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Gallup: Record number of Americans want political alternative

Thursday, 17 October 2013 4:14 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 14 September 2017 6:24 PM ]

Record Number of Americans Want Third Party

Americans are fed up with the government. According to a recent Gallup poll, six out of 10 Americans say the current two parties representing the overwhelming majority of Americans are doing such a poor job that a substantial third party is needed. This marks a record high since the poll began ten years ago. Only 26% of respondents stated that the Democratic and Republican parties were adequate representatives- a record low. Around half of those identifying as Democrats and Republicans stated the necessity of a third party while over 70% of Independents agreed. This past week has witnessed many records being made in Gallup's history on government dissatisfaction. One poll found that Republican party approval reached record lows while another concluded that fears over government dysfunction have reached a 74-year high this month. The data is seen as reflecting the overall mood of Americans, that of increasing frustration with government leaders, political parties and the federal government in general. Historically, third parties have had a difficult time making it to the public arena. The last major third party presence in American politics took place in the mid-1990s with presidential candidate Ross Perot. He garnered almost 19% of the popular vote in the '92 election, but was sidelined by detractors and soon withdrew from politics altogether. Congressional wrangling over the government budget as well as the debt ceiling debate are seen as major contributors to the current mood of disapproval. Congress' job approval rating has fallen to a meager 11%, just one point above its record low.

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