From an interview on PRI.
“There are ways that Ron Paul is not the classic or textbook Libertarian,” Miron said.
Miron said he’s not sure Paul’s success will ultimately be a good thing for Libertarians.
“I don’t think he presents a call [calm?], thoughtful, rational face for Libertarianism. I think he presents, relatively cranky … insane version,” Miron said.
Miron said Paul’s appeal comes largely among Republicans and independents who have strong anti-war feelings — and not so strongly among traditional Libertarians.
He’s very isolationist, which makes him a tough fit as a Republican or a traditional Libertarian, Miron said.
“Many Libertarians are overly critical of the Fed and have way too much faith in the gold standard,” Miron said. “They take it to such an extreme.”
The most outrageous statement by Miron is that Ron Paul doesn’t believe in free trade.
So, who does Miron like as a candidate? “When it comes to being a consistent Libertarian, there are better candidates, including one who’s running under the banner of the Libertarian Party: Gary Johnson, a former Republican.” And guess who is serving as a consultant for Johnson, one of the most unlibertarian Libertarian Party candidates in history? Why, it is Jeffrey Miron. What a surprise.
See my detailed review of Miron’s book on Libertarianism here. A book in which he promotes vouchers, managed trade agreements, a negative income tax, sin taxes, and income transfers to help the poor purchase health insurance.
