Libertarians are the worst enemies Libertarians will ever get. The reaction by "serious" members of the party to Vermin and Spike's run -- that this will somehow *make* the LP into a joke -- is so far removed from reality it's not even a joke. (Strap in, this is a multi-parter)

@VerminSupreme and @RealSpikeCohen are two of the most decent, principled folks in the movement. They live their principles and show every day how stellar their character is. Politics is the joke. A boot on the head or lack of a shirt is not an unserious aspect of theirs. (2/x)

@Jorgensen4POTUS is, similarly, a decent, dedicated, and accomplished figure in the movement and (thankfully for the future) academia. Like Gary, her campaign will be a historic achievement and a serious option for the American people this November. (3/x)

But like @GovGaryJohnson, the duopoly is going to invalidate, mock, and marginalize her and Spike regardless of how serious they are. Spike didn't blow it by taking his shirt off and Gary didn't blow it by having a drowsy brain-freeze. (4/x)

The best thing the Libertarian Party can offer is a true big tent for people who want to live free. Yes, that group includes people with pink hair, with boots or foam hats on their heads, piercings, and whatever else free people come up with. That's a selling point. (5/x)

People laugh at the LP and know nothing about it. People who aren't on Twitter and don't watch cable news to keep up to date with pop culture minutiae. The party is a joke because the duopoly doesn't bring them up except to mock them or upbraid them for spoiling races. (6/x)

If you want people to vote Libertarian, introduce them to people like Spike, Vermin, and Jo. Don't try to be serious with them in the media and pray that you get that free Trump coverage. It's not going to be there. Just be decent with voters and they will deal honestly. (7/x)

Voters will look past a boot or a silly moment -- in fact, they'll relate to it because people understand how manipulative media appearances are -- and see the decent human beings behind them. Don't threaten to leave the party because you're embarrassed. )
(8/x)

If all people see from you is griping and pulling down the nominee, plastering shirtless pictures of him everywhere as though to say "see! ugh! we really are jokes!" they're not going to bother waiting to see if you're decent, because you don't seem decent. (9/x)

The party is lucky to have candidates who exude benevolence like the ones it has. Help them get their message out there and show people that Libertarians can work together, validate and celebrate all types, and engage in genuine co-creation. (10/10)