大象传媒

Americans have become used to the idea that running for President is a two-party affair, but as we've seen recently, that's not the way it has to be. Over the last quarter of a century, two very bold candidates have run as third-party contenders. In 1992, it was Ross Perot, a short Texas billionaire with a distinctive twang and a bold, refreshing, no-nonsense approach. He launched his campaign as a lark during a charming interview on Larry King Live, his appearance going "viral" and creating a strong "Draft Perot" movement. But as he shot up in the polls, his opponents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton were forced to take him very seriously, and this was the very first time a third party candidate had such a strong support base. Ralph Nader spent decades in the public eye and affected the lives of millions of people around the world as a consumer advocate, but after jumping into the ring for the 2000 election, he is now best remembered as an independent party contender who may have changed the course of history. You can call these third party candidates difficult, fearless or risible but whatever you do, don't call them spoilers.