2012 U.S. Presidential Election

[rvg]

One of the biggest problem with third parties is that most of them run either to the left of the democrats or to the right of the republicans, i.e. they're more extreme than the establishment. We do not need more polarization, we need more centrism.

[Whacker]

One of the biggest problem with third parties is that most of them run either to the left of the democrats or to the right of the republicans, i.e. they're more extreme than the establishment. We do not need more polarization, we need more centrism.

OK, perhaps I mis-interpreted your original comment that I responded to. You mentioned "throwing away votes" on "indies". My understanding and apparently that of others I discuss this with view the Libertarians as "indies". Hence, voting Libertarian is a "waste" as per your statement, if one accepts the definition of "anything not republican or democrat is 'indie'". Libertarian is arguably a viable, growing alternative to the current major two parties. Do you feel voting for their candidate would be a waste? Also, why do you think that voting for a candidate who is most closely aligned with your personal belief structures is "throwing away" your vote, irrespective of political party?

[gaelic cowboy]

Whats the situation at more local level though??

Do you have elected Green Party members for instance in state government?

I get the feeling people might vote Monster Raving Loony Party in there local council election or even at state level however when comes to selecting the new king you pick A or B

[rvg]

Whats the situation at more local level though??

Do you have elected Green Party members for instance in state government?

I get the feeling people might vote Monster Raving Loony Party in there local council election or even at state level however when comes to selecting the new king you pick A or B

On local and state level indies win quite often. States like Vermont for example even send socialist senators to Washington.

[Antioch]

U.S President was always re-elected for a second "mandat" in the past (exception is rare : death or scandal ...) .
Who can think it could be different this year ?
Anyway , Obama wil be re-elected after the big circus of vote campaign .

[rvg]

U.S President was always re-elected for a second "mandat" in the past (exception is rare : death or scandal ...) .
Who can think it could be different this year ?
Anyway , Obama wil be re-elected after the big circus of vote campaign .

That's just not true. Bush 41 and Jimmy Carter are two recent examples of one term presidents.

[a completely inoffensive name]

That's just not true. Bush 41 and Jimmy Carter are two recent examples of one term presidents.

This is true, presidents are not safe from being one term, however it doesn't take much to secure that second term usually.

[rvg]

OK, perhaps I mis-interpreted your original comment that I responded to. You mentioned "throwing away votes" on "indies". My understanding and apparently that of others I discuss this with view the Libertarians as "indies". Hence, voting Libertarian is a "waste" as per your statement, if one accepts the definition of "anything not republican or democrat is 'indie'". Libertarian is arguably a viable, growing alternative to the current major two parties. Do you feel voting for their candidate would be a waste? Also, why do you think that voting for a candidate who is most closely aligned with your personal belief structures is "throwing away" your vote, irrespective of political party?

Currently in a presidential election the most an indie candidate can do is swing the victory from one major party candidate to another. The indie candidate himself has zero chance of victory. Even if my views happen to align with those of an indie candidate, I have to consider the practical outcome of my vote: if there's a bad democrat and worse republican on the ballot, and the indie will be syphoning votes from a bad democrat, then no, I will not vote for the indie. In that case voting for my choice of candidate will bring about a worse candidate than if I were to vote for lesser evil.
The problem with libertarians (since you've mentioned them) is that they're too extreme in their quest to dismantle the central government. That imho seriously limits their appeal. If they moderate their views a bit they'll find far more support and with time maybe will even become viable presidential contestants.