The Washington Times paid to have a poll run in which voter identification vis-a-vis parties was the dominant question. The poll found that voter identification with existing third parties is quite low.
The poll found 28 percent of voters said their political views are represented well by Democrats, an additional 23 percent said the GOP represents their stances, and 3 percent found themselves covered by an existing third party.
But a plurality — 37 percent — said they don’t find their views well-represented by any party in the political system. That was particularly true of voters in swing states, of tea party supporters and middle-aged, middle-income voters.
Asked what the biggest obstacle is to a third party, voters were split. About a quarter of those surveyed said there was just no need for one, while 23 percent said the cost was prohibitive and another 23 percent said it was tough to get voters to notice. Just 13 percent said the problem was getting attention from the news media.
While “ballot access” wasn’t included as an “obstacle” option, one could include it in the prohibitive costs option, though it’s safe to assume most voters in this poll did not know about tough ballot access laws.
It is because most Third Parties just sound like “lite” versions of the D’s and R’s.
Libertarians come across as GOP lite, same with the Constitution Party and the Greens sound like the Dems.
The Libertarian has a chance to totaly re-brand itself and appeal to fed up majority, hopefully we will.
@ Robert Capozzi,
didn’t you live in Northern Virginia until recently?
Funny because I never saw you at any of our meetings, picnics, fundraisers, etc. I didn’t know your name until I got on to IPR (And noticed that you ramble on and on incessantly).
While you were sitting here arguing and criticizing other people’s internet comments, the vast majority of the rest of us were going out and walking the walk, as opposed to you, talking the talk.
It’s easy to be an internet armchair QB.
ack…I am here to educate you…
2 mk: Our job is to continue to educate them until they are ready.
me: I agree muchly, but not entirely. If the tone is “I am hear to educate you,” I don’t know about you, but I find that to be condescending when others take that position with me. Very top-down, I’m right/you’re wrong, let me fix your flawed thinking.
I’d offer that our job is to share our ideas with others.
I’d also hope that open-minded Ls might revisit the Codified, Set in Stone, Ideological Certainties from the 70s. For ex., the idea that all environmental matters can be solved with torts, for starters.
Fully agreed with all five preceding comments.
Headline for this posting might read more accurately if it said, ” Half of all voters don’t identify with either major party”.
Amen, brother Jed.
I’m perfectly fine being in the 3%. “Stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone.”
I found myself in the 37% just five years ago. And now I’ve found my home.
The majority of people I talk to like libertarianism for the most part, except for one or two things (drugs, social safety nets, etc). They aren’t ready to take the leap of faith. Our job is to continue to educate them until they are ready.
MG, that’s downright scary that 25% are brainDEAD enough to say no third Party is needed ! Scary if you truly think about it!
Never place very much into polls. They can be swayed to reflect anything the pollster chooses to reflect. Doubt me ? Take one evening and do your own poll. Cold call 25 people from the phonebook and do a 3 way POTUS poll.
Hello,
I’m conducting a Presidential prefferance survey, I hope you can take two minutes to help me. ……Thanks!
A recent survey found that 80% of American citizens thought the country is headed in the wrong direction and in the same survey it was found that over 50% of those surveyed feel Obama has done a poor job as President.
With the added information that Romney left office after only one term as Gov. of MA with a 66% DISapproval rating because of poor job performance….YES 66% of MA citizens disapproved of Romney’s performance as Gov., so much so he did not seek re-election because he knew he would NOT be re-elected!
If the election was held tomorrow would you consider voting for
A. Former Highly Successful Two Term Gov. Gary Johnson of NM, who is still liked by a majority of NM residents. Who led all Govs. by overseeing a 11.6% increase in Private Sector JOBS and Balanced the state budget Eight years in a row while Gov. of NM ? or
B. Romney ?
or
C. Obama?
or
D. Undecided?
Thank you for your time !!!
–> *Gov. Johnson is a two-term Governor of New Mexico.
–> *Gov. Johnson has the most executive experience of any candidate in the race.
–> *Gov. Johnson is [was] the most fiscally conservative Governor in the country.
–> *Gov. Johnson vetoed more bills than his contemporary 49 Governors combined.
–> *During his time, Gov. Johnson was one of only 4 Governors to leave their state with a balanced budget.
–> *Gov. Johnson cut taxes 14 times.
–> *Gov. Johnson has the best record on jobs growth of any official presidential candidate, according to a National Review report.
–> *According to a Public Policy Poll, Gov. Johnson is [was] the only Republican presidential candidate who is still popular in his home state, which also happens to be 2-1 Democrat.
–> *Gov. Johnson has the record and the serious policy proposals needed to bring common sense back to Washington and put our country back on the right track.
Friends if you are a libertarian, these are points to run on in any state in this country. Johnson/Gray 2012 is only limited to the smallness of your belief and goals! Gary Johnson can be President tomorrow and as his record proves he would be a much BETTER President than either the D or R !!!!!!!!!
Please DON’T be ashamed of this LP ticket, but WORK your tail off to get the LP message out to your neighbors right there where you live. If not you, WHO will do it? More people identify themselves as Independent, NOT D or R. The LP can go after everyone of them with a candidate worthy of their vote and support.
CARPE DIEM, don’t throw it away…..
Presidential Voter Guide – http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large_lightbox/hash/99/36/99364ac4eef54691551421102ad5549b.jpg
Gary Johnson 2012: Let’s Talk About The ISSUES – http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/issues
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