what is true about third parties in the U.S?

Answer 1

We need a strong third party, with moderate social views and conservative fiscal and military views. The Libertarians come closest, but no party is where they should be.

But to everyone who thinks that voting for a third party is a wasted vote, we need to do so, anyway. Perhaps, some day, with enough support, a legitimate third party may arise and kick the Republicrats out!

But they can certainly wreak havoc. Perot helped Clinton win twice, and Nader helped Bush win twice.

Answer 2

Yes, the system is stacked against them.

It would be nice if a system was in place to allow for them to be voted for, without people feeling like their vote was being wasted. For example, a vote for a third party could have a second choice candidate in one of the two major parties, that would get the vote if the third party candidate didn't get a certain % of the vote.

But alas, the people in power, the Dems and the Reps, wouldn't go for it.

Answer 3

Abraham Lincoln is the only third Party candidate to ever be elected President of the United States.

He was a Republican.

Answer 4

That the system is stacked against them making them, at best, a spoiler in national elections unless there is some sort of catastrophe at hand (a civil war, a great depression, a constitutional crisis, etc).

Answer 5

They lose in about 99% of the elections.

Answer 6

Unfortunately they aren't strong enough to win an election.

Answer 7

They are 3rd parties.

Answer 8

They don't count in elections, and many people think that voting for them is worse than not voting at all.

(I don't agree with that, but many do.)

Answer 9

woooot! third parties are for party animals! dang i can only last one partaay!

Answer 10

Their time may have come