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Could There be A Viable Third party In USA Today?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by DaChaser1, Feb 24, 2012.

  1. DaChaser1

    DaChaser1 New Member

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    A coalition between social conservatives and others of like mind?
     
  2. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    Only if it was owned by the same people who control the Rs and Ds.
     
  3. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    no

    Most people do not believe a third party candidate stands a chance, so most people do not get involved in picking and supporting one. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy.


    I vote my conscience. I care less about winning and more about being able to sleep at night knowing I didn't settle for the lesser of two evils or choose the "anyone but...." vote.
     
  4. Don

    Don Well-Known Member
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    "Settling for the lesser of two evils."

    I haven't decided how I'm going to vote this year. I think Romney won't be that big a change from Obama, and 3 years after he's elected, he'll be facing a lot of the same criticisms (from Republicans) that Obama is facing from Democrats.

    But I think Obama will be much worse. I'm not ascribing to the scare tactics; Republicans and conservatives are using a lot of the same rhetoric that they used before the last election (2nd amendment will be overthrown, all your guns will be taken away, you'll be forced to use public transportation, no one will be allowed to eat potato chips, and so on (note: I'm being somewhat facetious, for those that aren't catching it)).

    What's best for me and my family, and even my friends and neighbors? That I vote for a candidate that mirrors my beliefs and ideals, but has no chance of winning? Or voting to prevent further progression, or at least slow the progression, of those things that are antithetical to my beliefs and ideals?

    Do we vote according to our individual conscience? Or do we vote according to what's best for our country?
     
  5. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    I am responsible for myself and my vote. I vote my own conscience at prayerful and careful consideration. I encourage others to do the same. I might always like or understand the choice being made but I do rest in God's great plan and His authority to raise up who He wills and tear down He wills. If that means losing some of my earthly rights I will have to deal with that too.
     
  6. just-want-peace

    just-want-peace Well-Known Member
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    So if you vote independent, 3rd party, are you content to vote for the lesser of 3 evils???;)

    Seriously, I understand what you are saying, but if you are waiting for the one you can vote for that mirrors ALL your standards, goals & beliefs, you may as well not even register to vote! Ergo, anyone you vote for is going to be the lesser of the "evil" choices for you - or anybody else!:thumbs:
     
  7. Arbo

    Arbo Active Member
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    Could There be A Viable Third party In USA Today?


    No.

    The answer might be different 4 1/2 years from now, though.
     
  8. marke

    marke New Member

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    You raise a very valid question. Who should Christians vote for when the entire number of voters in the country who would even consider voting for a Christian conservative, democrat or republican, will probably never number more than 30% in the brightest of scenarios. I believe the republican candidate will be far better than Obama, even if the candidate is the worst one running, which it probably might just be.

    If someone manages to get a third party going, then the republican will be defeated, the 3rd party candidate will be slaughtered, and Obama will ride the 40% majority vote back into office, just as Bill Clinton did under Perot, both times.
     
  9. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    I contend that political 3rd Parties are just like Baptists - there are so many of them and they love to split, when they can not agree on minor things.

    Here is a list of 3rd parties

    The list is everything from extreme liberal to extreme conservative.

    Now, here is my question - why don't the conservative parties work together and either become on large party or at least support the same candidate.

    Part of the problem is that two minor parties in the same state may want to endorse the same candidate, but if they are both on the ballot - then the votes will not be totaled. States such as New York does have the fusion ballot.
    Other states include Conn, Del, Ida, Mississippi, Oregon, SC and Vermont.
    In fact in NY most candidates are on 3 or 4 different ballot lines. For example a Republican will be on the NY Conservative Party, Independence Party and a local named party (Note: on the political list link - it shows a line for the Conservator Party with links for different states. Those 4 state parties are not organically united. In fact, I believe at least one of those is actually part of the National Constitution Patty.

    One more thing- somewhat to answer my question above. A few years ago - I ran for State Assembly on the Conservative Party line. (would have taken Rep, but I waited till the last minute - I ran only because there was not Rep candidate) Now the Constitution Party of NY was interested in endorsing me, but the abortion issue got to be sticky. I am 100% opposed to abortion. When I spoke to the Const Party, the subject came up if I was in office and a bill came thur to outlaw abortion except in the case of rape, incest or the life of the mother,- would I vote for it. Of course I would ! I want to stop abortions - their view is that if I voted for that bill, I am showing that I support abortion. They finally reluctantly agreed to endorse me - but it didn't make much difference, as they did not have a line on the ballot.
    The point is that there is so much division on minor details that we end up fighting against each other.

    Same goes for the liberal parties. For example, there are several variations of the Socialist Parties - at least six different ones I think.

    Lots of info here, but politics can get very complicated

    I would like to add, that for the most part that Republicans depend on the Conservative Party line to win elections.

    If your State or Commonwealth does not have the fusion line, I would reccomend it happen.
     
  10. Don

    Don Well-Known Member
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    I'm honestly not trying to convince you otherwise; but I do have to ask: Who votes for your children and their rights?
     
  11. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    Viable, YES, Sucessful...

    ...No way! Not enough people will vote third party to push it over the top. Americans are caught up in a two-party system. It's like they've drunk the Kool-Aid for too many years!

    I'd love to vote for a third-party candidate, but, like many others, it seems like I'd be wasting my vote, and helping the Democrats to stay in power.
     
  12. DaChaser1

    DaChaser1 New Member

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    NOT for this year, but just wondering if in the future that social conservatives could launch a viable option!
     
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