This claim came after the convention, which saw the Libertarian Party select their own nominees, Jo Jorgensen and Spike Cohen, for president and vice president. Trump, who had previously expressed interest in potentially running as a third-party candidate if he did not receive the Republican nomination, alleged that he would have been the frontrunner had he been allowed to compete. However, due to his failure to file the proper paperwork by the deadline, he was deemed ineligible to run for the Libertarian nomination.
Trump’s assertion was met with skepticism and backlash from both the Libertarian Party and political analysts. Many pointed out that Trump’s claim of potential victory in the third-party race was unsubstantiated, given the fact that he had not officially entered the contest. Additionally, some argued that Trump’s late attempt to enter the race was simply a strategic move to garner attention and pressure the Republican Party to endorse him for a second term. Despite his disqualification, Trump’s comments served as a reminder of his willingness to challenge the traditional party system and potentially run as an independent or third-party candidate in the future.
While Trump’s disqualification from the Libertarian nomination made headlines, the focus quickly shifted back to the two major parties as they prepared for the general election. With the release of the official nominees for the Libertarian Party, attention turned to the upcoming debates and campaign strategies for the remaining candidates. Jorgensen and Cohen faced the challenge of gaining visibility and support in a race dominated by the two major parties, but their platform of limited government intervention and individual liberty garnered attention from voters looking for an alternative to the traditional candidates.
As the general election drew closer, speculation continued to swirl about potential third-party candidates and the impact they could have on the race. While Trump’s disqualification from the Libertarian nomination may have temporarily derailed his third-party aspirations, the possibility of an independent or third-party challenge remained a lingering question in the minds of voters and political analysts. With the political landscape becoming increasingly polarized, some saw third-party candidates as a potential way to break the stranglehold of the two-party system and offer voters a wider range of options.
Ultimately, the 2020 election season proved to be one of the most contentious and unpredictable in recent memory, with the Libertarian Party playing a small but significant role in the larger political landscape. While Trump’s failed attempt at the Libertarian nomination may have been a footnote in the overall narrative, it highlighted the growing discontent with the traditional party system and the desire for alternative candidates and platforms. As the country grappled with the challenges of a global pandemic and social unrest, the election served as a referendum on the direction of the nation and the values that would guide its future.
In the end, the Libertarian Party’s nominees, Jorgensen and Cohen, faced an uphill battle in their quest for the presidency, but their campaign served as a reminder of the diversity of political thought and the importance of voices outside the mainstream. As the election results rolled in and a winner was declared, the legacy of the 2020 election season would be remembered for its drama, division, and the potential for change that third-party candidates represented. Whether Trump’s disqualification was a missed opportunity or a strategic move, it ultimately added to the complexity of a race that defied conventional wisdom and highlighted the ongoing evolution of American democracy.
