Do you ignore certain parts of platforms?

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by UGAalum94

I realized much more of a jerk than I intend, sorry.

There's something to be said for voting for who you most believe in, but there's also something to be said for being more pragmatic.

Those of us with lesser of two evils thinking hope that we get a government that is more likely to reflect our beliefs than the other government that could possibly be voted in. And it really will come down to one or the other. And they are both likely to not change much, you are right.

On the other hand you can have the satisfaction of not having participated with a third or minor party vote, but that's about all you'll get.

I think the thing to do is to push for the people you want at the primary level of the big parties, like the Paul folks did this year. Or to push for the establishment of a more parliamentary system, but I don't think that's likely to happen.

Being pragmatic seems to me to mean settling for more of the same. I'm tired of it.

Just here on GC - look how many intelligent, politically concerned GCers have stated they are voting for a candidate they do not feel would be the best president/senator/whatever. Imagine what kind of change could be wrought if everyone STOPPED being pragmatic, and instead became a little idealistic.

You may say that I'm a dreamer.
But I'm not the only one.
I hope some day you'll join us.

Thank you, John Lennon.

[UGAalum94]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Being pragmatic seems to me to mean settling for more of the same. I'm tired of it.

Just here on GC - look how many intelligent, politically concerned GCers have stated they are voting for a candidate they do not feel would be the best president/senator/whatever. Imagine what kind of change could be wrought if everyone STOPPED being pragmatic, and instead became a little idealistic.

You may say that I'm a dreamer.
But I'm not the only one.
I hope some day you'll join us.

Thank you, John Lennon.

I did feel frustrated by the number of people who were theoretically Fred fans who wouldn't vote for him in even the primary. The funniest part is that most of them voted for Romney instead.

[AGDee]

I do think it's unfortunate that we assume that the two current major parties are the only parties that will ever exist. The political parties have changed over the years and the only thing stopping them from changing again is the attitude that they can't change.

That said, if you're leaning toward voting for McCain but would really prefer the Libertarian candidate, then I think you should definitely vote for the Libertarian! If you're leaning toward voting for Obama but would really prefer the Libertarian candidate, then vote for Obama anyway