Originally Posted by Napolean

Ironically, that same attitude contributes just as much. If not more, to making sure Obama gets a second term.

It's like a reverse bystander effect. Instead of offering to help the guy stranded on the highway with a broke down car, we drive by assuming that because it's a busy road, someone is bound to help him any second. It's not necessary that "I" stop.

In this case, we assume that we're wasting our vote because nobody else is going to vote the same way. The fact is however, that 34% would be a majority and if no one considered their vote wasted if they voted for who they liked most, the outcome could likely be in their favor.