The Least Libertarian President in American History

When discussing libertarian presidents in American history, one figure stands out as a stark deviation from the principles of minimal government and personal freedom. This article explores the criteria for evaluating libertarian governance and identifies which president has deviated the most from these principles.

Barack Obama: A Deviation from Free Markets

Barack Obama, often cited as one of the most controversial presidential figures, has been scrutinized for his policies that deviated from laissez-faire economics. The Healthcare and Affordability Act (popularly known as Obamacare) introduced significant reforms to the American healthcare system, but these reforms came with unintended consequences.

Obamacare, although intended to provide affordable healthcare to the masses, has led to a significant increase in healthcare costs for average Americans. Despite its noble intentions, the legislation resulted in higher profits for insurance companies, raising questions about its adherence to free market principles. The irony lies in the fact that Obamacare is often criticized for being anti-free-market and promoting crony capitalism.

The Economic Legacy of Obama

Interestingly, Obama's economic policies are somewhat nuanced, as they sometimes leaned towards policies that Republicans might also support. For instance, during the 2008 recession, government spending was a necessary evil to stabilize the economy, which many Republicans, despite their usual opposition to government intervention, would have found acceptable in such dire circumstances.

Foreign Policy and Economics in the 20th Century

Foreign policy and economic policies have been contentious topics. Looking back, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) is often associated with the New Deal, which had a significant impact on American society and the economy. However, his approach to foreign policy, particularly through the promotion of interventionism, can be seen as anti-libertarian.

On the other hand, James K. Polk, a lesser-known but influential president, has a mixed legacy. While he supported free trade, his support for the institution of slavery and the annexation of territory from Mexico can be viewed as anti-libertarian. His actions played a significant role in the lead-up to the Civil War, placing personal ambitions and national interests above individual liberties.

Abraham Lincoln and Total War

Abraham Lincoln's presidency is perhaps the most controversial when considering libertarian ideals. His pro-slavery stance and the legal framework he put in place can be viewed as anti-libertarian. Moreover, his approach to the Civil War and the introduction of total warfare can be seen as a significant deviation from libertarian principles.

L. Neil Smith, in his work, highlights how Lincoln's presidency was characterized by a willingness to use government force to achieve economic and political goals. He introduced total war, which involved indiscriminate mass slaughter and the destruction of property, and he employed significant conscription and taxation, severely overstepping the bounds of liberty for personal and political ambitions.

Lincoln’s actions in declaring war on slavery in areas where he had no control and maintaining it for political reasons, further undermine his libertarian credentials. The introduction of legal and military measures that fundamentally changed the rights and freedoms of American citizens, including income taxation and military conscription, represent a significant deviation from libertarian principles.

It is clear that while every president inherits and builds upon the powers established by their predecessors, certain presidents, like Lincoln, have overstepped the mark in ways that significantly deviate from libertarian ideals. This article underscores the importance of evaluating the principles of libertarian governance and understanding the significant impact each president has had on individual freedom and free markets.