Will we ever see a genuine third party candidate win the US Presidency?

I still think that if Ross Perot had not pulled out of the election in 1992 and than reentered three months later he would have been a much more formidable candidate that year. Given the current state of politics and the two political party system I don't see a away a third party candidate will be elected president in our lifetimes. I think it would take a monuments political shift to allow a third party to have the resources and influence to make this possible.

CH (MAJ) William Beaver. I prefer to take a longer term view. There are efforts to convene a convention of the states to amend the constitution among other significant activities: Libertarians, Tea Partiers of all stripes and many Republicans support a convention of the states. That is the forum that could change the electoral college system to a direct vote system similar to the way the US Senators and Congress people are elected now. 32 states [34 are required] have already voted in favor of the constitutional convention ostensibly for a balanced budget amendment. Once convened other issues can be brought up and voted on. I would not be surprised if the electoral college versus direct vote is an early entry - getting rid of the electoral college system would appeal to anybody who does not like the super-pacs and the fact that a few states get the bulk of the early candidates for President - primarily Iowa and New Hampshire. If direct vote for President and potentially for Vice President like many nations expect a general leveling of the playing field after an election or two.

IMHO for there to be a viable 3rd party you need to "Rally the Troops" literally. To do this you'd need a former General like Patreaus, Mattis, Pace, or Powell (or others) to step up and lead the fight to the future of tomorrow...today!!!