According to Paul's national campaign manager Jesse Benton, Paul will not be officially endorsing Libertarian presidential candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.
This is likely in response to rumors that Paul was set to make a big announcement tonight when he appears on the Jay Leno show, including possibly throwing his support behind Johnson. But this is coming from Jesse Benton, after all, and I (as well as many loyal libertarians and Paul supporters) have been very frustrated with and skeptical of Benton and his many statements to the press concerning Paul's campaign.
It may turn out to be true. Who knows. I am certainly excited to see Paul on Leno tonight. Leno has treated him very fairly over the years, and I know Paul will be well received and will have plenty of time to weigh in on the election, politics, and most importantly, his future and the future of the liberty movement he did so much to nurture and grow.
Although Paul has significant disagreements with Johnson on a few issues (and Johnson is nowhere near the libertarian giant that Paul is), but when it comes to politicians, Johnson appears to be a decent guy with executive experience and far, far, far better than Obamney. I wonder how the Paul faithful would react if he did indeed endorse Johnson?
Paul has to balance his son's political future within the GOP and his principles that the GOP has foolishly rejected, and Paul (to his credit!) has never been good at playing politics. I am not sure whether I would be happy if Paul endorsed Johnson, but knowing Paul's frustration with politics, I'm leaning towards Paul doing an interview like he always does: defend his principles, show why both parties are wrong, and be prophetic and wise but also humble.
The rumors I was hearing over the weekend about a possible big announcement tonight on Leno may have simply been rumors, but either way I can't wait to watch.
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