Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Does the two-Party system help or hurt our country ?? [View all]KG
(28,751 posts)61. crippling
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
66 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
Duverger's Law would tend to work against a third viable party from emerging here.
Selatius
Apr 2012
#20
The electoral college is the most important problem facing multiparty advocates.
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#21
Even when the people dont like what is happening, I dont believe they recognize
rhett o rick
Apr 2012
#54
The US simply lacks publicly funded elections. That's why we always choose rich people.
Selatius
Apr 2012
#6
I agree and in addition, until we get a huge majority of the population willing to vote to change it
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#9
It hurts badly because at this stage the debate is so damn phony but ever more partisan
TheKentuckian
Apr 2012
#18
It hurts, but it can be fixed with instant run-off voting like the Aussies do it. n/t
Cleita
Apr 2012
#19
I think the electoral college is an insurmountable obstacle to third parties. It has to go first.
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#22
My point is, if a party can't make a credible bid for the White House, getting support for it
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#29
And in that we are in agreement, it is not set up for a Presidential bid, therefore the electoral
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#33
Winning a national campaign would still entail getting support from the same voters. Therefore...
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#40
The GOP changed radically with Reagan. All of the progressive legislation you mentioned is preReagan
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#50
Nope, no specifics. I meant just what I said. You will have frequent centrist coalitions. The issues
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#32
I don't think so. I think the Republicans have successfully brainwashed their folks to the point
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#41
Has nothing to do with Party label. They have thrown out Republicans who voted for these things too
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#44
Which people? Chomsky? Kucinich? Klein? Obama? Clinton? Gravel? Sanders? They are already speaking
stevenleser
Apr 2012
#49
NGU, however we must realize that voting and sending emails isnt enough. nm
rhett o rick
Apr 2012
#66
If you want me to believe that there is hope, you will have to convince me that
rhett o rick
Apr 2012
#53
The "two party system" helps maintain the illusion of democracy in a capitalist state.
Tierra_y_Libertad
Apr 2012
#47