Back in 2016, many of us thought that Gary Johnson would take votes from Donald Trump because he had been a successful GOP Governor from New Mexico. In fact, a good friend of mine was so frustrated with the Trump nomination that he started working for the Johnson campaign.
He did get 3.4% of the popular vote but did it matter? Did he hurt both sides? It’s not clear, frankly. My experience with Liberterians is that they find both parties appalling and can’t vote for either one.
Representative Justin Amash is exploring a run for president and once again we are talking about the impact on now President Trump.
I don’t buy it.
First, Amash’s presidential run may attract some #NeverTrumpers but not many. In other words, I don’t see Amash exciting the likes of William Kristol or George F. Will. Maybe he will but I don’t think so.
Second, I have not spoken with any Trump voter who can’t wait to vote for Amash. Instead, I find Trump voters who share my frustration with his silly fights with CNN, the network that nobody watches, but will vote to reelect him anyway.
So let Amash run. The good news is that the GOP will reclaim his seat on election day. The GOP won that seat by 12 points in 2018.
