[BuyMyBitcoins]

Despite the criticism of the two party system, I nevertheless wonder whether or not the American public actually wants to have third parties. Even in states that are solidly red or blue, third parties never manage to gain a substantial (beyond 3-5%) of the vote. I would think that in a solidly blue state, the greens (or any on-the-left third party) would see a much better showing. Same for libertarians in red states. I imagine that the whole spoiler vote phenomenon would not be an issue in these states’ races.

I’m curious about what other people think of this. I was once of the opinion that ranked choice voting (in the states that passed this reform) would lead to a renaissance in the viability of third parties there, but it hasn’t come to fruition. It led me to think that many Americans are actually content with having two parties.

[maxerickson]

For the people that are serious about gaining office, it's more effective to try to run as part of one of the larger parties, or at the very least, align strongly with them.

A lot of people also end up running with no affiliation (for instance, for very local offices). They might align with some additional party in an ideological sense, but there probably isn't even a local organization to coordinate with.