Never going to happen under the current rule of law. But even with a direct PV election it is unlikely. Just look at the states, where we have no EC. How many independent/third party governors do we have or did we have the last few decades? Not that much. Bill Walker’s (I-AK) election was only possible due to the withdrawal of Dem candidate (Byron Malott) and a flawed GOP incumbent. The reason the two-party system will prevail/has prevailed since the early 19th century is the election by majority and not proportional.
1. Not in our political system
2. We shouldn't. Two parties mean that governing coalitions are clear and chosen by voters. In multi-party systems, it's more undemocratic, with the governing coalitions being chosen after elections with backroom dealing.
I agree, especially with the second point. I think it’s also problematic when the governing party only got about 30% of the vote. That is no real mandate. In some cases even less, when the party system is split in a large scale. See Netherlands or Israel. A too fractured legislature makes governing very complicated and often forces members of the parliament to vote strictly with their party instead of their own judgement.
I'm very surprised nobody's ever run for President on the populist platform of "give you more choices" promising to call an Article V Convention, change the system, and break the duopoly. More than 60% of people weren't satisfied with their two choices in 2016, and thought they deserved better. It could be a winning issue.
It may be an important issue, but no winning issue alone. These 60% probably consist both a significant share of Republicans and Democrats alike. So, a third candidate running on such a populist platform would also have to address other issues important to voters. Economy, taxes, health care, environment, gay marriage, abortion, terrorism, military etc. If he/she is leaning towards to the right of left on these issues, it could alienate either liberals or conservatives and cause them to vote again for the GOP or Dem candidate. Not to mention that it is very difficult to build a full campaign operation at the national level. You need people, resources and at least a billion dollars to run a national campaign.
