The 1912 presidential election was significantly influenced by Theodore Roosevelt, who, after losing the Republican nomination to William Howard Taft, decided to run as a third-party candidate for the Progressive Party. His entrance into the race divided the Republican vote, allowing the Democratic candidate, Woodrow Wilson, to win the presidency with a plurality of the electoral votes. Roosevelt's candidacy brought progressive issues to the forefront, shaping the political landscape and highlighting the divide within the Republican Party. In my view, having a third-party candidate can be fair, as it provides voters with alternative choices and reflects a broader spectrum of political beliefs. However, their participation can also complicate the election outcome, potentially leading to the election of a candidate who might not have won in a two-party race. More recent examples include Ralph Nader in the 2000 election, where his candidacy is often cited as a reason for Al Gore's narrow loss to George W. Bush, as Nader attracted votes that might otherwise have gone to Gore, illustrating how third-party candidates can significantly impact election results.
Take a close look at the electoral college map of the 1912 presidential election.
In a paragraph and in your own words, explain the impact Teddy Roosevelt had on this election. Do you feel its fair to have a 3rd party candidate? Why or Why not? Explain other, more recent, examples of how a 3rd party candidate had an impact on a presidential election.
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