We all know how a two-party system has dominated the US political system for centuries. However, due to the increasing dissatisfaction with the two main parties, more and more people are now turning to third-party candidates. The market for third-party candidates is hot, and speculation has been growing about who might catch fire and be successful.
The appeal of third-party candidates is obvious: they often represent a break from the typical Democratic and Republican stereotypes, and can provide a fresh alternative to the corrupt and inefficient systems created by the two major parties. However, the reality of the situation is that despite these attractive factors, third-party candidates still have a significant disadvantage: they lack the voter solidarity and financial power of the two major parties.
To break through these barriers, third-party hopefuls will need to differentiate themselves from their major-party rivals through their stance on the issues and policies. The race to win over independent and undecided voters is particularly heated. Third-party candidates need to be aware of emerging issues and be ready to respond to them in thoughtful and unique ways.
At this time, the three most viable third-party candidates appear to be Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, Independent Bernie Sanders, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Johnson has a strong appeal to independent voters due to his libertarian views. Sanders has been very successful in gathering a devoted following, though his policies are more of a mixed bag than Johnson’s. Stein is more of a protest candidate, and her socially and environmentally conscious platform appeals to a wide range of voters.
It remains to be seen which of these candidates will be successful in the 2020 election, but the market for third-party candidates is certainly strong. Whoever is able to assemble a coalition of voters and successfully differentiate themselves from the two major parties will have a good chance at making a splash on the national stage in this year’s election.
We all know how a two-party system has dominated the US political system for centuries. However, due to the increasing dissatisfaction with the two main parties, more and more people are now turning to third-party candidates. The market for third-party candidates is hot, and speculation has been growing about who might catch fire and be successful.
The appeal of third-party candidates is obvious: they often represent a break from the typical Democratic and Republican stereotypes, and can provide a fresh alternative to the corrupt and inefficient systems created by the two major parties. However, the reality of the situation is that despite these attractive factors, third-party candidates still have a significant disadvantage: they lack the voter solidarity and financial power of the two major parties.
To break through these barriers, third-party hopefuls will need to differentiate themselves from their major-party rivals through their stance on the issues and policies. The race to win over independent and undecided voters is particularly heated. Third-party candidates need to be aware of emerging issues and be ready to respond to them in thoughtful and unique ways.
At this time, the three most viable third-party candidates appear to be Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, Independent Bernie Sanders, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Johnson has a strong appeal to independent voters due to his libertarian views. Sanders has been very successful in gathering a devoted following, though his policies are more of a mixed bag than Johnson’s. Stein is more of a protest candidate, and her socially and environmentally conscious platform appeals to a wide range of voters.
It remains to be seen which of these candidates will be successful in the 2020 election, but the market for third-party candidates is certainly strong. Whoever is able to assemble a coalition of voters and successfully differentiate themselves from the two major parties will have a good chance at making a splash on the national stage in this year’s election.
