There are 6 presidential candidates who are on the ballot in enough states to win enough electoral votes to win the election: Ralph Nader, Bob Barr, Cynthia McKinney, Chuck Baldwin, Obama and McCain Average American does not realize that there are 6 candidates on the ballot right now. The MSM showcases only 2 candidates, Obama and McCain. But thats not the only ones running for president. The people have the right to know about others too. Many people have worked hard to get these candidates on the ballot: Constitution Party Candidate: Chuck Baldwin Green Party Candidate: Cynthia McKinney Independent Party Candidate: Ralph Nader Libertarian Party Candidate: Bob Barr These candidates are on the ballot in enough states to win a majority in the U.S. Electoral College. Please check out http://www.thirdpartyticket.com/
...but they don't stand a chance. The problem with third parties is, they always seem to be kooks and cranks. That seems to be the case this election cycle as well. In order for third parties to have some realistic consideration, a third party will have to offer someone "mainstream" Americans can relate to on a whole, and that's not a short order given the history of third party candidates.
Yes because believing in pandering and not actually supporting who you support is so much wiser. Taking our country down the tubes in the process. A third party is not 'easy' nor was it easy for our founding fathers to fight the British.
In 1980 I voted for John Anderson as an independant and 3rd party candidate. Anderson didn't carry a single precinct in any jurisdiction. I think he got about 4-7% of the popular vote. Reagon won strongly and Anderson was not seen as a possible cause for Carter's loss or Reagon's. That 3rd party situation was different than when Nadar was blamed by some for siphoning off votes from Gore in particular in Florida. In 1992 some would blame Ross Perot for the victory by Clinton over the elder George Bush. Somehow that choice for a 3rd party candidate can vacillate between total recognition that ultimately the vote won't count or on the other hand the vote for a 3rd party candidate could have a big impact on the election pulling votes from a candidate in a close and crucial state whose electoral votes could be critical to the outcome. Take your picks.
1. What makes you think you know what the average American "realizes"? 2. I think that most Americans realize that voting for one of the third party candidates this year is in essence wasted. No third party will win. However, if many people vote for third party candidates it could change the outcome of the election. Many people feel that Nader took key democratic votes causing the election of Bush. Please explain how voting for a third party which could benefit McCain (who you appear opposed to) would be beneficial? Why do you have such interest in America and our politics but you don't seem to be very active in trying to improve your own country? It would seem to me that you like to talk and tell others what to do but don't take an active position with respect to your own country. There are many Indians on this forum. Why not start to appeal to them with ways to improve your country? Why should any American take your advice? Why should we believe that you have America's best interest at heart and not direct us to do what you think is best for you or the world, but not necessarily Americans?
... would send a message that there is growing discontent with the two major parties. When there is less of a mandate from the voters, there is more responsiveness to voter concerns.
When there is a serious third party candidate they will get the votes. There is nothing that voting for a third party candidate will accomplish. I think people should vote for who they think is the best person for the office, be that a top tier or third party candidate. I do not think people should vote third party to send a message. Around half the country always votes against the person who is elected - it hardly sends a message or removes a mandate. Vote for the person you think is the best qualified to be President.
The problem is the US is not a two party system and this people don’t have a chance. On top of that both party’s are now as one they all have the same solutions and they sound identically the same plus or minus a few things. I live in California US and I have not heard of any of this people. The ones with he biggest wallet will win.
I live in California and have heard of all of them. My ballot offers me 6 choices for President. Barr, McCain, McKinney, Keyes, Nader, and Obama