I'm not aware of anyone on the real Left who has talked about an "or else." Labor bureaucrats, Democratic Party hacks and other members of the bourgeoise and ruling classes might say "or else" but I know that the Manning Marables and the Doug Henwoods of the world wouldn't say such things. It's certainly not my position.
Let me repeat myself just to be clear:
If we had Proportional Representation or Instant Runoff Voting in some form, I would be a member of Ralph Nader's campaign staff (I'm quite serious).
However, because we have no such thing at this moment, and because of the massive damage inflicted globally by the Bush regime, especially in regards to third world peoples and people of color, it seems prudent that we move the more fascistic arm of the ruling class out of office, while planning a strategy of tactical engagement post-election.
By the way, am I the only person on the planet earth who gave Ralph Nader huge credit for doing something in 2000 that the rest of the country completely missed, that being, his making the race so close helped to expose the cracks and flaws in the actual election process (voting machines, etc.). Did ANYONE (even a single person) on the Left or Right talk about that? Even ONE person? I'm not talking about the flaws themselves, lots of people talked about that (and are still talking about it). I'm asking if anyone EXPLICITLY credited Nader's presidential candidacy with helping to expose what was wrong with the election system in terms of the mechanics and administration? Anyone?
Art