Third parties work, it takes many years to get one going.
The last time a 3rd party succeeded was in 1860. That was the Republican Party. However:
The Whigs had self destructed.
The Democrat Party had split and nominated two different candidates for president.
The southern states refused to let the Republican's (Lincoln) name appear on the ballot.
The outgoing president (Buchanan, a Democrat) didn't endorse either Democrat.
Even then, the Republican only got 40% of the vote. but that was enough to winin the electoral college.
So...as for a 3rd party nowadays, fuggedaboudit!
