Athletes are increasingly running for political office, with some leveraging their sports fame to appeal to voters, as both parties explore outsider candidates to address public dissatisfaction with traditional politics. However, public opinion on athletes' political involvement remains mixed.
The article criticizes Democrats for chasing political fantasies and outsider candidates instead of focusing on pragmatic strategies to win elections, emphasizing the importance of electing capable candidates over seeking inspirational figures, and warning against the dangers of personality cults in politics.
The emergence of outsider candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, running as independents in the 2024 presidential election is causing concern for both the Democratic and Republican parties. While these candidates are not expected to win the presidency, there is worry that they could siphon support from the ultimate nominees, potentially impacting the outcome. The rise of outsider candidates reflects the desire for alternative options among voters, but historically, polls showing support for a third party have not translated into substantial backing for actual third-party candidates. The major parties are preparing for the threat by warning voters about the potential consequences of voting for candidates without a viable path to victory.