Third Party

[Nixon in '80]

If the experience of Ross Perot in 1992 has taught us anything, it's that a viable third party in today's politics is not completely impossible.

On the other hand, I don't think the bailout is a good example of the kind of "Washington doesn't listen to us" issue you're talking about.

While a large portion of the population opposed the bailout because of their belief in the free market and/or a belief in fiscal responsibility, an even larger portion opposed it simply because they did not understand what was going on. They did not understand that the failure of the US banking and auto industries would effect them directly, not just overpaid executives with private jets. The electorate is much more likely to identify with Joe the Plumber than Milton Friedman.

[Nixon in '80]

I'd really love to see some third party have some of the Democrats or Republicans in Congress who are closer to their views defect to them. It could happen, and they would continue to be re-elected, should the be popular in their state.

Who do you think are the most likely to do that?

Obviously a centrist/moderate party would be the most likely to peel people from both sides... but liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats rarely agree on the same issues... in fact, they're the most diametrically opposed members of Congress. Sure, there are some "Moderate Heroes" who could form a "Moderate Hero" party... but I don't see that happening.

[Nixon in '80]

I'd really love to see some third party have some of the Democrats or Republicans in Congress who are closer to their views defect to them. It could happen, and they would continue to be re-elected, should the be popular in their state.

Who do you think are the most likely to do that?

Obviously a centrist/moderate party would be the most likely to peel people from both sides... but liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats rarely agree on the same issues... in fact, they're the most diametrically opposed members of Congress. Sure, there are some "Moderate Heroes" who could form a "Moderate Hero" party... but I don't see that happening.

Conservative Democrats tend to be socially conservative but economically liberal while Liberal Republicans tend to be economically conservative but socially liberal, no?

Precisely.