Libertarian Presidential Candidate Pushes To Debate Trump, Clinton

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Libertarian Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson stopped by a South Florida favorite Thursday.

The former New Mexico governor visited Little Havana's Cafe Versailles - a traditional campaign trail stop.

Johnson tried their famous 'cafecito' before talking with CBS4's Donna Rapado. He said despite the wild election cycle, less than three months before the general election, he believes he can make his mark.

Johnson said his only real shot at winning the election is the debates.

"But I think, right now, there's better than a 50-50 chance that will happen. Everything we're doing right now is doubling every three weeks. We think we have a great opportunity to be in the debates," said Johnson. 

To get to debate, Gov. Johnson would need to reach 15 percent support in key polls. Some polls show him as high as 9 percent in Florida, while others show him as low as 5 percent. 

"When 50 percent of Americans now are declaring themselves as independent, where is that representation when it comes to Trump or Clinton," said Johnson. 

The night before Johnson rallied at Florida International University (FIU) - calling on those who do not want to vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton to opt for him.

"I think a lot of people are going to consider that a wasted vote is going to be a vote for either Trump or Clinton," Johnson told a rally crowd Wednesday. 

Johnson along with his running mate former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld secured the nomination back in May.

The two sat down with CBS4's Tiani Jones ahead of a town hall meeting at the university.

"We are two former Republican governors that served in heavily Democratic states and got reelected by being fiscally conservative and socially inclusive," Johnson said.

Weld added, "We totally changed the fiscal economic policies of our states increased employment, increased average wages, cut taxes, cut spending and the result was greater prosperity."

Back in 2012, Johnson spoke with CBS4's Jim DeFede on Facing South Florida about why he was running for president in the previous race.

For more on Campaign 2016, click here.

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