As I walked through the room the TV was on. The topic under discussion seemed to be third party elections. It is a recurring theme in the day of Trump. I have even heard Democrats talking about a third party run. Wouldn’t it be fun if we had a third party from the right and one from the left in the same election. That could produce some interesting results in the Electoral College.
The talking heads need to get a grip. So do those of the masses who think a third party is the magic bullet of politics. Historically third parties are usually just spoilers by spoiled politicians who want their way. There have been a few exceptions but they follow a different pattern than we are seeing today.
How does a viable third party emerge?
First of all, start small. A successful third party needs to start on the local level and build to the presidency. Everything else is a spoiler. If you cannot elect a city council member, mayor or member of the state assembly, how do you think you will ever elect a president? If by some miracle you did win an election, how would he be able to work with congress? By the time the wet-behind-the-ears Republicans ran a presidential candidate they already had a few governors and other elected officials. Obviously they eventually replaced the fading Whigs. It could be done again
Second, be patient. It takes time, commitment and effort. People who might join you need to see that you are in for the long haul.
Third, be for something. The emerging Republicans had three themes: Free men, free silver, free land. There are lots of important issues that need to be addressed today.
Fourth, be satisfied if all you do is reform the party you want to replace. Many of the standard expectations of today came from third parties. Free public education and 40 hours weeks would be good examples. They were considered wild and crazy in their day, now they are sacred. If the Republican party would begin to demonstrate that it believed in the standards of the party platform, I would be able to lift my head and be proud again. When they give the socialist in charge everything he wants I wonder why I have not re-registered as an independent.
The time comes for change. The Federalists and Whigs found that out the hard way. I hope the same happens for the Republicans.
homo unius libri
In WV at least, "Independent" IS the old party of Ross Perot. I had to register "not affiliated with any party."
ReplyDeleteNow there is a spin I had not counted on. They don't miss any tricks, do they?
DeleteGrace and peace.