^It’s not a wasted vote. It shows that a portion of Americans are wanting to go in a direction other than A. or B. Which has been the problem for most of my lifetime. The two party system dominates. It vastly oversimplifies issues that are far more complex than a fork in the road.
Voting for a “winner” only exacerbates the problem.
The idea is/should be, to vote for the best candidate. Otherwise, we’re simply empowering the two party system, and the partisan fighting that hamstrings much of the progress that could move this country in a positive direction.
I think if you write in Mickie Mouse, yes, you’re wasting your vote. But analysts do look at the votes cast for parties outside of red or blue. At least, I would think. On election night, you can see the votes for the top several candidates. At least people at home, can witness and digest the representation that other parties garner…
I do not vote. Many consider that a waste. But I am still represented by statistics. In my case, I’m essentially protesting the election process. In large part because of the two party system. People like @gorillapaws may someday help recruitment of voters like myself, by producing more than two legitimate candidates…
Now. As to Warren, I’ve voiced my support for her before. The person I “think” she is, is vastly superior to most politicians. I also have been intrigued by her, every time I hear her talk. I’m sure there’s something that I could disagree with her about, but with the pickings for decent presidential candidates painfully slim, she stands out. (in a good way.)