I write instead about the disadvantages of the two party system as embodied in the rapidly approaching 2024 presidential race. The leading contenders for nomination by our de facto two party system are two individuals neither of whom is popular with the voters.
Joe Biden isn’t popular with Democrats who wish their party would nominate someone less senile and embarrassing. Donald Trump isn’t popular with a majority of Republicans but appears to have a larger group of committed voters than any of the other announced or presumed candidates. He’s often embarrassing too.
Political mavens like Michael Barone and Karl Rove can spin you elaborate explanations of why these two look likely to be their parties’ nominees. Much of those explanations go back to the shortcomings of big-tent politics.
Meanwhile a superstar like Mike Pompeo who graduated first in his class at West Point, attained an Army rank of Captain, went to Harvard Law where he edited the Law Review, and then was elected congressman, and appointed Director of the CIA and later Secretary of State can’t get traction. He just announced he will not be a candidate for the GOP nomination. Pathetic.
We could end up with our major parties nominating an idiot and an ass, respectively. Right now that would be the odds-on bet if you had to place one. What an absolutely ridiculous choice to have to make come November, 2024.
Later … Upon reflection, I conclude we have weak coalitions too, but they are intraparty, the result of haggling among power blocs, and thus papered over in the general election. The results come out about the same … very unimpressive most of the time.
