I live in a solid blue state. It will in no way, shape, or form go Republican no matter who the candidate is.
That is why I am making a strategic vote this year and voting for the Green Party.
If you are a Republican or conservative living in a solid blue state, and you DON'T vote for the Green Party then you are not thinking long term.
If the Green Party receives over 5% of the popular vote then they will get public funding in the next cycle and official recognition. They would be able to seriously petition to be included in debates, etc. They would force the Democrats to move openly left in order to court the Green vote.
This is bad for Democrats, and good for Republicans.
So even if my first choice was the Republican candidate, I'm still voting Green Party.
Any other choice is just being naive or stupid or both.
Interesting strategy, might have promise