Johnson surprised by huge turnout at Liberty University

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) - Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson appeared Monday before what may have been the largest crowd of his presidential campaign.

At Liberty University, a Christian school where students are required to attend twice-weekly convocations, Johnson seemed shocked to be speaking to a packed arena that holds 12,000 students. The former New Mexico governor said that he expected "500 people might show up."

After presenting his campaign platform and taking questions, Johnson said he felt honored by the huge turnout and told the students, "Obviously you had the option to be here today."

When Liberty Vice President David Nasser then informed him that "it's mandatory," a shocked Gary Johnson howled with laughter.

Nasser added, though, that students are allowed "a couple of skips a year, and they could have used that skip today."

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