Is the American Two-Party System Limiting Voter Choices?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limitations of the American two-party system in providing voter choices, particularly in the context of a poll regarding the presidential candidates Kerry and Bush. Participants explore the implications of this system on voting behavior and the challenges faced by independent candidates.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern that the two-party system forces voters to make "clothespin" votes, indicating dissatisfaction with the available choices.
  • One participant notes that independent candidates, like Nader, face significant challenges in getting on ballots, highlighting a structural issue within the electoral system.
  • A conservative Republican participant suggests a potential consensus on voting preferences, proposing a distribution of support between the candidates.
  • Another participant reflects on the differences in political competition between the U.S. and Canada, expressing a preference for the current Canadian political landscape despite its own limitations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness and fairness of the two-party system, with no clear consensus on whether it is beneficial or detrimental to voter choice.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities of voter behavior or the structural challenges faced by independent candidates, leaving these issues open for further exploration.

Bush or Kerry

  • Bush

    Votes: 2 33.3%

  • Kerry

    Votes: 4 66.7%
  • Total voters
    6
Tom McCurdy
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Who would you vote for...
Kerry
Bush
 
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This poll seems rather lopsided. Its an either-or decision that makes people "clothespin" vote. Guess that is one of the drawbacks of the American two-party system. But then again, this is how America operates; sometimes even independent candidates have to struggle to get on the ballot such as Nader in Florida.
 
Another poll? As a conservative Republican I'm willing to accept a consensus. I suggest 70% pro Kerry and 30% pro Bush be accepted as the likely outcome.

Help save electrons.
 
motai said:
This poll seems rather lopsided. Its an either-or decision that makes people "clothespin" vote. Guess that is one of the drawbacks of the American two-party system. But then again, this is how America operates; sometimes even independent candidates have to struggle to get on the ballot such as Nader in Florida.

It's sad, Nader have no chance. People don't even talk about him when asked "Who'd you vote for, dude?" (Dude was added in for Americanization).

At least your country has competition. In Canada, it's Liberal party rules. I'm fine with that though, as long as the NDP doesn't win.
 

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