American Libertarianism is the fusion of the New Left and the Old Right.
When Ron Paul ran in the GOP primary he focused much more on the Old Right aspects because he was trying to win votes from Republicans. It was a good idea, but not the whole philosophy. (1/2)
Now we have a bunch of people who think Libertarianism is strictly Old Right conservatism and Austrian Economics. That's why they all think the LP was previously "run by leftists". They see the aspects of the New Left and don't know it's half the ingredients. (2/2)