Beyond Donkeys and Elephants: Third Parties in American History

Featured Speaker: Mark Stadler, M.P.A.

This class looks at the impact of third parties on presidential elections throughout the history of the United States. Political parties are not mentioned in the Constitution. The framers all seemed to hate the very idea of political parties. The nation did not have a stable two-party system until the 1830s, and third parties swiftly followed. This survey will examine both third parties that were successful over more than one election and those that made a definite difference in a single election. It will also consider why it is so difficult for third parties to make a dent in the electoral system or to endure

Presenter Biography

Mark Stadler became interested in political history when he walked precincts for George McGovern’s presidential campaign in 1972. The experience taught him about the importance of accepting defeat in elections and led him to get a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC San Diego. Stadler continued to study political history in his spare time while working first as a newspaper editor and reporter, and then as a water-policy wonk at the San Diego County Water Authority. Mark has a master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State.

Coordinator: Candace Gietzen