Welcome to the Number of the Day

February 22, 2021

A Gallup poll found that 62% of U.S. adults believe the two major "parties do such a poor job representing the American people that a third party is needed."[1]

While the desire for a third party is up five points since last September, support for the idea of a third party has changed little. Gallup data shows that from 2013 through last year, the number believing a third party was needed stayed between 57% and 61%.[1]

During the presidencies of George W. Bush and Donald Trump, Democrats were generally more interested in a third party. During the Obama years, Republicans were typically a bit more supportive of third parties than Democrats. Now, early in the Biden administration, 63% of Republicans think a third party is needed, along with just 46% of Democrats.[1]