Do you think we need a third political party that represents moderate thinking citizens?

Question

I realize it would be a a huge endeavor and the country would have to be in pretty bad shape for people to take the time and energy it would take to create such a group. The thing is a relatively small amount of voters (say 15%) could garnish a lot of power if they were well organized and committed. What say you!

Answer 1

Absolutely. Actually, many modern developed countries have more than 3 major parties. It would a great thing for us. Before this can happen, some major reform to our political system needs to happen:

1.) Direct election of the president - abolish the electoral college

2.) Real campaign finance reform that is strongly enforced - right now they are finding many loopholes; we need to crack down on this!

3.) Model our house of representatives after the current German system. (Basically if a smaller party gets a certain percentage of the vote, they get that percentage of seats in the house, IE. let's say the Green party earns 5% of the votes, they will have 5% of the seats in the house) This would be the toughest reform to pass.

Our political system has made this country great. We enjoy wonderful freedoms, a high standard of living, superior medical care and are the cutting edge of modern technology. However, if our government fails to change with demands of a changing world, our country will not continue in its greatness.

Answer 2

The country IS in bad shape and I think it's a great idea. Unfortunately there's too much $$$$ invested in both parties from big business. The people really don't have a voice other than to elect the people with the most money that win their party's primaries.

Answer 3

I am a registered Independent. However, that keeps me from voting is certain elections (which I find wrong) but I'm staying a registered Independent. I am neither strictly conservative or strictly liberal. I listen to both sides -- I chose what I agree with and who I believe in, period. I have my opinions -- some may be a tad on the Republican side and I have more opinions that are more on the Democratic way of thinking. Plus, I don't have to get all defensive when someone makes fun of my "party affiliation" because no one has. I know people who get in screaming fights over their political affiliations and OMG --- how horrible.

Answer 4

Been there, done that. That's how we got Clinton. 20% voted in the middle for Perot. Third parties in Presidential politics are just spoilers.

Now if you put alternative candidates in Congressional Districts that never break the party barrier, that could be another story. Where the GOP or Dems can't get elected, let someone else try under another banner.

Answer 5

Both parties have made huge shifts to the right in the past 20 years, so if you want a moderate, elect a democrat.

Answer 6

Third parties come and go. Why not take over one of the Big 2?

Answer 7

We have other parties! Libertarians, and Independents. The lawyers we elected have skewed the political process to favor incumbents first, and the two parties second. They are protecting their own incomes, power and prestige.

What is the difference anyway, most Americans are too lazy to vote.

Answer 8

I can see the writing on the wall right now. I think the two major parties are fragmenting as we speak. But I don't just see a third party, I see several.

Answer 9

Your question seems to indicate there are only two parties, and a third is needed. Wrong. Check out the link, there are lots and lots of parties.

Answer 10

Not only that but 45-65% of American consider themselves moderate. Yes it is time.

Both parties have lied to us. Time to take DC back to the people.