Why are there no decent third party candidates?

Question

To me Nader is just a liberal under a different name.
Most independants though, would like to slash programs for the poor like Republicans and yet adhere to extremist liberal philosophy like supporting partial birth abortion.
Why can't we have a candidate that looks out for the little guy, but isn't trying to take God out of every thing?
Why do we always have to choose between tax payer funded abortions or tax cuts for the rich.

I think it is because of money and the special interests. However, without special interests the "little man" doesn 't have that voice.

It seems we are always stuck with choosing the lesser of two evils.

Does anyone else feel this way?

Answer 1

I agree with you 100%

There should be some way that a third party candidate could make a credible run for the White House. The last person to run a successful campaign of this sort was Teddy Roosevelt !

The problem is money and support. How can an independent candidate ever raise the huge sums of money necessary? Who really wants to fund someone with a 0% perceived chance of winning? In other words, who wants to throw their money away just to make a political statement?

Support is the second factor. Even fluff movies like "Legally Blonde 2" give an indication how thoroughly corrupt Congress is. You have to play the game and make deals with the devil. It's all nauseating.

So, let me put the ball back in your court. Can you think of a viable way to run a third party candidate?

Answer 2

Most Americans are narrow-minded bigots. The reason we can't have viable alternative party candidates is because massively rich corporations really decide who is to be allowed to run for office. They provide the money to fund the campaigns of candidates they approve of. The bigger the office, the more corporate influence there is. It's like Watergate: Follow the money!

Answer 3

The politicians are a product of our culture. I really want something radically different than these two sets of imbeciles. Unfortunately, they are what most people seem to accept.

I doubt that we agree on what an ideal party would be, but for both of us, the solution is a long-term effort in educating the population, particularly in the humanities departments of the universities.

Answer 4

Because when it comes to CONGRESSIONAL elections, third parties are no where to be seen. They only pop out of the woodwork for the Presidential election.

Answer 5

Yep

Answer 6

we need a third party bad in this country

Answer 7

money