DETROIT — “Be libertarian with me.”
That was the theme of presidential candidate Gary Johnson’s rally at the Cobo Center Friday. The Libertarian Party nominee jogged onto the stage in his jeans and sneakers to highlight key platform issues such as immigration and gay rights, while emphasizing his integrity and personal connection with voters and jabbing at his opponents.
“I think Trump is toast,” Johnson told a crowd of a few hundred supporters. “And Hillary was cruising along until today. We have an opportunity to win.”
In an exclusive interview with The Collegian, Johnson called the FBI’s Friday announcement to reopen its investigation of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s private email server “damning.”
“The FBI would not be doing this if it wasn’t something that was substantive and not 11 days before the election, knowing that there would not be a resolution to it before the election,” Johnson told The Collegian. “Given what’s happened today, maybe there’s still a chance for me to occupy the White House.”
In his speech, Johnson attacked Clinton and described himself as the “honorable alternative to Trump.” He challenged his supporters to recognize that he is the most qualified candidate for the presidency based on principle and experience and said he believes he is the only honest presidential candidate.
“If there’s one thing in life that resonates all the time, it’s telling the truth,” he told the crowd. “If there’s one unforgivable, it’s hypocrisy.”
When discussing the economy, Johnson promised he wouldn’t increase taxes if elected. He also encouraged supporters to engage in entrepreneurship and promote the sharing economy because it is the future of the free market.
“Apply whatever you know, whatever you do, entrepreneurially,” Johnson said. “There will never be anything better you do than create your own job and jobs for others.”
Johnson also condemned Trump’s immigration policy and said America should embrace Mexican immigrants and make it as easy as possible for them to get work visas. Because Mexico is its neighbor, Johnson said he thinks the U.S. should develop economic ties with Mexico.
He ended his speech by reminding voters that as president of the United States, he would have an “open door after four,” referring to a policy he enacted while governor of New Mexico in which he welcomed constituents and heard their opinions and complaints.
Johnson then personally greeted and conversed with supporters, who chanted, “We love Gary.”
“Johnson represents what we believe in, which is minimum government and maximum freedom,” said Jim Wallace, the campaign’s Great Lakes region director.
Hillsdale College sophomore Alex Taylor, who attended the rally, told The Collegian he believes Johnson is the only candidate he can vote for “in good conscience.”
“He represents the majority of my values,” Taylor told The Collegian. “This is the year that the libertarians start to get name recognition, and I believe it’s important to encourage the spread of liberty in whatever way I can.”
One couple from Pontiac, Michigan, Randy and Debbie Warnick, said although they were originally Republicans, they didn’t vote in the primary and have supported Johnson since he announced his candidacy in January.
“I like him because of his honesty,” Debbie Warnick said.
Johnson reminded supporters that regardless of the election’s outcome, no one will be able to ignore the discontent that has erupted from voters this election cycle.
“Our job as libertarians is to present a third choice,” Johnson said. “We won in this election. Take that away from tonight.”
