America We Need To Talk: A New Movement or A Third Party—Or Both?

Over the last few weeks, we have received an outpouring of messages from people across the political spectrum—Democrats, independents, and even former Republicans—all asking the same question: Do we need a new movement, a third party, or both?

This isn’t just a progressive concern. It’s coming from moderates, centrists, and independents who are watching in frustration as the Democratic Party flounders. The corporate takeover of our government is undeniable, and the response from Democratic leadership is weak at best. People are realizing that politicians won’t save us—we will.

The question is, how?

This isn’t the first time Americans have had to fight for real change. The people have always led movements, and politicians have only followed when forced. Throughout history, grassroots activism has been the catalyst for major political shifts. We are now living through another such moment in history where it is time to decide: do we build a movement to take back the Democratic Party, or do we create a new political force entirely?

Where We Are: A Failing Strategy

Democrats are losing ground. A Quinnipiac University poll puts their approval rating at a historic low of just 21%, while Republicans are at a record-high 40%, and Trump himself has hit 45%—a number once thought impossible. The Democratic strategy isn’t just failing; it’s actively alienating voters.
For example, despite knowing for at least two years in advance that the right would enact the draconian Project 2025, Democratic leadership appears flat footed and blindsided, as if the 900 page manifesto was some closely held secret and not blasted across every corner of the Internet. Rather than present a coordinated, bold vision for the future, Democratic leadership seems paralyzed—afraid to act for fear of offending corporate donors, major PACs, or the mythical “middle” that no longer exists. This go-along-to-get-along mentality is making it impossible to counter the rising tide of right-wing extremism, which is now disappearing legal residents for the ‘crime’ of exercising their Constitutionally protected free speech.

Why Congress is Weak and Ineffective

Many members of Congress are terrified to take risks. Even as the opposition party, too many Democrats rely on corporate donors and PACs like AIPAC, who dictate their positions. Instead of fighting for bold solutions, they play it safe and prioritize their careers over the urgent needs of the people.
The result?
A party too scared to lead, too compromised to be effective, and too weak to counteract fascism. If we’re serious about saving our democracy, we need to take the power out of the hands of corporate interests and put it back where it belongs—with the people.

How Change Happens: Lessons from History

Throughout history, political transformation has come from outside the establishment:✅ The Republican Party itself was born from a collapsing Whig Party in the 1850s.✅ The Progressive movement forced major reforms in the early 1900s, including women’s suffrage and labor rights.✅ Globally, movements like France’s En Marche and Germany’s Green Party have disrupted traditional politics.
Meanwhile, major social movements—including civil rights, labor rights, and LGBTQ+ rights—didn’t start with electoral power, but with relentless grassroots activism.
Both of us have directly challenged these entrenched systems. Marie fought against corporate influence in Congress, only to be targeted by establishment forces. As a human rights lawyer, I’ve worked to expose injustice, often facing overwhelming opposition. We see the need for reform as a minimum, and possibly much more.

What Would a New Movement or Party Look Like?

Any effort to reclaim democracy must be structured, strategic, and built for the long haul. This could include a rebranded, powerful caucus within the Democratic Party—one that enforces accountability and actually delivers for the people. Another oft mentioned path is a whole new third-party coalition that starts local, wins elections, and builds national credibility on the tenants of economic, social, and climate justice. Or finally, a hybrid approach—running candidates both within and outside the Democratic Party to challenge corporate influence from all angles. Regardless of the approach, the movement must accomplish three indisputable things. It must:
● Solve real problems, not play political games or engage in culture wars.
● Include everyone—never throwing any group under the bus.
● Build and sustain without the influence of dark PAC or corporate money.

The Biggest Obstacle: Money

According to End Citizens United, more than 90% of Americans across the political landscape want corporate money out of politics. How depressing then, that despite this overwhelming unity in the American people, corporate money dominates both major parties with no hint of slowing down. Any new movement will require millions of dollars to run a viable operation, pay staff, secure ballot access, and reach voters, and do so without corporate support.
Without a strong financial strategy, even the best-organized movement will struggle. But we cannot and should not create a movement or a third party on the same corporate funded pillars of the two current parties. Therefore, we need mass movement of people, small dollar contributions, and a categorical rejection of all dark pac and corporate money. The truth is, this is extremely difficult, but it is also worthwhile.
Other Challenges: Egos, Intimidation, and Establishment Resistance
The political world is full of gatekeepers, careerists, and bullies who maintain control through intimidation. Any movement—whether within the Democratic Party or outside of it—will face resistance from all sides.
Centrist politicians who stand for nothing will fear-monger about “splitting the vote,” while corporate media will dismiss such a movement as unrealistic. But history shows that bold, people-driven movements succeeded when they ran on principles and justice, and refused to back down to intimidation and threats.

Signs of Hope: The People Are Already Leading

Despite the failures of some elected Democrats, grassroots activism is making a real impact:✅ Unionization efforts are at an all-time high, securing better wages and conditions
✅ Boycotts are working, forcing corporations to cut ties with extremists.✅ State Attorneys General are successfully suing corrupt politicians and reversing cruel policies.✅ Local organizers are flipping school boards and city councils.
These wins prove that direct action, economic leverage, and legal strategies are working—even when Congress refuses to act. Change won’t happen overnight. Whether we build a movement within the Democratic Party or create a new political force, we need a plan. The best approach is to start small, win, and then scale up.
● Pilot programs: Identify winnable races and back bold candidates.
● Local wins: Focus on city councils, state legislatures, and ballot initiatives.
● Expand nationally: Build credibility, public trust, and public financial support over time.
This process could take years—maybe a decade. Unfortunately, there’s no quick flip of a switch to stop the increasing right wing authoritarianism harming working people every single day. But without a long-term strategy, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. And while it will take time to build a justice based movement, the good news is that all the pieces are here and with us now. We have the ideas, the vision, and the people fed up with the status quo. Sadly, the Democratic Party’s approval is in free fall, and Trumpism is gaining strength. We need to lead with vigor and consistency now, if we hope to uphold justice tomorrow and for the next generation.
We wrote this because we hear you when you tell us you are pissed. Let’s channel that anger into a thoughtful path forward, and form that promised more perfect Union, together.

Join the Discussion

Join Marie Newman and Qasim Rashid for a live discussion on Sirius XM and Substack Live. Send us your questions, and let’s build this movement together.
The people will lead—politicians will follow. Let’s get going.

Offer to all paid Substack subscribers: For those folks who are current paid subscribers and for those who become paid subscribers before 3/18/25, my publisher is offering a 25% discount to my new book, A Life Made From Scratch, a personal story of everyday activism and politics. If you are already a paid subscriber you are all set, I will send you the discount link on 3/18/25 and you can purchase the book from that link. For folks who wish to become a subscriber at $5/month, here is the paid subscription sign up that will enable your book discount. Marie Newman on Substack: @marienewmanstudio.

This article originally appeared on Substack.com @marienewmanstudio.com