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

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).

The history of third party movements in the U.S. is intrinsically interesting even in this book which was obviously written as a college undergraduate text book. Gillespie identifies those third party movements which he considers significant and provides a rather too sketchy history of those parties. One would really have liked to have learned a bit more about many of these now all but forgotten parties. In some cases he does provide some good thumbnail portraits of either the parties themselves or their most prominent leaders. Such sketches enliven the book and give added dimension to both the third parties and the characters most associated with them. In short, this would have been a better book had it contained more history and less political `science'. Still this is an informative book. For example it makes clear that in most cases third party movements were not crushed by machinations of an all powerful two party system. More often than not they imploded due to internal contradictions or by the untimely death or loss of interest by their principal leader(s). The book also weaves good stories about the Socialist Party of Eugene Debs and Norman Thomas and the Progressive Party of Henry Wallace. All things considered, this book would be a good companion to Micah Sifry's book "Spoiling for a Fight", a much lighter and entertaining account of the most recent third party movements. Both are well worth reading.

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.

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.