So, it's either vote for the best candidate, or cower in "fear," eh?
I'm here to inform you fear isn't the only reason to abandon a third- (or fourth-, or fifth-) party candidate on Election Day; in my case, it's realism. Sure, I could go to the poll, show some "fortitude" and "vote my conscience" and feel all warm and fuzzy and civic and "good" about it. (I even did it once, when I was twenty.) Later, hopefully after the lesser of two evils squeaks out a win -- no thanks to me -- I could claim my own, little "victory" when he shows what I perceive to be disregard for the Constitution. (Nah, I couldn't do that.)
But, realistically, when I enter the voting booth, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can't even count on my like-minded FReeper friends to vote for my candidate (let alone any of the less-informed, casual voters in the mushy middle, who get their news from Peter Jennings). Once Election Day arrives, our best efforts could only split the vote and give the White House to the Dems. Realistically speaking, my candidate's grass roots efforts fell short this time. I supported my candidate through the caucuses and primaries. But now, his horse is dead. Rather than flog that dead horse -- and give comfort to the greater evil -- I'll vote for the lesser of two evils, and know I did what I could, instead of chasing a pie-in-the-sky dream (one might just as well fly to the Super Bowl to cheer for the Chiefs).
You guessed wrong; I wasn't trying to make anyone feel guilty or anything else. Just trying to interject some realism. Go ahead, call it "fear" if that makes you feel fearless. Me, I'm content in knowing I didn't and won't cast a vote with the assurance (and hope) that there wouldn't be too many others following my lead.
That's your characterization, not mine. I vote for the candidate that best supports what I believe. I'm not afraid that one or the other person who doesn't support what I believe will win. I don't do it to feel good, I do it because I have a right to express my wishes at the ballot box. So do you. If you want to express that you support someone whom you do not in reality support, go ahead.
Are you trying to make the case that political parties don't sell fear as one of their primary "weapons"?
This argument is as old as Free Republic. (and older)
I'll vote for the lesser of two evils, and know I did what I could, instead of chasing a pie-in-the-sky dream .
You said it yourself, you vote for evil. OK, it's your vote. As to realism, it's in your mind. Jesse got elected, no matter what you think of him. The Socialist Party never elected anyone but got it's entire platform put into law.
As for fear; give the White House to the Dems.
I rest my case on that.
I'm not particularly more afraid of Dems than Repubs. You might be. Old debate, nothing new to be added. Good luck.