It hasn’t been a good few weeks for the Democratic presidential candidate. When the news first broke that the Federal Bureau of Investigation wouldn’t press charges against Clinton over the e-mail controversy, it appeared that the issue was put to rest. However, as revelations from Wikileaks and the FBI have continued to come forward this summer, the issue has been revived to an even greater degree. Health concerns have also continued to grow amid Hillary’s severe and uncontrollable coughing fits coupled with near fainting at a public ceremony. Continued deception by the Clinton campaign, including lying and covering up Clinton’s health issues, have created a sense of distrust in the Democratic nominee.

Is it really any surprise that her poll numbers are dropping?

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi appeared on CNN to address the issue. When talking about the declining poll numbers of her party’s nominee, as well as the rising unfavorability ratings, she placed the blame on other candidates. It has nothing to do with Clinton not being trustworthy but rather has everything to do with Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein stealing minimal votes.

If your candidate is losing because two candidates polling in the single digits are stealing votes, you have a problem. Johnson and Stein both are no Ross Perot, and will not have a significant impact on the election. Stein has been lingering in the low single digits, barely edging no-name Independent Evan McMullin, while Johnson failed to make the debate stage due to polling.

But they’re the reason why Clinton is failing?

There’s a trust issue in both major candidates. While Clinton is looking worse by the day, many Americans do not consider Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump a safe alternative. With a month and a half remaining until the election, generally third party poll numbers slip as Americans start becoming more pragmatic about their options. This isn’t happening in 2016.

Pelosi’s perception of the current voting trends is representative of the ignorance of the political elite. When candidates fail, the people are blamed. When people fail to feel the blame, the guilt begins. Do people want to enable another Ross Perot or Ralph Nader to cut down a major party base?

People are fleeing to Gary Johnson because he represents a different tone that is less bitter and combative than the major party candidates. His ticket alongside Bill Weld has been sold as a more moderated approach. Jill Stein is gaining support because Senator Bernie Sanders supporters know that Clinton will never understand their concerns.

People feel they have to go elsewhere, either via third party or by write-in, to make their voices heard.

The nomination of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. While Republicans nominated Trump and Democrats nominated Clinton, many Americans seem unimpressed, as indicated by high unfavorability ratings. This has nothing to do with third parties playing spoilers and everything to do with the political parties putting up questionable candidates.

Are the two parties entitled to the votes of Americans everywhere simply because the system is stacked in their favor?