by Carmen Polvere

Created on: July 18, 2010   Last Updated: July 19, 2010

The inability of Democrats and Republicans to clearly define their goals results in the emergence of strong third party candidates who will often impact elections. Third party candidates do not steal votes from Democrats and Republicans, but earn the votes they receive with hard work and a passion for their beliefs. Those of us who lean toward the major party views may not like what the third parties have to say, but we have to respect their views and their influence on election day.

It was only ten years ago when Green Party Presidential candidate Ralph Nader received 97,421 votes (1.6%) in Florida. Republican Presidential candidate George W. Bush candidate received 2,912,790 votes to Democratic Presidential Al Gore’s 2,912,253 votes. A difference of 537 votes (00092%). Florida’s 25 electoral votes eventually were awarded to George W. Bush following an extensive recount and court challenge which was ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. An argument could be made that at least 600 votes of those received by Ralph Nader would have gone to Al Gore had not Mr. Nader been on the ballot. But Ralph Nader earned every one of those votes as a result of his vision for a better America.

It needs to be noted that if U.S. Presidents were elected by popular vote rather than the 18th century version of a democratic republic called the Electoral College, Al Gore, who received 543,000 more popular votes than George W. Bush, is elected president, Ralph Nader’s campaign becomes a footnote in history and George W. Bush is retired to his Texas ranch. Instead, Al Gore’s supporters view of Ralph Nader’s 2000 Presidential is less than favorable. Which is too bad. The Green Party worked hard to place Ralph Nader on the ballot in 47 states. The Green Party did not steal the 2000 Presidential Election but rather gave notice to both Democrats and Republicans that their supporters should not be taken for granted. There can be little doubt the in the one state, Florida, which was so close that were Nader not on the ballot, Al Gore wins the popular vote in Florida. A painful lesson learned by the Democratic Party.  

Democrat and Republican Party members should welcome third and even fourth parties. History has shown that third parties, such as the Populists of 1896 and Progressives of 1912, had a positive influence long after the campaigns have ended. This life-long Democrat and Al Gore supporter says 'the more the merrier' when it comes to additional membership to the American political system.   

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