The TRUTH: Poll Shows Most Libertarians Don't Identify With Tea Party
I recently discussed public misconceptions about libertarianism: what it is, and who is or isn't libertarian. I also wrote about it in my article discussing Rand Paul, citing how the general population considers the Tea Party to be a libertarian organization, and supported by the vast majority of libertarians. This couldn't be farther from the truth, even though the mainstream media's horrible, inaccurate reporting and liberal bias obviously hasn't helped.Fortunately, Yahoo (and other MSM outlets) has written an article up today, citing the polling company PRRI, who did a survey of U.S. libertarians (I wasn't included - what an affront to my honor!), which the company puts at roughly 7% of the total population. Of those polled, 61% refused to be identified as in support of the Tea Party.
Sixty-one percent of libertarians do not identify themselves as part of the Tea Party, the survey showed. About 7 percent of the adult population is consistently libertarian and that includes 12 percent of those who describe themselves as Republicans."There's largely agreement on economic issues - the gap is in how libertarians approach social issues, " said Robert P. Jones, CEO of PRRI, which conducts an annual "American Values Survey" on political and social issues.While the survey showed that libertarians tend to favor Republicans, they are a swing group that can turn away from the party if it starts to favor too much government spending or interference with individual liberties, said Brink Lindsey of the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank in Washington."Libertarians are not part of the Democratic Party's base, that's for sure, but they're not a reliable part of the Republican Party's vote," said Lindsey, who saw the survey. "Republicans can scare away libertarian voters."
There are some interesting stats that were derived from the 2K+ people polled, touching on abortion, Obamacare (96% opposed, in a non-shocker result), legalization of marijuana and potential presidential support. Rand pulled 26% to Ted Cruz' 18%.It's refreshing to see that libertarianism has grown to the point where it is being specifically polled - that is a huge turning point, as the power structure is changing and the GOP and Dems realize that we comprise a motivated portion of the public.
Jones said it was crucial to understand libertarians since they will be an important part of conservative coalitions going forward. Most are under 50 and slightly more likely to vote in primaries than Republicans overall. More than two-thirds are men and nearly all are non-Hispanic whites.
That last part is worrisome, as I personally consider libertarianism a position that is based on education about libertarian positions and reasoning and not one that falls upon racial lines - this is something I've experienced firsthand.The challenge remains, and it is twofold. ONE: Continue to educate as many people as possible about what libertarianism is and why it is the most rational political and economical view. TWO: Continue to share and encourage articles in the media like this one that help to clear up the much-maligned image and understanding of libertarianism.Now get moving.Receive access to ALL of our EXCLUSIVE bonus audio content – including “Conspiracy Corner”, “Degenerate Gamblers” and the “League of Liberty Podcast” by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride and supporting us on Patreon!
