The Case for an Independent President in the United States

George Washington has been the only independent president in the history of The United States. Washington, as the nation’s first leader, was a unifying figure chosen in a unique period before the emergence of political parties. However, as political factions developed into the dominant Democratic and Republican parties, the American political system became structured in a way that made it nearly impossible for an independent candidate to achieve the presidency.

Why No Independent Since Washington

George Washington was uniquely positioned to lead as an independent. Revered as the hero of the Revolutionary War, he was unanimously elected because he represented unity in a young and fragile republic. He warned against political factions in his farewell address, cautioning that they would divide the nation. Despite his advice, by the time of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, political factions had crystallized into formal parties, with Adams representing the Federalists and Jefferson the Democratic-Republicans.

Over time, the Democratic and Republican parties became entrenched in every aspect of the electoral process. From shaping ballot access rules to dominating campaign financing and media narratives, the two-party system has built a self-perpetuating cycle of power. Independent candidates, without the organizational and financial support of a major party, have struggled to compete.

The subsequent institutionalization of party politics created a system where presidential candidates were supported by well-organized coalitions capable of mobilizing voters, funding campaigns, and shaping public discourse. Independents, lacking such robust organizational support, found it increasingly challenging to compete. Moreover, the Electoral College system, designed to prevent regional candidates from dominating, “inadvertently” favored candidates backed by major parties with national reach.

The Bipartisan Stranglehold

The two-party system has created systemic barriers that make it nearly impossible for an independent candidate to win:

1. Electoral Infrastructure: The Democratic and Republican parties dominate the ballot access rules in many states, often setting high thresholds for independent candidates to even appear on the ballot. This creates significant logistical and financial hurdles for outsiders.
2. Campaign Financing: Campaign financing laws and the influence of political action committees (PACs) heavily favor established parties. Independent candidates often struggle to raise the same level of funds, especially since donors are more likely to invest in candidates they perceive as viable.
3. Media Bias: Media outlets tend to focus on the two major parties, giving independent candidates limited coverage and reducing their visibility. They are also often excluded from debates, further marginalizing their campaigns.
4. The “Spoiler” Effect: Voters are often reluctant to support independent candidates for fear of splitting the vote and inadvertently helping their least-preferred major party candidate win. This dynamic was evident in elections like those involving Ralph Nader in 2000 or Ross Perot in 1992, where independents were accused of influencing the outcome without winning.
5. Electoral College System: The winner-take-all structure of the Electoral College favors candidates with broad national party support, making it nearly impossible for independents to win electoral votes in most states.

The Case for an Independent President

The need for an independent president is greater than ever. The two-party system has created a gridlocked government, with partisanship continuously taking precedence over the nation’s needs. The current bipartisan model has exacerbated political polarization, making it difficult to achieve consensus on critical issues like healthcare, climate change, and immigration. Both parties prioritize ideological purity and party loyalty over pragmatic solutions and bipartisan cooperation, leaving most Americans feeling unrepresented e.g. 87 million Americans did not bother to vote in November 2024.

An independent president would rise above partisan divisions, offering pragmatic solutions to complex problems. Without the constraints of party loyalty, such a leader would prioritize the interests of the American people over political agendas, an independent president would be beholden to voters rather than party machinery, offering a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to entrenched problems. This type of leadership would help rebuild trust in government and foster a sense of unity in a deeply divided nation.

Learning from Ross Perot

Ross Perot’s 1992 presidential campaign offers a valuable lesson in what an independent candidate can achieve. Perot, a billionaire businessman, ran on a platform that emphasized fiscal responsibility, national debt reduction, and political reform. Despite lacking charisma and the support of a major party, Perot’s message resonated with millions of Americans. He gained significant traction by focusing on issues that appealed to voters across party lines, earning an unprecedented 19% of the popular vote — the most for an independent candidate since Theodore Roosevelt’s 1912 run.

Perot’s relative success -more than three decades ago- demonstrated the potential for an independent candidate to disrupt the two-party system. His abrupt withdrawal and subsequent reentry into the race raised questions about his stability, and his lack of personal charisma limited his appeal. With better messaging, a clear and consistent strategy, and a charismatic presence, a new Perot would be an ideal candidate in today’s political environment.

In today’s political climate, where dissatisfaction with both parties is at historic highs, an independent candidate with strong leadership skills, a clear vision, and an ability to connect with voters could do more than disrupt the status quo — they could win. The rise of social media and digital platforms provides a way for such a candidate to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and reach voters directly. By leveraging technology, building grassroots support, and focusing on the issues that matter most to Americans, an independent candidate could overcome the obstacles of the two-party system.

Final Thoughts

The election of an independent president is long over due and it is not only possible but necessary to break the cycle of partisanship and polarization that has paralyzed American politics. Ross Perot’s campaign showed that an independent can mobilize millions of voters and disrupt the dominance of the two major parties. With a charismatic leader and a unifying message, an independent candidate could harness today’s widespread political discontent to achieve a historic victory. By reforming electoral laws, promoting voter education, and demanding inclusion in debates, Americans can pave the way for a leader who truly represents the people rather than the interests of a party. The time for an independent president is long overdue, and the path forward lies in the hands of voters ready to embrace change and break free from the slavery of the current bi-partisanship.