If you created a legitimate third party to compete against dems & repubs , what ideals would it represent ?
925078
Honestly, I respect the Libertarian party, and wouldn't mind seeing it gain more power, that is, if they were capable of promoting stronger national defense
834131
If there were only one party it leaves it open to corruption. The reason for a second party or third party is to keep the party in power in check and create an opposition to critique the party in power...\n\nor so I learned in school.
416186
1st party is you and your company.\n3rd party is another company you are dealing with or the public
1100882
You're making invalid assumptions. The middle ground for both major parties are moderates, with very few going far afield.\n\nOne end of one spectrum is conservative republican. The other ends of that spectrum are moderate republican and federalist.\n\nOne of the a different spectrum is liberal democrat. The other ends of that spectrum are moderate democrat and libertarian.\n\nBasically, there are two scales of values. One is big government versus small government (Republican -- Libertarian). The other spectrum is group rights ("traditional" values) versus individual/personal rights (Federalist -- Democrats).\n\nRepublicans (nowadays) want  group rights (conformity with "traditional" values) and a large government to ensure domestic tranquility (by enforcing those conservative majority beliefs). Moderate republicans (originally called fiscal conservatives) want a small government, just large enough to provide for the common defense. The republican party does not really have a liberal wing, and usually treat the goal of individual liberties (being liberal) as a dirty word.\n\n\n\nDemocrats want individual rights and a large government to promote the general welfare.  Moderate democrats don't want a lot of wasteful spending., and want to achieve their goals without causing too many problems. Democrats do have a Conservative wing, which focuses on better ethical leadership and greater protection for both groups and individuals. The main difference is that conservative democrats still don't believe in enforcing their views on the minority, even if their own personal choices would be the same as what conservative republicans would make.\n\nLibertarians want a small government (no wasteful spending, and very little welfare/entitlements), but lots of protection for individual liberties. They are moderate about most issues, except for being adamant that the majority should not impose its beliefs on the minority.
555996
If the right person was running as a 3rd party candidate for any of the offices, I'd vote for them.  \n\nIt would have to be a viable 3rd party candidate unlike the ones we've had in the past, like Nader and Perot.\n\nIf the person supported my views, I'd vote for 'em.
1019244
Each party is defined by their platform or set of views.  Now not all Reps and Dems go along with the entire party platform, but they tend to agree with the majority.  Here are some of the parties views:\n\nReps: Anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, lower taxes, smaller government, pro-big business, hawkish of defense.\n\nDems: Allow abortion, allow gay marriage, higher taxes on the upper-middle and upper class, more government programs, pro-environment, dovish on defense.\n\nThese are just a few of the stereotypical views...each Rep and Dem have their own views that may or may no fall in line with the party platform.  Basically, Reps are the "traditional family values, strong military, capitalistic" party and Dems are the "social equality, environmentally friendly" party.
1112118
Pretty much nobody.\n\nThe problem with running on a "centrist" platform is that it is arbitrary.  Some people are centrist in one area, while others are centrist in others.  For this reason, you can never have a "centrist" third party.\n\nSome policies above would ensure that Republicans won't vote for your theoretical candidate (gay marriage, assisting Mexican economy), some would ensure no Democrats vote for it (treatment of criminals, abortion), so you'd end up with only a handful of people who vote purely on candidate likability without serious regard for the issues.
625633
I think its called the green party. People have ran in this, it is neither Republican or Democratic.
433768
There is a chance for a third party to become viable history has shown it.  Don't forget that the Republican party was a third party; the other two parties were Democratic Party and the Whigs.  \n\nUnfortunately, the current political structure and popular culture make it nearly impossible for this to happen.  One states regulate elections and political parties.  Secondly, most people who are part of third parties for my opinion has shown that they do not have a full understanding the nuances in the political process.  Lastly, people like to see things  in a bipolar fashion.
1061290
Do you feel that your only option besides Republican is Democrat?\n\nHow about a third party?\n\nSince you're conservative, check this one out:\n\nwww.constitutionparty.com
788268
None of the above.  I think the most important thing the party provides is branding.  Belonging to one party or another denotes a certain belief structure that people identify with.....also, they (hopefully) vett candidates so that any party candidate that reaches the election is "electable."  Putting that into the above answers, the best fit would be "nominate candidates."
350264
It's actually fair. Let's say all the third party voters were allowed to vote in one of the primaries. They would vote for the absolute worst choice, so they could put him (or her) against their own candidate.\nAlso, the purpose of the primary for that party to choose who is going to represent them. If you aren't in the party, why should you have a say in who's going to represent it?
348732
Democratic party philosophy vs. Republican party philosophy.
928431
That's precisely who I would WANT the Democrats to put on their ticket!  ; )\n\nBring 'em on!  I think we can take 'em!\n\nEDIT - I am a REPUBLICAN and would WANT to go against those two - VERY beatable!
981708
The political process in this country has been locked down in favor of the two parties for a long time.  The road for a third party would be extremely difficult.  First, the democrats would have to fail miserably in the next couple of years for there to be any movement to a third party.  Then, the public would have to organize massively in their discontent around another grouping and put the weight of their numbers behind it.  If that were to happen, then a third party might be viable.  But not without great numbers of people supporting it.
149362
Choose the Democrats if you have any cents.
815713
That's part of the problem for both sides. To try and convey a platform, they have both become too extremist. Most Americans are NOT extremists... but more moderate. I would love for there to be a third party with legitimate candidates and real strength. I think we would have a better government.