Sometimes I add, "You know, like the Founders."

Democrats (aka left-liberals) like the sound of "classical liberal."  It makes them think that I'm on their side and not a right-winger, thus making them more open to different ideas.

Republicans (aka conservatives) like the sound of "like the Founders."  It makes them think that I'm on their side and not a left-winger, thus making them more open to different ideas.

Unless I'm intentionally trying to irritate someone, I don't say that I'm a libertarian, although that's my core philosophy, a philosophy of non-aggression, self-ownership, civil liberties, and using government force only for the protection of life, liberty and property.