and what happens if on the off chance in this future that one of them does get elected, and does find himself or herself in office. Then what? What substantial change could ever really come from that?
A Bush or a Clinton has had a position of President or Vice President since 1980. Do you really believe the most qualified in all this land just happened to be one or the other.
On a day to day basis, the Republicans and Democrats are more alike than hardcore devotees to their political party will ever admit. Others are well intended, just ill informed. Some just spout off clever sayings they have heard thought up by others. .
There are many involved in both parties who are great Americans, don't mistake that... You would see prominent candidates in both parties switch parties if there were more options to have a strong enough platform to operate from.
Unfortunately for third parties we operate under the Electoral College (which I personally don't like). The last third party or candidate to make a strong stance was Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 (Progressive Party), and he finished in second with 88 of the 266 electoral college votes needed to win. If third party candidate won the popular vote, they would have a good chance at winning the Electoral College but there are still no guarantees. The Electoral College was designed for political stability and to repress challenges to the two-party system.
Each state could break up the electoral votes, like 2 states do now, instead of a winner take all count. That would be more representative of a populous vote count, and is something each state could enact on their own without requiring an amendment. Over a 99% rate has resulted in electorates voting as voters intended is currently on record. The pros of the electorate college is avoiding sectionalism faced by nations such as China, India, Roman Empire etc... On that note, States Rights should triumph on just about every issue; that way, if you don't like it in one state, you have 49 others to choose to live. A happier citizen makes a more productive and civic minded citizen.
