Libertarian Party nominees promise fair, transparent, honest America with happier people

Two former Republican governors -- now running as the Libertarian presidential ticket -- told a National Press Club luncheon audience Thursday the Republican and Democratic parties are out of touch with the American people, and the two of them asked, "give us a chance and we will make a difference."

"Both major parties are struggling to connect with the American public," said former Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico, the presidential nominee. He said the tone of this election campaign is "often like warfare ... filled with anxiety and fear."

"We refuse to stand by and watch our society turn on its side," said his running mate, former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld.

Republicans, Johnson said, "are not accepting at all," and said in a clear allusion to Donald J. Trump that some of their remarks are "absolutely incendiary." As for the Democrats, Johnson said, they don't fit the definition of "classical liberal." "Everything for the Democrats is free -- everything," he said, adding that to them, "Government is generous, (so) at the end of the day, taxes go up."

Weld, said that the "two-party monopoly" has grown "arrogant and calcified." He said it was possible the Republican party "may crack in two." Trump seems to prefer, Weld said, "bullying and bankruptcy." Weld said that Trump, instead of referring to his book ("The Art of the Deal") "400 times,'" he should instead take out the Constitution, a copy of which Weld himself then pulled from his pocket.

Johnson said the Libertarian party is on the ballot in all 50 states and said the party was edging closer to the 15 per cent level in the polls that would assure them a spot in the presidential debates this fall. When asked why the people should trust them, Weld said that both had been elected to two terms as governor in small states "where you have no place to hide."

The Holeman Lounge was filled for the luncheon and at least six video cameras recorded the proceedings. NPC President Thomas Burr of The Salt Lake Tribune was host and led the questioning.

Weld, who was head of the Justice Department's criminal division under President Ronald Reagan, sidestepped a questions about DOJ's decision not to press criminal charges against Hillary Clinton. Without naming President Bill Clinton, Weld said Clinton's airport visit to Attorney General Loretta Lynch "stepped on her" reaction. But Weld said FBI Director James Comey "did a good job" in his explanation of the FBI conclusions about Hillary Clinton's email usage.

Johnson, who long has advocated legalization of marijuana as a health issue, not a criminal one, said in answer to a question that he last used marijuana two months ago and that he would not do so at all as president. He also said he had not drunk alcohol in 29 years. Johnson, 63, is a top-flight athlete who has climbed the highest mountains in seven continents. Weld compared him to Abraham Lincoln, who Weld said reputedly advised about big challenges, "just put one foot in front of another."

Both men recited the basic fiscal conservative, socially liberal positions of the Libertarians -- smaller government, free international trade "guided by the rule of law," and lower taxes. Both claimed they had cut taxes numerous times when they were governors.

"We want to rule with free trade and diplomacy," Johnson said. "But make no mistake, if we're attacked we're going to attack back." Johnson said the United States should get out of Afghanistan immediately. "We can deal with the consequences," he said. "If we pull out 20 years from now there will be consequences then, too." He said the Russians, who themselves had pulled out of Afghanistan several years ago, "laughed and laughed" at the U.S. decision to go into Afghanistan. President Barack Obama this week increased the number of U.S. troops that will remain there through the remainder of his term.

Burr asked what America would look like after a Johnson-Weld administration.

"There (would be) a fairness to all this, it's transparent, it's honest. Issues are looked at first and politics last if at all," Johnson said.

"People would be happier," Weld said.