Today’s thread is a short one on a new and important poll.
Ipsos released a new survey, conducted between April 11th and 12th, showing that just 38% of Americans say they feel they have “a lot” in common with one of the major political parties. In contrast, 48% (24% for each party) say they have nothing in common with either Democrats or Republicans.
The poll has some other revealing bits in it, too. For instance, 36% of people say they haven’t had a meal with a member of the other party in at least a year. And in a striking display of our sectarianism, 20% say they “never” have dined with someone from the other party.
This degree of separation between the two groups poses an increasing danger to the country. As groups of people have sorted into two parties, physical separation between them reinforces differences of identity. When those differences are not only reinforced, but exacerbated by the political system, you have a recipe for gridlock, contentiousness, violence, and democratic breakdown.
Having a large third party, or group of third parties (which, yes, would require some significant institutional changes by Congress or to the Constitution), could help those 48% feel better represented in their system and heal some of the divisions causing internal political strife.
History informs, though it does not dictate or predict. Having said that, what does history tell us about third parties in the USA? Post-Citizens United, where does the weight come down?
They don't stick around because they usually play spoiler to one of the major parties. The plurality-winner system is not compatible with multiparty democracy
History informs, though it does not dictate or predict. Having said that, what does history tell us about third parties in the USA? Post-Citizens United, where does the weight come down?
They don't stick around because they usually play spoiler to one of the major parties. The plurality-winner system is not compatible with multiparty democracy