General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Vote for whomever you want [View all]1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)and get none of what they want than vote their mind and get anything they'd rather not have ... even if they get most/a lot/some of what they do want.
As an African-American, I find that a ridiculous strategy. My preferred candidate would be frightening to the vast majority of non-Black people, as his/her platform would focus on economic empowerment of urban centers, in general, and Black communities, in particular. And, I know that candidate stands less than a snow's chance in hell. I, also, know my forceful promotion of that candidate might convince other Black folks to vote their solitary interests, as well ... draining all Democratic candidates of a portion of their most loyal electorate. Therefore my selfish actions would be directly responsible for, not only my screwing myself; but me screwing, anyone/everyone that would benefit from that Democratic candidate, whatever his/her platform.
How is that rational behavior?
Instead, I divide my vote into two periods, both, making the same judgment ... I will support the candidate that will most closely meets my interests ... and that judgment factors in, heavily, what I believe the other candidate(s) has to offer, should my preferred candidate lose. In the primaries, this, generally, is far more difficult to divine; but, the general election is, generally, a no brainer.