What Libertarians Stand to Gain in the Midterm Elections

In this installment, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch examine what the midterm results could mean for libertarians. They consider whether a Democratic victory might rein in President Donald Trump’s executive power and why Republicans could struggle to learn from past missteps.

The discussion then shifts to contests in Ohio, Alaska, and Michigan that highlight tensions rising within both parties. The editors assess how much authority Democrats would actually wield if they regain control of Congress, especially on issues like Trump’s tariffs and the confrontation with Iran. They also weigh the benefits of congressional investigations against the danger of mere political theater. Finally, a listener’s inquiry about gerrymandering spurs a dialogue on electoral reform and the potential expansion of the House of Representatives.

 

0:00—Implications of the midterms for libertarians

14:22—Contests in Ohio, Alaska, Michigan, and California

27:19—What would Democrats do with newfound power?

33:26—Listener question on gerrymandering

41:59—Will the midterms serve as a referendum on Trump?

50:31—Weekly cultural suggestions

 

Upcoming Reason Events

Reason Versus—Authoritarianism Is a Right-Wing Problem, November 10

 

Mentioned in the Podcast:

“For Libertarians, Election Day Is the Cruelest Day of the Year,” by Nick Gillespie

“What Will Democrats Do?” by Eric Boehm

“A Democratic Senate?” by Liz Wolfe

“The Midterms Offer a Choice Between Two Brands of Socialism,” by J.D. Tuccille

“Dems in Disarray?” by Peter Suderman

“Haley Stevens Endorses Mike Rogers, Spurns Leftist Abdul El-Sayed,” by Robby Soave

“Abdul El-Sayed Is a Socialist in All but Name,” by Robby Soave

“Ramaswamy’s Attack on Amy Acton Was Bad Enough. Trump and Vance Made It Worse,” by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

“Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Over Alaska Senate Race, Calling Proposed Remedy ‘Infeasible,’” by Joe Lancaster

“Ranked Choice Voting Will Untangle Alaska’s Dan Sullivan Controversy. It’s Also on the Ballot Itself,” by Eric Boehm

“Antics in Alaska,” by Liz Wolfe

“To Confuse Voters, Mary Peltola’s Campaign Recruited a Second Dan Sullivan,” by Robby Soave

“Trump’s Latest Attempt To Salvage the Midterms: Bribe and Extort the Voters,” by Joe Lancaster

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