There is a republican here in SC that didn't want to run against Hailey in a primary, so he is running as an Independent Republican in the state election for Governor. I am so mad I could spit nails!!!
These types, including Nader along with those above, are publicity seekers. And disruptors.
John Anderson in 1980 must have been out to prevent a Reagan win. I think with him it was philospohical. He represented the more moderate center, and felt Reagan was too far right. (I think Perot was similar, btw)
Had he obtained more votes and stopped Reagan, the result would have been a democrat win, closer to his own political positions.
Buchanan on the other hand, represented the more extreme conservative political positions. Had he blocked Bush's win, the result would have been farther left, not farther right positions.
So we are in agreement about spitting nails. But not all 3rd party efforts are the same, or have the same results.