Political Dharma

I discuss the historical origins of the two-party system in the creation of the office of U.S. President, the vote splitting dynamic and its results, and how the party system can be reformed to be more responsive to voters.

I give updates on the RFK-to-Trump voters and the Green Party strategy in New York, and then give an extensive explanation of what open primaries are and how current reform initiatives could impact independent and minor party candidates.

I give updates on court decisions in ballot access cases involving Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Jill Stein, examine an article purporting to show who RFK supporters intend to vote for, explain ranked choice voting, and show where you can do a mock Presidential vote using different voting methods.

I explain why a "faithless elector" might want to cast a vote for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the Electoral College if it looked like there would be a contingent election after the vote is counted in November, how the contingent election process works, and how a deal between Donald Trump and RFK could result in a Kennedy Presidency. 

I look at which candidates will be on the most ballots, whether a contingent election is still possible, and the potential impact of the vote for non-major party candidates. I also make a couple announcements about a candidate debate and a voting method reform symposium.

Breaking out of the two-party system is one of my central concerns in creating this channel. In this video I talk about why I've been focusing on the Presidential race this year, the two usual strategies to getting beyond the two-party system, and a different approach that I think can overcome the obstacles that have plagued those two strategies.

I update viewers on the latest court decisions about ballot access for alternative Presidential candidates such as former candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Jill Stein of the Green Party. I also discuss some pros and cons of the Ranked Choice Voting Act introduced in Congress this week. 

I explain what 5% of more of the popular vote in the Presidential election will and won't get for a minor party or independent candidate. I also list those few such candidates who have achieved this benchmark over the last 100 years.

Alan discusses Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision this week to ask his supporters in every state to vote for Donald Trump. He also gives updates on ballot access and recent stories regarding other non-major party candidates, including independent candidate Cornel West and Jill Stein of the Green Party.