by Delia Morales
Americans may be ready to consider an independent political party for president. The current political environment in Washington is seen by many voters as toxic. This toxicity is often viewed as an outgrowth of increasingly bitter partisan politics. While President Barack Obama campaigned as a post-partisan candidate, he is a Democrat and his administration has been unable to transcend the partisan divide. Many voters are dissatisfied with him and with the Republican controlled Congress. For this reason, many favor a non partisan candidate.
Currently there are alternative parties to the Democrats and Republicans, although they do not usually have the resources or support to elect national candidates. One such group is the Libertarians. They generally support small government and a high level of personal liberty. This means they typically oppose things like gun control laws and raising taxes, and might favor things like relaxing drug prohibitions.
Another political group, the Green Party, holds progressive positions on social, economic and environmental issues. They are best known for being pro-environment but their platform is comprehensive and has progressive anti-corporate positions on other issues as well.
Neither the Greens nor the Libertarians have managed to elect anyone to a federal office like US Senate, House or President. Consequently, most people who support a presidential bid outside the Democratic or Republican parties, favor a true independent candidate who is not beholden to any partisan apparatus.
With Congress' approval rating at an all time low and the White House also becoming fairly unpopular, many Americans are hoping for a candidate who is not beholden to either of the major parties. Bipartisan bickering lowered the country's credit rating during debt ceiling debates. Many voters would like to transcend the partisan divide and find a leader who pragmatic and not ideological.
An independent political party would face many hurdles in achieving ballot access and garnering the resources to compete, but many voters are hoping someone will do just that. A strong candidate might be able to make a serious bid for the White House.
Currently there are alternative parties to the Democrats and Republicans, although they do not usually have the resources or support to elect national candidates. One such group is the Libertarians. They generally support small government and a high level of personal liberty. This means they typically oppose things like gun control laws and raising taxes, and might favor things like relaxing drug prohibitions.
Another political group, the Green Party, holds progressive positions on social, economic and environmental issues. They are best known for being pro-environment but their platform is comprehensive and has progressive anti-corporate positions on other issues as well.
Neither the Greens nor the Libertarians have managed to elect anyone to a federal office like US Senate, House or President. Consequently, most people who support a presidential bid outside the Democratic or Republican parties, favor a true independent candidate who is not beholden to any partisan apparatus.
With Congress' approval rating at an all time low and the White House also becoming fairly unpopular, many Americans are hoping for a candidate who is not beholden to either of the major parties. Bipartisan bickering lowered the country's credit rating during debt ceiling debates. Many voters would like to transcend the partisan divide and find a leader who pragmatic and not ideological.
An independent political party would face many hurdles in achieving ballot access and garnering the resources to compete, but many voters are hoping someone will do just that. A strong candidate might be able to make a serious bid for the White House.
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