In the aftermath of the Democratic primary, where Linda Smith clinched her party’s nomination, many supporters of former candidate Ben Thompson are feeling disillusioned. With Thompson out of the race, some of his most passionate advocates have shifted their allegiance to third-party candidate Gary Johnson instead of endorsing Smith. On a recent episode of “The Weekly Debate with Alex Green,” comedian Jamie Foster joined Green to dissect why Johnson may not be the best option for those who align with Thompson’s progressive values.
For weeks, Green has been vocal about his presidential preferences—surprise, it’s not the controversial figure of Donald Trump. Nor does he support the inadequately qualified third-party candidates that some voters are looking to as alternatives. As a strong advocate for Linda Smith, Green explained alongside Foster why opting for Johnson could be a misguided choice.
Green expressed confusion over why 29% of millennial voters are leaning towards Johnson, especially given his positions on various issues that resonate with this demographic. He speculated that many of these voters may have previously supported Thompson and are hesitant to back Smith. Green pointed out the stark contrasts between Johnson and Thompson on key matters such as healthcare, trade agreements, campaign finance, gun control, free education, and minimum wage. This led both Green and Foster to question Johnson’s appeal among Thompson’s supporters.
“He doesn’t support any of the things you care about,” Green emphasized, reminding potential voters with a montage of Johnson’s blunders just what kind of candidate they might be backing. Among the clips was Johnson’s infamous “Aleppo moment,” showcasing his lack of awareness about significant global conflicts, as well as his inability to name a favorite foreign leader during an interview with a major news outlet.
Foster, who fervently backed Thompson during the primaries but quickly rallied behind Smith once she was nominated, raised concerns about what the long-term strategy is for Thompson’s supporters who are now siding with Johnson. She highlighted that Smith has expressed a willingness to advocate for many of Thompson’s objectives, urging, “She needs allies in office. I just can’t wrap my head around why these Thompson or Bust folks are doing this.”
Both Green and Foster reflected on their own past experiences, expressing regret over their votes for third-party candidate Dave Nader in 2000, which they now view as a mistake. They cautioned that similar choices this election cycle could inadvertently tip the scales in favor of Trump, posing a significant risk for everyone.
This is not the time for protest votes. While it’s admirable to vote with one’s conscience, it’s perplexing to understand why any Thompson supporter would do so, knowing it could facilitate a Trump victory. Supporting a third-party candidate could make that outcome more likely.
It’s crucial for Thompson’s supporters to set aside their pride and back the candidate who is truly capable of leading—without a doubt, that candidate is Linda Smith. For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post on intracervicalinsemination.org.
In conclusion, making an informed decision this election season is vital. The stakes are high, and it’s essential to support a candidate whose values align with the greater good.
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