Brain Fertilizer

Heck of a good point.

I used to be one of those people who said that in the national elections, a vote for a third party was a wasted vote. Someone recently changed my mind.

I still can't break away from the idea that votes have to be used strategically, though. That is, the vote that gets me closer to my goal is the vote that I'll cast. So, while Bush may not be my ideal candidate, he'll keep me closer to my goals that a protest vote will. The choice, for me, is easy.

But, that's a nice point. If I did give into the urge to cast a protest vote, it really wouldn't be saying anything, would it?

Ya know, I do think a 3rd-party vote can send a message. If 99% of Republicans voted for a libertarian, that would send a message, as well as sending a libertarian to the White House...[grin]
I guess I was only thinking about voting for Kerry instead, or not voting at all: no message is really sent.

I still can't break away from the idea that votes have to be used strategically, though. That is, the vote that gets me closer to my goal is the vote that I'll cast.

This is why I will most likely vote for Kerry. but it is always disappointing when you can't throw your entire, enthusiastic, joyful support behind a candidate. In the primary, I "protest voted" and wrote in a candidate I deemed worthy of the Presidency, but when push comes to shove, I will probably vote Kerry.

Of course, the addition of Edwards does make it a tad easier. But I do wish the DNC's chosen candidate had been someone I felt more for.

With all honesty and total seriousness, I wish the DNC's chosen candidate could have been someone you felt more for.
I'd rather lose to a Democrat who wins people to his cause than merely someone who gets the majority of his votes because he's pro-choice and Not Bush.