Great Party
Good Politics
This week, we had the opportunity to sit down with a member of the Normandy party this week. They provided insight on what popping up political parties are working towards. This member decided to go by ‘Raven’ for this article. You can view their website here: https://normanyparty.com
When many people talk about politics there sometimes seem an all around disappointment in the Democratic party. Many constituents were upset by Kamala taking the nomination for President after Joe dropped out. Some of the more critical constituents believed this is what lost her voters and some of them attributed this to her losing entirely. This however was not the final catalyst for this group forming. Raven noted how “the actions of Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer post election and their surrender to Trump”, truly ignited their folks! Some of these unhappy constituents have decided to ban together and bring forward a new political party entirely. Members of this party may be few but they are mighty as their activism crosses over. One of their members named Raven (he/him) met with me to get some more information on their efforts and struggles.
We first dissected into what this party stood for and encouraged its members. This party is Democratic leaning with stark differences in their gun policies, extensive protections for minorities, fights against fascism, and an aggressive stance on protecting the environment. Their gun reform policies focus on education and safety guidelines to get them. The Normandy Party strongly opposes the fascist regime rising up within MAGA, and some Republicans, extremist groups etc. This party has been gaining slow but steady traction in Knoxville. The group has been able to get traction by older activists who want to fight against violence to any minorities. One of the groups initiatives called ‘Gays Need Guns’ is in the works now to accomplish a huge step in to all of their goals at once. This program would partner veterans and LGBT+ members so the veterans can assist the LGBT+ members in purchasing a firearm. The process of buying, keeping, and shooting a firearm can be a very confusing and stressful process. This program is just one of their initiatives to work on issues previously listed.
No rose is without its thorns so there are struggles that this group faces in the upcoming. The thorns this groups faces are struggles any new political party would face. Many guidelines and stipulations make it hard for current political parties to cross those parting lines, to help a third party candidate even find out where to begin. While major party leaders have been cordial to leaders and members in the Normandy party, they have also been firm on the differences between the two parties.
The Normandy Party shortly found out why certain leader had been so firm. The group member recalled the next issue being the differences in policies and rules for political parties and nonprofits. The legalities behind the two programs entirely is incredibly intricate, which makes it hard for third parties to even know where to begin. This issue leads right into what Raven described as “third party antagonism” (TDA) , which many can thank Jill Stein for popularizing. TDA is when a “potential candidate” comes around only when it is time to vote. Jill Stein is the referencing point for many of us due to her popping in every four years, and dividing votes. It is unfortunate but this is the stigma of many potential third party or candidate. This is where the lack of information on how to begin a third party political candidate or third party political group.
No matter these struggles the group preserves one, because they have no choice. In Knoxville the group member directly face issues of Anti-trans laws, anti-immigrant, and anti- lodging when it comes to the Smokies. The members feel as if the Democratic party has failed them. They have found fighting against the system, by working throughout it. They are aiming for next year’s elections for Govenor to try and replace the current Republican Govenor Burchett. The group is currently working hard to spread word, prepare people for the craziness of this administration and continue the good fight.
Updated 04/19/25: in the second paragraph and information regarding how the group got it’s original influence