I've been thinking a lot about 1992 and the dynamics of a presidential race shaken up by a viable third party candidate. In 1992 we were victorious against Bush Sr. with less than 50% of the popular vote because Perot stole votes from moderate Republicans and independents and the Dem. base was thirsty for victory after 12 years of Republican rule in the Oval Office.
Has Bush has moved so far to the right that a centrist independent could peel away moderate votes from the GOP, allowing us to take back the White House?
Wesley Clark voted for Reagan, Bush, and Bush. Senator Jeffords of Vt. pulled out of the GOP and turned independent because Bush alienated the Rethug center. There is fertile ground in the center of the political spectrum for a third party ticket.
A three-way race would increase voter turnout, which has historically worked to the advantage of Democratic candidates.
Bush/Cheney vs. Clark/Jeffords vs. Democratic ticket? Now that would be an interesting scenario... and Karl Rove's worst nightmare.