Jo Jorgensen 2020 presidential campaign

The 2020 presidential campaign of Jo Jorgensen was formally launched on November 2, 2019 at the South Carolina Libertarian Party convention.[8] Jorgensen had previously been the Libertarian Party's vice presidential nominee in 1996, when she ran on a ticket with author Harry Browne.[9] Currently a senior lecturer of psychology at Clemson University,[10] Jorgensen had owned a software company at the time of her 1996 vice presidential candidacy.[9]

Jo Jorgensen for President
Campaign2020 Libertarian primaries
2020 U.S. presidential election
CandidateJo Jorgensen
Senior lecturer at Clemson University
Spike Cohen
Podcaster and businessman
AffiliationLibertarian Party
Status
  • Announced: November 2, 2019
  • Official nominee: May 23, 2020
HeadquartersGreenville, South Carolina[1]
ReceiptsUS$785,340.48[2] (June 30, 2020)
SloganBreak Free From Big Government[3]
The First Ones Free
Real Change for Real People[4]
I'm With Her[5]
She's With Us![6]
Let Her Speak[7]
Website
jo20.com

Jorgensen's positions are typically described as being consistent with the Libertarian Party's platform.[11][12][13] Her campaign has received less media coverage than those of Gary Johnson, former Republican governor of New Mexico and Jorgensen's predecessor as the Libertarian Party's presidential nominee in 2012 and 2016. Her name recognition upon entering the race is also widely considered to have been lower than Johnson's.[12][13][14][15][16][17] Although Jorgensen is often described as appealing to the Libertarian Party's base, some in the party, such as her main primary opponent Future of Freedom Foundation founder Jacob Hornberger, have criticized her for perceived departures from libertarian ideology in exchange for mainstream appeal.[18]

The Libertarian Party experienced a competitive primary.[19] On May 23, at the virtual 2020 Libertarian National Convention, Jorgensen was selected as the party's 2020 presidential nominee after four rounds of voting by delegates.[20] She is the party's first female presidential nominee.[15] Podcaster Spike Cohen – Vermin Supreme's original running mate – was selected to be Jorgensen's running mate the next day, despite Jorgensen having expressed a preference for John Monds.[21][22]

Background

In 1996, Jorgensen was nominated by the Libertarian Party as its candidate for vice president in the 1996 election. The party's presidential nominee was free market writer and investment analyst Harry Browne.[23] The Browne/Jorgensen ticket received 485,798 votes (0.50% of the popular vote) in the general election, which was won by incumbent president Bill Clinton.[24][25]

Platform

Social Security

Jorgensen is critical of the current system and supports replacing it with individual retirement accounts.[26] She supports an option to opt out of Social Security, allowing anyone who took this route to invest 6.2% of their future payroll taxes in individual retirement accounts and receive prorated Social Security benefits for existing contributions as zero coupon bonds for retirement.[27]

In the final debate of the primaries, candidate Jacob Hornberger accused Jorgensen of "support[ing] the welfare state through Social Security and Medicare". In response, Jorgensen called Social Security a "Ponzi scheme" and said that she would allow people to opt-out of the program on her first day in office. However, she emphasized the constitutional inability of a president to unilaterally end the program without the support of Congress, as well as the need for the government to fulfill existing Social Security obligations.[18][28]

Criminal justice reform

Jorgensen opposes the seizure of property through federal civil asset forfeiture and the use of qualified immunity to protect police officers. She is also critical of the United States' incarceration rate.[29] She also wants to work with Congress to end the War on Drugs and other victimless crime laws.[30] She has said she would pardon anyone in prison who has been incarcerated for a victimless crime. Jorgensen opposes private prisons, solitary confinement for juveniles, mandatory minimums for people charged with drug possession, and the death penalty for drug traffickers.[31] She also supports amnesty for whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning, viewing them as an essential and necessary check on government corruption.[32]

War on drugs

Jorgensen opposes the war on drugs. Jorgensen has called the drug war a "failed" policy, and supports abolishing drug laws, promising to pardon all nonviolent drug offenders.[29][33]

Gun rights

Jorgensen supports the right to bear arms. She has stated she would abolish the ATF whose purpose, she believes, is to enforce "unconstitutional laws". [34] [35]

Police demilitarization

She promotes the demilitarization of police, saying that the police's duty "is to go after specific perpetrators of violent crimes, not to act as a force against the people."[36]

Environment

Jorgensen favors Generation IV nuclear power to reduce carbon emissions and she wants to remove barriers to replacing coal-burning and oil-burning power plants in the United States with nuclear power plants, in addition to allowing off-grid use of solar power. [37] She supports removing "subsidies of all forms of energy production, allowing emissions-free nuclear power a chance to compete on a level playing field" and supports the use of hydraulic fracking while holding "fracking companies responsible for damages."[38]

Foreign policy and defense

Jorgensen opposes embargoes, economic sanctions, and foreign aid. She favors the withdrawal of American troops from foreign wars.[39][40] She favors non-interventionism and free trade with other nations.[29]

Jorgensen opposes US involvement in foreign wars. Advocating armed neutrality similar to Switzerland's, she has promised to "bring the troops home."[41]

Government spending and debt

Jorgensen supports the Constitutional authority to block any new borrowing. She has pledged to veto any spending that leads to a deficit and any debt ceiling increases.[42]

Poverty

Jorgensen believes that the most effective way to help the poor is through the voluntary efforts of private groups and individuals paired with deregulation.[42][43] She wants to eliminate policies that, she argues, increase the costs of housing and health care, as well as those creating barriers to creating new businesses or entering professions.

Education

Jorgensen favors the decentralization and localization of education, and has proposed slashing or altogether eliminating the budget of the Department of Education, leaving the education of children to the states.[42]

Taxes

Maintaining that taxes currently are not voluntary, Jorgensen supports the abolition of the Internal Revenue Service and the elimination of federal income tax.[42]

Healthcare

Jorgensen supports a free-market healthcare system financed by providing individuals with a spending account and allowing individuals to keep any savings, which she believes would create an increased incentive for healthcare providers to compete by meeting consumer demand for low cost services.[44][45][46]

Immigration and trade

Jorgensen believes that American citizens should be free to travel anywhere they choose and to buy and sell anywhere in the world. She believes in eliminating trade barriers and tariffs and repealing quotas on the number of people who can legally enter the United States to work, visit, or reside.[47] In a Libertarian presidential primary debate, Jorgensen said she would immediately stop construction on President Donald Trump's border wall. During another primary debate she blamed anti-immigration sentiment on disproportionate media coverage of crimes by immigrants. She argued that immigration helps the economy and that the blending of cultures is beneficial.[48][49][50][51]

COVID-19

Jorgenson has characterized the U.S. government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic as overly bureaucratic and authoritarian, calling restrictions on individual behavior such as stay-at-home orders and corporate bailouts, "the biggest assault on our liberties in our lifetime".[45][48][52]

Primary campaign
Jorgensen's state-by-state performance in the primaries
  Jo Jorgensen
  Jacob Hornberger
  Vermin Supreme
  No preference
Main article: 2020 Libertarian Party presidential primaries

In the Libertarian primaries, Jorgensen placed second in terms of overall votes cast, behind Future of Freedom Foundation founder Jacob Hornberger. Jorgensen won a single primary prior to the Convention, in Nebraska, on May 12, 2020.[53] After Justin Amash entered and then exited the race Jacob Hornberger lost a significant number of votes and on the fourth round of balloting Jorgensen was nominated. She did not endorse anybody to be her running mate and after three ballots Spike Cohen was nominated. After her nomination, she went on to win the New Mexico primary on June 2, 2020, which had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[54][55]

General election campaign

Ballot access
Ballot access by state
  On the ballot
  On the ballot pending official confirmation
  Not on the ballot

As of August 10, Jorgensen has achieved ballot access in 40 states and the District of Columbia.[56]

Endorsements
Main article: List of Jo Jorgensen 2020 presidential campaign endorsements

Jorgensen has received endorsements from many former Libertarian candidates in the 2020 race, including Jacob Hornberger, Justin Amash, Adam Kokesh and Vermin Supreme. She has also received endorsements from Peter Schiff, John Stossel, and Katherine Timpf, among others.

References
  1. "Contact Us". Jo Jorgensen for President. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  2. "JORGENSEN, JO". Federal Election Commission. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
  3. Nicholson, Zoe. "Clemson professor wins Libertarian nomination for president". Greenville News. USA Today. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  4. "Homepage". Jo Jorgensen for President. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  5. Obeidallah, Dean (25 May 2020). "The truth about 'I'm with her'". CNN. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  6. "Shop". Jo Jorgensen for President. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  7. Nickerson, Ryan (30 July 2020). "Let Her Speak event aims to get Jo Jorgensen on debate stage against President Trump, Biden". Houston Chronicle. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  8. "SCLP Convention". YouTube. LibertarianParty. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  9. Broder, David S. (7 July 1996). "Seeking Political Breakthrough, Libertarians Pick Harry Browne". The Washington Post. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  10. Putnam, Jeannie (9 July 2020). "Clemson lecturer Jo Jorgensen chosen as Libertarian Party presidential candidate". Greenville Journal. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  11. Graham, David A. (15 July 2020). "The 2020 U.S. Presidential Race: A Cheat Sheet". The Atlantic. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  12. Weigel, David (26 May 2020). "The Trailer: Challenging Democratic incumbents has gotten even tougher". The Washington Post. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  13. Kilgore, Ed (27 May 2020). "Libertarians Decide to Become a Joke in 2020". New York Magazine. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  14. Solender, Andrew (26 May 2020). "Third Parties Struggle to Break Through in a Tough Election Cycle". Forbes. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  15. Steinhauser, Paul (25 May 2020). "Libertarians pick first female presidential nominee". Fox News. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  16. Schackner, Bill (6 August 2020). "Is it Trump? Biden? Nope. It's Jo Jorgensen". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  17. Doherty, Brian (21 May 2020). "Libertarian Presidential Contender Jo Jorgensen Wants To Combine Principle With Palatable Persuasion". Reason. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  18. Doherty, Brian (22 May 2020). "Libertarian Party Presidential Debate Offers Choice Between All Liberty Now or Moving the Ball of Liberty Down the Field". Reason. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  19. Welch, Matt (7 November 2019). "Candidates Vie to Represent the Libertarian Wing of the Libertarian Party". Reason. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  20. Doherty, Brian (23 May 2020). "Jo Jorgensen Wins Libertarian Party Presidential Nomination". Reason. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  21. Doherty, Brian (May 24, 2020). "Libertarian Party Picks Spike Cohen as Its Vice-Presidential Candidate". Reason. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  22. Lemongello, Steven (8 July 2020). "Libertarians bring a socially distanced convention to Orlando, with color-coded 'risk bracelets'". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
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  27. "Social Security Would Be Drastically Changed Under This Presidential Candidate's Plan". Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  28. "Final Libertarian Presidential Debate with John Stossel". YouTube. LibertarianParty. 21 May 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  29. "Jo Jorgensen's Bold, Practical, Libertarian Vision for America's Future". Jo Jorgensen for President 2020. Archived from the original on May 25, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  30. "Criminal Justice Reform - Jo Jorgensen for President | 2020". Retrieved Aug 14, 2020.
  31. Dickey, Karl (Jul 25, 2020). "Which of the three presidential candidates support ending the War on Drugs?". Retrieved Aug 14, 2020.
  32. "Libertarian Presidential Nominee Jo Jorgensen on the Issues". Merion West. Jun 9, 2020. Retrieved Aug 14, 2020.
  33. Dinan, Stephen (June 12, 2020). "Libertarian nominee says Trump, Biden both tainted on race". Washington Times. Archived from the original on June 20, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  34. https://twitter.com/jorgensen4potus/status/1265036427869532161?lang=en
  35. https://twitter.com/jorgensen4potus/status/1273352630786576387
  36. DiStaso, John (2020-06-04). "NH Primary Source: Libertarian presidential candidate Jorgensen urges end of police 'militarization'". WMUR. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  37. "Environment | Campaign Issue | Dr. Jo Jorgensen for President". Retrieved Aug 14, 2020.
  38. Jorgensen, Jo. "Jo Jorgensen's vision for America's future. Questions and Answers". Jo Jorgensen for President 2020. Jo Jorgensen for President. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  39. "Turn America into One Giant Switzerland: Armed and Neutral,". Jo Jorgensen for President 2020. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  40. Doherty, Brian (May 21, 2020). "Libertarian Presidential Contender Jo Jorgensen Wants To Combine Principle With Palatable Persuasion". Reason. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  41. Redman, Jamie (June 9, 2020). "2020 Libertarian Presidential Candidate Jo Jorgensen Talks Bitcoin, Endless Wars, Covid-19 Response". Bitcoin.com.
  42. Phillips, Chris (May 25, 2020). "Will Jo Jorgensen and the Libertarian Party hand the 2020 election to Trump?". The Millennial Source. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020.
  43. Solem, Rick (June 13, 2020). "The other 'Jo' wants your 2020 vote, if you're fed up with the two-party system, or if you're not". WIZM News Talk 1410 AM.
  44. "Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate Jo Jorgensen campaigns in Wisconsin". WSAW. Retrieved Aug 14, 2020.
  45. "Jorgensen Brings Pragmatic Approach to Libertarian Presidential Campaign". The Amarillo Pioneer. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  46. "Libertarian Presidential Contender Jo Jorgensen Wants To Combine Principle With Palatable Persuasion". Reason.com. May 21, 2020. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  47. "Trade and Immigration | Libertarian Candidates stance | 2020". Retrieved Aug 14, 2020.
  48. "Libertarian Party Presidential Debate Offers Choice Between All Liberty Now or Moving the Ball of Liberty Down the Field". Reason. May 22, 2020. Archived from the original on May 22, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  49. "Final Libertarian Presidential Debate with John Stossel". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  50. "Libertarian Party of Kentucky Presidential Debates: the Finale". Youtube. Archived from the original on July 11, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  51. Cami Mondeaux, “The alternative presidential candidate: Jo Jorgensen runs for the Libertarian Party”, KLS News radio 102.7 FM, July 5, 2020
  52. "NH Primary Source: Libertarian presidential candidate Jorgensen urges end of police 'militarization'". www.wmur.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  53. "For President of the United States - - Libertarian". Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
  54. Corasaniti, Nick; Saul, Stephanie. "16 States Have Postponed Primaries During the Pandemic. Here's a List". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  55. "Primary Election - June 2, 2020: President of the United States - Libertarian". Election Night Results. New Mexico Secretary of State. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  56. "Ballot Access". Libertarian Party. Retrieved 2020-08-10.
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