Donald Trump lost to Kamala Harris, Jill Stein, the candidate of the Green Party, and also a candidate who stands out for his lack of notoriety at the national level: Chase Oliver, who aspired to the presidency for the Libertarian Party.
Who is Chase Oliver?
Chase Oliver, who won the presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party in a disputed convention in May 2024, is a candidate who represents an internal and little visible current within this party, which has a more progressive tendency on some issues, but which has a more traditional position. conservative in others.
Oliver began his political career as an opponent of the Iraq War and, in his own words, describes himself as “armed and gay”. Despite being linked to the Libertarian Party, which has a largely conservative orientation on economic and social issues, Oliver advocates a number of positions that cross the boundaries of traditional American politics.
Postures and contradictions
Oliver has taken positions that may seem contradictory depending on the political angles from which you look at them:
Conservative position:
Gun Rights: Oliver strongly supports gun freedom and opposes any government restrictions.
Abolition of the Department of Education: This position is consistent with the liberal tradition of reducing the size of government and decentralizing education.
Balanced budgets: Oliver also supports a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to have a balanced budget, similar to what many Republicans are proposing.
Liberal Postures:
Right to abortion: Although some of his posts may align more with the right, Oliver supports the right to abortion, but leaves the decision up to the states.
Legalization of marijuana: In a clear nod to left-wing voters, Oliver supports the federal legalization of marijuana.
Progressive positions on the war in Gaza: At the international level, he opposes US intervention in the conflict in Israel and Gaza, which brings him closer to the left on foreign policy issues.
Candidate for the liberal left
Although Oliver was part of the Libertarian Party, some see him as a representative of the more progressive wing within this party. On many issues, his ideas are more similar to those of Democrats regarding civil rights and personal liberties. This makes him an interesting figure for those looking for an alternative to traditional bipartisanship, but who are not necessarily aligned with the proposals of the main parties.
Oliver’s Influence on the Election
Despite its unique position, the Libertarian Party remains a fringe political force in the American electoral landscape. The poll projects Oliver will garner a single-digit percentage of the vote in the 2024 presidential election, a figure not unusual for third-party candidates.
Although the influence of her candidacy may not be enough to win, Oliver could play a crucial role in the outcome of the election, depending on the number of votes she draws from voters who may be biased towards Harris or Trump otherwise. In this sense, his presence on the ballot could have an impact on the margin of victory in some key states, especially in those states where the margins of the main candidates are tight.
Analysis of the third party vote
Historically, votes for third-party candidates matter more in close elections, especially when voters are dissatisfied with traditional options. Oliver’s candidacy is no exception in this sense. If he can capture a significant number of votes from those who feel caught between the Trump and Harris choices, he could swing the results in key states, though he is unlikely to have the same impact nationally as other third-party movements in the past time.
Conclusion: vote counts
While Oliver likely won’t win the election, his presence on the ballot provides an option for voters who don’t feel represented by Trump or Harris. In a country where political polarization is so great, the rise of figures like Chase Oliver shows that a significant portion of Americans are looking for alternatives outside the two-party system. Although unlikely to win, Oliver could be a key player in a hotly contested election, the outcome of which could hinge on a difference of a few points.
With information from the New York Times
Interview: Time.news Editor with Chase Oliver
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Chase Oliver. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your unique position in the political landscape as the Libertarian candidate for president. You recently won your party’s nomination, but many Americans may still be unfamiliar with you. Can you start by telling us who you are and what motivated you to enter the race?
Chase Oliver: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to be here. I’ve always been passionate about advocating for personal freedoms and reducing government overreach. My political journey began as an outspoken opponent of the Iraq War, which really shaped my views on how government can intrude on individual rights. I describe myself as “armed and gay,” which might sound contradictory to some, but it encapsulates my belief that people should have the freedom to live their lives authentically, whatever that means to them.
Time.news Editor: Your views do seem to straddle both sides of the political spectrum. On one hand, you support gun rights and the abolition of the Department of Education—positions more commonly associated with a conservative platform. Yet, on the other hand, you advocate for abortion rights and the legalization of marijuana. How do you reconcile these seemingly contradictory positions?
Chase Oliver: It’s all about individual liberty for me. I firmly believe that people should have the right to make decisions about their own lives, whether it be owning a firearm, accessing education, or deciding what to do with their bodies. While my economic views align with more traditional libertarianism that emphasizes limited government and balanced budgets, my social positions reflect a commitment to personal freedoms that draw more from progressive ideologies. This is a nuanced approach that I think many Americans are looking for—an alternative to the rigid categorizations of our current political parties.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of alternatives, many see you as a representative of a more progressive wing within the Libertarian Party. Do you think this can attract voters disillusioned with traditional bipartisanship?
Chase Oliver: Absolutely. Many voters feel boxed in by the two-party system, feeling their values and needs are unrepresented. My candidacy offers a different option—one that takes the best from various ideologies. I want to engage with those who are passionate about civil rights and personal liberties, regardless of whether they identify as liberal or conservative. There’s a growing demographic of voters who are concerned about both social issues and personal liberties, and I believe I can reach them.
Time.news Editor: Nonetheless, some may question the effectiveness of third-party candidates in the current electoral climate. Polls suggest you may garner a single-digit percentage of the vote. How do you plan to overcome that challenge?
Chase Oliver: It’s definitely a challenge. The Libertarian Party has historically been on the fringe of American politics, but I believe that every vote counts, especially this election cycle. My goal is to raise awareness about issues that conventional parties often ignore—like the militarization of our police and the erosion of civil liberties. By focusing on grassroots campaigning and connecting with voters directly, I hope to inspire them to take a chance on a candidate who represents their true values.
Time.news Editor: Your stance on U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts, particularly regarding the recent tensions in Gaza, stands out. Can you elaborate on that and how it aligns with your overall platform?
Chase Oliver: My philosophy is rooted in non-interventionism. I believe that the U.S. should not engage in conflicts that do not directly involve our national interest. Wars often lead to further crises and humanitarian issues, as we’ve seen in many parts of the world. Followers of traditional progressive and libertarian ideals can unite on this—advocating for diplomacy and humanitarian aid rather than military intervention, empowering local populations to determine their futures without foreign interference.
Time.news Editor: As we approach the election, what do you envision as a successful outcome for your campaign?
Chase Oliver: Success for me means igniting conversations about liberty and civil rights that go beyond party lines. Even if I don’t win the presidency, I want to inspire future activists and leaders to challenge the status quo. It’s about planting seeds for a more inclusive and freedom-centered political discourse that can thrive in years to come.
Time.news Editor: Chase, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us. Your perspective is certainly a valuable addition to the ongoing dialogue about our nation’s future.
Chase Oliver: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these vital issues.