Why Jill Stein Has Democrats Running Scared

There are fears she will split the vote on the left in her third presidential bid and hand power to Donald Trump

- JASON LEMON

JILL STEIN IS RUNNING FOR president again, and she's making no apologies for 2016- saying it's a "badge of honor" when Democrats blame her for former President Donald Trump's win. If Stein succeeds in securing the Green Party's nomination, it will mark her third longshot bid for the White House, as she first ran in 2012.

While most political analysts say Stein is unlikely to become the 47th president, many say she and other candidates could have a significant impact in the election. As both likely major party candidates, incumbent President Joe Biden and Trump, are uniquely unpopular, her supporters would say 2024 might be the moment for someone like her to break through.

In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Stein mocked the idea that she had the power to hand the presidency to anyone. She also hit Biden, Democrats, and Republicans for their unabashed support for Israel, their responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and their handling of economic issues that impact everyday Americans.

The presidential hopeful said she has a message that's not only for leftists who may hold their noses and vote Democrat but one that can reach MAGA supporters as well.

The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Newsweek: For the average voter that puts politics into two boxes, Republican, Democrat-what is your message? Why should they look at a third-party candidate like yourself?

Jill Stein: Fortunately, this is where most voters are, actually. If you look at things like the Gallup poll, it now shows practically a two-thirds majority of Americans are saying that the two parties have basically failed us, and that we need a new political party that serves the people.