As the Democrat Party lurches further left every day, and in the aftermath of the ousting on Tuesday of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy by his fellow Republicans, more Americans are embracing the idea that it might be time for a viable third political party in the U.S. Traditionally, independent or third-party candidates tend to be nothing more than spoilers, taking votes away from both major party candidates, but as Democrats still support a cognitively compromised Joe Biden and infighting among Republicans takes place, a new poll shows that a third party might just be an idea whose time has officially come.

A new Gallup annual Governance poll, taken between September 1-23, just a few weeks ago, shows that overall, 63 percent of U.S. adults agree with the statement that both Democrats and Republicans do "such a poor job" of representing their constituents and that "a third major party is needed." That number is up seven points from this time last year, and it is the highest since Gallup started asking Americans about political parties in 2003. While there was a dip in the early 2000s, the number has remained unchanged since it was at 61 percent in 2017, and right after the violence at the Capitol in January of 2021, it was at 62 percent.

With both RFK and Cornel in the race as third party candidates, Biden has virtually zero chance to win - he’s now the spoiler and should drop out

— Due Dissidence (@DueDissidence) September 30, 2023

As might be expected, it is usually independents who are more open to a third major party. That number hovers around 70 percent since 2013. But this year, it rose a bit higher to 75 percent. Also, as might be expected, support for a third party among Democrats and Republicans tends to depend on which party holds the White House. The current poll shows that 58 percent of Republicans would support a third party, up from 45 percent in 2022. Democrat support for a third party is up, but only slightly from 40 percent a year ago to 46 percent.

Neither Democrats nor Republicans are exactly feeling the love of the American people right now. Another Gallup poll shows the unpopularity of each party is about even, 56 percent of Americans view Republicans unfavorably, and 58 percent view Democrats unfavorably. But on some key issues, Republicans are viewed a bit more favorably on their handling of those matters. That poll showed that Americans think Republicans will do a better job on the economy by 53-39 percent over Democrats, and on concerns of national security such as terrorism or military threats, Republicans also came out on top by 57-35 percent.

For the past two decades, a majority of Americans have thought that another choice besides Democrats or Republicans was needed. Why does that number seem to keep rising? For many voters, the Democrat party's violent lurch to the left and concentrating their efforts on things like transgenderism, illegal immigration, and censorship of those they disagree with are driving them elsewhere. On the other side of that coin, some voters are turned off by the Republicans' widespread support for Donald Trump. 

Making the case the time is right for a new, independent third party. Bottom line is Americans are truly dissatisfied with the current candidates and choices and, most importantly, the way current parties allow extremists to control their parties (note, this column is separate…

— Bill Outlaw (@BillNOutlaw3) September 29, 2023

So, what might Americans get out of having a viable and vibrant third political party? One obvious thing that comes to mind is independents, those who consider themselves right down the middle, might finally find a home. A third party could bring the best of both worlds to those who have felt like they need to pick Republican or Democrat based on who is more in line with their personal views on the issues. One glaring example of why it might be time for a third party is the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. No American would have ever thought a Kennedy would ever run for anything other than as a Democrat. But here he is, with a possible announcement he will run as a third-party candidate slated for October 9. Kennedy has been ostracized by his party. That may be because he has revealed the inner workings of the Democrat National Committee, implying their process may be "rigged." But in reality, it is mainly because he is not left enough.

Professor Cornel West, who is running on the Green Party ticket, has always leaned left in his political activism but, like Kennedy, has views that will attract people from both major parties. He says that “neither party is speaking to the pressing needs of poor and working people.” He also acknowledges the fact that 63 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck but describes a possible second Trump term as "dangerous." 

What will it take to form a strong, feasible third political party in America? A very strong candidate, almost Trump-like, who can overcome both major parties and the media dismissing them, and enough people disenchanted with both current parties to support them. When that happens, the days of third parties playing spoiler will be over. 

@RobertKennedyJr to stand as an Independent.
Third Party Candidates in the past, Teddy Roosevelt in 1912, George Wallace in 1968 and Ross Perot in 1992/6 have not been able to breakthrough..........but if anybody can do it RFK Jr. can ....especially in today's very fluid state of… pic.twitter.com/vuxC5ZhNem

— DoNotVoteForAnyOfThePartiesInParliament#CreweFirst (@CllrBSilvester) October 1, 2023