Will it take an independent or different party to change Washington?

[Altec]

When the word "change" comes up, Hillary usually talks about changing from Republican ideals of the past eight years to Democratic ideals. When Barack uses the word change, he includes Clinton in the entire world of politics and Washington that needs change. I could see myself ultimately supporting Barack is I knew it was possible to bring about change in politic and how it would be done. If he can't, I think Hillary is stronger on the actual issues.

Is it it possible to bring about change in Washington when you have two power house party machines supporting the two mainstream candidates every eight years? How can you change the establishment, when the establishment is what put you there?

So, I have a few questions:

1) Is it possible to really change Washington, or it is just too far off?

2) While the Reagan Revolution did bring about change, it brought only about change in ideals, not change in politics. But an Obama Revolution is about changing politics. Most Republicans aren't going to embrace his very liberal views on the issues. Can he and how will he change politics?

3) Will it take an independent candidate or the emergence of a new national party to change the way things are done? Can someone not identified as a Democratic or Republican win, or can Barack do it?

[aquarius dawning]

1. Kennedy tried to change Washington. nt

[LaurenG]

2. Any party can change Washington - they have to have the power and motivation though

If corporations "own" a candidate then the odds of having any longstanding changes are directly related to what the corporation really wants. Since no one gets to Presidential contender status without the "permission" of a corporation or two backing them, (think Kucinich here) then I'd say the odds of an Independent getting into office are pretty small just to start with.

The only way to change this is from the inside out. Perhaps someone can grow a spine and start to defy what corporate America wants and start doing the job the taxpayers are asking of them. We can hope.

[Fresh_Start]

3. yes, with two party system

its like a pendulum back and forth in the same space

with more parties, there is more movement in different directions

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Two things are needed to make Washington change:

1. Some sort of crisis or catastrophe, ie the Great Depression, 9/11

2. The willingness of members of Congress to act as a unit to write and enact legislation. You saw this in the New Deal and also after 9/11.

If we want real change in Washington, we should concentrate on nominating and electing progressive Democrats to seats in Congress.

[mmonk]

5. A free unbought press that let's people know what's going on.

[Angela Shelley]

6. A reality check for about 300 million people would do it.

[LWolf]

7. No substantive, positive change will happen within the 2-party system. n/t