Republicans and Democrats in Secret Talks to Create a Third Party (thedailybeast.com)
🧠 Overview & Context
In this July 2, 2025 article for The Daily Beast, Sam Brodey reveals the existence of ongoing secret talks between current and former Republican and Democratic officials about forming a new centrist political party. The initiative is a response to growing concerns over political extremism, polarization, and the perceived failures of both major parties to uphold democratic norms.
🧩 Key Details
- The effort is led by a coalition of political operatives and elected officials, alarmed by the direction of the GOP under Donald Trump and frustrated by Democratic infighting.
- Participants include ex-lawmakers, sitting governors, and retired national security officials.
- The project is still in early stages, with no formal name, platform, or candidates announced.
🎯 Goals & Motivations
- The primary aim is to offer a credible alternative in the 2026 and 2028 elections.
- Organizers envision a pragmatic, pro-democracy coalition focused on restoring institutional norms, rule of law, and effective governance.
- Emphasis is placed on building state-level infrastructure and gaining traction through ballot initiatives and local races.
🛑 Challenges & Skepticism
- Critics argue the U.S. political system is structurally resistant to third parties due to the winner-take-all electoral model.
- Others warn that a centrist third party could split the anti-Trump vote, inadvertently helping Trump-aligned Republicans.
“There’s a deep yearning for something that is not authoritarian on the right and not dysfunctional on the left,” said one participant.
📎 Citation
Brodey, S. (2025, July 2). Republicans and Democrats in Secret Talks to Create a Third Party. The Daily Beast. Retrieved from https://www.thedailybeast.com/republicans-and-democrats-in-secret-talks-to-create-a-third-party/
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