[xzins]

And those votes would have made a difference in that results of the national election.

That is not a new statement, though. People like me repeat it all the time. And people like you have to hear it all the time.

There were some principled people who did not vote for Schwarzie in Calif. last year. That was such an odd election that it didn't cost the election.

The principle for me is easy: Even if I don't get the whole pie, a large piece of pie is better than no pie at all.

[MannyP]

Yes they would have made a difference. That is why the Democratic Party changed as those third party voters would want it. That is the entire point.
Also, I have to ask you at what cost will your sliver of pie come:
* amnesty for illegal immigrants
* highest DOMESTIC deficit spending since LBJ
* fiscally irresponsible missions to mars
* socialized medicine for the elderly
* lies about halfing the deficit
* A continued support of semi-conservatives therefore fueling the idea that they are doing ok.

This is how this will play out as it goes like some of you want:
2004 Bush gets relected and we potentially lose congress due to stay at home base.
2008 Hillary/Bayh gets elected and we lose congress if we have not lost them up to that time. They waste no time socializing everything.
2016 GOP lines up behind another semi-conservative who people, even me, will vote for in order to end the period of shame preceding this.
2020 Manny pleads with his fellow Republicans not to repeat the same mistake as in 2004 by reelecting the semi-conservative.


On the other hand, if things turn out as I want:

2004 Bush loses reelection bid because of ignoring his base. Congressional control remains GOP. Congress limits most damage attempted by President Kerry.

2008 A conservative candidate for the GOP is elected with a united base and middle behind them. Congressional control remains GOP. We start regaining some of the freedoms and fiscal responsibility that we have given away.

Take your pick