Lawrence O'Donnell: Vote 3rd party unless you live in a battleground state

[Ad Orientem]

http://youtu.be/7oVUIgYleuE

I rarely agree with O'Donnell about anything. But this was one of his twice a day moments. I too live in California. So my vote, at least for president, is meaningless. Who you vote for is of course a private matter, but on this one I totally agree with O'Donnell. Unless you live in one of the half dozen or so states where your vote could actually affect the election I would encourage you to consider voting your conscience for a change. Check out what the other parties are offering and vote for the one who is closest to your political convictions. No you aren't going to change anything. But if enough votes get cast for third party candidates it could make people sit up and take notice. He's not perfect but I will probably cast my vote for Gary Johnson. I had originally planned to write in Calvin Coolidge but a third party vote would be more meaningful.

As for those who have the misfortune of living in a state where your vote really will count... you have my sympathy. It's a weighty decision. Do you vote your conscience or, acknowledging that either Obama or Romney will be president for the next four years, do you swallow hard, hold your nose and pull the lever for the one you think will do the least damage? I can't answer that one. You will have to do what you think is right. To my mind it's a bit like when the warden comes by your cell and says it's time to choose... do you want the chair or the rope?

[MediumTex]

Do you vote your conscience or, acknowledging that either Obama or Romney will be president for the next four years, do you swallow hard, hold your nose and pull the lever for the one you think will do the least damage? I can't answer that one. You will have to do what you think is right. To my mind it's a bit like when the warden comes by your cell and says it's time to choose... do you want the chair or the rope?

You're acting like the major parties have not offered the voters a meaningful choice.

[AgAuMoney]

i have mentioned before that i will be voting my conscience this year (no change from previous years) and i have been encouraging others  (far less eloquently than the OP) to do the same ...   

well said Ad Orientem

Moved and seconded, all in favor say "Aye."

Aye.

[MachineGhost]

I rarely agree with O'Donnell about anything. But this was one of his twice a day moments. I too live in California. So my vote, at least for president, is meaningless. Who you vote for is of course a private matter, but on this one I totally agree with O'Donnell. Unless you live in one of the half dozen or so states where your vote could actually affect the election I would encourage you to consider voting your conscience for a change. Check out what the other parties are offering and vote for the one who is closest to your political convictions. No you aren't going to change anything. But if enough votes get cast for third party candidates it could make people sit up and take notice. He's not perfect but I will probably cast my vote for Gary Johnson. I had originally planned to write in Calvin Coolidge but a third party vote would be more meaningful.

A half dozen?  More like one, Ohio.  Or three at most: Ohio, Virginia, Florida.  Unless Romney takes all three, he's not going to make it.

[MachineGhost]

Is that the sound of clapping with one hand?