The LP has been running in presidential elections for nearly 30 years, but having candidates hasn't increased the awareness of libertarianism in the US electorate. The media wouldn't give enough air time to a LP candidate because he has little chance of winning. For all this effort, libertarianism still remains a fringe ideology.
Again, I think it's best to disband the LP. There must be better methods of spreading libertarian ideals.
Libertarianism is not a fringe ideology, depending on how you define libertarianism. If you define libertarianism as ZAP, I agree. I don't even agree with ZAP completely. However, if you define libertarianism as standing for much smaller government and more personal responsibility or by the WorldÂ’s Smallest Political Quiz, it is not fringe. The WSPQ shows us that around 15% or more of people that take the quiz are libertarian. 15% is not fringe.
Also, I donÂ’t think the LP should dissolve. There is room for politics in the libertarian movement. If you want to directly lobby the people with pro-liberty ideas, support FTL, the FSP, the Advocates , DownsizeDC, drug freedom groups, free speech groups, gun groups, etc.
The libertarian movement is having political success. NH is electing lots of libertarian that run as Republicans, Libertarians, and in non-party races. People with libertarian ideas are getting elected to the US Congress and state Congresses all across America.
BTW, starting in January, the LP will be free to join.