So you expect progressives to just suck it up and vote for Clinton when there wasn't any reason to vote for her previously?
It *can* be argued that neither Trump nor Hillary would make a very good President. Why ask voters to give up their morals voting for a candidate they don't believe is fit to run the country properly?
I acknowledge that she wouldn't actually win, but shouldn't we be wanting to break away from the two-party system and give viable third parties their chance? Or are you a fan of politics as usual?
I'd like things to change, but Stein would have no idea what to do when she got into office, would not compromise on her ideals despite having to in order to have a functioning government. She has no experience in government. Say what you will about Clinton, but she does have a lot of experience and would be able to execute the duties of president better than most, if not all the people who ran this cycle, on both sides of the aisle.
That being said, sure, I'd like change from the status quo, but Stein? Come on. If Stein had a chance, the polls would show it. If by October she was still polling single digits, she will not win. There is not going to be some massive double-digit polling error/upset for her. If your 3rd party candidate of choice was polling so well that they actually had a real shot at winning, then sure, go vote for them, otherwise it's a blatant waste of a vote. Go out and knock on doors for her, spread the word, and hope she can catch up by October. If she can't, you are just wasting a vote. That's the reality of this.
As for our system in general, it's not set up really for more than 2 parties. If we had 4 candidates all running top notch campaigns, there is a good chance no one would get 270 EVs and the House would choose the winner, and at that point it would go to a major party nominee. If we want to have many competitive parties, we need to a different system. Popular vote, for instance.
Lastly, I'm not against third parties... As long as they run competent, qualified candidates who are willing to compromise. Stein is neither qualified nor likely willing to compromise in the ways she will have to as president. She would be POTUS of all Americans, not just liberals/Green Party supporters.
