Profile of the ultimate loser voter

[BlueK]

1. Lives in a state like Utah or Texas where the outcome isn't even close to being in doubt.

2. Hates Obama but barely hates McCain a little less.

3. Is pretty sure McCain isn't going to win.

3. Would prefer one of the third party candidates but votes for McCain anyway out of fear of Obama.

Makes me wonder if people this irrational should even be allowed to vote. There couldn't be a better definition of throwing away your vote than following the pattern above. Funny thing is, this probably describes 70% of McCain voters on Cougarboard - maybe I shouldn't be surprised.

[ERCougar]

The electoral college is stupid and outdated and results in a bizarre power distribution to voters.

[jay santos]

I think a strong case could be made that the ultimate loser voter is anyone who votes for a third party candidate.

[smokymountainrain]

I'm going to apply this to me...

Originally Posted by BlueK

1. Lives in a state like Utah or Texas where the outcome isn't even close to being in doubt. Check.

2. Hates Obama but barely hates McCain a little less. Check.

3. Is pretty sure McCain isn't going to win. Check

3. Would prefer one of the third party candidates but votes for McCain anyway out of fear of Obama. Am going to vote for some dude with no political experience by the name of Chuck Baldwin just to appease my in-laws.

Makes me wonder if people this irrational should even be allowed to vote.
This probably describes 70% of McCain voters on Cougarboard - maybe I shouldn't be surprised.

I'm not sure what that makes me, but if I weren't allowed to vote, I wouldn't be too upset about it.

[BlueK]

Originally Posted by smokymountainrain

I'm going to apply this to me...



I'm not sure what that makes me, but if I weren't allowed to vote, I wouldn't be too upset about it.

Tell them you decided to vote for the Green Party and see what they say.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by ERCougar

The electoral college is stupid and outdated and results in a bizarre power distribution to voters.

The electoral college is the only thing that allows the smaller populated states to have any kind voice in the Presidential election.

[BlueK]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

The electoral college is the only thing that allows the smaller populated states to have any kind voice in the Presidential election.

That and the nomination process. Of course, only certain small states matter there.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by BlueK

That and the nomination process. Of course, only certain small states matter there.

True.

[BigFatMeanie]

Originally Posted by BlueK

1. Lives in a state like Utah or Texas where the outcome isn't even close to being in doubt.

2. Hates Obama but barely hates McCain a little less.

3. Is pretty sure McCain isn't going to win.

3. Would prefer one of the third party candidates but votes for McCain anyway out of fear of Obama.

Makes me wonder if people this irrational should even be allowed to vote. There couldn't be a better definition of throwing away your vote than following the pattern above. Funny thing is, this probably describes 70% of McCain voters on Cougarboard - maybe I shouldn't be surprised.

Please explain why you think this pattern of behavior is irrational. Just sayin' so don't make it so.

You claim there couldn't be a better definition of throwing away your vote. Really? How about these "definitions":

1. Not voting
2. Voting for Nader in the state of Utah.
3. Voting for the Constitution Party candidate in the State of California

I think all three of those are better "definitions" of throwing away your vote than the one you gave which is voting for a major party candidate even though you aren't 100% enamored with that candidate.

[BlueK]

Originally Posted by BigFatMeanie

Please explain why you think this pattern of behavior is irrational. Just sayin' so don't make it so.

You claim there couldn't be a better definition of throwing away your vote. Really? How about these "definitions":

1. Not voting
2. Voting for Nader in the state of Utah.
3. Voting for the Constitution Party candidate in the State of California

I think all three of those are better "definitions" of throwing away your vote than the one you gave which is voting for a major party candidate even though you aren't 100% enamored with that candidate.

I think it's irrational to vote for something you don't agree with. All you are doing is sending the opposite message that you actually agree. That's not irrational? Third party votes are still counted. If everyone voted for what they actually believed, there would be a lot more of them and the major parties would have to change to take those views into account or risk becoming less relevant.