Politics at the Periphery: Third Parties in Two-Party America [Paperback]

J. David Gillespie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1993

Politics At The Periphery: Third Parties In Two-Party America by Gillespie, J. David

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Calling the third party impulse "alive and kicking," Gillespie offers a readable, but not rigorously analyzed, potpourri of history, political science and reportage. Professor of political science at Presbyterian College, Clinton, S.C., Gillespie argues that, because the major parties are pragmatic and not ideological, they leave space for third parties of more pointed philosophy. However, in contrast to the proportional representation of parliamentary democracies, our winner-take-all electoral system hampers third parties--an issue Gillespie might have emphasized more. He sketches the history of third parties like the Antimasonic Party during their golden age in the 19th century, as well as 20th-century parties like the Progressives and George Wallace's American Independent party. But his analysis of Ross Perot's 1992 presidential campaign is thin, ignoring how Perot orchestrated his entry into the race. He also describes the role of blacks and women in third parties and the impact of third parties on the state and local levels. Interspersed throughout the book are interesting sidebars, such as a chilling interview with a leader of the National Socialist White People's Party. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: University of South Carolina Press (May 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872498433
• ISBN-13: 978-0872498433
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,518,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource on obscure US political parties, June 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Politics at the Periphery: Third Parties in Two-Party America (Paperback)

Presented in meticulous detail of certain events pertaining to several third parties; chronicles lots of information from the charisma of Eugene Debbs to the recent outrageous quotes of H. Ross Perot. Even the Libertarian party is covered well. This book was researched for over a decade and Gillespie has some surprise interviews contained therein, interviewed a leader of an American Nazi party. A must-read for those interested in old and current fringe parties in our two-party system. Gillespie's style of writing is pleasing to typical political science junkie.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reasonably thorough examination of American 3rd parties, May 25, 2002

By 

Samuel Freeman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Politics at the Periphery: Third Parties in Two-Party America (Paperback)

For those interested in the history and contributions of 3rd parties in American politics, this is a very good book. Though now somewhat dated, Politics at the Periphery remains worthwhile reading both for individuals and in Political Science and History courses on American political parties. Neither the historical contributions or 3rd parties, nor their continuing potential as catalysts for meaningful political change are sufficiently appreciated in society today. Gillespie gives us a means of rectification. We would be well served if Gillespie would revise the book in light of the roles of 3rd parties the 2000 elections in particular.

As for weaknesses, Gillespie almost completely ignores La Raza Unida Party. While the party was relatively short lived and confined primarily to Texas--though it had some temporary success in expanding the party to other Southwestern states with relatively large Mexican-American populations--the party's impact on Texas politics (with clear ripple effects on national politics) was profound. Prior to La Raza, the Texas Democratic Party was a white boy's party in virtually every sense of the word. The clear threat of La Raza compelled Texas Democrats to open the party to Mexican Americans and, in the process, also assisted in making it more open to African Americans. These changes helped to fuel the exodus of white racist Democrats into the Texas Republican party, spurring Repbulican ascendency to domination in the State and contributing to the ascension to the White House by both George H. and, especially, George W. Bush.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting and sometimes disturbing look at politics on the fringe..., October 12, 2008

By 

Joe Anthony "Joe Anthony" (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Politics at the Periphery: Third Parties in Two-Party America (Paperback)

You will not find a more comprehensive book on the subject of third parties in America. Even though it is organized somewhat like a text-book, it is actually quite enjoyable to read, and understandable (unlike most books on history and especially text books on history which are usually unbearably esoteric and dull).

It is also a very interesting to topic, in that it looks at the eccentrics on the fringe of mainstream American politics. From the Don Quixote's with their sometimes bizzare idealisms; the hot-heads with their black and white view of the world; and the down-right mean and ugly racists and reverse racists-the story of third parties in America presents a colorful reflection of American politics on the edge.

...and yet, all of these archtypes (or screaming maniacs) are also at the heart of the American political psyche. I know that in my circle of neighborhood friends and acquaintences there has always been someone whose outspoken view of America mirrored the views of a Eugene Debs; an Al Sharpton; a Ralph Nadar; a Ross Perot; a Ron Paul; a Strom Thurmond; and so on.

The third party in represents something truly American: stark individuality (even if it is practiced in the conformity of a group); a willingness to fight against the system (and against incredible odds); and a kind of fanatacism that can only see the world in terms of good vs. evil (much like our American religious traditions from the Puritans on down to the Amish and Jehovah's Witnesses).