The problem with American democracy is the voting system. A party that isn't either thre democrats or the republicans will never win because people know if they vote for anything else there vote will be pointless.
America needs preferential voting but will never implement it because it would mean the two party system will be demolished (which is in neither of the two party's best interest.)
Naw, It totally depends on how you downvote Democrats.
The majority of the anti-magats know the Democrats suck. We also know that the magats suck worse, and then the green and libertarians worse yet.
If you give any form of indication that you think the Democrats are worse than the magats, That's a downvote.
Most of the existing Democrats aren't particularly cozy with the Democratic leadership, or honestly even with the full scope of their intent, But the f if we're going to not download you for promoting something worse.
A democratic that is average at democracy is better than a conservative who is great at authoritarianism.