I agree with Kevin Drum that the proper response to the vanity run of that one activist guy is just to ignore it. Save the media oxygen for legitimate candidates. With no party, no organization, no message, and no acknowledgement that the Democrats really are an alternative to BushCo -- not to mention that he gave Bush the margin of victory in key states in 2000 -- it's just not worth the time to give him any attention at all.
Some would say it's unacceptable to vote for the "lesser of two evils", and cast their vote as a symbolic act. I don't think this works at the presidential level. Politics is about compromise, about building a coalition with those who have different opinions -- sometimes so different they seem noxious. That's just the way it works. If I wanted a president to perfectly represent all of my opinions, I'd write myself in on the ballot. I agree with a lot of Green issues, but the proper place to build the party is at the state and local level.
Speaking of longshot spoiler candidates, there's another unhinged narcissist activist who I'd love to see run. Run, Roy, Run!
"At the presidential level"? I don't think it's appropriate in elections at all. You can vote for the hero of your heart in a primary, when the stakes are a bit lower, but in the actual election you really do have to consider who is the best - or worst - of the two.
I also object to the suggestion that the likes of Gore, Dean, Kerry, Edwards, or whever, are "evils". Flawed, just like any other human being, sure. But I only see one truly great evil in this race, and it's not the Democrat. The former will be as good as we make them, but Bush will always find the low road, no matter where it is.
Posted by: Avedon at February 24, 2004 04:19 PM