Who Here Has Had Enough of the Two Party System?

[Dorian Mode]

One country known for its democracy, Switzerland, has over 20 political parties for 9 million people. America, with 330 million citizens and about 50 million illegal immigrants has two. It is by design so the plutocracy can control the two parties (that often function like a uniparty) with its money through the political establishment. If there were 20 parties America would have a government that represents the people instead of the plutocracy.

 

[kyzr]

One country known for its democracy, Switzerland, has over 20 political parties for 9 million people. America, with 330 million citizens and about 50 million illegal immigrants has two. It is by design so the plutocracy can control the two parties (that often function like a uniparty) with its money through the political establishment. If there were 20 parties America would have a government that represents the people instead of the plutocracy.

America has many way more than two political parties:

List of political parties in the United States - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Its just that they are too small to get any political power.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

IMHO, the two parties have created a stranglehold on the election process in this country. Not particularly good, that, but I also can see how it’s evolving to represent the will of the electorate. Both parties have been taken over by different, newer factions than controlled them in the past. The Republican Party has moved more toward the center as Trump (former democrat) has proven to be its leader/figurehead. The democrats have shifted to the left, embracing socialist/communist rhetoric, as evidenced by the rise of Bernie Sanders, AOC, democratic-socialism, and the next likely mayor of NYC.
In short, there are only two viable parties, but they both are evolving to represent the shifting politically dominant factions of the electorate. Trump won because he’s more centrist and dems are losing because they are taking increasingly more fringe positions.

Agreed, but the Republicans are losing the more conservatives in the process of moving center, that then creates a larger 'Far Right Extremist'......which really isn't their view, but is where they land and thereby not fully represented.

 

[BackAgain]

Who Here Has Had Enough of the Two Party System?​

You are. Some others have said as much, too. We can tell when they use terms like “duopoly.”

And, by the way, some of the criticisms of the two party system seem legit to me. Nonetheless, it’s not the two party system itself that’s the problem, imho. Although I agree that it is partially part of the problem.

The biggest problem is that we elect mere humans to be our representatives and, as most of us know, some humans are perfectly willing to act in their own interests instead of the interests of the people they represent. But here’s the thing:

If those very same people were elected outside of a two party system, I doubt they’d suddenly value the common good over their own selfish interests.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

Its just that they are too small to get any political power.

because they aren't given enough coverage. Minimal if any debate, press/media, etc

 

[pknopp]

Who Here Has Had Enough of the Two Party System?​

You are. Some others have said as much, too. We can tell when they use terms like “duopoly.”

And, by the way, some of the criticisms of the two party system seem legit to me. Nonetheless, it’s not the two party system itself that’s the problem, imho. Although I agree that it is partially part of the problem.

The biggest problem is that we elect mere humans to be our representatives and, as most of us know, some humans are perfectly willing to act in their own interests instead of the interests of the people they represent. But here’s the thing:

If those very same people were elected outside of a two party system, I doubt they’d suddenly value the common good over their own selfish interests.

Stop re-electing them.

 

[wtb]

Third parties try but they can't see to build sufficient momentum to go very far, so I think it will remain as is for quite a while.

 

[dblack]

Third parties try but they can't see to build sufficient momentum to go very far, so I think it will remain as is for quite a while.

What about the question of the thread?

 

[Mrkelly]

Third parties try but they can't see to build sufficient momentum to go very far, so I think it will remain as is for quite a while.

This will never change until people can vote for a third party without fearing that they are throwing their vote away

Ranked voting could change that

Along with public financing of elections

But neither will ever happen

 

[BackAgain]

Stop re-electing them.

You studiously miss the point.

The same politicians whine you suggest should not be re-elected would be no more identifiable as the self serving twats they are even if we had no two party system.

And your claim was that the problem is the two party system. But that appears not to be the case.

 

[wtb]

What about the question of the thread?

None of the available answer options worked for me. I don't think it's destroying the country or necessarily good for the country. Both of those choices were more dramatic than made sense to me. I just happen to think it will remain as is for quite some time, based on the historical lack of success of third party attempts.

I would agree with those who think we are very divided right now. That's certainly true!

 

[wtb]

This will never change until people can vote for a third party without fearing that they are throwing their vote away

Ranked voting could change that

Along with public financing of elections

But neither will ever happen

I agree many people feel voting for a third party is like throwing a vote away, and I think they are right.

 

[dblack]

I agree many people feel voting for a third party is like throwing a vote away, and I think they are right.

Yes, because of the way our system is set up. We can change that. If we want to. Do we want to?

 

[Mrkelly]

Yes, because of the way our system is set up. We can change that. If we want to. Do we want to?

Not enough do

 

[dblack]

Not enough do

Well, it's a majority in the poll. But maybe most of the party loyalists didn't want to answer.

 

[Mrkelly]

George knew

 

[wtb]

Yes, because of the way our system is set up. We can change that. If we want to. Do we want to?

I think voters would need to feel disappointed enough in their party or in both parties, for the two party system to change. Because unless and until that happens or an amazing third party candidate comes along who prompts incredible enthusiasm, voters are currently putting the issue to rest. It appears voters are not motivated to change it.

 

[hjmick]

I was fed up with the two party system before it was cool to be fed up with the two party system...

 

[hjmick]

I agree many people feel voting for a third party is like throwing a vote away, and I think they are right.

As long as a person votes their conscience rather than vote out of spite, their vote is never wasted.

It's the urge to poke the other party in eye that has given us two of the shittiest and least qualified Presidents ever... Trump and Biden.

 

[dblack]

I think voters would need to feel disappointed enough in their party or in both parties, for the two party system to change. Because unless and until that happens or an amazing third party candidate comes along who prompts incredible enthusiasm, voters are currently putting the issue to rest. It appears voters are not motivated to change it.

Well, that's the question I'm asking here. Would you like to change it?