mjl1783, I get what you are saying about opening up a can of worms with a third party. But in the event that a third party candidate wasn't a wacko, but was actually the best candidate in everybodies opinion (for the sake of argument), he most likely still wouldn't be elected. He probably wouldn't even be allowed to debate.

Are there a lot of maniacs in third parties? Of course. But not everybody in a third party is a nut. We just have to be smart about it. If third parties would start to get a little more respect, then maybe some more respectable people would be a part of those parties. As it is now, people know that if they want a legit shot, they have to run in one of the major two.

Anyways, if people really want alternate choices, it won't just happen over night. You have to start small. Start voting for third parties in local elections. The more local politicians there are in other parties will make it easier for them to get elected at the state level. This means more third party candidates for congress. This means more, and likely better quality candidates for national offices, like the president. This is the only way I really see it working. Unless a popular president decides to run for a second term under a third party. Maybe that would work. I dunno.

I consider myself an independent. I may be in the middle on some issues, slightly to the left or right on some, and far left or right on others. So I have reasons for wishing I had more choices. Its hard for me to find candidates I can agree with. I like to keep an open mind. I find a lot of people who are only willing to support one side to be close minded. Not all, but a lot.