Can independents seize the day?
April 7, 2010 9:13 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Three credible independents running for governor this year in three New England states
- They say they're too fiscally conservative for Democrats, too socially liberal for GOP
- Registered independents outnumber Democrats and Republicans there
- Big question: Can they channel popular discontent into a winning campaign?
JJ's comments: Traditionally independent third parties have only played a spoiler role in elections, meaning that they only garner enough support to take away votes from one of the candidates and not enough to actually have a chance at winning. Most of the time though, these spoiler candidates have come from the fringes, not the middle. My theory is that most Americans are politically moderate or centrist, and a party organized around these views could be very powerful! I don't think there's ever been a better time to do so, either.
By the way, if you're wondering if there has ever been an "independent" (meaning someone not affiliated with any single party) President, there has. His name was George Washington.
I'd love to hear your opinions about this.
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