While news stations and writers cover the Republican bid for presidency, Ohioans gear up for battle, and many of the American people search for alternatives to the two major presidential candidates. What happens here may strengthen a third party candidate bid for the presidency.
Cleveland’s police department has gone out of its way to order riot gear, train in riot control, and keep the peace by any means necessary. Supporters of Donald Trump (R-N.Y.) say they’ll bring more guns. Anti-Trump protesters demand to be heard. When the three major groups finally clash, how will it play out?
Will the experience turn off even more people?
Too many people are already looking for not only an alternative to voting for Donald Trump, they are also seeking an alternative to former Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton (D-N.Y.).
The Third Party And U.S. History
There are times in History when this has happened before, and a third party with a different platform and approach was necessary to let politicians know that not only are they sick and tired of the state of current politics, they are willing to vote against the two party system itself to make that point.
While a third political party doesn’t get much traction and staying power in the U.S., the issues, and sometimes the candidates, have significant long-term effects on elections.
Since 1832, there have been a number of parties born in response to dissatisfaction of the voters.
One includes the Independent American Party (1998), which often passes itself off as “Independent,” and has reeled in a number of people who thought they were registering with no affiliation, as “independents.” They later find out they registered as part of the right wing.
Others include the highly conservative Constitutional Party (1991); the left-wing Green Party (1980’s); the right-wing Libertarian Party (1972); and the Reform Party (1991).
Third Party Candidates
In this election, two very real alternative possibilities will be Gary Johnson (Ind.) of the Libertarian Party, and Jill Stein (G-Mass.) of the Green Party. Many states will have them on their state ballot, so an alternative to Republican or Democratic candidates does exist right now.
In Addition to Johnson and Stein, The Independent American Party boasts several presidential candidates. Several new parties have been born. Perhaps one of these third party candidates will disrupt the two-party system enough to provoke a change in American politics.
People need an end to the level of polarization that keeps things from getting done.
Watch this clip of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert talking about fringe candidates:
Featured Image: Screenshot Via YouTube Video.
