For the first time I see a possibility of not voting in a presidential election. This is based on an assumption that Trump and Clinton will be the candidates. A sad proposition leaving me wondering how many others out there feel the same.
For a bit I was firmly committed to voting against Clinton, but correctly placed criticism of Trump under the “lessor of two evils” construct left me revisiting the commitment. As much as I strongly believe Clinton is wholly unsuited for and absolutely unworthy of the office and should be voted against accordingly, it is sadly beginning to look like Trump will be the GOP standard bearer. If this indeed happens, to vote against Clinton one would have to vote for Trump. I have concluded the unshakable strength of my convictions about Clinton does not outweigh my profound disgust with Trump.
For a period of time I honestly believed the GOP would/will find a way to deny him the candidacy, so the issue of voting for him wouldn’t materialize. I would then be able to vote against Clinton with a clear conscience, noting however that neither Rubio nor Cruz light my fire. In the back of my mind I was secretly hoping the GOP would draft someone like Paul Ryan as its candidate. Such thoughts reflect a futile mental exercise of grasping at straws in a windstorm.
So here I sit, having reached the very uncomfortable realization that I may not cast a vote in the presidential election. And that realization is amazingly unsettling.
Strangely, perhaps, I support Sanders’ attempt to win the Dem nomination, in part to deny Clinton the nomination. To that end, I was thoroughly impressed by Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) as she explained why she resigned from the DNC and announced her support for the "Bern.” A Sanders – Gabbard ticket would be formidable.
Maybe, just maybe, either legal problems or a major health issue (not hoping for such, but she doesn’t look well to me) will derail Clinton’s pursuit of the nomination. With the DNC totally invested in her, those would likely be the only possible happenings that could take Clinton out of the race. (Speaking of the DNC, its super delegate structure takes the votes right out of the hands of individuals.) Back to Sanders…he is principled and genuine. But the Clinton – DNC cabal will block his candidacy. And Obama will not permit the legal issues to interfere with Clinton’s coronation. (I agree that he won’t pardon her, but he can certainly ensure she isn’t indicted.)
So where is all this headed? If fellow conservatives agree with my conclusion and do not vote, Clinton will most likely be the next president, a dark day for our country. Even darker would be an unlikely Trump victory.
In the windstorm of straws to be grasped, Sanders & Gabbard vs. Ryan & Haley would be the better presidential race for the country. There are many, many issues for the voters to consider and that warrant a presidential election to give guidance for the nation. These two tickets would provide that opportunity.
A footnote of sorts. The GOP campaign is totally disgusting. Leaves a conservative ashamed of the label.
Conclusion: if it indeed comes down to Trump vs. Clinton, I won't vote for the first and can't vote for the other.
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