why does one run for office?

[crazy a]

First, read the following:

http://www.wdnweb.com/articles/2003/...ditorial02.txt

The Grand Old Editor of the local paper here has often written editorials that basically ask: why does someone run for President (or whatever office, but mainly Pres.) knowing full well they won't win?

The feeling I get from his pieces is that he thinks only the Democratic or Republican nominee is qualified for the position, has the money to make a serious run, and any other person shouldn't even bother trying. (Around here, you see, they're kinda big on who is with what party: one is either a Rep. or a Dem., case closed.) Although he acknowledges the right of a third-party candidate to run for office, he will pose the question in the same breath "...but why bother?", like it's a waste of time for the person.

I guess what gets me the most is that he thinks only, and ONLY, one of the big two can get the office and if you're not one of them, you shouldn't even try. It seems to me that a third party would run because they think they have better solutions than the same old same old; that maybe they could make a real difference than the usual back-and-forth R vs D we see all the time.

So tell me: why does a third party run for office knowing they most likely will not win?

[Branflakes]

Because one day, they just might win. And because at the least, third-party candidates can bring up important issues for discussion. And because there is a large number of Americans out there who are sick of the same old politics that doesn't seem to be doing anything for this country. I think their voice needs an outlet.

I think it's important we have more parties out there running. Something needs to change the way politics happen in this country.

P.S. if the link doesn't work, just click on the Opinions link on the left. You'll see the article easy enough there.

[crazy a]

Oh hell! I'm sorry people, I made a typing error.

http://www.wdnweb.com/articles/2003/...ditorial02.txt

[dwim]

as long as there is politics and voting, i will always hope there is a third party running for some office. Americans are in a dangerous game and they're just sucked into it without realizing this one thing: the first two choices are NOT the only choice! However, as far as the media pays attention only to the Republicans and Democrats, them two are always going to win. Once, a Green Party candidate (Forgot his name, see the problem?) was wanting in on a Presidential debate, the organizers barred him from the building. And somehow, we're supposed to have a choice? People needs to be serious and explore all options, hit the internet, visit these third party offices, and find out what other choices there are. The thing is... halping the people make a choice is not the responsibility of the media, it's the responsibility of the individual whose vote matters.
This guy needs to reconsider his "why bother" question... if the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday night had said, "WHy bother trying to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers? They beat us six times in a row," would they have won like they did this past Sunday night? If the Red Sox and The Cubs had went "why bother trying? We haven't been to World Series in so long," would they have even made it to the playoffs thus far? (And I believe one of them, at least, will get there.)
So, in closing, I encourage you to go to these websites, get informed about these thrid parties, and please for goodness sake, stop giving in to what the media says...

[Neophobic Man]

The problem is, and will remain, the fact that the politics and the makings of the politics(especially Presidential elections) are more about the ratings and how much time the networks can get for commercial airtime during the debates and conventions and such...

A couple small points to CNN for the recent Democratic debate they held in Arizona (I think), allowing all nine "major" contenders to participate when everyone knows it's really about two, maybe three, of them...but they all got the face time...

[5Cats]

It's like a hobby?
They crave attention?
It's a cool way to meet girls?

Or, perhaps, they're true believers who really want to make the state, country, world, a better place?

OR they're just practicing before they switch over to one of the "real" parties with experience and a team of skilled campaign people.

Lots of possible answers.