Hoisting Democratic supporters by their own “you’re voting the party, not just the individual” petard

“Run ’em up the flagpole and salute” Democratic candidate supporters often use an argument like this, especially in the Northeast, about supporters of moderate Republican candidates such as, say Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee. That argument, heard on sites like Daily Kos or Texas Kos, is that, even though we’re not a parliamentary democracy, still, you’re somewhat voting for the party, not just the man. In other words, a vote for Lincoln Chafee is not just a vote for Lincoln Chafee but for Bill Frist.

Well, I’m going to do the verbal judo and from a more progressive perspective, apply the same thing to Democratic candidates. Here in metropolitan Dallas, why would I vote for Eddie Bernice Johnson when not only has she failed to actively oppose the war in Iraq herself, we have House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi already promising “no impeachment” if the Democrats get control of the House? Why would I vote for Barbara Radnofsky for the Senate when a majority of Senate Democrats voted to approve the nomination of Mr. Unconstitutional, former National Security Agency head Gen. Hayden, to head the CIA?

There are Green options in both cases: Esther Choi in District 30 against EBJ and Herschel Tomlinson for Senate.

I can vote for individuals and a party in the record and in principle against the invasion of Iraq and against aiding and abetting American spymasters. What about you?