[goldfinch]

It is a conundrum, isn't it? But what's the solution? It isn't voting for a Dem or a libertarian/independent [except in very special circumstances]. The solution isn't not voting, either. What is it, then?

The solution is persuading the American public to agree with you on whatever issue is closest to your heart. Right now, the American public is very evenly divided between liberals and conservatives. So, frustrating as it may be, compromises will be made on most important issues. In politics, half a loaf is better than none.

Liberals were able to maintain power from the 30s to the 90s by maintaining the discipline to hold their nose and vote for the candidate that would keep them in the majority...a lesson conservatives would do well to learn.

[Badray]

Liberals were able to maintain power from the 30s to the 90s by maintaining the discipline to hold their nose and vote for the candidate that would keep them in the majority.

You are absolutely wrong about that.

The Dems are a coalition of varying interests. They can all co-exist with each other. The Dems truly have a big tent consisting of many groups who agree on most things even though they rank their own cause higher than the rest. They vie for priority, but any of the leftists that come out on top will not oppose any of the other constituencies. When their issues come to the fore, he will support it. The pro gay rights candidate will not be opposed to animal rights legislation or more taxes or grabbing guns, etc. The pro abortionist will likewise support the other groups.

OTOH, the GOP expects pro life people to support a pro choice candidate. They expect a pro gun person to vote for a gun grabber. In trying to be all things to all people the GOP has its 'Big Tent' inhabitants at odds over competing ideals.