How do the media contribute to the high costs of political campaigns? What changes might bring costs down? Should candidates be given free access to the media? Ralph Nader attacked the Republican and Democratic parties in 2000 and 2004 by arguing that there are no substantive differences between them. Do you agree or disagree with Nader's position? Explain your answer. Independent candidates face a variety of barriers to winning the presidency. Does an independent candidate have any real chance for election? Would it be desirable for independent candidates to have a real chance of winning the presidency? What changes would have to be made in our electoral process to improve independent candidate or third-party chances?