Why US Cannot Have Third Party Without Constitutional Reforms (&) Two Party System Failures

[RiffRaff]

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From The Associated Press:

Government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty

The government shutdown has begun. And it’s plunging the U.S. into a fresh cycle of uncertainty. President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline.

apnews.com

An interesting section from this article actually calls out Democrats for picking this fight, something unusual in mainstream news. Though the article does provide a justification as to why Democrats have picked this fight. It mentions that Republicans have refused to negotiate, but does not provide an explanation for that position. I expect that from mainstream news.

And this is why every single incumbent member of Congress needs to be kicked out of office at midterms. This is easily accomplished, *IF* people have the willpower to do so. How easy is it? At midterms, just vote against the incumbent, regardless of who their opponent is.

Listen to me very carefully on this: Democrats and Republicans rely on the American people continuing to vote party lines so they can keep their jobs with minimal effort and regardless of how much they hurt their constituents. 100% of the House seats and 33% of the Senate seats are up for reelection in 2026. Imagine the message We the People would send to Congress if we completely replaced the entire House of Representatives with new people and kicked out 1/3 of sitting senators.

Do you think that might get their attention? I guarantee you it would.

Here's the catch: This plan requires the courage to potentially vote for a Republican if you're a Democrat, and vice versa. I will be doing that, even if it means voting for a candidate from a party I don't like.

All we need is every single American coming together for a single day to remind Congress that they work for us, and if they don't do their jobs, we can terminate their employment. The question is, how many of you have the courage and willpower to do this?

 

[teekay99]

Here's the catch: This plan requires the courage to potentially vote for a Republican if you're a Democrat, and vice versa. I will be doing that, even if it means voting for a candidate from a party I don't like.

A third party candidate is another option where available on the ballot. This is effectively what I have been doing since the 2020 election.

 

[DarkNoon]

A third party candidate is another option where available on the ballot. This is effectively what I have been doing since the 2020 election.

Given how U.S. elections are structured, especially first-past-the-post and winner-take-all rules... a viable third party is impossible without major changes to the Constitution and election laws. There really is no other way.

 

[teekay99]

Given how U.S. elections are structured, especially first-past-the-post and winner-take-all rules... a viable third party is impossible without major changes to the Constitution and election laws. There really is no other way.

I agree that 3rd parties stand little chance. However, I was responding to @RiffRaff 's post that Americans should vote the incumbent out. I inferred from his post a potential false dichotomy - that one must choose between either a Democrat or a Republican. I was merely presenting another option to vote against the incumbent. It actually might be a solution for voters who can't bring themselves to vote for the opposition challenger. A Republican who can't bring themselves to vote for a Democrat challenger can opt for the Libertarian. A Democrat who can't bring themselves to vote for a Republican challenger can choose a Green party candidate.

TBH, the majority of American voters choosing to vote against the incumbent is almost as wishful as a third party victory (regrettably). Maybe it's a bit more plausible than a 3rd party candidate victory.

 

[Fascist lite]

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And this is why every single incumbent member of Congress needs to be kicked out of office at midterms. This is easily accomplished, *IF* people have the willpower to do so. How easy is it? At midterms, just vote against the incumbent, regardless of who their opponent is.

Listen to me very carefully on this: Democrats and Republicans rely on the American people continuing to vote party lines so they can keep their jobs with minimal effort and regardless of how much they hurt their constituents. 100% of the House seats and 33% of the Senate seats are up for reelection in 2026. Imagine the message We the People would send to Congress if we completely replaced the entire House of Representatives with new people and kicked out 1/3 of sitting senators.

Do you think that might get their attention? I guarantee you it would.

Here's the catch: This plan requires the courage to potentially vote for a Republican if you're a Democrat, and vice versa. I will be doing that, even if it means voting for a candidate from a party I don't like.

All we need is every single American coming together for a single day to remind Congress that they work for us, and if they don't do their jobs, we can terminate their employment. The question is, how many of you have the courage and willpower to do this?

I understand and don’t disagree with the sentiment or even the purpose. But as functional plan it’s not going to happen.

The one measure that might achieve something similar is term limits. While it’s not as much a slap in the face to Congress. It does remove many of the institutional impediments or inducements placed on representatives encouraging them to act and vote for the sake of better governance and not job security and advancement.

 

[teekay99]

I understand and don’t disagree with the sentiment or even the purpose. But as functional plan it’s not going to happen.

The one measure that might achieve something similar is term limits. While it’s not as much a slap in the face to Congress. It does remove many of the institutional impediments or inducements placed on representatives encouraging them to act and vote for the sake of better governance and not job security and advancement.

Out of curiosity, does this mean you believe President Trump is not eligible and should not run for re-election in 2028?

 

[intel-bank]

++++++++

And this is why every single incumbent member of Congress needs to be kicked out of office at midterms. This is easily accomplished, *IF* people have the willpower to do so. How easy is it? At midterms, just vote against the incumbent, regardless of who their opponent is.

Listen to me very carefully on this: Democrats and Republicans rely on the American people continuing to vote party lines so they can keep their jobs with minimal effort and regardless of how much they hurt their constituents. 100% of the House seats and 33% of the Senate seats are up for reelection in 2026. Imagine the message We the People would send to Congress if we completely replaced the entire House of Representatives with new people and kicked out 1/3 of sitting senators.

Do you think that might get their attention? I guarantee you it would.

Here's the catch: This plan requires the courage to potentially vote for a Republican if you're a Democrat, and vice versa. I will be doing that, even if it means voting for a candidate from a party I don't like.

All we need is every single American coming together for a single day to remind Congress that they work for us, and if they don't do their jobs, we can terminate their employment. The question is, how many of you have the courage and willpower to do this?

I will not vote for another republican.

I was given 2 republican representative options and nobody else this election(for one of the races) I chose the lesser of the 2 evils, turns out both the republicans were still republicans who answered to Trump instead of us. That’s the last republican I vote for.

 

[Fascist lite]

Out of curiosity, does this mean you believe President Trump is not eligible and should not run for re-election in 2028?

yes the president has term limits. This is his second term.
But he won’t, he’s says stuff like this not as statement of intent but to provoke.
And yes I do think it’s funny, albeit probably not very helpful. And if he did I’d vote against him in the second term.

But don’t pretend other politicians don’t say outlandish and sometimes outright false to rial up their base.

And that is why I tolerate it. It is because it is the same type of tactics used by democrats. Taking the high road in something as competitive and cut throat as a political campaign is a sure path to lose if your competitors are not.

Reagan succeed by staying on the high road because he was running against Carter and Mondale who also stayed on the high road.

 

[DarkNoon]

If anyone has a better idea for thread tittle. Be my guest. Just let me know so I can change it.

 

[teekay99]

If anyone has a better idea for thread tittle. Be my guest. Just let me know so I can change it.

Taking from Jeopardy....
"Constitutional Potpourri"