Quoth Brian Holtz: > For the candidates we cover, here are the number of hits > returned by a Google News search on 2007-2008 for the candidate name > and the keyword "libertarian":
16 Root 13 Kubby 9 Phillies 2 Smith > The same search for Ron Paul yields 1,210 hits. The fact is that none of the LP presidential candidates have anything big to brag about when it comes to generating media attention yet. There's some merit to the argument that Ron Paul has fully occupied the "token libertarian candidate" niche in the mainstream media, making it harder for LP candidates to get a word in edgewise, but excuses are like ... well, you know. Google News results have become a less reliable indicator as they've expanded the number of sources they cover. Most of the LP candidate results are minor mentions, free newswire plugs, etc, except for Root's. Root has done a good job of parlaying his advertising purchases into complimentary coverage in the Las Vegas Review-Journal and on Fox Entertainment properties. Root is clearly the leader among LP candidates in terms of "major media" penetration so far. On the other hand, "self-promoting blowhard, Libertarian Party presidential candidate and longtime braggart, liar and sports scamdicapper" isn't exactly the kind of thing I like to see about our candidates in the New York Post. Tom Knapp
