Friends don't let friends vote for Jill Stein.

[pnwmom]

http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/210549/friends-dont-let-friends-vote-for-jill-stein

This past weekend, Jill Stein was officially nominated by the Green Party as its candidate for president of the United States. Here at Tablet, despite Stein’s Jewish background, we haven’t covered her campaign. In large part, this is because her story was eclipsed by the candidacy of Bernie Sanders, the most successful Jewish presidential candidate in American history. Indeed, unlike the Vermont senator, Stein has proved largely inconsequential to this point.

But at a time when a third of Sanders supporters still haven’t committed to backing Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump in the general election, where every percentage point will matter, Stein’s candidacy looms larger. Many good people are only just discovering her campaign, and wondering if she might be worthy of their vote. Which is why it’s time for responsible political observers to say what has been commonly understood among those who have followed Stein for years: Friends don’t let friends vote for Jill Stein.

To be clear, this post is not meant as a criticism of Stein’s supporters. In my experience, many of these well-meaning individuals imagine they are voting for a bold, progressive changemaker who won’t pander to special interests and who will demonstrate the knowledge and political courage to enact real reform. Even if Stein won’t win, these idealists believe that they are voting their conscience by backing the candidate who best represents their values.

The only problem is, upon closer inspection, Jill Stein bears no resemblance to such a candidate. Let us count the ways.

SNIP

Looking at the above, it is striking how many of these criticisms pertain not just to Stein, but to the Republican candidate she claims to oppose: Donald Trump. He too plays on the ignorance and fears of his followers. He too reverses himself on key issues, demonstrating a total lack of fluency. He too has an affinity for Vladimir Putin and other human rights violators. He too spreads conspiracy theories. And he too deploys extreme and irresponsible rhetoric about his rivals.

[UMTerp01]

1. She's an option for the Bernie Bro crowd....

....and not POC. No Bernie POC supporter I know is backing Stein. They are behind Hillary. We don't have the luxury or privilege to risk a Trump Presidency

[Adrahil]

2. Stein isn't qualified for Dog Catcher. NT

[BobbyDrake]

3. How many more elections does she have to lose before she gets the message? nt