No More Party Loyalty!
March 2000

This year may just be the year for turncoats, traitors, and party fractions. Not only the two "Major" political parties, but also many of the smaller parties are in trouble. Each of the political parties seem to have alienated their core voting blocks.

Granted much of this party alienation has been caused by 24-hour news coverage of politics. But if the candidates would realize that voters are looking for a strong issues oriented foundation in a candidate and not a "big tent" candidate, then these party fractions might not be taking place. Only time will tell if all our current political parties survive.

Both the Democrats and Republicans have set themselves up for a devastating election year. The Democratic Party voter has both "Clinton Fatigue" and sees no difference in the two main choices of Bradley and Gore. This is noticeable in how the Democrats and liberal independents are flocking to John McCain's campaign.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party is torn between their core religious conservative candidates and their more moderate candidates. Few Republicans are McCain supporters, yet many are also dissatisfied with Bush. This can be seen with many Republicans , such as Smith, Trump, and Buchanan, leaving the party either for a more liberal or more conservative party.

How will all this play out in November? It depends on how the primaries finish up at the conventions. Because many primaries are now allowing open party elections where anyone can vote for anyone in the preliminary rounds. This can cause many problems in November.

One scenario that is looking more possible as time passes, is that McCain may be elected by independents and Democrats in the Primaries to be the Republican candidate.

But then Democratic Party voters would be split among two candidates. making it harder for the Democratic nominee to win. But since many Republicans would be very unlikely to vote for a "Clinton-want-to-be" as many are now calling McCain, they would split the Republican vote by voting for someone out of the party also. Leaving a third party candidate like the Reform Party's Pat Buchanan a tasty replacement.

The only problem with this scenario is that the Reform Party has its own internal problems, with both Ventura and Trump now leaving. With the Reform party also split over what type of candidate it wants as President, it also has little influence as a party. Many would easily vote for a Pat Buchanan, but many despise the social conservative beliefs of Buchanan and would much rather vote for a McCain, Trump, or Ventura.

This year is definitely turning into the year of party disloyalty.