Summary
Newsweek contributors debated whether the United States needs a third political party. Paul du Quenoy argues the current two-party system is stable and has lasted for over 150 years. Dan Perry counters that the system no longer represents the diverse political views of Americans and suggests a third party could better address current divisions.
Key Facts
- The U.S. recently ended its longest government shutdown, lasting 43 days.
- Most Americans blame the Republican Party for the shutdown.
- Paul du Quenoy argues that a two-party system provides stability and moderates extremes.
- He notes that past third-party attempts, like Theodore Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party, have failed to make a lasting impact.
- Dan Perry believes the current two-party system doesn't represent the centrist majority.
- Perry suggests a third party could form if enough defectors from both parties join and are supported by a large political action committee (PAC).
- Both contributors agree that American political views are diverse and sometimes shift over time.
