Politics at the Periphery: Third Parties in Two-Party America

Calling the third party impulse ``alive and kicking,'' Gillespie offers a readable, but not rigorously analyzed, potpourri of history, political science and reportage. Professor of political science at Presbyterian College, Clinton, S.C., Gillespie argues that, because the major parties are pragmatic and not ideological, they leave space for third parties of more pointed philosophy. However, in contrast to the proportional representation of parliamentary democracies, our winner-take-all electoral system hampers third parties--an issue Gillespie might have emphasized more. He sketches the history of third parties like the Antimasonic Party during their golden age in the 19th century, as well as 20th-century parties like the Progressives and George Wallace's American Independent party. But his analysis of Ross Perot's 1992 presidential campaign is thin, ignoring how Perot orchestrated his entry into the race. He also describes the role of blacks and women in third parties and the impact of third parties on the state and local levels. Interspersed throughout the book are interesting sidebars, such as a chilling interview with a leader of the National Socialist White People's Party. Photos not seen by PW. (June)