Could these parties form a viable centrist coalition?

Discussion in 'Elections & Campaigns' started by Zalgo, May 23, 2013.

  1. Zalgo

    Zalgo New Member

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  2. Aleksander Ulyanov

    Aleksander Ulyanov Well-Known Member

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    There are no really possible alternatives to the present two party system until the Republicans finally self-destruct. This isn't a matter of ideology but the structure of the Constitution.

    As long as we have an electoral college that functions as ours does today we will have a two-party system, at least on the Federal level. Under this system, third parties can field local, congressional and gubernatorial level candidates but are pretty much barred mathematically from achieving the Presidency.
    Our history shows this, we have had parties self-destruct, such as the Federalists and, ironically, the Whigs. And we have had new parties arise, but we have never really had any sort of functional third party, at least one that could support any candidate for President that had any sort of real chance.

    In the 1992 election, Ross Perot got 15% of the vote, but no electoral votes at all. We all know what happened in 2000.

    What happens to third parties is that one party or the other subsumes them. At present the Democrats are the only ones willing to subsume anybody, (this may be the reason for the polarization, or it may be that the polarization is cause not consequence((say, that might be an interesting topic)) so they'll get your Whigs and your votecitizens. They might even, eventually get your libertarians. I dunno, the libertarians contradict my whole argument, cause the Republicans are more likely to get them
     
  3. goober

    goober New Member

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    Our first past the post election system naturally favors a two party system, it's the stable mode of the system, occasionally a third party will arise, but it can't get that critical mass needed to be a realistic contender. Third and fourth and fifth parties can only exist for significant periods in a proportional representation system.
     
  4. johnmayo

    johnmayo New Member Past Donor

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    It is the third parties tht shape the debate. Democrats willing o spend whatever billions it can on green energy? Lawsuits available to block the construction of bridges an roads at every turn? Who said the Green Party hasn't been successful?
     
  5. leftysergeant

    leftysergeant New Member

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    Maybe when a third party can actually govern a single state successfully, it might happen nationally. Best solution I can see is for the Greens to build a national redoubt in some place like Washington or New Hampshire, then, if they can make it work, try for the national stage, but be carefull that they do not throw a national election to the republicons in the mean time.
     
  6. The CINC

    The CINC Member

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    If Ross Perot didn't drop out and re-enter the race, he would have received 33% of the electoral vote and may have won enough electoral votes to deny either party 270 electoral votes forcing the election to go to Congress. Had he launched his new party in 1992 as opposed to the UWSA organization, the new party would have had ballot access in all 50 states.
     
  7. ballantine

    ballantine Banned

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    Third parties have been shut out of all the recent Presidential debates.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Not a chance. Half the people who heard him speak would never consider voting for him again.
     
  8. goober

    goober New Member

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    You won't see a third party, you'll see a reformulated party replace a party that has exhausted it's chances with a radical ideology.
    Looking at the demographics of the country, the GOP is headed for a long decline, they may be out of the White House for several decades, and that means a solid Supreme Court, all nine members appointed by Democrats.
    It also means the House and Senate in Democratic hands for a long time.
    At some point in the decline, the party will need to reformulate, become centrist, pitch the extremists, and join the middle, which they'll need to do as Teaparty trash talk is a losing game in most of these United States.
    They did this before, when they dumped the Goldwater, John Birch types and went with Nixon, the moderate.
     
  9. Jack Ridley

    Jack Ridley New Member

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    Both of the parties are extreme left wing republicans(Whigs). What this democracy needs is an anti-democracy party, an aristocracy party.
     
  10. JoeSixpack

    JoeSixpack New Member

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    I would hope for a logical common sense party (the realist party) once the two sister parties have done just about all the damage they are allowed too.

    The Realist Party, that isn't easily purchased or already on the payroll of the rich/elites, and catering to their agenda.

    THE REALIST PARTY, that will undo most of the idiotic legislation created by corporate raiders, malicious bankers, ruthless pharmaceutical, and cronyism capitalist lobbyists.

    THE REALIST PARTY, who actually has ethics, morals, and actual character. A party that understands their oath of office, realize they are employees that can and will be held accountable for their actions, not supremacist demagogues.

    Where is this party?
     
  11. The CINC

    The CINC Member

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  12. JoeSixpack

    JoeSixpack New Member

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    Sounds like a mishmash of the same crap that got us in the mess we are in now. Other than a few listed on their platform, it's basically business as usual.
     
  13. Punditty

    Punditty New Member Past Donor

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  14. Natty Bumpo

    Natty Bumpo Well-Known Member

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    The Palin/Akin/Mourdock/Angle/O'Donnell/Santorum wing of the GOP should never compromise.

    They have a niche that is uniquely theirs, and they should stand their ground with fanatical obstinacy.
     
  15. Aleksander Ulyanov

    Aleksander Ulyanov Well-Known Member

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    And ALL the people who ever heard that disaster he picked for Veep. I realize the VP is pretty powerless but he is "one heartbeat away" and this guy was clearly either senile or on something not even I would take. Palin was at least pretty, appeared healthy and sane (at least before the turkeys). Perot showed very poor judgment for a President in choosing that guy.
     

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