Quote:
Originally posted by mgdzkm433:
Actually Corbin, I think this is a turning point. At least in my opinion. Nadar failed to get his 5%, but I think a lot of people are now realizing the problems with the 2 major parties. I have a lot of hope for the green party. A majority of his voters are between 18 and 34, yes that is a lot of years, however, it says to me that our young generation is actually THINKING. Even if they remain registered as democrat or republican, I think they will definatly start to at least LOOK at a 3rd party candidate in the future. I think this definatly means that neither of the 2 candidates will be elected, or re-elected in 4 years. I figure that the Republicans and Democrats will be fishing for new candidates in 4 years.
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While predicting voting trends isn't an exact art, there might be some truth to what mgd says' however not in the way she thinks.
The policy wonk had to jump in here. 4 years of people telling me my polsci degree was worthless, which it still is, but now I am so the expert on everything. Anyway, unfortunately, the current two party system is destined to remain in place because of the US' "winner take all" election system. If we had proportionasl representation like in europe, Nader (had he gotten 5% of the poular vote, 5% of the us house would be Green party members, or approx, 21 members). Until then, it is virtually impossible to have a Major 3rd party presence in this country. The states are responsible for their election laws, so all 50 (or at least a majority) would have to change the way we elect candidates.
What is more likely to occur is a major party reallignment. A large group of people get so fed up with the current system, they abandon the controlling party. In 1865 at the conclusion of the civil war, blacks who had been educated to be Democrats left the party and flocked to the party of Lincoln, where they remained until the turn of the century. It also happened in 1932, with the election of FDR. Many lifelong Republicans left the party, due to the economic conditions of the time and stayed loyal Democrats until their deaths.
Additionally, but far less drastic changes in party ideology could occur, i.e., the democrats will swing back to the left, away from the center.
While these scenarios do not occur with great frequency, they do happen. Usually due to some great social movement or economic condition.
Did I just re-write my final from Political Parties and Interest Groups-3013? I think so.
I just like all this 'cause when else would I have an opportunity to validate myself ands my degree like that on greekchat.com
