If you don't know who to vote against, vote for. Choose whomever you agree with the most, even if it's Ron Paul, and vote.

I'll be voting one way or another. That's not in question. My problem is that I retain a shred of idealism that strongly wants to vote FOR someone, as you mention. A vote for someone other than the top 2 is still a wasted vote, even if it does make a statement. However, a statement may be where I'm headed.

There's no shame in voting for someone that you believe would represent you, despite not having a chance of winning. If enough people did that, things might change.

edwhit, it's what I did in 2000. Of course, I can do so with a clear conscience because I'm not in a swing state and my vote really doesn't make a difference.

Same here. Short of an apocalyptic event, California will always be Democratic.

I remember not that long ago the Calif was a slam-dunk for the Republicans. These things change over time. Calif for the foreseeable future will be Dem, but I wouldn't say "always."

Good point.

Wish there was a valid independent choice this year. I'm so frustrated by both parties that I'll probably decide on someone not in the limelight.

Oh, and can the republicans win? I think it's too early in the game but I think it's more possible than the liberals think. While the left is busy slinging mud I'm sure the right is busy stock piling quite a bit on both candidates.

Despite how charismatic Obama is and how inspiring his ideals may be he has a lot of weakness for someone running for leader of the free world! McCain is busy showing America how green he is and staying under the radar. If he can come out as a safe choice (not a good choice) and Obama becomes a high risk choice, than they may pull it off.

Can he distance himself enough from bush? Tough for any Republican for sure, but he does have a nice little history of voting against his party. Perhaps he can use that to get some dems afraid of the Obama risk and keep reps who, like dems a few years ago (*Edit to add* Did anyone actually vote FOR Kerry? No, honestly!), will chose McCain as the lesser of two evils.