Posted on Oct 29, 2016
How many of you are voting third party (like me) this year? If so, why?
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Responses: 19
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I looked long and hard at 3rd party and decided that they were no better than the major party candidates. Maybe more "honest" only because they haven't yet been tempted by power, but fundamentally lacking in principles that I can identify with.
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Please bear in mind that with the Electoral System, voting for third party in a Blue state (like CA or NY) is NOT a vote for Sec. Clinton, since there is "no chance" of that state going to Mr. Trump anyways.
Likewise, voting for third party in a Red State will not have the opposite effect.
Anyone who is stating otherwise does not understand how our system works, nor do they care about your vote.
As for whether a third party candidate is viable or not is besides the question. A vote for a specific candidate is a vote for them and only them. Our system has lots of "wasted votes" which equals ALL votes for the losing candidate(s) and all votes in excess needed to win the election (meaning anything over 50% is automatically a "wasted vote" even if it was for the winning candidate).
That said, vote for who you want.
Likewise, voting for third party in a Red State will not have the opposite effect.
Anyone who is stating otherwise does not understand how our system works, nor do they care about your vote.
As for whether a third party candidate is viable or not is besides the question. A vote for a specific candidate is a vote for them and only them. Our system has lots of "wasted votes" which equals ALL votes for the losing candidate(s) and all votes in excess needed to win the election (meaning anything over 50% is automatically a "wasted vote" even if it was for the winning candidate).
That said, vote for who you want.
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CPL Bobby McKellar
Extremely intuitive you are, go far you will! (My best Yoda impersonation)
See, you are EXACTLY right and most folks will not understand that or even think about it because of the SCRE TACTICS involved in today's politics. They see a third party vote as "wasted" or as a proxy vote against their candidate (depending on which side they're on).
HOWEVER, what occurs when many vote for a third party candidate in states that are safely "in the books" for a particular candidate is actually HELPING to put the power of the vote BACK into the hands of the people. When the ESTABLISHMENT starts seeing their margins shrink they have to ACT to try and convert those votes back to their side. One day a GOOD third party candidate can and WILL win enough electoral votes away from the establishment two party system to cause the election to fall into the hands of CONGRESS. THAT IS the situation that needs to happen in order to start a SEA CHANGE in politics....and it would simply be just a start.
(This is purely just one possible scenario, I am afraid that things will have to get MUCH more serious for there to ever be any real change in the political situation in the US.)
See, you are EXACTLY right and most folks will not understand that or even think about it because of the SCRE TACTICS involved in today's politics. They see a third party vote as "wasted" or as a proxy vote against their candidate (depending on which side they're on).
HOWEVER, what occurs when many vote for a third party candidate in states that are safely "in the books" for a particular candidate is actually HELPING to put the power of the vote BACK into the hands of the people. When the ESTABLISHMENT starts seeing their margins shrink they have to ACT to try and convert those votes back to their side. One day a GOOD third party candidate can and WILL win enough electoral votes away from the establishment two party system to cause the election to fall into the hands of CONGRESS. THAT IS the situation that needs to happen in order to start a SEA CHANGE in politics....and it would simply be just a start.
(This is purely just one possible scenario, I am afraid that things will have to get MUCH more serious for there to ever be any real change in the political situation in the US.)
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I am voting Johnson for a few reasons.
1. I agree with the majority of his platform.
2. I believe him to be honest and trustworthy enough to keep to his campaign promises (to the best of his ability)
3. He has the best chance of any 3rd party candidate of breaking the 5% barrier and receiving funding to help us have better choices in future elections.
1. I agree with the majority of his platform.
2. I believe him to be honest and trustworthy enough to keep to his campaign promises (to the best of his ability)
3. He has the best chance of any 3rd party candidate of breaking the 5% barrier and receiving funding to help us have better choices in future elections.
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PFC Jim Wheeler
PO2 William Allen Crowder - Who's to say it would be any better with Trump? I don't have the gift of future sight so I can't say.
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PFC Jim Wheeler
PO2 William Allen Crowder - I mean, yeah, if you believe that then no way you could vote for anyone but Trump.
I don't for one second believe any of that will happen. Even if she wanted it to.
I don't for one second believe any of that will happen. Even if she wanted it to.
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If every person that said "my vote would be wasted voting third party" voted third party, they'd win. Quit being sheep
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
Now the odds of third party winning the majority is slim (thanks media and all of the idiots that live and breathe the mainstream stuff)... However, winning a state or two can prevent BOTH from sealing the total number needed. From there the House of Representatives vote in a Candidate with at least 2 electoral votes.
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PO1 (Join to see)
PO2 William Allen Crowder - Please cite a source where Gary Johnson said he was Anti-2A.
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PO1 (Join to see)
PO2 William Allen Crowder - Since you didn't post the link, I am going to assume it is this one: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/06/16/libertarian-nominee-gary-johnson-guns-debates-pot/85982250/
Nowhere in the article does he say the things you think he does unless you are suing this quote: "We should be open to a discussion on keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill." It is worth mentioning, people who have been judged mentally-defective are already prohibited from owning firearms.
In fact, the article I posted shows a firm, pro 2A stance.
Nowhere in the article does he say the things you think he does unless you are suing this quote: "We should be open to a discussion on keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill." It is worth mentioning, people who have been judged mentally-defective are already prohibited from owning firearms.
In fact, the article I posted shows a firm, pro 2A stance.
Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson on guns, debates and pot
Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson says his presidential bid hinges on getting into the fall debates -- and he says he's already stopped using pot to be 'on top of my game.'
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Or "How many people are throwing their vote away on someone who has NO chance at becoming President" and many are "I'd rather vote for a traitor, liar, backstabbing woman who wants to go to war with Russia, then Oh, vote for a guy who's kind of an asshole."
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SPC Brian Mason
PO1 (Join to see) - Uh, yeah, IT IS. If you or they didn't vote for either two who have a better chance, then your/their future bitching and complaining is MEANINGLESS. Again, traitor to this country who wants war or.....an asshole.
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PO1 (Join to see)
SPC Brian Mason - The first part doesn't make any sense, please reword.
I think you are stuck in this mindset that people don't want to vote for Trump simply because he isn't a nice guy. That is not the case, at least not with me.
I will not vote for Trump because his flagship economic policies will absolutely destroy this country's economy and kill jobs. Protectionist economic policies do not work. If you think that imposing a 35% tariff on goods that are outsourced makes smart economic sense, than I suggest you read a book. Also, Trump's policies on illegal immigration will again damage the economy of the US and, again, you can look at what happened to the farm economy in Alabama when the state legislature implemented similar policies. Spoiler alert: it tanked and the republican legislature had to secretly roll-back these restrictions. He runs his campaign on fear and nationalism and makes very little sense.
Here is what it boils down to between the two candidates for me:
- Hillary: Unqualified
- Trump: Unqualified
My only hope is that once Trump gets elected, he drops this whole extremist schtick and actually works with people who have a clue how to govern.
Regardless of whether or not Hillary or Trump are elected, there will be a fundamental reshaping of this country that a lot of people are simply not ready for. So, buckle up. It is going to get interesting.
http://www.vice.com/video/watch-our-hbo-episode-about-alabamas-harsh-anti-immigration-laws
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/undocumented-workers-immigration-alabama
http://www.vice.com/read/what-alabamas-failed-anti-immigration-law-can-teach-us-about-donald-trump
I think you are stuck in this mindset that people don't want to vote for Trump simply because he isn't a nice guy. That is not the case, at least not with me.
I will not vote for Trump because his flagship economic policies will absolutely destroy this country's economy and kill jobs. Protectionist economic policies do not work. If you think that imposing a 35% tariff on goods that are outsourced makes smart economic sense, than I suggest you read a book. Also, Trump's policies on illegal immigration will again damage the economy of the US and, again, you can look at what happened to the farm economy in Alabama when the state legislature implemented similar policies. Spoiler alert: it tanked and the republican legislature had to secretly roll-back these restrictions. He runs his campaign on fear and nationalism and makes very little sense.
Here is what it boils down to between the two candidates for me:
- Hillary: Unqualified
- Trump: Unqualified
My only hope is that once Trump gets elected, he drops this whole extremist schtick and actually works with people who have a clue how to govern.
Regardless of whether or not Hillary or Trump are elected, there will be a fundamental reshaping of this country that a lot of people are simply not ready for. So, buckle up. It is going to get interesting.
http://www.vice.com/video/watch-our-hbo-episode-about-alabamas-harsh-anti-immigration-laws
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/undocumented-workers-immigration-alabama
http://www.vice.com/read/what-alabamas-failed-anti-immigration-law-can-teach-us-about-donald-trump
Watch This 'VICE' Episode About Alabama's Harsh Anti-Immigration Laws | VICE | United States
On this episode from season three of VICE's HBO show, we went to Alabama to investigate what life was like for immigrants after the state passed intense anti-immigrant laws.
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Third party vote here in MI. Republican and Democratic candidates are a joke. My question is when did they allow village idiots to run for President? Bet our Forefathers are about to come from the grave and raise the Minutemen to help the people defend our rights against the lies, scandals and and crap these two are doing to our nation.
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Voted split. Went 3rd party for 1 participant. Stayed with the big 2 for the top job. I did not vote for HRC and her gang.
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unless you vote in UTAH for third party by all means go for it. Anything to stop Trump from winning.
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I was told that my vote for Johnson is voting Clinton-NO it is MY FREEDOM to vote how I see proper and a 3rd party vote is saying I am sick of the BS that is running for office and I want changes. When the votes are casts and a percentage is 3rd party and NEITHER have the required number, it goes to the House of Representatives and will shake things up and produce discussion like Primaries-FORGET THEM and give people choice like Abe Lincoln's time
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PFC Pamala (Hall ) Foster
Iam wondering if PO2 Crowder understands that Trump and Clinton are in for Ego and NOT to make a difference- I remember BENGHAZI and investigation for emails/Weiner for her and allegations of Sexual Harassment /Assault for Trump. Do we need either in office as our commander and Chief? NO WAY
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