I have to disagree with you on the first part. I think that it has to affect the candidates somewhat when they see growing numbers of people either not voting or voting for a third party. Even Rove has stated the importance of getting certain parties on the side of Republicans in the 2000 election. Say a large group of the electorate, evangelicals (Christians) for example, were to hypothetically sit out more than one election, what would happen? How would a candidate try to regain that vote?
Eventually, and I'm not saying necessarily in 2004, this is going to happen. A protest vote from the right will eventually occur to the point that it will make the Republican party realize they can't continually keep moving to gain votes.
True, but when it comes to the presidential elections in real time, it doesn't, but I guess it will over the years maybe, say between two elections, in that it could affect how the losing party's candidate reorganizes its platform.
Eventually, and I'm not saying necessarily in 2004, this is going to happen. A protest vote from the right will eventually occur to the point that it will make the Republican party realize they can't continually keep moving to gain votes.
I don't know if that can affect the presidential level politics.
Where is the "protest vote" from the left? Nowhere to be found, obviously. What does that tell you?
One thing I'll say about the Democratic Party, as repugnant as I find it.....their ideals, their morals, and their candidates. They are extremely loyal to their party.