It didn't matter on the topline this year, but in the four outstanding Senate races, the third party vote is larger than the difference between the two candidates.
In other words (MARC ERIKSEN THIS MEANS YOU), third parties may have prevented the Democratic party from having the majority it needs for super liberal reform. In other words, the practical consequence of Naderism is to hold the progressive movement back. Or, in still other words, progressives who vote and argue for third parties are just helping the Republicans.
But, if you've been paying attention, that's old news.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
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6 comments:
Maybe, but the balance in Georgia is held by a libertarian, and I wouldn't call that a potential Democratic constituency.
The Democrats got a huge win and you're still asking for more?! Here I thought the Democrats were all about sharing the wealth. I suppose the wealth doesn't mean the political game.
Mackensen: You're correct in that Libertarians aren't exactly progressive, but Naderism, as it has metastasized over the past few years, exults in third party stupidity of any kind.
And it's entirely possible that those Libertarian protest votes would've fallen to the dems if the choice was simply between the two.
And Marc: I'm interested in progressive policy outcomes. My point is that actual progressive change would be a hell of a lot easier without Naderism.
And you don't reject the point, because you know I'm right.
Matt, my point more broadly isn't on the progressive nature of the libs (lack thereof), but that the anti-statist thrust of the libertarian party is what traditionally aligns them with the Republican Party; I see the lib votes as (1) a protest against the expansion of government under Bush and (2) a reflection of Barr's candidacy increasing the visibility of the libertarian party in Georgia.
Mack, I'm not actually sure how much we disagree.
Although the right Libertarian policy vote in Georgia was clearly for the Republican, as long as the President is a Democrat...
point rejected and heard before. however i think time will show my vote was worth more than any vote for the democrats of today.
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