Amash Files

We were very disappointed to have Justin drop out of the presidential race just one week before the Libertarian nominating convention in May.  This was a tough episode to publish which is why it took so long. But we will continue on as long as people are interested in what Justin is up to. We also know that he isn't going away. He will be a part of the national political conversation for some time. What will his impact be in Congress as a sitting Libertarian? Will he run for reelection to Congress? What will his impact be on the party going forward?

In 2013, there was a suspicious gas attack against civilians in Syria. President Barack Obama and much of the media began blaming Syrian President Assad of attacking his own people with a vicious gas attack during the civil war he was waging against rebel forces. The drum beat for war and US involvement began quickly within the Obama administration and the US House was on their typical August recess. Second term congressman, Justin Amash, was concerned that we were headed for another war without Congressional approval and insisted publicly that the House convene to discuss the issue.  In order to gain public support to resist the administration's plans and the push from the DC media and think tanks he conducted a series of 11 town halls in his district in two days. Not surprisingly, he found virtually no support for conflict amongst his constituents and a narrative was quickly created that the American public was against a Syrian War.  Through his use of social media, instincts, and getting the national media to appear before his town halls he shocked the establishment in DC that their view of the world was not shared by most Americans when it came to war. Momentum quickly spread across the country as other members of Congress held their own town halls discovering the same sentiment too. Before long, the involvement of US troops in Syria was shelved much to the chagrin of Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain. 

Tyler and Eric break down the fifth round of the Kentucky Libertarian Party presidential debate that occurred on 5/9/20. The debate featured Justin Amash, Jim Gray, Jo Jorgensen, Jacob Hornberger, and Vermin Supreme. You can watch the video of the debate here. Aside from the debate, the insiders discuss how Amash's first two weeks have gone with media appearances. Finally, there is a brief discussion about potential VP running mates for Amash with Larry Sharpe, Kmele Foster, or someone else.

Today, we review the Justin Amash's poll results from Monmouth. They begin with Amash commanding 5% in the national polls right after his announcement. Interestingly, the specifics in the poll with regards to gender and race splits are interesting. We spoke with Jen Monroe of the Jen the Libertarian show about these results, what the tell us about Amash and where he might have some inherent strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we discuss some potential VP candidates for Amash should he win the nomination.

Marc Clair is the founder of the Lions of Liberty podcast and is a big voice in the libertarian podcasting world. He has interviewed thousands of libertarian guests and offers his insights into the reception Justin Amash is getting in the Libertarian party and with libertarians in general.  

Reason editor at large, Matt Welch, joins us in today's episode to talk about how Justin Amash's entry into the Libertarian Party presidential nominating contest changes its dynamics. Matt has been hosting debates at state parties for months and gives his take on the strengths of Amash's competitors. Does Amash's politics of of independence from the Republican and Democratic parties resonate today? We also discuss who Amash should choose as a VP candidate and whether Kmele Foster would take the job.

Hannah Cox is a libertarian-conservative commentator, writer, and activist who has appeared in Newsmax, on NPR, and Fox News amongst others. She has been a vocal supporter of Justin Amash and credits him with leading her down the path of libertarianism and Austrian economics. We discuss the appeal of Amash to the general public, how he is well positioned to became the standard bearer for the message or liberty, and the epic speech that pushed Hannah over the edge. It was Justin's passion and honesty in that speech that encouraged Hannah to investigate him more closely and why she thinks he could do the same for millions of other Americans.

Former Nebraska Libertarian state senator Laura Ebke joins us today to discuss the lay of the land in the Libertarian Party's nominating process. Senator Ebke recalls what it was like for her when she switched parties and her transition into the Libertarian party while sitting in the Nebraska Senate. Laura Ebke explains why she thinks Justin is the candidate to move the party into the future and why she is endorsing his run for president.

Nathan Leamer is our special guest for this episode where we get to learn what it is like in Justin Amash's office. Although Eric is friends with Justin and Tyler has worked on the campaign team, neither has worked in his office. We tapped the former staffer who both worked for Justin in Lansing when he was a state representative and in the DC office for a few years before pursuing new opportunities. Nathan describes what it was like to work for Justin in "the pit". He compares and contrasts Justin's DC office with those of other congressional offices and tells us stories of who Justin does the best impressions.

Justin Amash visits with us for our first interview. Aside from telling us why he's running for president we learn why he: Is running as a Libertarian Why he feels he is the best qualified for the presidency What his plans are for the Libertarian Party How he plans to win an office that hasn't been held by a non Democrat or Republican since 1848.

Long time friend, Eric Larson, and former campaign staffer, Tyler Groenendal describe their relationships with congressman Justin Amash. Since announcing his run for the presidency, the two friends decided to launch a show and allow supporters and those curious a rare insider's look into who Justin Amash really is. Eric recounts how Justin helped him through a very dark time in his life after a family tragedy. Tyler described what it was like to work on Justin's campaign and why he is so excited for the announcement. They lay the foundation for the show and its unique position to give people a rarely seen view of the non-public persona of Justin Amash.