As convention season draws to a close and Hillary Clinton takes on the title of the Democratic nominee, a wave of disenchantment, fear, and unrest sweeps across the country. As the divisions between Hillary supporters, #NeverHillary liberals, Trump supporters, and anti-Trump conservatives deepen, it seems that we are out of time and options. As two wildly unpopular political opponents face off in an increasingly ugly election, what's a conflicted, crestfallen voter to do?
Enter third-party candidates Jill Stein and Gary Johnson. Despite their subtle political differences, together these two are making waves in the mainstream media as they implore voters to realize that they still have a choice. If you too feel trapped in choice between the lesser of two evils this fall, then it may be worth your time to check out these political underdogs.
Jill Stein is a Harvard-educated doctor and the official Green Party candidate. During the past few days in Philadelphia, where the DNC is taking place, Dr. Stein has been drawing some serious attention to herself. She has attracted large crowds on the streets outside the convention center, preaching the platform of the Green Party, which has been around since the 1980's. For Bernie Sanders supporters, its platform is quite familiar. Green Party members take a firm stance against war, social inequality, institutionalized racism, and demand a break with the fossil fuel industry. Dr. Stein has stated that one of her primary objectives in office would be the elimination of student loan debt, freeing young people to lead successful, effective lives without the crushing weight of debt. It is crucial to note that Dr. Stein does not accept donations of any kind from businesses or organizations, as she vehemently opposes "crony capitalism" and wishes to free our government from the grip of lobbyists, large corporations, and super-PACS. This fundamental belief is precisely what Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders stood for, but after throwing his support to Clinton, many of his supporters are furious and unsure of which candidate to vote for at this point. For many disaffected Democrats and disappointed Bernie supporters, Jill Stein has become an attractive option.
On the opposing side of the third-party scene, the former governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson is making a strong case for himself as the Libertarian candidate. As the more right-leaning candidate, Johnson advocates gun ownership, believes in a market-driven economy, and does not prioritize energy reform. However, he is in agreement with Jill Stein and the Green Party on vital social issues such as abortion, marriage equality, the war on drugs, and military spending. Like Trump, he is an experienced businessman. Johnson started a handyman business to pay his way through college, which grew into a highly successful enterprise. The key differences between Johnson and Trump include Johnson's extensive political experience, softer stance on illegal immigration (His plans do not include building a wall), and his intentions of drastically cutting military spending. In contrast to Trump's famous refrain of "Make America Great Again," Johnson has quipped back stating that we need to "Make America Sane Again." It is worth noting that during Johnson's term as Governor of New Mexico, it was one of only four states to have a balanced budget. This is a guy who knows the political and economic ropes. The former governor certainly appears to be the articulate, experienced candidate that most Republicans actually wanted.
Third-party candidates may not receive the media coverage that their Democratic and Republican contemporaries do, but they are no less capable of taking a stand for their beliefs and earning your vote. Intent on changing the increasingly destructive two-party system, third-party candidates encourage voters to stand by their convictions and refrain from settling for the least horrible choice. American voters should never be trapped in a situation where they must vote against what they fear instead of for what they want from a Commander in Chief. The political climate during this election cycle is such that many voters are seeking out third options. Candidates like Dr. Stein and Mr. Johnson are incredibly important during times of social upheaval and unrest, and they need our support to bring about the changes our country needs. It is vital that Americans, especially the younger generation on the cusp of taking the mantle of leadership over our nation, understand that they have a choice. All we have to do is get informed, get registered, and let our voices be heard. This fall, as the polls open, do not let yourself be forced into a choice between the lesser of two evils. As Dr. Stein said while speaking to a crowd in Philadelphia earlier this week, "The lesser of two evils paves the way for the greater evil."
