The Libertarian Party in the United States has made a bold choice for its presidential candidate, selecting antiwar activist Chase Oliver over more well-known figures like former President Donald Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr. Oliver, who received about 60 percent of the vote from Libertarian delegates, has pledged to support a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to US military support for Ukraine and Israel.
In a speech following his nomination, Oliver expressed his commitment to unity and moving forward for liberty. This decision by the Libertarian Party is gaining attention this year, especially with the upcoming rematch between Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden.
Trump, who appeared at the Libertarian convention on Saturday night, was met with boos from the crowd and did not receive the endorsement he sought. Kennedy, who has long opposed vaccines and mandates, was quickly eliminated from the party’s presidential nomination.
Oliver, an openly gay politician and activist from Atlanta, has previously run for the US Senate and US House from Georgia. His campaign platform includes major cuts to the federal budget, the abolition of the death penalty, and the closure of overseas military bases.
With the support of vice presidential candidate Mike ter Maat, Oliver aims to appeal to young Americans who are disillusioned with the two major parties. As the Libertarian candidate, Oliver could potentially act as a spoiler in the presidential race, challenging the status quo and offering a different perspective on key issues facing the country.