If Republicans are the real enemy, why call them Libertarians?

[mick063]

5. Fear

I honestly believe that.


Democrats can effectively combat a known enemy. The talking points are well rehearsed.

If an opponent aligns on selective issues that appeal to Democrats, there is genuine fear that Democrats may be tempted to follow.

Republicans hold power primarily due to wedge issues. Abortion, religion, guns, taxes, etc. The pseudo "Libertarians" within the GOP are offering up another serving of wedge issues. Issues that "single issue" voters may embrace.

For example, a person whose life has been utterly destroyed due to marijuana conviction, could very well be persuaded to follow a Republican libertarian. Just one of many possible examples of potential wedge issues.

There are people, here on DU, that do not help the Democratic cause, by labeling traditional Democrats as "Paulites". They are literally pushing people over the edge and into the arms of the "Libertarians" with such demeaning talk.

The old wedge issues are increasingly less effective for the GOP because those issues work well with a diminishing, older population. The Libertarians are offering a new set of wedge issues that appeal to a new, younger generation of voters. This is why it is extremely important for the Democratic Party to get a jump on these issues and stay on the right side of them. So far the party is not. Civilian surveillance, marijuana prohibition, and military intervention are all areas where the Democratic Party can end up on the wrong side of the wedge issues of the future.