James Glassman on Why We Need a Third Party

TL;DR

James Glassman discusses the need for a third party in the face of the Republican Party's transformation under Trump, highlighting the challenges of changing the party from within.

Transcript

welcome to the bulwark podcast i'm charlie sykes today marks the second impeachment trial of donald trump the first time in american history that any president has been impeached twice uh quite a quite an accomplishment a new cbs poll out this morning showing 56 percent of americans think that donald trump should be convicted uh it's not likely he ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥳 The Republican Party is unlikely to change, making a third party a viable option for conservatives and moderates who feel marginalized.
• 🏈 The current duopoly restricts political options and stifles healthy competition within the American political landscape.
• 🥳 The success of a third party will depend on attracting a diverse coalition of voters who share common values but do not strictly align with the existing Republican or Democratic parties.
• 🥳 Reconceptualizing conservatism for the modern age and creating a party that is responsive to the needs and values of the electorate is crucial for the success of a third party.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is there a possibility for a third centrist party in the United States?

Yes, James Glassman argues that the need for a third party is crucial, as the Republican Party has transformed under Trump's control and is no longer the home for traditional conservatives.

Q: How can a third party win against the duopoly of the Republican and Democratic parties?

Glassman suggests that a third party can start by attracting conservatives, moderates, and even Democrats who share common values and policies. By finding the right states to run candidates and endorsing aligned Republicans or Democrats, and pulling the duopoly towards the middle, a third party can effectively challenge the current system.

Q: What should the third party stand for and how can it redefine conservatism?

Glassman believes that the party should stand for principles like American leadership in the world and fiscal responsibility, but without specific litmus tests on issues like abortion. He suggests that reconceptualizing conservatism for the modern age and attracting a broad coalition will be crucial to the party's success.

Q: How does Donald Trump maintain a strong hold over the Republican Party even after leaving office?

Glassman attributes Trump's hold on the party to the fear of being primaried, wherein Republicans who do not align with Trump risk losing their seats. This fear, combined with tribalism and the desire for political power, allows Trump to maintain his influence over the party.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• James Glassman argues that the Republican Party is unlikely to change and is now firmly under the control of Trump and his base.

• He suggests the need for a third party, emphasizing that the party can attract conservatives, moderates, and even Democrats who share common values.

• Glassman outlines a potential strategy for the third party, including finding the right states to run candidates, endorsing Republicans or Democrats who align with their values, and reconceptualizing conservatism for the modern age.