The Centrist, or Wedge, Party
To: Mickey Kaus
Re: Dellinger on His Head
I agree with Dellinger about 2008, but his point suggests a longer-term strategy for a centrist third party.
1) Run Congressional candidates first. Win enough seats that neither Republicans nor Democrats have a majority in the House. Moderate Republicans ought to be vulnerable to credible candidates who don't carry the baggage of the Democratic Party (e.g. 'we need a truly independent candidate to represent Lake Placid' -- I've lived in upstate New York. It's Republican but liberal. Mostly, the politics are driven by hatred of NYC.).
2) Then run for President... and you only have to finish third to win! That is, unless House Republicans and Democrats decide to form a coalition with each other, which... well, it's really impossible to comment on such a thing.
Actually, this could even work for McCain (your point 2), but he ought to start now: form a third party and run candidates in 2006. If they win enough to deprive the major parties of a majority in the House, that would give him enormous influence immediately, and complete credibility for 2008. I don't think he has the organizational skills, though.
Re: Dellinger on His Head
I agree with Dellinger about 2008, but his point suggests a longer-term strategy for a centrist third party.
1) Run Congressional candidates first. Win enough seats that neither Republicans nor Democrats have a majority in the House. Moderate Republicans ought to be vulnerable to credible candidates who don't carry the baggage of the Democratic Party (e.g. 'we need a truly independent candidate to represent Lake Placid' -- I've lived in upstate New York. It's Republican but liberal. Mostly, the politics are driven by hatred of NYC.).
2) Then run for President... and you only have to finish third to win! That is, unless House Republicans and Democrats decide to form a coalition with each other, which... well, it's really impossible to comment on such a thing.
Actually, this could even work for McCain (your point 2), but he ought to start now: form a third party and run candidates in 2006. If they win enough to deprive the major parties of a majority in the House, that would give him enormous influence immediately, and complete credibility for 2008. I don't think he has the organizational skills, though.
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