“Polarization is near an all-time high. Electoral success requires an audience willing to consider alternatives, but both social media and traditional media are dominated by voices strongly averse to the political risks posed by a viable third candidate,” Amash tweeted.
Amash later tweeted that the social distancing directions and an economy that has been hindered have hampered raising funds and campaigning required to drive a winning third-party campaign.
“The new reality of social distancing levels the playing field among the candidates in many respects, but it also means lesser-known candidates are more dependent on adequate media opportunities to reach people,” Amash tweeted.
It marked the conclusion of an idealistic course of action that could have thrown a wrench into a tight presidential battle.
Current and former elected officials from different political parties, including Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), gave their take soon after Amash tweeted his decision.
“I don’t know what is next for @justinamash, but I know he will always choose an honorable path,” Swalwell tweeted. “He is a decent public servant and left his party to do the right thing … Good luck, Justin.”
