"Build a Wall Around America" Party might win in 2008

This piece of news is weird, and a bit scary.

April 27, 2006--Democrats currently hold a 12-point advantage over Republicans on a generic 2008 Presidential ballot. However, a third-party candidate focusing on immigration enforcement issues could fundamentally alter those political dynamics.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national opinion survey finds that 44% of Americans say they would vote for a Democrat if the Presidential Election were held today. Just 32% would vote for a Republican. Those figures are likely a reflection of unhappiness with the Bush Administration rather than a commentary on prospective candidates from either party (see crosstabs).

The survey also asked respondents how they would vote if "a third party candidate ran in 2008 and promised to build a barrier along the Mexican border and make enforcement of immigration law his top priority."

With that option, support fell sharply for both major parties. The Democrats still come out on top with support from 31% of Americans. The third party candidate moved into a virtual tie at 30% while the GOP fell to 21%.

I suspect it's reasonably likely that some group like the "Minutemen" might well start a third party effort orgainized around a "build a wall around America" theme. This poll suggests they might even have a shot at winning.

I'm very happy about the Republicans being in the cellar here, but I'm not happy at all about the strength of this anti-immigrant sentiment. It's narrow minded, bigoted, and ugly. It has no place in this country.