It’s not a fair representation to say that by rejecting a “lesser of two evils” view of voting that I’m hopelessly looking for the “perfect candidate.” Neither Trump nor any of the Democrats even marginally represent my values. The “lesser of two evils” argument is not an argument for pragmatic compromise, it’s an argument that says I have to vote AGAINST the side I disagree with more in order for my vote to mean anything.
I’m a realist and try to pragmatically apply my values, but a Republican candidate has to at least be in the ballpark of my ideological philosophy and values system to get my vote. I refuse to add my name to a mandate for a politician I don’t remotely support just because I disagree with the other candidate more. If they think they can win without making an effort to earn my vote, then that tells me they don’t think they need my vote.
Give me a candidate whose marginally good and at least makes an effort to earn my vote and I’ll compromise and vote for that candidate all day long. But I will no longer vote for the lesser of two evils. That’s a bridge too far, and it should be.
- The Liberty Hawk is Now on Medium - December 9, 2020
- Betraying Allies Is Not the Way to Avoid Being the World’s Police - August 14, 2020
- The Last Full Measure of Devotion - August 13, 2020