I just voted for Obama.
This was just the third time I voted in a national election after 2008 and 2010, but I'm old enough to remember the two GW Bush elections and my two liberal parents being aghast both times (and, really, aghast at everything about the Dubya administration). I remember how the closeness of election day 2004 transferred to disappointment the next day.
I remember the excitement of watching Democrats take back Congress in 2006 and the jubilation of Obama's election. I remember being pissed at Obama and voting Green in local elections in 2010.
But I remember arguing with friends more involved with Occupy about voting for Dr. Stein (something I have considered). Here in blue Chicago IL, I think a vote is better-served contributing to a good win for Obama (hopefully over 51%) in the popular vote than getting Dr. Stein over 1%. I want to see Republicans as chastened as possible. I want to see Obama kick Wall Street's ass after their holy quest to get rid of him this year. I want us to push back against any "Grand Bargain" he may have in store (and, again, my hope is a good margin for Obama will keep the Ryans and Cantors from insisting on Randian Social Security and Medicare cuts). I want a good, progressive Congress (in tandem with our activism) to help close Guantanamo and place strictures in executive power.
So, yes, I voted for Obama and Jan Schakowsky.
I'm curious as to your own voting histories. Feel free to leave them below.
12:44 PM PT: Couldn't fit pre-1980 candidates on the poll, sorry old-timers :P