A new political party has emerged in the U.S. calling themselves the Forward Party. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan said third parties have a history of fizzling out but with the growing political divide in the country…
“Given that, that is the type of environment in which a minor party or third party, could gain a foothold and gain some attention and some support,” said Hogan.
That being said Hogan feels the Forward Party’s ability to become a formidable force in politics will depend on its platform.
“And it’s pretty clear that his party has not yet put forth a series of issues that they feel are of concern except to say they are in the middle,” said Hogan.
Political parties are very dependent on campaign funds and Hogan said it’s extreme issues that drive fundraising and if a party promotes itself as moderate, they are less likely receive donations.
Hogan said a third party also faces a disincentive campaign from the two major parties discouraging voters from venturing away from the left or the right.
“And that is look, you vote for that party, you’re wasting your vote, that candidate probably won’t get elected and you’re probably hurting the chances of one of the major parties that you actually prefer more than the other from winning,” said Hogan.
The Forward party’s slogan is “Not left. Not right. FORWARD.”
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