Andrew Yang Advocates for New Political Path Outside Two-Party System at Brown Event

Andrew Yang ’96 visited Brown University to discuss his new political path with the Forward Party, emphasizing the need for alternatives to the current two-party system. Yang shared insights from his campaign experiences and examined the current political climate, reinforcing that voters deserve more meaningful representation. The event was well-received by students looking for fresh perspectives in political discourse.

During a lively event Monday night, former presidential candidate Andrew Yang ’96 graced the Brown University campus, energizing attendees with high fives and upbeat interactions. The event, titled “A New Way Forward for American Politics,” was organized by the Brown Political Union and led by its president, Logan Tullai ’25. Yang took this opportunity to delve into his personal journey, recall his dual candidacies, and analyze today’s tumultuous political environment.

Yang, a New York native and businessman, made waves running for the presidency in 2020 and subsequently for New York City mayor in 2021. After his campaigns didn’t pan out as planned, he left the Democratic Party in October 2021. He then founded the Forward Party, aimed at empowering voters as a viable third-party alternative, according to his platform.

To kick off the evening, Yang enthusiastically ran through the aisles of the Salomon Center De Ciccio Family Auditorium, spreading good cheer with high fives, selfies, and even autographing shirts for eager students. It was a light-hearted start, contrasting with the serious political discourse that would follow.

In a pre-event interview with The Herald, Yang expressed concerns about the state of both the Democratic and Republican parties, describing them as “in uncharted territory.” He highlighted recent executive actions by former President Trump that have sparked legal battles, underscoring the unpredictable political landscape. How lawmakers navigate this might influence the future of both parties, he noted.

Yang remarked, “If you look at the dynamic in the House and the Senate, it’s very much up to different Republican lawmakers whether they’re going to get on board or decide to contest Trump’s agenda.” His insights suggested that how Republicans handle these matters could be a pivotal issue moving forward.

He also explained his motivation for launching a third-party movement, saying the current political divide—often boiled down to blue and red—leads to a stagnation where party loyalty takes precedence over productive legislation. As he put it, many voters feel their individual voice doesn’t carry weight.

Despite Congress sporting a low approval rating of about 17%, Yang pointed out the strikingly high rate of over 90% for incumbents when it comes to re-elections, indicating an evident lack of competitiveness in many districts. He argued, “There has to be a different political dynamic in this country than just the two-party system.”

Yang looked back on his own time at Brown, recalling how his concentration in political science and economics shaped his views. He admitted to not being particularly engaged in politics during his Brown years and fondly recalled working as a fry cook and the gaming sessions that filled his free time. “I grew a lot,” he reflected on his college experience.

His shift to politics came after Trump’s initial election in 2016. He felt it was essential to address the rising concerns around technology’s impact on jobs, especially in the white-collar realm, as he campaigned across Iowa. Yang emphasized his idea of universal basic income, now popularly known as the Freedom Dividend, planning to distribute $1,000 monthly to every adult American.

Students in attendance expressed admiration for Yang’s unique approach. Caroline Cordts ’28 remarked, “It’s nice to see a Brown alum involved in government; we need more of that.” Meanwhile, Ava McKie ’28 appreciated Yang’s business-oriented approach, noting, “I think it’s a refreshing approach. He’s using it to help humanity instead of extracting from it.”

Tullai and BPU’s Vice President, Malcolm Furman ’27, expressed that inviting Yang to speak was about bringing fresh perspectives to the political discourse. Tullai summed up their motivation, saying, “A really big part of what we do is to create a dialogue outside of the traditional political party spectrum.” They aim to highlight diverse views on the future of politics, something Yang embodies through his experiences and proposals.

In summary, Andrew Yang’s visit to Brown University sparked insightful discussions about the state of American politics and the potential for a third-party alternative. Yang, who has moved away from the Democratic Party to create the Forward Party, urged attendees to consider new political dynamics beyond the entrenched two-party system. His unique perspectives, fueled by experiences both at Brown and in his political campaigns, resonated with students eager for change in their political landscape.

Original Source: www.browndailyherald.com