Banfield: "Hello I am Ashleigh Banfield with RNN's hit segment "Evening News with Banfield" and today we're interviewing former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson today, How are you today Mr. Johnson?"

Johnson: ”I’m absolutely wonderful Ashleigh, it’s great to be on RNN TV with you tonight. I can’t wait for a thoughtful discussion on the current state of politics.”

Banfield: "And it's great to be interviewing you on RNN TV! Now for our first question Mr. Johnson, what are your thoughts on the recent 2014 midterm elections?"

Johnson: ”I must say, The Republicans made big gains in the Senate. That guarantees both government deadlock and partisan fights for the next two years. I am proud of Alaska, where Mark Fish and Jim C. McDermott performed well against both major party candidates. Governor Susanna won re-election easily, which should prove the viability of competitive elections in New Mexico for 2016 and hopefully beyond.”

Banfield: "Now do you have any particular opinions on the current party system? And what does your party the libertarian party stand for."

Johnson: “The current state of politics is a back and forth between war hawks and big government lovers, with those two often crossing partisan lines in regards to invasions of privacy and welfare spending. The only politicians I respect are Senators Paul and Lee, both who have been advocates of criminal justice reform and have been overall Libertarian-ish in their political record. The Libertarian Party, frankly, is a common-sense party focused on ending both government overreach in the economy and war-mongering as well as its Nanny-state policies on Marijuana and other harmless substances. In short, we are a fiscally conservative and socially liberal party.”

Banfield: "Would you like to speak on your party's foreign policy platform? particularly in the middle east, to do with Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria?"

Johnson: “The Libertarian Party’s Foreign Policy platform is relatively straightforward: Non-Intervention. President George W. Bush was a disaster, domestically and definitely foreign policy wise; His wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are damaging, and we’re still involved in Afghanistan! I think we should engage in free trade agreements with Iraq and Turkey, though with Iran’s Theocracy and Syria’s state of civil war, I think it’s best if we move on from the Middle East - move on from a bygone era.”

Banfield: "What would you say to those doubting the chances of a successful third party effort?"

Johnson: ”I would say, look at 1996 and 1998. Ross Perot and his Reform Party got Federal Funding for 1998 and 2000. Jesse Ventura was elected the first and only Reform governor of the United States, same year I was elected for my 2nd Term. I think I can help the Libertarian Party grow gradually, through state legislatures and propositions.”

Banfield: "Yes, and now regarding tax policy, what is the party's platform on that?"

Johnson: "Again, our stance is simple: Low Taxes. Furthermore, I personally believe in replacing the Income Tax with a Consumption Tax that will encourage saving and bring us the same income with a lower tax rate. I also think a possible end of the Payroll and Corporate Tax with their replacement being “Fair-Tax” is also included in the party platform. Oh, and the abolishment of the IRS as well is a must-have for any sane government.”

Banfield: "And for our final question, Mr Johnson. What do you think of the ReNews Network?"

Johnson: ”I think it’s fantastic! We need more independent news channels to give the American public an un-biased view into the hell-hole that is, American Politics.”

Banfield: "Well we all here certainly agree Mr. Johnson! *chuckles*, it was certainly excellent speaking with you!"

Johnson: ”I feel the same Ashleigh, I hope we can talk later in the future! I have an… important announcement around November-December that I feel would be best if I said it on here.”

Banfield: "Well, you'll certainly be welcomed to!"

[END]