Reply #83: Well, I'm no longer under the delusion the Democratic party cares about me.

[Naturyl]

Haven't been for a long time. That's not why I'm a Democrat. I'm a Democrat because my concerns go beyond simple self-interest. Even though Democrats don't seem any more concerned about my existence or my problems than Republicans, they are still the major party with the best values and principles.

If I cared only about my own self-interest and concerns, I'd vote and advocate for Greens, socialists, or something like that. But such fringe parties can't win and supporting them only helps Republicans get elected. While that doesn't make much practical difference in terms of my monthly check (which Obama has no more intention of improving than McCain does), it would be very bad news for America as a whole.