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 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.
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.
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.
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.