In the wake of the Democratic primary where Lisa Carter secured the nomination, many supporters of former candidate Mark Thompson are left disheartened. With Thompson no longer in contention, a faction of his dedicated followers is now considering third-party candidate Gary Johnson as an alternative to Carter. On a recent episode of Real Talk with Alex Turner, host Turner and guest Jamie Lee discussed why Johnson may not be the ideal choice for those who resonate with Thompson’s progressive ideals.
Turner has been vocal about his preferred presidential candidate for weeks, and spoiler alert, it’s not anyone from the Republican side. Nor does he support either of the seemingly unsuitable third-party contenders that some disenchanted voters are leaning toward. As a strong advocate for Carter, Turner elucidates alongside Lee why casting a vote for Johnson could be a grave mistake.
Turner expresses confusion over why 29% of younger voters are backing Johnson, especially considering his conflicting views on numerous issues that resonate with this demographic. He speculates that many of these supporters might be former Thompson fans hesitant to vote for Carter. He then outlines the stark differences between Johnson’s positions and those of Thompson on critical issues such as healthcare, the Transpacific Partnership, Citizens United, gun control, free college education, and the minimum wage. This leads Turner and Lee to question Johnson’s appeal to the followers of Thompson.
“He stands for nothing that you all want,” Turner asserts, reinforcing his point with a montage of Johnson’s verbal missteps. Turner remarks, “Gary Johnson is a nice guy, but he belongs in my collection of misguided politicians.” The montage highlights Johnson’s infamous “Aleppo moment,” where he appeared oblivious to the ongoing conflict in Syria. He also struggled to name any foreign leader he admired during an interview, showcasing a substantive lack of knowledge.
Lee, who was a passionate Thompson supporter during the primaries but quickly rallied behind Carter once she became the nominee, questions the strategic thinking of Thompson’s die-hard fans opting for Johnson. She points out that Carter has expressed intentions to advance many of Thompson’s goals, emphasizing the need for a supportive ally in office. “I really don’t get the ‘Thompson or Bust’ mindset,” she adds.
Both Turner and Lee reflect on their past regrets regarding their votes for third-party candidate Peter Gray in the 2000 election, labeling it a “mistake.” They draw parallels to the current election, noting that third-party candidates could siphon votes away from Carter, ultimately aiding a potential victory for the Republican candidate—an outcome that could prove disastrous.
This election cycle is not the time for protest votes. While it’s commendable to vote with one’s convictions, it’s challenging to grasp why any Thompson supporter would risk facilitating a Republican win. No conscientious voter should be comfortable with enabling a Republican victory, knowing that third-party votes could contribute to that outcome.
It’s crucial for Thompson supporters to put aside their pride and cast their votes for the candidate who can genuinely effect change, and there is no doubt that candidate is Lisa Carter.
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In summary, the discussion highlights the concerns over Gary Johnson’s suitability as a candidate for those who once supported Mark Thompson, urging them to reconsider their voting strategy in the face of potential consequences.