Ralph Nader

I don't know that the right approach to establishing a third party is at the executive level. If Nader wanted to build a strong party, it almost seems like the better solution would be to build a legislative base first.

there is some voter fatigue, so remembering 14 candidates positions and values becomes a lot more work than tracking 2 guys, especially if you're busy (i'm not saying that's my personal take, but an example), and the 3rd parties here tend to try to get elected president first, instead of looking to win local/state seats, then house seats, then get a senator or two...

most presidents are ex-senators or governors...

yeah that's a good point, I think his motivation is to simply keep plugging away at keeping the idea of a 3rd party alive which is important nonetheless.A legitimate third party that could actually win a few states would force us to amend the electoral college. Neither the Republicans or Democrats would have a candidate strong enough to pull 270+ electoral votes if say, Nader was pulling 30 in an election.

I do think that the presidential election in November of every fourth year should be between only two candidates, just so we aren't electing a president on a plurality. However, I would like to see a system where those two candidates aren't necessarily one democrat and one republican, but two good candidates that a majority of America could both get behind.