Why are the betting markets...

[rah]

I don't think anyone here is disagreeing with you that the dumpster is starting to burn.

But **** happens and you don't want to jinx it.


And yeah K. it will be interesting to see just how much they benefit.
If they can't get a boost this year, there is no hope in the future.

[kentonio]

Yeah, I think a lot of people are thinking 'Just get this election out the way first' but once its done and gone, getting enough people motivated is going to be a mountain to climb, and realistically probably impossible.

[rah]

I don't know, a Clinton Cruz 2020 match-up could be equally disgusting.

[kentonio]

Well yeah, and even if its not another horror matchup there's always going to be something the party faithful can use as a reason why people absolutely shouldn't vote third party or they're helping the enemy blah blah.

[rah]

But what if the independent candidates combine for 25% of the vote? That could be a show changer.
I know it's a pipe dream, but any dream is better than the reality of the 2016 election.

[Lorizael]

The US system is not designed for third parties (especially at the national level). The only even remotely realistic option is that we somehow switch to a different set of two parties. If you want to break the two-party system, the solution is not to vote for third party candidates but to change the system via legislative action and/or constitutional amendment.

[Giancarlo]

The US system is not designed for third parties (especially at the national level). The only even remotely realistic option is that we somehow switch to a different set of two parties. If you want to break the two-party system, the solution is not to vote for third party candidates but to change the system via legislative action and/or constitutional amendment.

This.

And this is why the Greens and Libertarians will be lucky to get even above 5% combined. Hate to break anyone's dream on that one.

All this talk about protest votes accomplish nothing. No legislative change will happen and throwing the election away and helping Trump would be disastrous.

[Giancarlo]

Also worth remembering that back in 2012 the Greens were only polling at 1% and the Libertarians at 3%. Hard to argue they aren't benefiting from the weak major candidates this time around.

Greens are 3% now. Big difference.

[Giancarlo]

So what candidates are these third parties pushing for Congress to help legislative change? People voted for Ross Perot and Ralph Nader. Those votes didn't do anything to impact legislation. Third parties have no power in Congress in the US.

[Thoth]

The US system is not designed for third parties (especially at the national level). The only even remotely realistic option is that we somehow switch to a different set of two parties. If you want to break the two-party system, the solution is not to vote for third party candidates but to change the system via revolution.

FTFY.

[rah]

I would have to believe that if the presidential election is ever thrown to Congress due to a lack of a majority of electoral votes, there would be legislative changes.

[Giancarlo]

I would have to believe that if the presidential election is ever thrown to Congress due to a lack of a majority of electoral votes, there would be legislative changes.

Republicans control the legislator so you will see Trump as President. So don't count on it. Besides neither third party would ever take a state.

[rah]

Besides neither third party would ever take a state.

Many things have happened that people once considered impossible. Like legalized gay marriage.

[Giancarlo]

Many things have happened that people once considered impossible. Like legalized gay marriage.

Same sex marriage has had more support than 3% or 5% for quite a few years. Sorry.

But it isn't happening and isn't the same situation.

[rah]

Please, remember how old I am. I'm talking about the 60's when gay still meant a guy that was happy.
Who knows what will be possible 50 years from now?