Hello Again, Mr. Anderson

Jonathan Singer gets a wonderful interview with John Anderson, 1980 Independent Presidential candidate and founder of the Center for Voting and Democracy. Anderson's still the best voice out there for nonpartisanship, as these quotes make clear:

I think we need multi-party politics in this country. We have a Constitution that Gordon Wood and other students of American history have very aptly described as an anti-party Constitution; it was a Constitution against parties. Madison deplored factions, and faction to Madison was simply synonymous with party. They knew all about parties; they had the Conservatives and the Whigs back in the 18th century.

I think we need to get away from the idea that American politics forever and a day must be dominated by the same two parties that today hold control. I would like--I repeat--to see the growth of a strong multi-party system in this country to introduce new ideas, new energy, and I think bring with it a much broader participation by people of different walks of life that see some futility in the kind of perennial jousting that goes on for advantage between the two old parties. ...

I think once that idea got into the minds of the American people, they would some point in voting for that Independent or Third Party candidate even though he might not initially be able to get a majority, because they would not be wasting their vote. Their second place choice would count in the recount that would take place when he failed to get that majority when the votes were first counted.

So I think with that introduction into the political mix of the idea [of Instant Runoff Voting] that it is feasible to vote for an Independent or Third Party candidate--I repeat myself, I know, but for emphasis. Once they get the idea that they can do that and still not really throw away a ballot (to cast a vote that really didn't count for anything), then I think the Independent movement, or a Third Party movement, could begin to get a respectable showing. They wouldn't get a majority to begin with, but they would get vastly more support than they're now able to draw in the present two party context that we're locked. As time went on, I think the idea of a multi-party system would become just a very logical thing to advance towards.

Bravo, Mr. Anderson. What will we do to support these noble words with deeds to match? Comment on the post below to respond.

-- Jeremy Young