Yep, as much as the media downplayed him, and though he never had a chance in hell of winning the election, Ron Paul did more to advance libertarianism than anyone ever has, just by raising people's awareness, and starting an organized movement that has become a significant faction in the Republican Party. Rand will be that much more effective, since he knows how to play the game, and has long been recognized as a serious contender.
Libertarianism is already the fastest-growing political philosophy in this country. I'm guessing by the end of the next presidential election, regardless of who is President, many more people in this country will identify as libertarian, and the libertarian perspective will begin to have a greater and greater impact on politics in this country. Probably more as a tie-breaker faction than anything... joining with the left to advance social liberty, and the right to advance economic liberty.
Libertarianism is already the fastest-growing political philosophy in this country. I'm guessing by the end of the next presidential election, regardless of who is President, many more people in this country will identify as libertarian, and the libertarian perspective will begin to have a greater and greater impact on politics in this country. Probably more as a tie-breaker faction than anything... joining with the left to advance social liberty, and the right to advance economic liberty.