I get that both parties exist to continue to live and rule — but I don’t believe they are immutable. They do pay attention to who does and who does not subscribe to their vision. As was demonstrated by Sander’s influence over the Democrat platform, large groups of individuals firmly communicating beliefs can affect decisions. The same thing occurs in general elections.

Whether or not they hear that answer is debatable. The lesson the loser garners in this year’s election will be filtered through that party’s prism. “If only the Republican base had gotten on board, Trump would have won” — or “if only the Bernie supporters had gotten over the DNC fiasco, we would have won.”

I won’t accept this cynical a world view. One vote, among many others, does send a message. I also believe better of both parties and expect that some leaders on both sides will hear that message. Arguing the vote does not matter — and that’s what you are in fact arguing, is not palatable if you believe in the principles of a democracy.