Losing Candidates Important to US Politics

While most voters are focused on who is going to win the upcoming Republican race in Iowa and beyond, who the losers are may be just as important. Not all winners go on to great success, and beyond that, losing candidates may have an important role to fill for the evolution of the American political landscape.


Paving the Way
After all, losing candidates often open the doors for those who follow. Without Ross Perot, would there be a Ron Paul candidate? Without Geraldine Ferraro, would Sarah Palin have been considered? Losing candidates have paved the way for those who followed after, whether in the areas of gender, race, political leanings, or religion. At one time, Americans balked at a Catholic candidate, today the problem more likely to be with a Mormon. Still, the barrier has been broken.


Transforming Politics and Future Candidates
Losing candidates have changed the political process and gone on to become some of the most beloved politicians in history. Just two examples are Barry Goldwater (on the Republican side) and Adlai Stevenson (on the Liberal front), according to the Washington Post. Analysts argue that each of these failed candidacies created a shift in politics that led the way to more successful candidacies, such as Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.


Affirmation of the Process
More than anything else, having candidates who diverge widely from each other affirms the democratic process, often inspiring voters along the way. While other countries put a democratic stamp on an otherwise dictatorial result, in the case of messy US politics, one can be sure that the process has worked. Even the losers have played their important role.

Photo credit: freedomispopular from morguefile.com

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