The current presidential election cycle has dominated headlines for well over a year already. Heading into the final months, the intensity of public scrutiny is only expected to increase. With the Republican and Democratic tickets all but formally set, the big question remains: what role will independents and third party candidates play this election?
Nearly 40% of voters now consider themselves politically independent, the highest ever in our country’s history. With the economy struggling, congressional approval at record low, and unfavorable ratings of both parties higher than ever, independent voters will have a significant impact on the 2012 elections.
The most recent published Gallup poll of US satisfaction rates found 68% of independent voters dissatisfied with the way things are going in the US.
Libertarian party candidate Gary Johnson and Green party candidate Dr. Jill Stein participated in the first online presidential debate.
On Thursday, IVN.us hosted the first ever online presidential debate over Google Hangout. Third party candidates, Jill Stein and Gary Johnson, graciously agreed to participate in an informative back-and-forth on.
Raising the minimum wage at the federal level has largely been ignored by President Obama and Governor Romney in this election.
Debates have always been an important platform for candidates to articulate and narrate their stances on the issues of the era. Like any art, particular moments in the past have defined and redirected its present form.
The world was witness to not only the wonders of a new technology, but patient with its introduction to American politics. More importantly, credit has to be given to the candidates and IVN participants: real questions from real people with real responses.
Third parties are excluded from debates because the Commission on Presidential Debates, run by Democrats and Republicans, and their established rules for debate inclusion, are the deciding factor for who receives invitation to the debates.
