You're assuming that only one side knows how to find strong candidates.
If both sides have strong candidates, then you would expect thin margins. And "strong" doesn't mean "maximally appeals to you". It means "appeals, at least a little, to the maximum number of voters".
You can of course vote for whoever you want. But 30+ years ago third party candidates could get 5% or even 15% of the vote. Since 2000, a third party candidate has only gotten over 2% once (2016). That suggests major party candidates have gotten stronger over the years.
But if you announce that you’re not concerned about a Trump victory, then the rest of us are free to judge you for it.
Friend, I've been judged for voting third party ever since I joined Lemmy.
Honestly, many of the hateful remarks I’ve received have only strengthened my resolve that I’m doing the right thing by not voting for the Democratic Party.
Claiming that a third-party voter has more in common with a MAGA hat wearer is a false equivalence; the motivations and values of third-party voters are often rooted in a desire for greater representation and change.
Unlike MAGA supporters, third-party voters are typically pushing against a system they see as broken, rather than endorsing extremist or regressive policies.
If I wanted to vote for Trump, I'd vote for Trump.
For example, neither MAGA hat wearers nor third-party voters are willing to do the bare minimum to protect women, protect immigrants, or preserve democracy.
Third-party voters often push for more comprehensive protections for women, immigrants, and democracy than the major parties offer, which is why they refuse to settle for the "bare minimum."
Voting third-party is about advocating for the policies that truly address these issues, not just accepting the status quo.
Dude, I get it. You're mad that I'm not voting for your candidate. That's ok. Not everyone has the same opinions as you. And that's ok.
You get to vote for who you want. And I get to vote for who I want. Welcome to democracy.
Criticizing the status quo or otherwise giving your opinion is not the bare minimum. The bare minimum is action towards change. A third party vote cannot change anything, so it is not the bare minimum.
I'm not mad at all. I said you have the right to vote as you please and I meant it.
This is a democracy, as you pointed out. But in a democracy, I also have the right to critique your choices and explain why mine are superior.