Slate News Political Gabfest | Who Wants a Third Party, Anyway?
Jul 10, 2025
Mike Pesca hosts The Gist and brings a sharp wit, while Susan Glasser is a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker. They dive into Elon Musk's ambitious but complicated bid to launch a third political party in the U.S. The conversation shifts to Trump's erratic foreign policy, blending self-interest with national strategy and its chaotic effects on global relations. The pair also discuss the rising trend of traffic fatalities in NYC, and whether recent policy changes contribute to improved safety, alongside light-hearted takes on music and culture.
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Structural Barriers to Third Parties
- Elon Musk's third party attempt will fail due to structural American politics, his lack of attention span, and incoherent ideology.
- The two-party system is deeply embedded, and a new party needs clear ideology and public demand to succeed.
Third Party as Political Leverage
- Elon Musk aims to win a few Senate and House seats to hold political leverage in a closely divided Congress.
- Small third-party blocks could become deal breakers and influence legislation significantly.
Limits of Centrist Power in Congress
- Centrists in Congress hold decisive votes but lack the ruthlessness or willingness to hijack power.
- Moderate politicians often make accommodations rather than breaking away to form influential groups.
