[xdem]

If libertarians are "minuscule in number" and "of no consequence," why are some many Republicans shouting that libertarian votes "cost" Republicans several elections?

[Reagan Man]

Libertarians have every right to play the spoiler at election time, but in the final outcome, its of no real consequence. Republicans shouldn't be whining.

However, Ronald Reagan did say:
Well, third parties have been notoriously unsuccessful; they usually wind up dividing the very people that should be united. And then we elect the wrong kind-the side we're out to defeat wins.

Now I don't consider libertarians to be the smartest people around and their voting patterns back that up conclusively. If libertarians care so much for America, they wouldn't be voting for a candidate who has no chance of winning, only in the hope of damaging the Republican candidate. That leads to liberals and Democrats getting elected and that is not the goal of Free Republic.