Staff Reports
Green Party candidate Jill Stein is making another run for president and hoping to present an alternative for voters unhappy with both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. She is calling for an end to foreign entanglements, withdrawal from NATO, and the implementation of a Green New Deal, universal health care, and looser ballot restrictions. Stein is critical of both major parties, arguing that they both serve corporate America and push destructive policies. She accuses Biden of enabling “genocide” in Gaza and believes that the U.S. should cease funding and providing diplomatic cover to Israel until they stop the “genocide” in Gaza. Additionally, she blames the U.S. for forcing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hand in Ukraine by supporting efforts to install nuclear warheads on its border.
Stein ran for president in 2012 and 2016, where she gained enough votes to draw accusations from Democrats of peeling votes away from their candidate and helping Trump win. With an average of 1.5% in nationwide polls this year, there are concerns among Democrats that Stein and other third-party contenders could influence the election outcome. The Democratic National Committee has formed a team to counter the impact of third-party contenders and prevent them from siphoning votes away from Biden. Stein, however, dismisses the “spoiler” narrative as fearmongering tactics employed by Democrats to discourage support for third-party candidates.
Jill Stein vs. 'zombie candidates': How a Green Party rebel plans to beat Biden, Trump https://t.co/XJ2P06V3lR
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 18, 2024
Political science professor David Dulio suggests that the dissatisfaction with the top presidential contenders in 2016, when a significant number of voters cast their ballots for third-party candidates, is indicative of the public’s desire for another option. He believes that the unpopularity of both Biden and Trump is relevant for future elections, raising the possibility of third-party candidates holding significant influence over the outcome. The fear of third-party candidates tilting the scales for Trump has renewed concerns among Democrats, while Trump’s allies hope to leverage these candidates to redirect votes from Biden. Despite never coming close to winning an election, third-party candidates present a potential challenge to the major parties as they navigate the electoral landscape.
Overall, Stein’s campaign seeks to present an alternative to mainstream politics, challenging the established political orthodoxy and aiming to sway dissatisfied voters. As the campaign progresses, the extent of her impact on the presidential election remains to be seen.
