Libertarian presidential nominee visits Farragut
The Clemson University senior lecturer sought to demonstrate those qualities when visiting Farragut Tuesday, June 23, filming commercials and campaign promotions at four locations under the direction of area resident Austin Tutor, owner of Vivid Videography.
Jorgensen, along with her campaign manager Steve Dasbach, had lunch at Water into Wine bistro & lounge in Farragut, dropped in on an area ice skating rink — as the candidate also is a long-time hockey player and fan — and visited Tutor’s home-based studio in Walnut Grove.
Jorgensen’s locally-filmed videos, in which she discusses her platform and political positions, were to be posted this week on her Facebook page and her website, www.joj2020.com, Tutor said.
Candace Viox, Water into Wine owner, was “thrilled” her site was chosen for the historic visit and filming sites.
“This is very exciting for our business,” she said. “They wanted a small female-owned business, and saw the interview I did with (Knox County Mayor Glenn) Jacobs, so I believe that put us out there.
“I am not affiliated with any political party, but I am open to the community and open to hosting anybody,” she added.
“The fact that she came to Farragut is very cool.”
Megan Lee of Farragut, Lauren McCloud of North Knoxville and Courtney Hildago were Jorgensen fans already, and just happened to visit Water Into Wine the same day.
“I was in favor of her already,” McCloud said. “We definitely need a stronger third-party candidate.”
“I would love to see a female president I could respect,” Lee added.
The trio briefly talked to Jorgensen about current events and issues.
“I just don’t understand why reputable candidates keep selling out on firearms,” Hildago said.
Jorgensen said federal dollars have been appropriated to local law enforcement, enabling some departments to be obtain equipment seemingly better suited for combat.
“Some departments have even bought tanks and grenade launchers, for example, making them more like soldiers than law enforcement,” noted the candidate, who concluded the discussion with hugs for all three women, then stated, “I think most people are Libertarians, they just don’t know it yet.”
Jorgensen, who also was The Libertarian Party vice presidential nominee in 1996, was awarded the party’s presidential nomination last month. Joining her on the ticket is vice presidential candidate Jeremy “Spike” Cohen.
The pair will appear on the ballot in all 50 states.
While advocating the Libertarian Party directive for “much smaller government,” Jorgensen’s platform includes health care reform: “We can reduce the cost of health care 75 percent by allowing real price competition,” she said.
She was the only one of the three presidential-ballotted candidates who visited Minneapolis during “Juneteenth” celebrations in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of that city’s police officers.
Jorgensen agreed this is the perfect time for a viable third party candidate, as her web site notes: “Independents are the largest group of voters in America – nearly 40 percent of the electorate.
