The NPR Politics Podcast The Enduring Appeal Of Third Party Presidential Bids
Jul 24, 2023
This discussion unpacks the historical influence of third-party presidential bids, spotlighting Ross Perot's impact in the 1990s. The group No Labels is poised to introduce a centrist candidate for 2024, stirring reactions from both major parties. It reflects on past efforts like Americans Elect and why they stumbled. Amid rising voter frustration with traditional parties, figures like Joe Manchin and John Huntsman represent potential third-party alternatives, highlighting the quest for political change in today's landscape.
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Ross Perot's 1992 Campaign
- Ross Perot's 1992 presidential bid briefly led polls, challenging Bush and Clinton.
- Spending $60 million, he secured ballot access and TV time, ultimately gaining 19% of the vote.
Third-Party Influence
- Third-party candidates rarely win but can influence elections.
- In 2016, votes for other candidates tripled compared to 2012 and 2020.
Voter Awareness of Third-Party Impact
- Past third-party runs (Perot, Nader, Stein) shape current voter perceptions.
- Voters understand potential consequences, especially in close elections, during hyper-polarization.