Political Hippo Circle Jerk - America, farg YEAH!

[rjs246]

Any thoughts on what it would take to get a viable third or fourth party going in this country?

Gaming theory demonstrates that conflicts inevitably boil down to two opposing sides. I wish it weren't this way, but I'm afraid that's the natural order of things.

That's all well and good, but there are plenty of multi-party political systems in the world so I have a hard time believing that we are simply stuck with a static Republican vs. Democrat political landscape.

More importantly, however, both parties have been exposed in recent elections as being wildly out of touch with the population. The Democrats lost to George Bush twice and then allowed the speaker of the house to go on an anti-capitalism rant as the economy was tanking. The Republicans are pushing a war and economic policies that don't even come close to representing the desires of the people. At some point one or both of them have to be called out on the fact that they are out and out ignoring their constituencies. 

So let me rephrase the question, what would it take for a 'third party' or 'fourth party' to replace the current parties? The Dems and Reps have money and momentum but no soul or accountability. The splinter parties can't get access to debates or equal air time and are almost universally led by political exiles... Something needs to change.

[mussa]

office linebacker...takes down palin


http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=07kO9TtHYzQ

[Cerevant]

Any thoughts on what it would take to get a viable third or fourth party going in this country?

Gaming theory demonstrates that conflicts inevitably boil down to two opposing sides. I wish it weren't this way, but I'm afraid that's the natural order of things.

Take Canada. There still remains a great deal more liberals or progressives in Canada. The only thing that has changed there is that several years ago both of the right leaning parties finally agreed to join. Their votes are united. The others remain split. I think it's only a matter of time before their left realizes that they're going to have to similarly join coalitions if they ever want to regain the posiiton of Prime Minister.

For a third party (or more) to work, you need a different voting system: ranking or approval voting (vote for everyone you like) - something that allows for a second choice.  Otherwise it will indeed migrate to a two party system.

[Feva]

office linebacker...takes down palin


http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=07kO9TtHYzQ

[Wingspan]

the problem with a viable "third party" is that if you have three equal parties, you would never really have a majority vote. A president..even a mayor being elected with only 40% of the vote? With 60% against the winning candidate?

It'll never happen.

YOu would most likely see a replacement party (i.e. The Constitutional Party or Green Party gaining ground over the Democrats) winning smaller elections in some of the more liberal states so that the success begins to trickle up to the national elections. You would also need major funding and media exposure.

[ATV]

So let me rephrase the question, what would it take for a 'third party' or 'fourth party' to replace the current parties?

It would take something huge. Some sort of meltdown of our economy or social system. Or something unexpected. We're on our way but not there yet.

[Wingspan]

Actually if Obama loses this election..the democrats opening the door for another party to take it's spot...the problem right now is that no one takes any of the minor parties seriously.

[Rome]

I could see religious fundies creating a party of their own.  Hopefully they will because the Republican Party would be much better off without them.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

The Republican party would be a lot more sane without them, but wouldn't have enough numbers to ever vote anyone into office.

I'd assume that's what you want, though.

[Cerevant]

the problem with a viable "third party" is that if you have three equal parties, you would never really have a majority vote. A president..even a mayor being elected with only 40% of the vote? With 60% against the winning candidate?

This is why it migrates to the two party system: the 60% realize they need to close ranks if they want to unseat the 40%.

This is also why a different voting method solves this problem.  With an instant run-off or approval voting, the candidate with the largest consensus will win, regardless of how many candidates there are.

[mussa]

I could see religious fundies creating a party of their own.  Hopefully they will because the Republican Party would be much better off without them.

nope too many voters. this is why the republican party went after them in the first place. take advantage of the already weak minded folk

[ATV]

Actually if Obama loses this election..the democrats opening the door for another party to take it's spot

Yes, something like this could do it. I can't imagine what would happen if Obama were to lose. Particularly if there's some obvious voting shenanigans that contributed. Beyond riots I think there would be a fairly large exodus to Canada (with myself included) as well as some talk of succession. The way I view things, and a I think a lot of people view things, if someone like Obama weren't able to win the presidency after what has happened the last eight years, considering also who he's up against, the Democratic party will NEVER win the Presidency. Or for at least a generation, twenty years or so. IMO the country would have its head so far up its ass it would be beyond repair. I would view it as the final nail in the coffin. Anyhow, IMO some sort of meltdown like that is what it would take for the parties to disolve.

[Geowhizzer]

Damn, just as I was ready to decide in favor of Obama, now I'm torn again...

[rjs246]

Mass exodus to Canada? Give me a farging break.

[MDS]

Got the first canvasser at the house today. Surprised to see one come around the way like so, didn't even know these addresses were known by the government. She was predictably looking for people that lived at my house 3 years ago. Go America.