Summary of "Could Elon Musk's Third Party Ever Win In America? | Ep. 39"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: Could Elon Musk's Third Party Ever Win In America? | Ep. 39
• Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode, David Rutherford and his co-host Jordy delve into the pressing question of whether Elon Musk's proposed third political party, the American Party, has the potential to break the entrenched two-party system in the United States. The discussion is sparked by Elon Musk's recent poll on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which garnered over 5.6 million votes supporting the creation of a new political party aimed at representing the middle 80% of Americans.

Current State of American Politics

David Rutherford opens the conversation by highlighting the significant frustration among Americans with the existing two-party system. He references Elon Musk's poll conducted on June 5, which led to the announcement of the American Party on July 4. Rutherford questions the legitimacy of the poll results, noting potential voting irregularities such as international votes and bot participation.

David Rutherford [03:20]: "Elon Musk presented a poll on X... he asked, 'Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?' And he had everybody vote and guess what? 5,630,775 people voted."

Historical Context of Third Parties in the U.S.

The hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the history of third parties in America, illustrating the systemic challenges faced by such movements. They discuss key historical attempts like Ross Perot's Reform Party and Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose Party, emphasizing how these efforts often split existing party bases and failed to secure lasting success.

David Rutherford [35:35]: "He used to do these really awesome... explain everything. People were like, yeah, we're sick of the spending... and he was able to strike a nerve."

Challenges for Third Parties

David outlines several systemic barriers that impede the success of third parties in the U.S., including:

1. First-Past-The-Post Electoral System: This system favors the two major parties by awarding electoral votes to the candidate with the most votes in each state, discouraging votes for third-party candidates perceived as "wasted."

   David Rutherford [43:16]: "The law posits that certain electoral systems tend to produce specific party systems... first past the post tends to favor two party systems."

2. Ballot Access Laws: Varying state requirements make it difficult for third parties to appear on ballots, often requiring a substantial number of signatures that are challenging to obtain.

3. Strategic Voting: Voters may choose major party candidates over third-party ones to avoid "wasting" their votes, further limiting third-party success.

   David Rutherford [39:47]: "Voters often engage in strategic voting, choosing not to vote for smaller parties. They prefer to support one of the two leading parties likely to win."

4. Funding and Resources: Major parties have significant financial advantages, making it difficult for third parties to compete on an equal footing.

Elon Musk’s Role and Potential Impact

The discussion shifts to Elon Musk's unique position and resources, which could potentially overcome some traditional barriers faced by third parties. Rutherford speculates that Musk's influence, technological prowess, and marketing genius could provide the American Party with the necessary tools to gain traction.

David Rutherford [51:00]: "With his new T Mobile agreement... there's not a place on the planet that you're going to have a dead spot."

However, Jordy expresses skepticism about the practicality and realistic prospects of Musk's ambitions, despite acknowledging the theoretical appeal of a third party that can bridge ideological divides.

Jordy [09:40]: "It sounds like a great idea in theory... but how practical is it? How realistic is it?"

Prospects and Future Outlook

Rutherford remains cautiously optimistic, drawing parallels to historical figures like Andrew Jackson and Ross Perot who, despite initial success, ultimately could not sustain third-party momentum. He underscores the importance of grassroots involvement and systemic change to facilitate the emergence of a viable third party.

David Rutherford [57:53]: "It's our duty as Americans to ask why we can't change the system."

He encourages listeners to engage in local politics, volunteer, and advocate for reforms that could open the door for new political voices.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a call to action, urging Americans to remain open-minded about the possibility of a third party and to actively participate in the political process to drive meaningful change. Rutherford emphasizes that while the challenges are significant, the American spirit of innovation and resilience could pave the way for the success of Elon Musk's American Party.

Jordy [59:08]: "If we can pull off the American Revolution, you can at least ask the question, why couldn't there be [a third party]?"

Notable Quotes:

• David Rutherford [03:20]: "Elon Musk presented a poll on X... he asked, 'Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?'"

• David Rutherford [35:35]: "He used to do these really awesome... explain everything. People were like, yeah, we're sick of the spending... and he was able to strike a nerve."

• David Rutherford [43:16]: "The law posits that certain electoral systems tend to produce specific party systems... first past the post tends to favor two party systems."

• Jordy [09:40]: "It sounds like a great idea in theory... but how practical is it? How realistic is it?"

• David Rutherford [57:53]: "It's our duty as Americans to ask why we can't change the system."

• Jordy [59:08]: "If we can pull off the American Revolution, you can at least ask the question, why couldn't there be [a third party]?"

Key Takeaways:

1. Systemic Barriers: The U.S. electoral system, including first-past-the-post voting and stringent ballot access laws, poses significant challenges for third-party success.

2. Historical Precedents: Previous third-party efforts, while momentarily influential, have struggled to establish lasting presence within the two-party framework.

3. Elon Musk’s Initiative: Musk’s American Party represents a bold attempt to disrupt the political status quo, leveraging his influence and resources.

4. Public Sentiment: A substantial portion of Americans express dissatisfaction with the two-party system, indicating potential support for alternative political movements.

5. Path Forward: Grassroots involvement and systemic reforms are crucial for the viability of third parties in the American political landscape.

This episode provides a thorough examination of the potential for Elon Musk's American Party to succeed in the U.S. political arena, balancing historical context with current political dynamics. It offers listeners a nuanced perspective on the complexities of American politics and the possibilities for future change.