I would like to live in a place where there was at least three answers to every question.

[Smith_3]

In the USA there always seems to be only two.

[TomBall Democrat]

1. There are 3 answers, Smith_3

Abstain.

Unfortunately, far too many Americans choose option 3.

[magellan]

2. Probably because they no longer believe in options 1 and 2

And I've come around to agreeing with them.

[Captain Angry]

3. Unfortunately, too many Americans are told option 3 is abstain.

There are 3rd parties. They can't be heard because the Democrats and Republicans have locked down the debate process. If the major parties are not offering something to a segment of the population, that population is allowed to look elsewhere.

They don't have to stay home.

[TomBall Democrat]

6. Point taken

There are multiple non Dem or Rep options.

How often have you heard the phrase "throwing away my vote"?

I'll admit that I'm unlikely to support a candidate who is underfunded and unlikely to beat the machines. But on the other hand, I've not seen a candidate of that sort who appeals to me.

Still, good point - there are alternative parties - but they face limited access to media, money, machinery.

We need campaign finance reform, and this year has turned my mind toward party machinery reform.

[lumberjack_jeff]

4. Blue pill? Red pill? How many more choices do you need? n/t

[NoPasaran]

5. You haven't been shopping for toothpaste, I see