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I’m not disagreeing with you, but instead of worrying about "spoiler" votes, they could focus on having strong enough candidates that don’t need to fear third-party competition.
They can focus on both at the same time.
In an election, every little advantage counts for the same reason that every vote counts.
Maybe the margins wouldn't be so thin if they had strong enough candidates though. Many people, myself included, vote based on who best matches our values.
And for me, and many others, that's a third party.
You're assuming that only one side knows how to find strong candidates.
If both sides have strong candidates, then you would expect thin margins. And "strong" doesn't mean "maximally appeals to you". It means "appeals, at least a little, to the maximum number of voters".
You can of course vote for whoever you want. But 30+ years ago third party candidates could get 5% or even 15% of the vote. Since 2000, a third party candidate has only gotten over 2% once (2016). That suggests major party candidates have gotten stronger over the years.
But none of that means we all have to vote for the major candidates or vote out of fear of who MIGHT win.
I am not concerned about "spoiling" any election. I vote for who I want, based on my values. And right now, that's third party.
Again, you are free to vote for whoever you want.
But if you announce that you're not concerned about a Trump victory, then the rest of us are free to judge you for it.
Friend, I've been judged for voting third party ever since I joined Lemmy.
Honestly, many of the hateful remarks I’ve received have only strengthened my resolve that I’m doing the right thing by not voting for the Democratic Party.
I harbor no hate. I just question your judgment
And that's fine. Not everyone agrees with you and your views either.
In fact, almost half of the country won't be voting for your candidate. That's what democracy is.
Yes, of course. I question their judgment for the same reason as yours.
Ultimately a third party voter has more in common with a MAGA hat wearer than they likely want to admit.
Claiming that a third-party voter has more in common with a MAGA hat wearer is a false equivalence; the motivations and values of third-party voters are often rooted in a desire for greater representation and change.
Unlike MAGA supporters, third-party voters are typically pushing against a system they see as broken, rather than endorsing extremist or regressive policies.
If I wanted to vote for Trump, I'd vote for Trump.
I said more in common than you care to admit.
For example, neither MAGA hat wearers nor third-party voters are willing to do the bare minimum to protect women, protect immigrants, or preserve democracy.
That comparison is flawed.
Third-party voters often push for more comprehensive protections for women, immigrants, and democracy than the major parties offer, which is why they refuse to settle for the "bare minimum."
Voting third-party is about advocating for the policies that truly address these issues, not just accepting the status quo.
Dude, I get it. You're mad that I'm not voting for your candidate. That's ok. Not everyone has the same opinions as you. And that's ok.
You get to vote for who you want. And I get to vote for who I want. Welcome to democracy.
Criticizing the status quo or otherwise giving your opinion is not the bare minimum. The bare minimum is action towards change. A third party vote cannot change anything, so it is not the bare minimum.
I'm not mad at all. I said you have the right to vote as you please and I meant it.
This is a democracy, as you pointed out. But in a democracy, I also have the right to critique your choices and explain why mine are superior.
Absolutely. And vice versa.
That's right. You're not mad either, right?
Anyway, I don't find your case for third party voting to be persuasive. Maybe that's why the vast majority Americans think voting third party is an inferior choice.
I'm not mad at all.
I’m not trying to persuade you or anyone else; I’m simply stating why I’m voting third party.
The opinions of the majority don’t influence my reasoning—I'm voting based on my personal values.
About half of the country won’t be voting for Democrats either, and that’s just a side effect of democracy.
People have the right to choose the candidate who best represents their views, regardless of popular opinion.
It's true. Half the country isn't going to protect women's rights. The half you're in.
Anyway I'm not worried. My half will win without you.
Not true at all. I have been fighting to protect women's rights longer than you have been alive, friend.
Good, then no reason to be upset then. So we can totally be friends now! :)
Doubtful. I'm pretty old.
But regardless of what you've done in the past, you now find yourself in the half that will not protect women's rights.
Of course.
Betcha I'm still older. But at least it's nice to meet another grandfather on here!
Not true.