The reason why voting Green is productive(ish) is that if they get a high enough % than they get certain rights as a "legitimate" party. Certain federal funds and ballot access are the basic ones. I think if they get a certain amount then they'll also be included in the presidential debates. If they ever get that far it may just tip their legitimacy enough to make them a viable third-party.

[–] Chronicon@hexbear.net 8 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

I think if they get a certain amount then they'll also be included in the presidential debates.

like most things in the us political system this is actually not formalized and afaik is just a handshake deal between the parties and the news networks that put on the debates. I've heard polling thresholds bandied about in the past for primary debates but only as a way to exclude candidates, never a consistent number that small parties can actually reach.