By TIPP EDITORIAL BOARD, TIPP Insights

America is known for its electoral system dominated by two political parties (though there are other registered political parties in the country) since the founding of the union. Over the years, the electorate has increasingly expressed dissatisfaction with Republicans and Democrats and, at times, chosen members of other parties for local governing positions.

At a time when the country is deeply divided between the two ends of the political spectrum, the launch of a third political front made up of former Republicans, Democrats, and independents, called “Forward,” intrigued many. The party is co-chaired by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and former Republican New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman. The party is an amalgamation of three organizations: the Forward Party, the Renew America Movement, and the Serve America Movement, and describes itself as centrist. According to the party website, its three priorities are free people, thriving communities, and vibrant democracy.

The party was launched in late July. In early August, the TIPP Poll asked, “How likely are you to consider joining the Forward Party?”

• 31% Likely
• 45% Not likely
• 24% Not sure

Less than a third (31%) were even willing to consider joining the new political party, with just 10% saying it was ‘very likely.’ Close to half (45%) did not consider the possibility. 27% were sure that their political affiliation would not change.

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Despite the fraught political climate, intolerance, and growing political disillusionment with the current political heavyweights, Americans do not seem eager to switch to a new political outfit.

Analyzing the TIPP Poll data based on political affiliations shows the number willing to leave each party and take a chance on the Forward party. Those likely to leave by party ID:

• 38% Democrats
• 22% Republicans
• 31% Independents

Based on political ideology, those who would consider shifting allegiance to a new party read:

• 28% Conservative
• 32% Moderate
• 34% Liberals

The data shows the Forward party is likely to seem more appealing to Democrats and moderates when compared to Republicans and conservatives.

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By other demographics, the TIPP Poll data reveals that double the number of men (41%) than women (20%) would consider joining the Forward party. Youngsters are far more willing to consider the change compared to the older age groups.

By income, a third of those in the $30K-$50K and $50-$75K segments and 35% of the above $75K income bracket, were willing to give the new political outfit a chance. On the basis of race, while only 25% of Whites would consider joining the new party, 36% of Blacks and 45% of Hispanics were likely to consider the switch.

While the numbers and percentages of those willing to join the Forward Party may seem small, they are significant enough to make a dent in electoral margins. The data should serve as a wake-up call to politicians across the spectrum who have been losing favor with the electorate.

An earlier Golden/TIPP Poll showed that 61% of those who took part in the survey think that elected officials in Washington mostly represent the views and values of big donors. About one in six (17%) believe elected leaders represent their constituents. And 23% are not sure.

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Further, most of them (52%) are dissatisfied with their congressional representative’s representation of their views and values. Only 37% are satisfied. Another 11% are not sure.

Interestingly, about a third (32%) of those who were surveyed felt that there was no difference between the two main political parties.

But, by party and ideology, the dissatisfaction rates were highest among Republicans and Independents. Also, most conservatives and moderates are dissatisfied. Over four in ten Democrats (44%) and nearly one-half (48%) of liberals were disappointed by their representatives’ work.

• 44% of Democrats
• 59% of Republicans
• 59% of Independents
• 57% of conservatives
• 52% of moderates
• 48% of liberals

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Despite the deep dissatisfaction, the traditional parties are stronger than they appear, with relatively few people actually willing to change the status quo, even when presented with a third choice. A lot of people complain about them, but relatively few people are actually likely to change the status quo.

It is too early to say if the Forward Party will succeed where many others have failed. The current political climate and the rate of dissatisfaction may give the new venture more legs than its predecessors enjoyed. For now, there is something to look Forward to.

READ MORE BY TIPP INSIGHTS

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