This is only one small issue. But it illustrates the kind of detailed information I need to form opinions. The success of Reform Party candidate Jesse Ventura, using the Internet, is but one example of the potential of the Internet for third parties and other unconventional viewpoints. On the Internet, meaningful political affiliation is now possible. He's involved in populist-progressive causes, and can promote them, network with other activists, and build the foundation for a viable third or fourth party movement.
Libertarians are also quite active on the Internet.
Washington Post columnist David Broder was so impressed with their political organizing skills on the Internet in 1996 that he predicted they will become a very serious political movement in the coming years. Interestingly, the Reform Party used e-mail in balloting for its nominees in 1996. Since Ross Perot eclipsed former Colorado governor Richard Lamm, it wasn't much of a contest. But the Reform Party did make contact with tens of thousands of voters via the World Wide Web in 1996. In my view, these third, fourth and fifth parties have new opportunities to build political foundations.