I think we need about five parties to actually have a working democracy. I also think it needs to be an odd number because even numbers become polarizing us v. them things. Three parties is not enough to fix the system because as we've seen in three party elections, the third party candidate usually only serves to help deliver the election to the candidate who is least like them.

Things I look for in political candidates:
--An interest in public service.
--A willingness to compromise.
--A respect for all viewpoints.
--Intelligence and the ability to answer difficult questions.
--The courage to say that they don't know without making it sound like they're trying to cover up their lack of knowledge. Also, to apologize if they say something incorrect or offensive.
--An awareness of privilege and of oppression, especially as it relates to groups that they are not part of.
--A positive campaign message.
--Views that roughly correspond to mine.