#of the aforementioned assertion that they don’t know what succeeding in politics entails

[alagaisia]

These all sound like great policies, and while many of the pages here are pretty light on actual strategy, they’re definitely worth a read as informative perspectives on current issues and possible solutions.

However, the fact that this person has never held any political or elected office should be a huge red flag, as is the fact that their degrees are in business and finance rather than politics, law, or government of any kind. They obviously have great values and good intentions. And the work that they’ve done and are doing in housing is important, and would be great experience that would absolutely compel me to vote for a brand-new politician at a state level.

There’s also the fact that this is the first I’ve heard of this candidate, and I basically live in the left-wing tumblr bubble. A quick search shows no articles from any major national news publication on Jasmine Sherman’s candidacy or campaign goals. Your moderate democrat grandparents getting their politics news from CNN are not hearing about a fringe third party candidate who has barely broken through to the demographic who agrees with all of their values. Like it or not, campaigns are successful when they have good advertising. Being on the ballot is great, but if that’s the first place a voter sees your name, it doesn’t count for anything. Regardless of the viability of third-party candidates in the US, there have been plenty in the past with the name recognition to influence (though never favorably) elections, or at least the conversation around them- Ralph Nader, Jill Stein, even Gary “what’s Aleppo” Johnson. Jasmine Sherman, so far, is not one of them.

I would love to someday see a viable multi-party political system in the US, but that’s not what we have right now. And voting in a two-party presidential election for an unknown candidate with no political experience, no matter how idealistic they are, is not the way to get there. Elect third-party candidates to local and state offices. Build a coalition with enough support to get candidates elected to Congress. Get experienced politicians from established parties with a strong base of support from voters, and THEN you can build a well-funded third-party presidential campaign that might have a real shot. But somebody has to put in the work first. The political landscape has to change, and that change starts in local and state elections.

just a general question: are u voting for jasmine sherman? i think they’re the third party candidate who’s most likely to win, just based on the fact that they’re on the ballot in 48 states

Sherman honestly looks like my perfect president, like all of their policies align with what I think is best like:

Abolishment of Police and Education on Firearms

Agriculture Policy and Support of Landback (WIP)

Anti-Indoctrination Policy and Support of Gentle Parenting

Decriminalizing Drug Use/Possession and Decriminalizing Sex Work

Guaranteed Housing and Universal Basic Income

And so many other more or lesser known policies that could genuinely save a lot of lives. Oh, and they also advocate for a free Palestine, Sudan, and Congo.

I am really not sure how they will do and I don't fully expect them to be president, BUT if the vast Americans that would benefit from at least one of Sherman/Bluebear's policies at least knew about them and advocated for their politics no matter who wins the race, I think we might have a chance at making a more equal and safe country.

Take the time to read about them.