Sanders: Two-party system holds back competition

[Chris]

Couldn't agree more. More parties competing means more ideas.

Sanders: Two-party system holds back competition (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/269967-sanders-two-party-system-holds-back-competition)


Self-described democratic socialist Bernie Sanders on Thursday called it "wrong" that America's two-party system shuts out other parties from elections.

"I chose to run proudly in the Democratic primary and caucus and look forward to winning that process. But clearly, as a nation, I think we flourish when there are different ideas out there," Sanders said during MSNBC's Democratic presidential candidate forum in Nevada on Thursday.

"Sometimes the two-party system makes it very, very difficult to get on the ballot if you are a third party, and I think that's wrong. I think we should welcome competition."

...

[Green Arrow]

He's largely echoing George Washington:

"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty...The common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it."

And he's completely correct, of course. Democrats like TrueBlue are complaining about him running as a Democrat, Republicans like Matty are trying to paint him as dishonest for running as a Democrat when he has never been a Democrat, but the reality is their efforts to unfairly limit the ability of third parties to participate on equal footing in our electoral system is exactly what gave them infiltrators like Sanders in their parties, because they've made their parties the only chance anyone has of winning national elections.

But, it's okay. The time is quickly approaching when it will no longer be their choice whether or not third parties run on equal footing.

[donttread]

Couldn't agree more. More parties competing means more ideas.

Sanders: Two-party system holds back competition (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/269967-sanders-two-party-system-holds-back-competition)

Yes, the Donkephant is intent on holding on to their power monopoly. I never really trusted Perot's reported vote totals. After all the more votes the third party gets , even if it's 5% instead of 3 percent the less likely that party is to grow stronger before the next election

[The Xl]

The two party system is even more constricted than it's given credit for when you consider that the dems can rig their primaries.

[Chris]

Libertarian and Green Parties have sued for place in national debates. That was back in September last year. Hopefully it's working its way through the courts.

[Green Arrow]

The two party system is even more constricted than it's given credit for when you consider that the dems can rig their primaries.

Like apparently the fact that they can settle a tie in Nevada precincts with a deck of cards (http://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-dem-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/02/nevada-democratic-caucuses-tie-deck-of-cards-219536?lo=ap_a2).

[Tahuyaman]

I don't buy this idea that the two major parties are responsible for the lack of new ideas,mor quality candidates.

[Green Arrow]

I don't buy this idea that the two major parties are responsible for the lack of new ideas,mor quality candidates.

As far as I'm aware, nobody has argued that they are.

[Tahuyaman]

As far as I'm aware, nobody has argued that they are.

so, this comment doesn't at least suggest that?


Yes, the Donkephant is intent on holding on to their power monopoly. I never really trusted Perot's reported vote totals. After all the more votes the third party gets , even if it's 5% instead of 3 percent the less likely that party is to grow stronger before the next election

[Tahuyaman]

As far as I'm aware, nobody has argued that they are.

obviously some are claiming that.

[Chris]

I don't buy this idea that the two major parties are responsible for the lack of new ideas,mor quality candidates.

They do what they can to keep other parties out of the mix. For example, national debates are controlled by the two major parties and they do not let third parties in. There's a suit over that. A suit was actually file last election but too late. This time they filed back in September.

[Green Arrow]

obviously some are claiming that.

Who is?

[donttread]

The two party system is even more constricted than it's given credit for when you consider that the dems can rig their primaries.


And when you consider that the dems are rigging the elections in favor of a neocon!

[Tahuyaman]

Who is?

really? Is that a serious question?

[Green Arrow]

really? Is that a serious question?

Yes, it is. Can you answer it?

[donttread]

I don't buy this idea that the two major parties are responsible for the lack of new ideas,mor quality candidates.

Probably because you seldom get to hear the other parties speak because the Donkephant shuts them out.

[Tahuyaman]

Yes, it is. Can you answer it?


I dont need to. All you need to do is read some of the responses here.

[Tahuyaman]

Probably because you seldom get to hear the other parties speak because the Donkephant shuts them out.


Like I said in the recent past, people who use terms like "Donkeyphant, libtard, Rethuglian and other such contrived words can not be reasoned with.

[Don]

Two party system? It used to be. I think its now one party with two wings. Either way both sides have too much power and control. Both sides only support candidates that they consider "electable" which is code for "follows the party line" and doesn't upset the status quo.

[Mac-7]

Couldn't agree more. More parties competing means more ideas.

Sanders: Two-party system holds back competition (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/269967-sanders-two-party-system-holds-back-competition)

So why is sanders running as a democrat?

He should put his money where his mouth is and run as a Marxist

[Chris]

So why is sanders running as a democrat?

He should put his money where his mouth is and run as a Marxist

The article explains. I forget. It's besides the point.

[Don]

The same reason Rand Paul and Ron Paul ran as Republicans. The ironic thing is that the Pauls actually are Republicans. Those other people who call themselves Republican are the pretenders.

[Mac-7]

I guess it's just human nature for Sanders and his supporters to assign noble motives only for him when he's doing exactly what the other politicians are doing

He talks the talk but does not walk the walk

[donttread]

I guess it's just human nature for Sanders and his supporters to assign noble motives only for him when he's doing exactly what the other politicians are doing

He talks the talk but does not walk the walk

In what way.? I believe his campaign funding is mostly grass roots

[Peter1469]

We have one party.

[Mac-7]

In what way.? I believe his campaign funding is mostly grass roots

If he wins he'll have the entire democrat party machine at his disposal and it runs of corporate money,

and he will be riding atop a party that suppresses third party competition to help Bernie get elected

[donttread]

If he wins he'll have the entire democrat party machine at his disposal and it runs of corporate money,

and he will be riding atop a party that suppresses third party competition to help Bernie get elected

Actually I think his party is doing everything they can to stop him from getting nominated

[Mac-7]

Actually I think his party is doing everything they can to stop him from getting nominated

Yeah, so?

Bernie wants them and all their anti third party expertise whether they want him or not