A New Way Forward

Why I Choose To Run as an Independent

In a political landscape overwhelmingly dominated by two parties, where media saturation and social media algorithms reinforce binary thinking, the spirit of public service is at risk. Many feel discouraged, disempowered, and disenfranchised, believing that their voice can no longer make a difference in the grand tapestry of our nation's governance. It is against this backdrop, reflecting on my years as a teacher of US history and the Constitution, an Army chaplain, a minister, and through living everyday life as a husband and father, that I have decided to run for president as an independent candidate. My name is Dr. Michael Cunningham, and I'd like to share with you why this journey, albeit unconventional, is one worth embarking on.

Our nation was built on the foundation of bold ideas and the audacity to believe that commoners can govern themselves. The 45 presidents who have led this nation were not demigods but imperfect individuals who harnessed their leadership capabilities to adapt to the challenges of their times. They were, at their core, representatives of the people. Somewhere along the way, we have lost sight of this powerful truth. The narrative has shifted to one where the ordinary American is seen as a passive participant rather than an active driver of change.

My decision to run for the presidency springs from a desire to challenge this narrative. It's less about the odds of winning and more about demonstrating the possibilities that exist outside the conventional framework. By stepping into the arena as an independent candidate, I aim to showcase that the pathways to political engagement and influence are many and varied. If I can secure a spot on the ballot, it serves as a tangible proof that the system is accessible to those who dare to engage with it directly.

This journey is not just about me; it's about reigniting the belief that every American has the potential to make a significant impact. It's a call to those who feel disenfranchised, to the thinkers, the dreamers, and the doers who have been led to believe their contributions would be like drops in an ocean. I'm here to remind you that enough drops can start a wave—a wave of change that redefines our political landscape.

With this campaign, I also pose a question that lingers on the minds of many: Are there really only two political parties? Or have we been conditioned to see our system through a limiting binary lens? It's time to expand our perspectives, to consider that the richness of American political life could be enhanced by embracing a plurality of voices.

Running for president as an independent is my way of opening up that conversation, of proving that the barriers we perceive are not as insurmountable as they seem. It's an invitation to imagine a political future grounded in

 genuine representation—a future where the everyday person not only can make a difference but is actively encouraged to do so.

Our nation stands at a crossroads, and the path forward is fraught with challenges. Yet, I remain hopeful. In the spirit of the countless leaders who have shaped our country's story, I step forward—not just for myself, but for every American who believes in the power of change. Together, let's turn the page and begin a new chapter in American politics, one where the independent spirit of our people shines the brightest.

Coming soon... A deeper dive into the question, "Are there really only two political parties?" Stay tuned.