May 22, 2008 11:56 AM

Libertarian presidential contender Bob Barr

Mark_Wolf(Q) You were a Republican Congressman with a high public profile. Why did you become a Libertarian?
Bob_Barr(A) Two fundamental reasons. First, the GOP left me and many other libertarian-leaning Republicans in the dust. The 21st Century GOP has completely forsaken its indvidual liberty roots and its commitment to small government. The Libertarian party, on the other hand, is America's only political entity firmly, consistently, and aggressively committed to maximize individual liberty and minimize government power.

Mickey(Q) I'm a long time Libertarian and remember the Libertarian Party running Bob out of office over his very disturbing record on the Drug War. I would like to hear Bob thoroughly explain his transition from drug warrior to Libertarian. Does he support complete dismantling of the Drug War?
Bob_Barr(A) Regarding the drug war, I've been there, done that, and know first-hand our current strategy is not working. continuing to have the Federal Government run roughshod over the states, even if the citizens of a state decide they wish to legalize medicinal marijuana, for example, is wrong. As President I would completely re-orient federal law enfortcement priorities, that currently are skewed far too much against marijuana possession, and would consider all - and I do mean all - options.

austinjimm(Q) Hi Congressman Barr. Here is my question: if you are elected president of the United States, would you consider using U.S. military to intervene in Central and South America to stop drug traffickers?
Bob_Barr(A) I would consider the use of US military in Central and S. America only if there were a clear and present threat to identifiable and appropriate US personnel, agencies, or security interests. that would include, for example, the FARC, which continues to hold 3 US citizens hostage.

Mark_Wolf(Q) How would you propose to deal with the rising price of oil/gasoline?
Bob_Barr(A) Open ANWR, offshore drilling, reduce restrictions on refining capacity and construction, repeal federal gas tax and urge states to repeal theirs, for a start.

Mickey(Q) Running as a Libertarian involves daunting challenges. What ideas do you have for breaking through media blackout? In particular, do you think you can get into the ever critical Presidential Debates?
Bob_Barr(A) I have already obtained an unprecedented quality and amount of media coverage for the LP since indicating my interest in running as a Presidential candidate for the LP. If I am successful in obtaining the LP nomination, that coverage will only increase dramatically. I believe we can reach the threshold necessary to meet the requirements for the debate.

countryman(Q) Is there a way to 'bypass' the enviros and get to drilling our own oil?
Bob_Barr(A) If there is, we'll damn well find it as soon as I take office.

BlueCarp(Q) Rep Barr, I am a delegate at the convention this weekend and I am leaning your way. I would like you to address the criticism from some LP members concerning your PAC's contributions to Republican candidates EVEN WHEN they have an LP candidate running against them. Specifically, LP national Chairman William Redpath is running for office in Virginia, yet your PAC donated money to his Republican opponent. How can you expect LP support when your PAC is campaigning against LP candidates? Thanks, and good luck.
Bob_Barr(A) The PAC contribution to Jim Gilmore predated Bill's entry into the race, and I am giving Bill a contribution for his candidacy today.

austinjimm(Q) On illegal immigration, you have said that it would be impractical to round up and deport all illegals. However several cities in Oklahoma and elsewhere have have experienced an exodus of illegals from their cities when they "turned off" the free access to education and other services that illegals have come to expect. Would you support this type of solution on a national scale?
Bob_Barr(A) I would do everything I can as President to stop persons in this country illegally from obtaining any benefits funded by US taxpayers.

Mickey(Q) What are your ideas concerning taxation? Do you support the Fair Tax?
Bob_Barr(A) I support, first and foremost, cutting government spending. Fact is, unless we get a handle on government spending, whatever tax system we institute, will continue taking too much money from the taxpayers. I do believe and will work strongly for, complete overhaul of our tax system, including repeal of the 16th Amendment. The Fair Tax has much to commend it, though I do disagree with some provisions, such as the "prebate."
Mickey(C) Good answer on tax.

Mark_Wolf(Q) How would you get Americans out of Iraq? And what about Afghanistan? Would you leave U.S. troops anywhere in the world?
Bob_Barr(A) As President, I would begin immediately to significantly reduce the US economic and military footprint in Iraq. We should not be occupying Iraq or any other nation. So long as American taxpayers are footing the bill for propping up the Iraqi economy, political system, and security apparatus, there's no incentive at all for Iraq to assume responsibility for its own affairs. Similarly, it is not appropriate for the US military to maintain a massive presence in Afganistan. I would not make a blanket statement that there should be no US troops anywhere in the world, but the stationing of major US forces in countries around the world is not appropriate or necessary.

countryman(Q) Individual gun-rights are more important now then ever... do you support undoing city/state laws that forbid 2nd amendment rights? Denver fits this city/state abuser.
Bob_Barr(A) I believe the 2nd Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms everywhere in the country, and should not be limited by any anti-gun municipality, county or state.

Mickey(Q) Who's your favorite Founding Father and why?
Bob_Barr(A) That's a tough question, because they were all so brilliant, but James Madison would probably be at the top of my list because his brilliance and writing ability rose above that even that of Thomas Jefferson, which is saying a lot.
austinjimm(Q) Many of the benefits obtained by illegal immigrants in this country are done through legal mechanisms. Would you seek, on a national scale, to deny all such benefits to illegals with an aim to having them voluntarily return to their own countries?
Bob_Barr(A) Yes.

BlueCarp(Q) Rep Barr: What about your position on gay marriage? You supported the Defense of Marriage Act, hardly a libertarian position.
Bob_Barr(A) I believe each state should be free to establish its own definition of marriage, and the DOMA protects the right of each state to do that. I would consider repealing that portion of DOMA that establishes a federal definition of marriage.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Zogby has you polling at 3 percent today. Rasmussen had you at 6 percent a few days ago. Do you believe you will siphon votes from John McCain and help elect the Democratic candidate?
Bob_Barr(A) No. Voters likely to vote for Bob Barr as President would not come from McCain supporters. Sen. McCain is an establishment, big-government Republican, and there would be very little reason for his supporters to vote for Bob Barr, a small government Libertarian.

countryman(Q) I'd say, IF you could also besides REDUCING government size, you could also UNDO a lot of stupid laws we keep adding everywhere, That you also have my wifes vote too :-) - no question, and I've got chores to do outside here... Good luck on your campiagn trail there. :-) I'll tell my neighbors to listen for you! :-)
Bob_Barr(A) I agree. There are, for example, well over 4000 federal criminal laws, and thousands more at the state level. As President I would institute a "Grace Commission" study to identify the large number of unnecessary and duplicative criminal laws.

BlueCarp(Q) If you get the LP nomination, any thoughts on prospective VPs? How about Mary Ruwart?
Bob_Barr(A) The LP convention delegates will choose our VP nominee after the Presidential nominee is chosen.

Mickey(Q) If you are not nominated, will you remain in the Libertarian Party? Will you consider a congressional run in two years?
Bob_Barr(A) I intend to remain very active in the LP.

Combined question from Mickey and BlueCarp: Did you support the Patriot Act? Do you regret it and why?
Bob_Barr(A) My vote in favor of the PATRIOT Act was probably the worst vote I cast in the Congress. Without going into the many reasons I did vote for it, I have spent the last 5 years since leaving Congress, working to undo the damage it has wrought. I believe it should be repealed and would work to that end as President.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Have any of your former Republican colleagues or associates approached you to ask you not to run?
Bob_Barr(A) There have been a few Republican friends of mine who urged me not to run. Interestingly, however, not one of them said they disagreed with the reasons I have decided to run.

austinjimm(Q) Thanks for chatting with us, Congressman Barr. I'll be rootin' for you this weekend.
Bob_Barr(A) Thank you for the opportunity to communicate with you and more importantly, for your interest in Liberty. Please go to BobBarr2008.com and sign up for updates and to see what we're doing.

Mark_Wolf(P) Thanks to Congressman Barr and to our participants for the excellent questions.