How much of our current politics is a result or offshoot of Ross Perot's 1992 candidacy? Was he a kook or prescient? Can a 3rd party get 19% today?

[DrPepper12]

Ross Perot ran as an independent candidate for President of the United States in 1992 focusing on several key issues:

Economic Policy:

Perot's primary focus was on balancing the federal budget and reducing the national debt. He advocated for:

Economy Reforms:

Cutting government waste and inefficiency

Simplifying the tax code

Stimulating economic growth and job creation

Political Reforms

Perot positioned himself as an outsider seeking to reform Washington. His proposals included:

Implementing electronic "town hall" meetings for direct democracy

Limiting the influence of special interest groups and lobbyists

Instituting congressional term limits

Trade Policy

Perot strongly opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), ("that giant sucking sound from Mexico") arguing it would lead to job losses in the United States.

Other Issues

Supported stricter gun control measures.

Favored increased research into AIDS.

Advocated for comprehensive national healthcare reform.

Initially hesitant on gay rights in 1992, but openly supportive by 1996.

Perot's campaign style was unconventional, relying heavily on television appearances and infomercials to communicate directly with voters. His populist message and outsider status resonated with many Americans, leading to a strong showing for a third-party candidate in 1992, when he received 19% of the popular vote.

He was a maverick precursor to Trump & MAGA platform.

He was a forgettable aberration 3rd party candidate.

He was a GOP Bush spoiler & gave Clinton POTUS

He failed but his platform was adopted by both parties.

Something else (or I'm so young I don't know what ur saying)

Updates

1 y

Ross Perot's 1992 presidential campaign faced several criticisms:

Lack of political experience: A successful businessman with no political / military experience

Inconsistent behavior: Dropping out & then back in to 1992 election.

Authoritarian tendencies: Critics described Perot as "authoritarian" and "short-tempered".

Vague policy positions: Perot was criticized for no specificity frustrating his campaign staff.

Updates

1 y

Conspiracy theories: Perot made claims about the Bush's covert aid to Iraq & alleged plots against his campaign, which many viewed as far-fetched.

Oversimplification of complex issues: His use of charts & graphs on TV was criticized for oversimplifying complex issues.

Potential to disrupt the electoral process: Concerns of no majority & the House of Reps decide POTUS.

[Likes2drive]

Another businessman that didn’t get a chance back then to fix everything, my parents voted for him back then, this country would be so different and probably much better if he got elected. Maybe Trump will try a lot of his ideas, things have gotten out of hand and maybe too far gone to fix it unfortunately

[bobby_bush_eater]

Before my time but the only way I see a 19% like that is mass simultaneous unpopularity in both parties. It's unlikely as usually one pushes the others favor but surely not impossible

[seeyounexttuesday]

We wouldn’t be in this shit show if Ross Perot was elected

[lightbulb27]

not sure but RP was inspiring.