Robert F. Kennedy Jr. challenges Donald Trump to debate at Libertarian Convention https://t.co/ed3jqhpvEe — The Associated Press (@AP) May 8, 2024 Per the Associated Press: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has challenged Donald Trump to a head-to-head debate for when both address a Libertarian convention later this month, a move that comes as the presumptive GOP …
… With Mr. Trump escalating his attacks on him on social media, Mr. Kennedy, who is seeking ballot access and voter support in all 50 states, issued his challenge in an open letter on X. Mr. Kennedy cited his performance in two national polls, saying he was “drawing a lot of voters from your former supporters.”
“They are upset that you blew up the deficit, shut down their businesses during Covid, and filled your administration with swamp creatures,” he said. “So I’d like to make you an offer,” he said, adding that their campaign schedules made for a logical showdown. “It’s perfect neutral territory for you and me to have a debate where you can defend your record for your wavering supporters.”
A spokesman for the Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for the Libertarian Party did not immediately provide a comment.
The party’s convention is set for Memorial Day weekend in Washington. Mr. Kennedy is set to speak on May 24, his campaign said on Tuesday; Mr. Trump is scheduled for May 25. Both candidates are trying to appeal to a broader base of support in the election, but neither is expected to be on the party’s ballot line in November.
Mr. Kennedy previously ruled out running as a Libertarian, though he has courted party members since he became an independent last fall. The party is among the more established third parties, and as of last week was on the ballot in 37 states; Mr. Kennedy is mounting a state-by-state effort to get on the November election ballot.
As for Mr. Trump, Angela McArdle, the chairwoman of the Libertarian party, said last week that it was “not possible” under the party’s bylaws to nominate him.
Several candidates seeking the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination have condemned the group’s decision to invite Mr. Trump to speak at the gathering. One of them, Jacob Hornberger, called it an “abomination.”…
Oddly–and yet, when you know the background, not so oddly–the Libertarian Party is having Republican Donald Trump speak at their own national convention.https://t.co/Z2WZCiv7dJ
"Libertarians picked Trump to headline their convention. Then an internal revolt erupted."
— Mark Pitcavage (@egavactip) May 7, 2024
Message to RatF*cKer Jr: Get offa our street corner, ho!…
Per the Washington Post, “Libertarians picked Trump to headline their convention. Then an internal revolt erupted”:
…The choice to have the presumptive nominee from another party speak at the Libertarian Party’s nominating convention has inflamed growing schisms within the minor party. State and local factions, presidential candidates and critics of the right-wing caucus that controls the party are registering their anger with Trump’s planned appearance. Over the weekend, the party’s leadership debated disinviting Trump from the Washington convention after the treasurer motioned to reverse course, with dissenters arguing there should be a vote over allowing Trump to attend “when over half of the membership is up in arms,” according to emails The Washington Post reviewed.
National committee Chair Angela McArdle told The Post that the dissent has come from “a small, noisy faction,” and the rancor will not change her plans.
“I can certainly understand that there are a handful of people allergic to relevance, afraid to confront their political opposition, afraid of losing control of the narrative,” she said, “but in 50-plus years, the Libertarian Party has never been on the main stage politically, and this is an incredible opportunity for us to bring someone who grabs the spotlight and put them on our stage.”…
Trump’s participation in the party’s national convention is a first — no current or former president has spoken at the event. It comes at a time when Democrats and Republicans worry that third-party candidates might sway an expected close contest in November. (Libertarian candidates have typically attracted small shares of the presidential vote, but in a close race between Trump and President Biden, even a single-digit percentage showing can be significant to the outcome.)
Trump said in a statement that he aims to appeal to Libertarian voters who share his goal of defeating Biden. And McArdle said the speech will attract attention the party needs as it has seen a recent downturn in its membership rolls and coffers….
But Chase Oliver, Lars Mapstead, Jacob Hornberger and Mike ter Maat, who are all seeking the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination, told The Post they worried Trump’s presence at the convention might be seen as their party’s endorsement of his candidacy.
“Could you imagine if the Republican National Committee invited me to come be a main speaker at the convention,” Mapstead said. “It seems ridiculous, right?”
Hornberger called it “an abomination.”
“People have come to perceive that Libertarian Party as right-wing, and he will just be reinforcing that image,” Hornberger said…
Divisiveness within the national committee leadership spilled into public view after the announcement of Trump’s speech at the convention, when Treasurer Todd Hagopian motioned to rescind the invite, a move supported by leaders in southern regions, according to emails The Post reviewed.
“Grow a pair, Todd,” wrote back Adrian Malagon, chair of the Libertarian Party of California…
McArdle also faces a lawsuit from Libertarian National Committee member Beth Vest, who filed a case Friday that argues McArdle has unilaterally taken action violating the party’s bylaws, although the complaint doesn’t explicitly mention the Trump invitation.
“People are terribly upset,” Vest said. “I know very few party insiders, except the few that are connected to this caucus and to [McArdle], who think this is a good idea.”…