I just watched the President’s weekly radio address rebroadcast on C-SPAN this morning, followed by the Democratic response from a Congressman.
As a Republican, I often wonder why third parties don’t emulate some these traditions from the major parties. It seems like a good way to gain additional acceptance and be treated on an equal footing.
A weekly radio response would be a relatively easy thing to put together. At first, the party might need to spend a little money and air the response as an advertisement — maybe on XM or some other national radio venue. After a while though, I suspect C-SPAN and other media could be convinced to begin carrying the Libertarian Response or Green Response as a matter of routine.
The big three minor parties could all use this platform. Imagine a Constitution Party radio address from State Representative Rick Jore. The Greens might tap one of their mayors or city councilmembers to deliver theirs. And the Libertarians have a similar selection of local officials, including mayor Ed Thompson or a former State Representative.
Just a thought. Does anyone know if the big minor parties have ever contemplated this idea?
6 responses so far ↓
1 paulie cannoli // Jul 20, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I don’t know, but it sounds like a good idea.
2 G.E. // Jul 20, 2008 at 11:23 pm
In Canada, the parties really play up their “leaders.” This gives the parties a “face.” I think the LP should do that, but of course, they’d have to find some kind of consensus leader that the factions could agree to support. The Greens and CP would have a much easier time of it. Check out some of these Canadian sites:
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://paulgrignon.netfirms.com/CAP-PAC_Flash/Flash_CAP_English.html
etc.
3 Fred Church Ortiz // Jul 21, 2008 at 12:35 am
The Jack Layton personality cult is pretty unsettling.
Any suggestions on who such a consensus leader could be? I’d say Ed Thompson, but I’d prefer he keep pulling in higher wins before we put his face on everything.
4 G.E. // Jul 21, 2008 at 1:58 am
It’s like that for the other parties too. I don’t like “cults of personality” either, but I think to the general public, putting a human face on the party would be helpful.
I think Steve Kubby would be a good choice. He has the respect of all factions.
5 JimDavidson // Jul 21, 2008 at 11:36 am
Tom Knapp and I have been interviewed for radio shows several times since the Denver convention. You can find links on bostontea.us. I’m rather fond of the anti-new-world-order radio interview of recent vintage.
6 inDglass // Jul 21, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Chuck Baldwin and Darrell Castle have a weekly radio show every Wednesday night at 9:00 PM EDT on Revolution Broadcasting.
Leave a Comment