I literally do blame the Democrats for Trump, and if you don't, you weren't paying attention.
Plenty of us were critiquing Clinton's campaign on those merits and were consistently talked down to in shocker the same way we're being talked down to now. Shocker, she lost. I remember saying a few weeks before the election "We're about to get Brexited." I put my vote down for Clinton, because Trump is fucking insane, and that was clear before he was President. It was clear in the fucking 1980's.
Being able to critique our leaders is supposed to be what is the difference between us and conservative voters. They're the cult who unquestioningly believes all the bullshit that comes out of Trump's mouth and diapers. I find it weird that people think we should be more like them in regards to our leaders like that would be a good thing.
What if Dems gave us something to vote FOR instead. What a world that would be.
The Democrats run "centrist" right-lite candidates with crappy campaigns.
Not voting for the Democrat candidate lets the much worse Republican in.
Two things can be true at the same time.
Okay... You're going to have to do more to convince. I agree both of those things are true. I don't want Biden to be the president for another 4 years because I think he's bad for the country in other ways than Trump and he's CURRENTLY ENABLING A GENOCIDE. But sure. Dems shouldn't have to earn our votes. Blue no matter who. Even if their pro-life, pro-genocide, and pro taking corporate money.
So you prefer the other guy?
I prefer Biden to get out of the race so someone who doesn't support genocide can step in and beat Trump. But apparently that option doesn't exist in the sick, twisted little testicle you call a brain.
No, that option doesn't exist in reality.
Voting is but one of many political actions you can take, and you're right that voting can no longer lead to any meaningful positive change, but it can stop things from getting worse too quickly.
Real progressive change will require external pressure via direct action / protests / civil disobedience / alternative institutions like unions and mutual aid. If you're upset with the state of things then participate in some of those things, but do not withhold your vote. Voting for Dems may play into their too idle hands, but choosing not to plays into the hands of the fascists trying to destroy our democracy.
Wow you seem nice. Seems a shame to block you.
Oh no! I'm sure I'll miss your inane false dichotomy,
How does that conflict with what I said? Are you holding your vote hostage until the Party is perfect...?
I mean, I do intend to withhold my vote from democrats who do not share my values, as should anyone who does not feel that democrats, or a specific democrat, represents their interests in government.
But what I was getting at is that for the last several elections democrats have asked voters to come out to stop the other guys from winning. And if all you care is make sure that things don't get worse, then by all means vote for democrats. But they haven't made things better. And that's not even what their offering you. They are offering you exactly what you have right now. And I get it, no one wants the other guy to win, but that doesn't motivate people as much as Dems want it to. If they were instead laying out progressive policy platforms, maybe people would be excited to vote for them. Then people like me, who are not represented by democrats but its as close as it gets I guess, might be able to stomach voting for them or at least not negatively impact their chances of winning.
You catch more flies with honey, as they say.