Should Libertarians Vote Republican in the 2026 Midterms? || 1838

Episode notes

Republicans keep asking libertarians to hold their noses and vote for the lesser evil. But if they get your vote regardless of what they do, what incentive do they have to get better? Nate and Chuck tackle the 2026 midterms, broken campaign promises, and the argument that being "better than Democrats" should be enough.

From Trump's spending-cut promises and DOGE to Thomas Massie, Obamacare, and the growth of government, they ask whether political loyalty has replaced accountability. The conversation also explores divided government, barriers to third-party ballot access in Tennessee, congressional war powers, and whether libertarians can realistically change the Republican Party from within.

Nate makes a counterintuitive case: losing Congress in 2026 could actually improve Republicans' chances in 2028. Neither host is endorsing Democrats. They're explaining why Republicans still have to earn their votes, and why the free-market logic of competition shouldn't disappear when election season arrives.

Join the Fed Haters Club for member discussions and the pre-show: https://www.joingml.com 00:00 Welcome and opening banter 01:42 Should libertarians vote Republican? 04:42 Broken promises need consequences 07:46 The "better than Democrats" problem 10:22 Trump's promises and DOGE spending cuts 13:48 Do politicians still have to earn your vote?

16:09 Thomas Massie and third-party ballot access 17:53 Could losing in 2026 help Republicans in 2028? 22:45 War powers and congressional accountability 24:16 Can libertarians change the GOP from within?

25:45 Taxes, spending, and the lesser-evil argument 31:47 After-show: Midterm projections and final thoughts Join GML: https://www.joingml.com All Links: https://www.goodmorningliberty.us/links https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Marten's Minute: https://martensminute.podbean.com/