Third Party Quandary
As we witness the federal government diligently working to dismantle the most successful Republic ever devised, many limited-government conservative-minded Americans believe they have been sold out. Daily evidence of fiscal irresponsibility, mounting debt, erosion of freedoms, and climate-change fraud make it hard for any sane citizen to disagree.
Righteous anger leveled at self-serving career politicians of both parties again brings the call for a third party. It is worth noting that a recent Rasmussen Report claims the Tea Party, as a hypothetical third party, polls higher than the Republicans. In the real world, the rules of the election process—written by Republicans and Democrats—provide substantial advantages for the two established major parties. Third parties have played pivotal roles in presidential elections and in some Congressional elections. But is a third party the most effective way for concerned citizens to channel their time, money, and effort? The thoughtful response would be a resounding no.
A brief history recalls Ross Perot’s campaign in 1992, which pulled a significant number of votes (nineteen percent) mainly from the Republican incumbent, George H.W. Bush. Mr. Perot allowed a Democrat candidate to assume the presidency with forty-three percent of the vote. A leader elected with a plurality of votes is assured of greater difficulty executing their agenda. In a more recent example, Ralph Nader was the Green Party candidate in 2000, garnering about 97,000 votes in an election where the major party candidates for president were separated by only several hundred votes. In many European countries, three or more political parties often allow a minority of citizens, some with radical agendas, to wield power and foster chaos. Of course, the current Congressional leadership considers following the U.S. Constitution a radical agenda.
Many would argue that a third party is the only form of peaceful revolution available to the average citizen. Third parties are important for bringing to light issues that the major parties refuse to address. When the two party system is working properly, the best third-party ideas are incorporated into the platform of one of the major parties in an effort to reclaim the wayward voters. When a third-party candidate wins a seat in Congress or in a statehouse, they will still need to vote with one of the major parties on the issues and they have no say about which bills will come to the floor for a vote. The third-party Congress members are excluded from party conferences (think Senator Joe Lieberman). Therefore, those who advocate a third party must realize that if successful in winning a significant number of elections, they will need to form coalitions with members of the major parties to accomplish any of their goals.
The mechanism is in place for people to reclaim the leadership in major political parties by filling the ranks of precincts and wards throughout the country. The organization and infrastructure are already in place and, contrary to the belief of some party leaders, are not owned by any person or group. Conservative-leaning citizens must put overwhelming pressure on the major party of their choice through “vocal insurrection” at public events like the Voice of America rally. For the uninitiated, the September 5, 2009 rally at Voice of America Park brought an estimated 18,000 people together to voice their concerns about the national debt, government bailouts, and health care reform, as well as other government efforts to restrict freedom and tax America to extinction. This rally, along with thousands of individual contacts with legislators is the critical public voice that has been so successful. But more importantly, each taxpayer must learn the process for a takeover of the local party machine. At this moment, the Republican Party presents a better vehicle to accomplish conservative goals. Clearly, the vehicle needs new drivers—citizen legislators as envisioned by the founders. America may be reaping the rotted harvest from decades of well-connected egocentric individuals running for high political office.
Before deciding to join or promote third-party candidates, consider joining the movement to populate the numerous precincts, many of which spend years unfilled, that control the important decisions about the platform of the party and the caliber of people who run for office. The means of regaining control of our two-party system is available to all of us. Government by the people will perish if we don’t grab the reins.
December 17th, 2009 at 8:56 am
It is just as much work, if not more work, measured in time and money, to “take back” the two party system. In less time and with less money, a real grassroots third party opposition to the charade of Democratic-Republican politics could be built in every district of the country. You admit that Americans have been “sold out” by the two party system, that the Constitution is ignored by Republicans and Democrats, that liberty has been trampled by them, but then advise we work with Republicans and Democrats, within the two-party system. The Tea Party needs to DECLARE ITS INDEPENDENCE from the Republican and Democratic Parties.
December 17th, 2009 at 10:14 am
d.eris – how do you propose to build the political infrastructure necessary to build a national third party? where would you start? would you begin on a strictly local level or do you envision running candidates for Congress? If so, how would you move them into committee assignments/chairmanships? Is there an example where this has been done that you could build on? Your outrage and frustration is understandable, and shared, but the question we have to answer is how to be the change we want to see, and I don’t believe any third party effort will have a measurable effect.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:59 am
d.eris, the corrupt individuals at the top of these parties does not reflect the views of the average Democrat or Republican voter. We have an obligation to reclaim the parties and shape their platform to one that reflects the views of voters. Most Americans have not been happy with their choice of candidates for a long time, but this past year has finally motivated people to become involved. It would be a shame to waste the opportunity by starting a new party from scratch.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
The Republican brand is severely damaged and may be beyond repair with many marginal voters. But wouldn’t it be safe to say the Democrat brand possibly is too? Hmm. What’s left? Hmm again.
December 18th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Roger,
I follow your comments on the 9/12 meetup group, value your opinion and agree with you to a point. The Republicans are damaged due to a lack of backbone and character. While the Democrat party is in a dark and dangerous place right now.
We have millions of people across the country who are getting educated and involved. Exactly, how should all this energy be directed? Obviously, I think reform is the best, first, and fastest path to results, but I am always seeking input from other concerned patriots.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:43 am
Thank you, Ed.
Here’s the way I see it:
The Rs ahve lost their way.
The Ds have shown their true colors.
The middle of the road voters decide who wins an election.
The middle of the road voter needs to be educated as to why the true conservative candidate is the best candidate.
We will not be successful in educating the middle of the road voter working under the mantel of said “lost” party.
Therefore, I intend to remain non-partisan and be very aggressive in our 912 Project proseletyzing. If we do our jobs, the choice should become obvious without endorsing an R (or D or even an I).