If a third party really wanted to make a difference, seems like starting in the House would make more sense (especially a center party) as they would have both parties courting them and could actually have some influence.
"People who think Steve Bannon is a political genius are the same people who were impressed with that one goon in high school who carries a copy of Sun Tzu’s Art of War in his backpack."
I agree with the clarity and substance of your essay.
My only question is how does the center-right future party you describe differ from the current Democratic party?
The Democratic party defends the Constitution and rule of law, supports a strong foreign policy, supports free markets, and supports individual liberties.
My question is sincere...clearly one-party rule is antithetical to a democracy, but where are the clear differences that would distinguish 2 healthy parties?
As a liberal Democrat, I have always opposed your candidates, Rick. But I have always appreciated your
sometimes brutal candor. Regarding third parties: It seems to me the reason third parties will never work here is structural. Our system, based on the electoral college, is winner-take-all. Unlike a parliamentary system, which divides up power according to the share of votes a party gets. That's why you have so many parties in European parliaments; any party that gets seats in the legislature can share power. Leaders, such as prime ministers, are chosen by coalitions. Our system does not allow power-sharing; coalitions are built within the parties, and the candidates winnowed out in the primary system.
Third parties are disrupters and spoilers but never winners in presidential elections from Anti-Masonic Party to the Reform Party. If they have a good idea eventually the Republicans or Democrats adopt their idea, absorb the voters of the third party and drive it into political extinction. Well done and written as always Rick.
Parachute in good condition is included. Get the F-5.
If a third party really wanted to make a difference, seems like starting in the House would make more sense (especially a center party) as they would have both parties courting them and could actually have some influence.
"People who think Steve Bannon is a political genius are the same people who were impressed with that one goon in high school who carries a copy of Sun Tzu’s Art of War in his backpack."
Classic Rick Wilson snark-prose.
Substack presented me with RFK Jr.'s most recent post, confronting me with a passel of dummies (or bots) talking about how great he'd be. Distressing.
I agree with the clarity and substance of your essay.
My only question is how does the center-right future party you describe differ from the current Democratic party?
The Democratic party defends the Constitution and rule of law, supports a strong foreign policy, supports free markets, and supports individual liberties.
My question is sincere...clearly one-party rule is antithetical to a democracy, but where are the clear differences that would distinguish 2 healthy parties?
"The monster left his pen"
Now, a favorite description of all time.
As a liberal Democrat, I have always opposed your candidates, Rick. But I have always appreciated your
sometimes brutal candor. Regarding third parties: It seems to me the reason third parties will never work here is structural. Our system, based on the electoral college, is winner-take-all. Unlike a parliamentary system, which divides up power according to the share of votes a party gets. That's why you have so many parties in European parliaments; any party that gets seats in the legislature can share power. Leaders, such as prime ministers, are chosen by coalitions. Our system does not allow power-sharing; coalitions are built within the parties, and the candidates winnowed out in the primary system.
Third parties are disrupters and spoilers but never winners in presidential elections from Anti-Masonic Party to the Reform Party. If they have a good idea eventually the Republicans or Democrats adopt their idea, absorb the voters of the third party and drive it into political extinction. Well done and written as always Rick.