Third Party: Political Alternatives in the Age of Duopoly

"Do we need more political parties?" Interestingly, parties weren't even mentioned in the U.S. Constitution; in fact, some Founding Fathers--concerned about "factions"--actually deplored the rise of parties. Although America's two-party configuration of Republicans and Democrats has been in place roughly since the early 19th century (though not with the leanings that we today associate with either), third parties have continued to emerge in response to issues. But our "winner take all" election system means that most fade if they fail to quickly gain a substantial following. In Michael Burns' Third Party, critics such as activist Noam Chomsky and leftist historian Howard Zinn address concerns that corporate agendas and media consolidation help to squelch political debate, which--in turn--produces similarities in both major parties, depresses voter turnout, and can ultimately lead to a non-majority-elected government (as in the case of George W. Bush). To help illustrate its points, the program also follows the fortunes of Mike DeRosa, Green Party candidate from Connecticut, as he pursues a frustrating quest for a state Senate seat. While few viewers will deny that third parties reinvigorate debate and challenge the big parties on issues they'd rather forget (remember Ross Perot?), Third Party hurts its case by being much too long, frequently repeating its points, and including commentary mostly from left-leaning activists. More ideological balance would have produced more clarity and made for a livelier program. A better choice here would be Crashing the Parties (VL Online-7/03). Optional. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)