In modern politics, the most pressing issue is electing politicians who genuinely represent the interests of the voting public. The bedrock of democratic governance is the principle that elected officials should serve as faithful stewards of the electorate’s will, ensuring that public policy aligns with the needs and desires of the populace. However, this ideal often seems far removed from the current political reality.
A significant body of research highlights how politicians, regardless of party affiliation, are incentivized to prioritize the interests of powerful corporations and foreign nations over those of their constituents. This phenomenon is driven by the overwhelming influence of money in politics, where campaign contributions and lobbying efforts from wealthy corporations and special interest groups shape policy decisions. Depending on these contributions for their election campaigns, politicians often find themselves beholden to the interests of their benefactors rather than the voters. As a result, policies that might benefit the broader public—such as healthcare reform, climate action, and economic equity—are frequently sidelined in favour of legislation that serves corporate interests, such as tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation of industries.
Moreover, the global landscape has further complicated the alignment of political interests with those of the electorate. In an interconnected world, foreign entities and nations wield significant influence over domestic politics through diplomatic pressure, financial incentives, and strategic alliances. While international relations are undoubtedly complex and require careful management, prioritizing foreign interests often comes at the expense of addressing pressing domestic issues. For instance, trade agreements and military alliances might be pursued in ways that benefit foreign powers or multinational corporations, and these decisions can undermine the economic stability and security of the average citizen.
In addition to the sway of corporate and foreign interests, the current political system fosters an environment where conservative politicians, in particular, are vulnerable to the influence of evangelical and fundamentalist religious groups, as well as far-right extremists. To secure election victories, these politicians often cater to the demands of these vocal minority groups, whose values and priorities do not necessarily reflect those of the broader electorate. This dynamic creates a form of political capture, where policy decisions are driven by the need to appease a specific subset of voters rather than the majority. Consequently, issues such as reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the separation of church and state become battlegrounds where the will of a minority overrides the preferences of the larger public.
Historically, the U.S. political system has been vulnerable to such distortions, with varying degrees of success in countering them. However, the increasing polarization of politics, combined with the growing influence of money and the media, has exacerbated these tendencies, making it more difficult for politicians to represent their constituents genuinely. As a result, many voters feel disillusioned and disenfranchised, believing the interests of the powerful few drown out their voices.
The most critical political issue of our time is not any single policy matter but the fundamental need to elect politicians committed to representing the true interests of the voting public. Without addressing this issue, any other political concerns, no matter how vital, risk being sidelined or distorted in favour of agendas that do not reflect the majority’s will. Hopefully, the political system can serve the people rather than powerful special interests by ensuring that elected officials are accountable to their constituents.
Although two major parties dominate the modern political landscape, independent, nonpartisan, and third-party candidates have emerged who have successfully navigated the political arena without relying on traditional financial support systems. Supporting independent candidates may seem impractical, but such candidates have generally held the voters’ interests above all other influences, suggesting that they are the solution to the problem of money in politics if they get elected.
Candidates like Bernie Sanders, Ross Perot, and the Justice Democrats have exemplified the possibility of winning elections by harnessing the power of grassroots movements, social media, and innovative fundraising techniques.
Bernie Sanders, though running within the Democratic Party in his presidential campaigns, has long identified as an independent and socialist, building his political career outside the mainstream party structures. Sanders’ campaigns were notable for rejecting Super PAC money, instead relying on small-dollar donations from a broad base of supporters. His campaign demonstrated that it is possible to raise substantial funds without corporate backing, using online fundraising platforms to amass contributions from millions of individuals. This approach provided financial resources and built a deeply committed and loyal base of voters who felt directly invested in his success.
Ross Perot’s 1992 presidential campaign is another significant example of how a candidate outside the traditional party system can impact the political landscape. Running as an independent, Perot bypassed the Republican and Democratic parties, using his wealth to fund his campaign. However, his success was only partially due to his financial resources. Perot’s candidacy was marked by his direct appeal to voters through televised infomercials, where he outlined his policy positions in detail. His ability to communicate directly with the electorate, bypassing the traditional media gatekeepers, allowed him to build a substantial following, ultimately winning nearly 19% of the popular vote—a remarkable achievement for an independent candidate.
The Justice Democrats represent a recent example of how non-establishment candidates can leverage modern technology and grassroots organizing to achieve electoral success. This political action committee was founded to support progressive candidates who refuse corporate PAC money, focusing on policies that directly address the electorate’s needs. The Justice Democrats have successfully supported several candidates, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who have unseated incumbent Democrats in primary elections by running on platforms that resonate with the concerns of ordinary voters. These candidates have utilized social media to build their campaigns, engaging with voters directly through platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube and using targeted digital advertising to reach specific demographics.
The success of these candidates highlights how the modern political environment provides new tools and opportunities for those outside the traditional party structures to compete effectively. Social media platforms, in particular, have revolutionized political campaigning, allowing candidates to bypass traditional media outlets and engage with voters on a personal level. By crafting their narratives and responding swiftly to attacks or misinformation, these candidates can maintain control over their public image and build a robust and loyal following. The ability to reach voters directly through social media also allows for more targeted messaging, where candidates can tailor their communications to address different voter groups’ specific concerns and aspirations.
Furthermore, data analytics has become increasingly important in modern campaigns, enabling candidates to gain deeper insights into the electorate’s motivations, fears, and aspirations. This information allows candidates to fine-tune their messaging and campaign strategies to resonate more effectively with voters. For instance, by understanding the issues that matter most to different demographic groups, candidates can focus their resources on addressing those concerns, thereby increasing their appeal to those voters.
Therefore, Independent, nonpartisan, and third-party candidates represent a viable path forward in a political system often seen as dominated by corporate interests and party elites. By leveraging the power of social media, online fundraising, and targeted digital advertising, these candidates can bypass the traditional barriers to entry into politics and connect with voters more directly and personally. This approach democratizes the political process and provides a blueprint for how future candidates can win elections without being beholden to the interests of the wealthy and powerful.