Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson has apologized after he accepted a gift Sunday from rival Austin Petersen — a replica of George Washington’s flintlock pistol — before tossing it in the garbage. Mr. Petersen tearfully presented Mr. Johnson with the pistol as a symbol of party unity during the Libertarian Party convention in Orlando, Florida, Fox News reported. “This means I’m going to go to battle for him,” Mr. Petersen said in a video, just prior to the presentation. “So, if Governor Johnson needs anything from me, if he needs any help, if he wants me to go out there and do battle for him, I’ll do it. … The revolution continues.” “You have my sword, and you have my gun,” he said, as the nominee accepted the gift. |
Joe Hunter, communications director for the Johnson campaign, said the former New Mexico governor was “frustrated.”
“That’s why he tossed the gun,” Mr. Hunter told Fox News. “He wishes he hadn’t. He’s sorry he did it and that it has become an issue.”
“That was very frustrating to Governor Johnson,” Mr. Hunter said. “And what he did with the gun was pure frustration.”
Mr. Petersen lamented.
“You don’t expect to get slighted like that.”
What is concerning to many voters is this type of 'knee-jerk' behavior and the capacity of Johnson to impulsively react before he has all the facts. Will it be a dangerous flaw in a man who wishes to hold the fate of humanity in his power?
“It’s important when you are defeated that you are humble, gracious and kind,” Mr. Peterson said. “So I have endorsed [Johnson]. I want him to do well and the party to grow.” Libertarian Republic also reported: "Austin Petersen and Gary Johnson seemed to bury the hatchet (or should we say flintlock) the following Tuesday on Twitter. Johnson acknowledged that Petersen gave him a tough fight for the Libertarian presidential nomination. Petersen responded on Twitter a short-time later. | |