Reply #44: Should be, "Why are they scared of a third party?"

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

The answer is that 3rd parties give alternatives to voters who are dissatisfied with the antics of their own party.

The two "major" parties enjoy a stranglehold on the electorate with the money of the corporations and special interests. It's a sort of perpetual motion machine of contributions, lobbyists, handshakes, deals, with the aim of filling the candidates' coffers for election, and payoffs called "compromises" to those sending the checks.

Third parties threaten the status quo of the plutocrat/politician understanding by going directly to the people for support.

"Don't throw your vote away!" Translates to: "Sell it to me."

The major parties are terrified of people who dare to think for themselves.

Cries of "Party Loyalty" and "Unity" are just another way of saying, "Shut up and do as you're told."