More Desperate Than Ever For A Plausible Third Party Presidential Contender
Only three things need be said about a serious third party contender for the presidency in 2012. First, this person could win. Second, the issues that would let this person win are obvious. Third, money need not keep such a candidate from running.
About the first thing. President Obama is not liked by most of the people who elected him in 2008 and not respected by those who opposed him. His message in 2012 comes down to this: My Republican opponent is worse than me. This opponent, in fact, might well be. Or not. Either way, given the present configuration of the Republican Party, this opponent won’t be much liked or wanted by most American voters any more than they like or want Mr. Obama. It’s the perfect situation for a third party contender with plausible credentials.
About the second thing. Here’s the winning talking points. Point One: I will bring Wall Street to heel, make sure the people who run it don’t make a fortune while the rest of us are barely surviving, see that The Street allocates our money for our benefit, not its own. Point Two: I will get us out of Afghanistan in six months after I take office, and let the people of that country and its neighbors work out the place’s destiny, because it’s not America’s business do the job. Point Three: I will have the rich (millionaires or richer) pay much higher taxes so they sacrifice along with the rest of us — and the rest of us don’t have to sacrifice as much.
About the third thing. Campaign money. Mr. Obama hopes to raise a billion dollars. He’ll need it. So will his Republican opponent. A plausible third party candidate won’t need such big money. After announcing on The Daily Show (or other high profile medium) this contender will immediately rise to the top of the polls and get continuous coverage and huge amounts of volunteers thereafter. Needed money will follow as well. There’s an awful lot of the stuff out there other than the usual suspects that Democrats and Republicans will be doing the Lewinsky to accommodate.
So, sir or madame, where the heck are you? The country is waiting.
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3 Responses to “More Desperate Than Ever For A Plausible Third Party Presidential Contender”
Please explain how a third party candidate elected to the Presidency accomplishes any of his or her three promises without getting in bed with one or both of the existing parties.
It’s not quite like they could make your stated goals through presidential fiat. Well, maybe Afghanistan; but even there holy hell would break loose in the Defense supplier lobbyist contingent.
Change tax laws? Bring Wall Street to heel? I wish you were right.
Fair question.
Presidents, at least those who purport to be leaders, lead. They set the tone of an Administration. They can’t dictate to Congress. But if their right to lead is acknowledged by an electoral victory, followed up by loud public expressions pushing certain policies (the old Bully Pulpit) backed by approving polls, they can drag along other parts of government.
A reasonable, charismatic person able to ride past the strident positions held by the other two sides, with enough money to get elected. Wow, a snap. Any ideas?