Why are there so many third party candidates in the U.S?

Question

What keeps them alive? Why do citizens join and support them?

Answer 1

Because people are fed up with the Democrats and Republicans. Third party candidates give people choice. Although third party candidates in Presidential elections will, realistically speaking, never make it to the White House, people who take voting seriously take great pride in knowing that they are voting for a candidate who values what they value. Concerns that D and R candidates don't speak of much - or lack passion about - Ross Perot's Green Party is an example of this - give the independent voter choice.

What keeps third party candidates alive are the wealthy benefactors that fund the campaigns, and the voters who have determined to vote for who they want, regardless of whether or not that person has a realistic chance of winning. The brave candidates also keep it going- they run while knowing that, most likely, they won't be elected. They probably do so, in large part, to at least offer the people a choice.

Citizens also vote for third party candidates to send the message that they do not support the D and R candidates- and in some cases, absolutely loathe them- so much so that they will not subject themselves to choosing the "lesser among two evils"- that's another reason why third party candidates get votes.

Whatever YOUR stance this November, go vote!

Answer 2

Some people may find it odd that there are many third party candidates, but the truth is that we're one of the very few countries in the world where basically there's always a two party election (of any kind, not only presidential), and I, like many others have wondered WHY over the years.

I personally think having more than two parties makes for the healthiest, more honest, liveliest, and interesting of ELECTIONS!!!

Answer 3

People get tired of the candidates from the two biggest parties who seem to be bought and paid for by big businesses. Third party candidates can also have more creative or progressive agendas because they don't owe allegiance to lobbyists.

Answer 4

Because poeple get tired of voting for the "Lesser of 2 evils"

Luckally, we have a good choice in 2008 in the Republican Ron Paul. He was once a third party candidate himself, for good reasons.

Answer 5

The only difference between the two major parties is their rhetoric. They operate nearly exactly the same. We also need to dump the dynasties. No more Bush. No more Clinton. Ever.

Answer 6

Because the R &D parties offer no real choice except for Ron Paul.

Answer 7

When ever bi - partisan ism makes people / sections feel frustrated, third party candidates emerge.

Answer 8

people support them because they don't like how both major parties act.