Jump to our most recent update: N.Y. Federation of College Republicans revokes recognition of Cornell Republicans.
Yesterday, Cornell Republicans made a huge decision that drummed up a mixture of enthusiasm and criticism across campus, especially amongst conservatives. In late August, the group stated they would soon have an announcement regarding the current election, and while some had expected for the party to unite behind the ever-controversial Trump in a sign of party unity, the Cornell Republicans surprised many when they instead endorsed Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. That’s a huge deal. Here’s what you need to know:
Cornell Republicans have NEVER endorsed a candidate
Typically, the Cornell Republicans refrain from actually endorsing any candidate during the primaries or the general election. The fact that they’ve refused to endorse Trump follows in the footsteps of the Harvard Republicans earlier this year.
They’re breaking party lines (kind of?)
The group is breaking party lines by instead endorsing the Libertarian candidate for President. Well, kind of. Gary Johnson, although the Libertarian nominee, was the two-term Republican Governor of New Mexico, a traditionally blue-state. His VP, Bill Weld, was also the two-term Republican Governor of the Democratic-leaning Massachusetts.
Johnson needs 15% national support to be in the debates
Having endorsed Johnson for president, the Cornell Republicans are hoping to help him reach the necessary 15% of national support in the polls in order to reach the debates (Johnson is currently polling around 8-10%). If Johnson makes it to the debates, this election could get even crazier.
Some people are actually angry about the decision
Apparently, a democratically elected group of representatives of Cornell’s Republicans making the decision to endorse Johnson was undemocratic or anti-Republican or something. The Cornell Republicans just can’t win.
Meanwhile, others are ecstatic about it
While some Republicans are upset with the decision, the vast majority of comments on their Facebook post would imply that an overwhelming majority of Cornellians support the decision wholeheartedly.
But wait…what’s a Libertarian?
In a nutshell, Libertarians believe in personal freedom (à la Democrats) along with increased economic freedom (à la Republicans). Read more on their platform here.
Can he do it?
It’s a long shot for sure, but given his main opponents are literally the two least-favorable major-party candidates in history, anything seems possible. One thing’s for sure though: given the Cornell Republicans’ endorsement, Johnson will be getting a lot more buzz around campus.
UPDATE: Some are REALLLLLLY not happy about it
Turns out some people were really not happy with the Cornell Republicans’ decision, as the N.Y. Federation of College Republicans just voted to revoke the recognition of Cornell’s chapter. Although the club can apply to regroup next semester, it remains unclear how this will affect the club’s current operations on Cornell’s campus.
This is an awesome article. Thank you, Jeremy.