Politico co-founder floats anti-elite third party led by Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, Michael Bloomberg
Former Politico CEO Jim VandeHei has either written a brilliant manifesto for a third party that can win the White House or, if the Twitter peanut gallery is any guide, has published an unintentional parody in The Wall Street Journal of what a wealthy, elite Beltway journalist thinks the American electorate wants after he steps out of the capital (or "the Washington, D.C., bubble — the heart of Establishment America," as VandeHei puts it in his op-ed) and takes a look around at Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Lincoln, Maine; and other enclaves "in the heart of Normal America."
The key to beating the two-party duopoly, and bringing the right kind of "radical disruption" to Washington, is to steal "a lot of Donald Trump's and Bernie Sanders' tricks," VandeHei writes, ruling out Trump and Sanders as "fringe" candidates exploiting voter anger. "The way to win is to rail against Big — Big Business, Big Media, Big Government, Big Establishment," he adds, which seems odd given his suggested candidates:
VandeHei even has a name for his proposed party, "The Innovation Party," because "who is against innovation"? It will win by pulling in "the 40 percent of people who don't vote or big blocks of dissatisfied independents with a call to a higher purpose," in this case, "cleaning up the mess" the two parties have left in Washington. Or, if that's not high enough, voters might be inspired by a candidate or running mate "from the military" who can "exploit the fear factor" on terrorism using "very muscular language — there is no market for nuance in the terror debate." Read the entire op-ed at The Wall Street Journal, and take heart: As VandeHei notes, "voters aren't dopes."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Labour's Brexit conundrum
The Explainer Keir Starmer backs 'twin track' strategy – build closer security ties with EU while ruling out single market, customs union and free movement
By The Week UK Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's health
In the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published