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At What Point Does Voting for Trump Become Virtue-Signaling?
With the exception of his convention bounce, Trump has been behind Clinton from day one. His paths to victory are extremely narrow and the predictions markets have consistently favored a Clinton win. On a state-by-state basis, Trump’s chances look no better. It’s a little too early to say that he’s going to lose, but its likelihood is both high and rising.
So, barring some major change (which, again, I concede is still just possible) we’re rapidly approaching the date where we can say it’s over and Clinton’s won. And if we reach that point, a vote for Trump will simply be a matter of virtue-signaling — whether to yourself or others — one’s justified loathing for Hillary Clinton and will have precisely the same impact as voting for Gary Johnson or even Evan McMullin.
Now, one might say that it doesn’t matter and that we should still hold out hope even when the odds are gone … but that’s been one of the main complaints against NeverTrumpers for months.
If we’re going to go down fighting, I’d rather do it under a banner I can be proud of.
Published in General
You’re joking, right?
What is “Moral Preciousness”?
Well, I didn’t want him to judge all the Trumpers by me as there are some really smart people on here, and I certainly don’t think I’m one of them.
You know, I think I heard of that. I am not sure, but it could be one of a few afflictions that are part of the “Editorial Staff Infection” family.
also see “High Pretention” and “Argentine Pompous”
I will look it up to be sure.
That’s precious!
Several times, I’ve seen NeverTrumpers informed that our position betrays a kind of moral delicateness; that we value our consciences so highly that we’re incapable of making a real world decision.
So if I am following you, then a choice to vote for Trump, regardless of values, logic, whatever is virtue signalling.
And a refusal to vote for trump. regardless of values, logic, whatever is virtuous but denigrated. Am I missing something?
Well, if the Green Party ever gets to the point where it can split the Left… I’ve just been discussing this with @jamesofengland, and it seems in my state (which is very lopsided, and has less than 0.5% chance of deciding the election), the best chance of my vote harming the Left is probably to vote Stein.
Nice, coming from a guy who just pronounced the entire GOP presidential campaign nearly dead and offered moral advice on the proper behavior when it inevitably occurs. No condescension there, oh no. I think you were way beyond your daily dose, sir.
Jacob Bronowski once told me the greatest evil in the world was human certainty. Smart guy.
By that same token, I am weary of Never Trumpers who gleefully cheer every stumble that Trump makes and take it as proof, as a sign from on high, that they hold the moral high ground, that they have the right, nay, duty, to shour from the rooftops that they were correct not to support the candidate of the Republican Party.
Actions, which if they had been done by Trump supporters, they would have condemned.
Your position appears to be that it’s morally permissible to vote for Trump unless it’s certain that Trump will lose. In which case it’s morally impermissible virtue signaling to vote for Trump. That’s not moral delicateness, it’s moral (and political) incoherence.
You must live in California also :-)
Baloney – he’s is inching ahead and she’s falling behind
Give me a break. We’re not voting for Pope here. It’s politics, plain and simple. There is nothing moral about sitting on the sidelines, particularly when your party is running against the dirtiest fighters in the business — the Dems led by the Clintons.
Nope, but close!
Dammit, TKC, are you an Ascent of Man fan as well? If so, I may have to start liking you again.
Try again, Fawlty.
You’ll notice I didn’t think the description apt.
Agreed.
…Me too!!
Come on you guys, things are looking up!
Trump’s gamble in going to Mexico paid off–and I agree with Ann Coulter, last night’s speech on immigration was terrific. Why shouldn’t our president want to make sure immigration benefits Americans?
And exactly why does Clinton want to bring in a few hundred thousand unvetted Muslims from Syria? Even if you (naively) believe it will do no harm—what GOOD will it do?
People don’t like Mrs. Bill– she doesn’t even have support of a majority of women. If Trump can just stay on message as he’s been doing recently, he can win. And then we have a chance to prevent the Progressive colonization of SCOTUS.
Trump is cleaning up his act and we’re finding out just how dirty Hillary is. Maybe he’s not a total lunatic and maybe it’s not over.
I think you’re right on that definition.
No. If I were joking, I’d ask you “What do you do with an elephant with three balls?” *
My conscience tells me that while I find Trump a boor and extremely unlikable, for the safety of my kids and this country, I cannot let Hillary Clinton anywhere near the Oval Office.
* Walk him, and pitch to the giraffe.
Excellent Book and TV series. The last chapter still stays with me decades later, with Bronowski strolling through Auschwitz.
Tom, you don’t seem to be responding to my question.
I believe what Tom is trying to say is the accusation of virtue-signaling is equally absurd going both ways, whether it’s a NeverTrumper accusing a Trumper or vice-versa.
I think I misunderstood your post.
I’m sure that’s the intent, but it came across more like “I know you are, but what am I?”
That seems to be a communication hazard all sides of the Right are facing this time around.
Tom Meyer, Editor
I read a swell book recently by a real smart guy. It was about America. The author said that the Cold War turned in America’s favor as soon as we threw the switch and went on the offensive against the Soviet Union and its allies. All we needed to do, the author said, was to decide that we would win and begin to push back at those who acted like the future belonged to them.
He also said that it was in America’s DNA to never give up.
Smart guy. You should check the book out. The author’s name is Herb..Something.