Stefanie wrote:
We probably agree about the negatives of having only two major parties. I don't like the two that dominate our landscape, but I don't think political parties, as such, are the root cause of all evil in politics. I think it would be more realistic to encourage multiple parties than to encourage an absence of parties.

Agreed. Increasing the number of parties is the way forward, if there is one. Some of the above discussion regarding coalition building is apropos, and interesting to consider in the context of US politics.

Ultimately, the goal of my admittedly theoretical no-party system is achieved by a one "party" per candidate system. We may never get there, but more than two is still more than two. I'll take it.

Unfortunately, I think we're stuck with the status quo.

Sadly, I agree, and I'm curious where that leaves us. Other than fucked, I mean. Honestly, I'm not sure how much longer the system will even marginally function.

RE: Against Independent Voters - Stanley Fish - Think Again - Opinion - New York Times Blog