Why We Need Three Parties

The Virginia Democratic gubernatorial primary is the best argument why a vibrant democracy needs at least three viable political parties. Huh? Take a look at this chart.

When the campaign began Terry McAuliffe had the most money, Brian Moran had more active supporters, and Creigh Deeds was the hopeless doormat. Following the traditional political consultant blueprint McAuliffe and Moran proceeded to smear each other with about 11 million tons of shit. By election day the two candidates had managed to convince the electorate that the two most despicable humans on the face of the Earth were Brian Moran and Terry McAuliffe. Deeds won in a walk.

Modern campaign consultants view elections as a blood sport - sort of like mixed martial arts fighting but with fewer rules. And, they have been vindicated because in head-to-head elections the most ruthless mudslinger generally is the winner. Adding a third viable candidate to the mix changes the dynamics. In a three-way race, mudslinging doesn't work.

Lots of mud blows back on a slinger. In a heads-up race that doesn't much matter because the opponent still comes out covered with more slime. With three candidates the one who manages to keep his hands clean look pretty damn sweet by comparison.

If we had three, or more, viable political parties campaigns would necessarily become far more civil and more focused on the issues. Let's be honest, casually glancing at the election issues would be an improvement. It doesn't mean my side will always win but the more intelligent campaign will have an advantage over the more vicious campaign.

In Virginia, on policies, I preferred either Moran or McAuliffe to Deeds. But both of them ran stupidly injurious campaigns and deserved to lose.