and therefore less government involvement.

This morning on Money for Breakfast we invited two of the political party's (the Libertarian Party) best-known candidates, Wayne Allen Root and Former Alaskan Sen. Mike Gravel. They joined us for a debate on issues ranging from housing, healthcare, energy independence to the economy and finally the War in Iraq. It was at times a very heated discussion and at times a very warm and spirited conversation! This was my first experience moderating a conversation between two presidential contenders. It was exhilarating! The hardest part is choosing the questions and wanting to jump in when you feel the urge to disagree. I held back at times and at times jumped in. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Keeps you on your toes !

Whether you believe they have a chance or not, whether you think a third party is good or bad, whether you have a party affiliation or not, you will find that many of their policies and deeply held beliefs resonate with Americans. In 2004 half a percent of the vote went to the Libertarian candidate. Polls this year show that between 10% and 20% of Americans agree with Libertarian positions embracing conservative ideas on the economy and liberal positions on personal freedom. Wayne Allyn Root was a classmate of Sen. Barack Obama's at Columbia University but sounds nothing like him. Former Sen. Mike Gravel, was a Democrat and took part in debates with Sens. Obama and Clinton until excluded from the debates, he dropped out of the race and registered as a Libertarian candidate because he wanted the American people to hear another voice.

Just this past Monday Former Rep. Bob Barr from Georgia threw his hat in the ring as a Libertarian candidate. You may remember him as the leader of the impeachment effort against former President Bill Clinton. We invited him on this morning but he declined the opportunity to join us.

The Libertarian party meets next week for their convention in Denver.