Last week we had a spirited discussion about the Fairness Doctrine, and out of that discussion, a number of readers commented on how the current status quo in Washington results in little progress. The fierce partisanship between the Republicans and Democrats seems to be resulting in more grid-lock and greater vilification of each other, rather than the goal of finding common ground in the making of public policy.
I have been a disgruntled Independent since I was 18 and voted for Ronald Reagan many years ago. In fact, Ronnie was the only Democrat or Republican that I have ever voted for President. I am a strong believer in the need to create a strong third party within the US. The current two-party system creates an environment that is a quite a paradox. As the two party’s policies actually move closer together, the division and ranker in both the elected and the electorate are actually increasing. Strange days indeed, quite peculiar Mama.
I had high hopes for the Reform Party, however Ross Perot ultimately proved he was a bit crazy, and abandoned the party once it was not all about him. I would have liked to have seen him provide support even after he was no longer a candidate. All of the other third parties sit too far outside the common mainstream “silent majority” to really have a chance. Candidates like Ralph Nader, Pat Buchanan, Michael Anthony Peroutka, and Cynthia Ann McKinney have not really been able to draw much, if any, attention.
In order for a third party to gain a foothold it must have a nationally known political figure step up to the challenge. In 1912, that was Teddy Roosevelt, who had lost the Republican nomination, and created the Bull Moose Party. Later in 1980, John Anderson ran against Carter and Reagan. Then in 1992 and 1996 Ross Perot tried to mix it up with Clinton and Bush. Ultimately they all failed, and no true third-party ever lasted past their nominee.
So, that is where Hillary steps in… Ok, stop laughing. If Hillary split from the Democrat Party, and announced her run as an Independent, I would guarantee that she would easily win the coming election. If she selected a young, middle of the road conservative as the VP candidate, she would effective split the Republicans and Democrats, and ride to the White House on the 49.5% of the public who love her, and Bill.
Who would you vote for as a third party candidate? Would you support Hillary?
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As presumed Presidential nominee Barrack Obama taught us this week, it is vitally important for everyone to inflate their tires this weekend, and on a regular basis as well. In addition, if you can also schedule a tune-up, that would be swell. As Obama pointed out, “There are things you can do individually, though, to save energy. Making sure your tires are properly inflated – simple thing. But we could save all the oil that they’re talking about getting off drilling – if everybody was just inflating their tires? And getting regular tune-ups? You’d actually save just as much!”