With a continuing shift of the Democratic party to the far left and the growing conservative wing of the Republican Party having a controlling impact in that party, is a third party developing right before us? This election the Republican Party only has a chance because it is nominating a candidate who is conservative on matters of security and economics, but liberal on social issues – John McCain. The Republicans are counting on cross over from disaffected Democrats and independents who have not gone to “far liberal land”. Would John McCain be the Republican nominee if scores of independents and Democrats had not crossed over in numerous primaries? While the Democrats offer two candidates who appear very liberal, the move to far liberal was more of a survival need for Hillary Clinton to be able to obtain the Democratic Party Presidential Candidate endorsement. There was no need for Barack Obama to move far left, as he was and is already there.
It is clear that both parties are moving farther to their respective corners, left and right, leaving a void in search of a party ideology. The ongoing compound fracture occurring in the Democratic Party does not represent just a candidate preference difference. It is heavily rooted in a difference in ideology. This possibly un-repairable fracture has been coming for years as the far left forces like MoveOn.Org and George Soros have become the new party machinery – the king makers. Will Senator Clinton be motivated to start a third party, since she appears to now be unwanted by the new and incredibly powerful far left machine at work in the Democratic Party? Will the gravitas of a former President, Bill Clinton, behind her help make that move a successful one?
Two scenarios could exist. Clinton gets the nomination and Obama splits and starts his own far left party – not likely. Obama gets the nomination, Florida and Michigan remain disenfranchised, and the Clinton’s split and start their own moderate democratic party – more possible. It is likely George Soros and company will successfully complete the take over of the Democratic Party with an Obama nomination. As it looks now, the new far left well funded machine will prevail and Obama will get the nod. This Party will then break apart.
If I was Hillary Clinton, and did not receive the nomination of my party, I would begin the exploration of getting on the ballot in as many states as possible as a new party – at the minimum it would put pressure on the Democratic Party machinery to allow her a fair shot. I would then start a new party to the right of the Democratic Party and slightly overlapping into the left of the Republican Party. The Bull Moose Party (real name The Progressive Party) started this way in 1912. Whether the new major party could win this November is debatable, but it could be the precursor of a powerful party sponsoring Congressional candidates in 2010. The Clinton organization could also make use of its currently in place formidable state organizations to build a solid party for state level campaigns. Would the Southern Democrats join up? They have been the lost tribe for years? I can tell you that today’s Democratic Party is not the Democratic Party of my father – a hardworking bricklayer out of Local 1 of the Bricklayer’s union in New York. Today’s Democratic Party has moved too far left for a large number of existing and former Party members to be comfortable with it, and who are further uncomfortable in simply moving to the Republican Party. The move of the Republican Party to the right, more of a nudge actually, has also disenfranchised many moderate Republicans, who do not want to jump to the far left Democratic Party.
There is one tiny party out there that is fairly new – The Moderate Party. Its platform aligns well with the real Clinton ideology, not her morphed ideology to appeal to the far left of the Democratic Party. Otherwise, we might see the “Middle Class Party”. How is that for a catchy name?
You tube video and comment added June 2, 2008
This is an example on how this party is divided and how it may very well split. All the talk of coming together is for the news media – the party elite must be very nervous right now.
Great post. I linked your article. Keep up the good work. Try vox.com.
I agree one hundred percent with this analysis, and I am absolutely appalled at the misogynistic treatment of Senator Clinton. I hope she does start a third party; I want to vote for her in November, and will _never_, _ever_ vote for Barack Obama. Never.
The DNC is wrong to marginalize Senator Clinton and her supporters. They do so at their peril.
Ken,
Excellent article. I have been thinking about this prospect for the last 2 years. I think rather than ‘The Moderate Party’ it should be named ‘The American Constituional Party’ its premise to adhere to the constitution as written by our founding fathers.
Secure Borders, A fair and decent immigration policy that rewards those who follow the law, a health system that includes all americans, a covenant with the Military, and when they eventually get a majority (10 years down the road) and control the Presidency, a constitutional ammendment to make the Supreme Court a 5 year term limit elected office just like the Presidency and Congress, that would be a true democratic reflection of how Americans think on matters serious enough to be brought before it.
Regards,
David
Obama will not wim in Nov.. I will support Hilary as a third party candidate……..Al………