Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Fred Behringer's avatar

Thank you for this clear-eyed view of third parties. Certainly, history and the structures in place make a third party v. challenging climb with a probability of failure. But in fairness, the "Maverick" approach faces many obstacles as well, some acknowledged -the need to "play the long game" and "build coalitions". Some of the reforms needed are seeing successes because nascent third parties are able to engage voters and help push these along (open primaries and RCV) and in doing so have helped elect moderates . Third parties are also not a reaction to the Republican Party, they also are seeing interest because of dissatisfaction of the Democratic Party. Both parties are not serving democracy. Can they be redeemed from within? Who really knows. Do we put all eggs in the basket that they can be saved? Not convinced. At the very least active third parties can also influence change. So, a v. good topic with much more nuance/much more to discuss. Despite real challenges, don't count third parties out.

Expand full comment
Peggy Smith's avatar

Thank you for this breakdown of third parties. Third parties, as of late, have made it easier for foreign rogue actors to manipulate American voters. Jill Stein is a good example of this.

Expand full comment
2 more comments...

No posts