Weaponizing Third Party Candidates

  

 

     Third-party candidates have been part of elections for many years and their motives have been all over the board. With many Americans not defining themselves as republican or democratic, they are looking for alternatives to traditional political parties. It could be an independent candidate, libertarian, Green-Party and now this year, we have the Christmas party candidate of Kanye West. 

    Most of the country including myself considered Kanye’s candidacy to be a laughable attempt to get publicity for himself and his brand. Considering a reality show host currently holds this office it does give us all a moment of pause to wonder how we ever got to this place. Most third-party candidates realize they don’t have any chance of winning but want to promote their ideas on policies whether it’s about environmental issues, fiscal policies, or just anti-establishment candidates not wanting to be box into a democratic or republican platform. I do believe Kanye’s attempt to be included in this year's presidential ballot has been facilitated by people with questionable motives. Just look at the states that he has managed to get onto the November ballot. These states have traditionally been battleground states and needed by either the democrats or republicans to win the election for president. After recent news reports of President Trumps Senior Advisor, Jared Kushner recently meeting with Kanye increased speculation that the Trump administration is spearheading Kanye’s run for office and playing a major role. 

    Traditionally, third-party candidates pull votes from one party over the other, and in a close election that can be the deciding factor on who ultimately becomes president. Kanye’s late entrance to the 2020 race, limited the number of states that he could be on the ballot for. The Electoral votes in states Kanye are on the ballot would not allow him to become president even if he won all those states. Clearly too many, this is an attempt to pull some black votes from Joe Biden to help re-elect Donald Trump. Some believe it has nothing to do with any aspiration Kanye may have to become president. Off the record, Kanye is a great musical artist and has a stellar level of creativity. I love all of his music and is probably one of my favorite artists but, I do not think he should run for president. 

    While third-party candidates have a right to be on state ballots if they fulfill all of the necessary requirements, I don’t believe they should be allowed to run for president if the electoral votes don’t add up for them to win. To use third party candidates pearly as a weapon against a specific party is not what Americans should allow in our democracy. 

By: Max Mason