2007-05-21 09:30:03 · 16 answers · asked by Liberal City 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
H. Ross Perot came pretty close...
2007-05-21 09:32:49 · answer #1 · answered by rosslambert 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Never.
We really do have a 'two party system.' There have been a few times when one of those two parties was replaced, though. That'd require that the Democrats or Republicans implode and thier support go entirely to some new 2nd party.
What happens when a third party candidate gets substantial momentum going is that he 'splits' the vote between himself and whichever of the other two parties is closest too him. Though it wasn't too dramatic, the relatively high support for Nader in 2000 drew votes away from Gore that might otherwise have allowed him victory.
I suppose the extreme polarization between the Democrats and Republicans might in theory open the door to a 'moderate' third-party candidates - but, are any of the current 'third parties' that moderate?
Another issue is money. Even many Dem & Rep candidates have trouble raising money - the big money goes to the 'top' candidates very early on. If you're investing that much money in a candidate, you don't want to waste it on one that's likely to loose. So, even though the people choose Dem or Rep on election day, special interest dollars have already pretty much chosen who those two candidates will be long before the primaries.
2007-05-21 09:41:20 · answer #2 · answered by B.Kevorkian 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That will be almost impossible today...with the corporate control of
1. the media (exposure + how candidates are perceived)
2. both Republican & Democratic parties...the media tells us these are the only "electable" candidates...their candidates
3. the debates...any chance to galvanize the people is denied by the corporations that only allow their candidates to be viewed by the tens of millions who watch the debates
Ralph Nader was clearly a hundred times better choice in the last 2 elections...over the corporate Democrats and Republicans...but corporations used their massive power and influence to marginalize Ralph.
..and even tricked liberals into attacking him. When I saw that disgrace...I finally realized the real power that corporations hold in America.
It's over us...it would take a full scale revolution to dethrone the Corporate Reich and return the power to the people
2007-05-21 09:48:23 · answer #3 · answered by Peace Warrior 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I don't see it happening anytime soon as most people are line up their views with one of the two major parties. I think most people seem to view third party candidates as somewhat radical, as they have to say some outrageous things to be heard among the big contenders.
2007-05-21 09:37:35 · answer #4 · answered by wingspan1985 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That will not happen unless the US fundamentally changes the way it elects Presidents and representatives. Until that time, most people will vote for the lesser of TWO evils fearing that the other party may win if they cast their votes for someone like Ralph Nader or Ross Perot.
2007-05-21 09:37:26 · answer #5 · answered by Arbgre555 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think of a third occasion Candidate can get elected, quickly. I believe the analogy appropriate to the Republicrats. the vast venture is getting something performed, in Washington, with the present equipment. OBAMA have been given his butt kicked with almost equivalent help in Congress. think of being of neither company *** kissing occasion. it can be a nightmare and the reason i'm no longer balloting for Jill Stein, my fashionable candidate.
2016-11-25 22:43:08 · answer #6 · answered by younan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What? You're dissatisfied with the current system, where we pick from a wide open field of two men? : )
It's a tough situation. You need money to run a campaign, but that's what corrupts a candidate to begin with. I mean just look at what we have now.
2007-05-21 10:06:50 · answer #7 · answered by Get Smart™ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, probably never. We are stuck in a two party rut.
It's just one example of the many problems faced by people who are governed. Government = the absence of, erosion, and lack of the rights of everyone who isn't wealthy and/or powerful. Self governace is the only way to ensure equal respect and treatment for everyone.
2007-05-21 10:30:44 · answer #8 · answered by SINDY 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe it will ever happen again unless a third party candidate can raise the necessary money .
2007-05-21 09:34:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it will be awhile. Its too bad though. I really like the idea of the Unity party. (moderates from either party making a thrid party).
We need a moderate who can weigh the good and bad of ideas and then make a decision based on rational thought, not extremist ideas of any agenda!
2007-05-21 09:47:06 · answer #10 · answered by kermit 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When there is a third party candidate who proves him-or-herself to be worthy.
2007-05-21 09:32:49 · answer #11 · answered by Bush Invented the Google 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋