A new political party is forming in the United States with the aim of becoming a recognizable third force alongside the Republicans and Democrats. Reuters reports on the development.
Former members of both major parties have organized an association named Forward. Leaders include former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and former New Jersey Governor Christina Whitman, who are slated to serve as presidents.
Historically, attempts by so-called third parties have struggled to gain lasting traction. The founders of Forward argue that this time will be different, suggesting the need to move beyond partisan divisions and offer a unifying alternative for a broad segment of Americans who want to reject extreme ideologies. The Washington Post article by Young and Whitman frames the party as responding to a national political climate perceived as highly polarized.
The article notes that Forward believes the US faces a genuine opportunity to reframe its political landscape, proposing that recent voters show renewed interest in a viable third option that can operate alongside the two established parties.
Supporters describe goals that include revitalizing a fair and prosperous economy and expanding voter choice, while restoring public confidence in government functioning.
Forward intends to compete in elections across all 50 states in 2024 and has announced an initial budget of about $5 million. Reuters voices skepticism about the likelihood of the party achieving sustained success based on historical patterns among third parties.
The current two-party system dates back to the mid-19th century. While many organizations participate in American politics, only a minority maintain substantial national or regional influence.
When considering what is often termed the strongest contemporary third- party options, Constitutional, Green, and Libertarian groups frequently appear in discussions, though their influence varies by election cycle.
The Libertarian Party, established in 1971, advocates for free-market principles, individual liberties, open international trade, peace, and limited foreign intervention. Today, libertarian-leaning officials hold offices primarily at local levels.
Historical examples of third-party activity in American elections include the American Independent Party’s strong showing in 1968, led by George Wallace, who captured a notable portion of the vote, primarily in the Deep South. In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt led the Progressive Party, finishing second in the race and influencing the outcome before the eventual victory of Woodrow Wilson; the Progressives subsequently faded from major influence.
A key factor limiting third-party competition is financing. Nevertheless, independent movements sometimes impact election outcomes by drawing votes from candidates with aligned platforms. A notable instance occurred in 1992 when a third-party candidate affected the vote distribution in a way that influenced the ultimate result.