When if ever will we have a 3rd party candidate (Non D or R) play major role?

[MillennialModerate]

When if ever will we have a 3rd party candidate play a major role in a Presidential election? By major role I mean receive equal media attention, be allowed to take part in debates and most of all actually win a state and receive electoral votes...

[SingingAnalyst]

Hard to predict. Ross Perot in 1992 participated in the debates and won 19% of the PV, broke into the 30s in one state (ME), but won no EV's.

Depending on the 2020 nominees, it could happen in 2020. The performance of the Libertarian party was unprecedented in 2016 at the Presidential level. If there were some sort of Libertarian-Green "Fusion" party in 2020 that perhaps combined economic moderation, prison reform (especially for nonviolent crimes), and a sensible foreign policy, it could make inroads-- though it could be another Eugene Debs (1912: 6% of PV and no EVs) or John Anderson (6.6% of PV and no EVs).

Just a guess, though.

[mvd10]

If some billionaire invests $2-3 billion in an independent presidential campaign and basically buys the media that person might stand a chance. A Kasich/Romney/Bernie third party bid would go nowhere unless they have very significant financial resources (preferably more than the main party candidates).

[Dr. MB]

Depends

–Independent Republican such as John Kasich if Trump wins the 2020 Republican primaries.
–Independent billionaire or celebrity such as Mark Cuban or Dwayne Johnson
–High profile Libertarian such as Rand Paul

[Former President tack50]

Would McMullin (or a McMullin-like) candidate running with the sole objective to win Utah against Trump and a democrat count?

[White Trash]

Hard to predict. Ross Perot in 1992 participated in the debates and won 19% of the PV, broke into the 30s in one state (ME), but won no EV's.

Depending on the 2020 nominees, it could happen in 2020. The performance of the Libertarian party was unprecedented in 2016 at the Presidential level. If there were some sort of Libertarian-Green "Fusion" party in 2020 that perhaps combined economic moderation, prison reform (especially for nonviolent crimes), and a sensible foreign policy, it could make inroads-- though it could be another Eugene Debs (1912: 6% of PV and no EVs) or John Anderson (6.6% of PV and no EVs).

Just a guess, though.

The Libertarian Party under performed in 2016. That was really their year to shine given the unpopularity of the major party nominees and it was completely squandered.

[mvd10]

2020 is the best opportunity. A young billionaire could try to emulate Macron or maybe a prominent Republican will decide that running third party is even better than primary challenging Trump. But in the end the winner will have a D or an R next to his or her name.

[Bidenworth2020]

2020 is the best opportunity. A young billionaire could try to emulate Macron or maybe a prominent Republican will decide that running third party is even better than primary challenging Trump. But in the end the winner will have a D or an R next to his or her name.

ya talkin bout forbes.

[Starry Eyed Jagaloon]

2020 is the best opportunity. A young billionaire could try to emulate Macron or maybe a prominent Republican will decide that running third party is even better than primary challenging Trump. But in the end the winner will have a D or an R next to his or her name.

Bloomberg! Bloomberg! Bloomberg!

Actually though, imagine a race between Trump and someone like Tulsi Gabbard. Surely some sane individual would try to fill the center and do reasonably well.