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Chapter 9: Political Parties
Video Exercises
Watch the videos below and answer the questions that follow.
1.

Third-party candidates play an important role in the electoral process, even if the widespread financial and popular support of the two major parties rarely provide opportunities for a third-party victory in elections. Some voters view third-party candidates as “spoilers” in close races between Republicans and Democrats, while others see them as an essential part of a functioning pluralist democracy.

Al Gore on Third Party Candidates Current TV November 10, 2008

How important are third-party candidates to you? Have you ever voted for a third-party candidate? Why or why not?
2.

The Onion News Network is a daily web video broadcast created by the news satire publication The Onion, and features video segments that parody 24-hour cable news network programming.

Old, Grizzled Third-Party Candidate May Steal Support From McCain The Onion News Network

In what ways does the above video satirize third-party candidates? How would you explain the humor in the above clip, based upon the chapter’s discussion of third-party politics in your textbook?
3.

Moveon.org is a nonprofit, progressive, liberal public policy advocacy group and political action committee which has raised millions of dollars for candidates of the Democratic Party in the United States.

I'm a Republican, and I'm Voting for Barack Obama MoveOn.org

What does this video suggest about the changing relationship between political party identification and voting behavior in the United States? Explain your answer using the discussion of group affiliation in your textbook.
4.

Small Media Extra Large is a creative content and digital video production company that creates video for web, mobile devices, television, and more. They have garnered attention and praise for their videos featuring politically-themed content.

I'm a Democrat, I'm a Republican Small Media Extra Large 2006

Does this video effectively characterize the differences between Republicans and Democrats? Why or why not? What are some other differences between the two major parties?

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