In our nation’s political cycle, Democrats and Republicans stand as the two major groups. Third parties (including Independents, Libertarians, and others) exist, yet lack the institutional power to seriously compete with the GOP or Democratic Party.
Over the years, this has garnered public criticism. Many Americans feel both dominant groups intentionally collude to avoid competition that would water down their political clout. As more people claim that neither the GOP nor Democrats appropriately represent their welfare, there’s been a sort of renewed interest in third parties.
Amid the 2024 race, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is running against Republican former President Donald Trump. Independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West are likewise campaigning for the Oval Office, as are Green Party contender Jill Stein and Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver.
So far, polling shows the race will come down to either a Trump or Harris victory in November. However, third party candidates could prove to be an effective danger to the former president.
Compelling data from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill
Multiple polls from Decision Desk HQ and The Hill provide electoral insight where Kennedy is included among the Republican and Democratic nominees. In a Harris vs. Trump vs. Kennedy matchup, the vice president carries a 3.2% lead. Yet when taking the Independent candidate out of the equation, Trump holds a 0.2% lead over Harris.
