I don’t think anyone would argue third party candidates can’t be effective spoilers. I think that’s at least partially why they enjoy as much support as they do. But they’re not serious candidates for the office and anyone that votes for them is likely helping the party furthest from their values.
He ran as an independent. Still didn’t get a single electoral vote.
Major spoiler though. In 1992, he got like 20% of the overall vote in an election Clinton won by 6%
I don’t think anyone would argue third party candidates can’t be effective spoilers. I think that’s at least partially why they enjoy as much support as they do. But they’re not serious candidates for the office and anyone that votes for them is likely helping the party furthest from their values.