Democracy Quote by P.J. O'Rourke
““Only a little more than a quarter of eligible voters cast ballots in Democratic or Republican primaries and caucuses. More than half of the Republicans and nearly half of the Democrats supported candidates other than the two we got.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The New York Times, 1996
Voter turnout in primaries is low, and many voters support third‑party or independent candidates, indicating dissatisfaction with the two‑party system.
In simple terms: Few vote in primaries; many choose outsiders.
Key Takeaway
Engage more in primary elections.
Themes
politics
voter behavior
democracy
party systems
Mood
analytical
concerned
informative
Type
political
commentary
When to use this quote
- local elections
- primary campaigning
- party reform debates
Key Concepts
political science
electoral reform
civic engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do voters avoid primaries?
- What reforms could increase primary participation?
A Different Perspective
Third‑party candidates still face structural barriers.
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