Elon Musk's net worth has taken a $15.3 billion hit after the Tesla CEO announced he was to form a new political party. The news sent ripples through financial markets and spooked investors concerned about Musk's political ambitions and possible implications for Tesla's brand and business operations.

Before we assess the eternally unrealized dream of a potent third party in American politics, let’s consider the specific, recently emergent dream of one specific man: Elon Musk.

If the story of other tech-fueled parties is any indication, it could well survive a while — but struggle for any real traction with American voters.