Watch Left Out: Beyond the Two-Party Horse Race

Left Out: Beyond the Two-Party Horse Race is a documentary film from 2017 that delves into a widely debated topic in American politics: the two-party system. Directed by Stroudsburg University professor and filmmaker Telly Davidson, the film features interviews with several renowned intellectuals, including Noam Chomsky, Amy Goodman, and Jesse Ickler, among others.

The film sets out to explore the shortcomings of the two-party system in American politics and why it has failed to represent diverse voices and interests. It argues that the two-party horse race not only stifles democratic expression but also perpetuates social inequality, injustice, and political polarization. By featuring some of the most influential political thinkers today, the film aims to initiate a much-needed debate on the state of democracy in the United States.

The film begins with a brief history of the two-party system and how it came to dominate American politics. It then moves on to discuss the misconceptions and flaws of this system. According to the film, the two-party system is flawed in that it does not represent the diversity of opinions and interests in American society. Instead, it creates a false binary that pits one side against the other, with no room for alternative views.

Throughout the film, the interviewees provide their insights and criticism of the two-party system. Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist, philosopher, and political activist, argues that the two-party system is not a genuine democratic choice, but rather a form of duopoly that offers no real solutions to the problems facing the nation. Amy Goodman, the host of Democracy Now!, offers her perspective on how the media perpetuates this duopoly by focusing on the binary of Republican versus Democrat.

Jesse Ickler, a co-founder of the Green Party and author of 'Building a Movement to End the New Jim Crow,' calls for a new political paradigm in which people are more involved in the decision-making process. He argues that the two-party system has failed to address systemic issues at the root of social injustice in America. The interviews are supplemented with footage of rallies, protests, and other events that illustrate the detrimental effects of the two-party system on American democracy.

Despite focusing on a somewhat divisive issue, Left Out remains impartial and does not give preference to any one political view. Instead, it seeks to present different perspectives and encourage constructive discourse. The film argues that current political structures are insufficient and ineffective, and that the need for structural change is urgent.

In addition to exposing the flaws of the two-party system, the film offers suggestions for what needs to be done to reform American politics. The interviewees suggest alternatives such as proportional representation, preferential voting, ranked-choice voting, and expanding the spectrum of parties to ensure a more fair, representative election process. The film also advocates for a more civic-centered society that is more engaged in local and national political processes.

Overall, Left Out: Beyond the Two-Party Horse Race is a thought-provoking documentary that tackles an important issue in American politics. It challenges viewers to think critically about the current state of democracy in the United States and consider alternatives to the two-party system. With an impressive lineup of intellectuals and activists, the film provides a rich and diverse range of perspectives that will appeal to anyone interested in American politics and democracy.

Left Out: Beyond the Two-Party Horse Race is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes.