iirc Mint removes a lot of Canonical's enshittification (i.e. snap) so... No. LMDE is more of an experiment for whenever 'cleaning' out Ubuntu turns to be much work or impossible, as a viable alternative. But right now, both Mint editions are acceptable and afaik the only difference is about using PPAs.
PS. I might be wrong, but this is what I learnt when I used those distros (around 2012-2014)
Do you think Republican politics have the slightest responsibilities or none at all? I think all this thread, and the analogy itself plays into polarization, which is not a good way to actually put the much needed bridges... Everyone can do a lot. There are plenty of tasks and battles. Voting is one, very relevant every X many years. Focus on the everyday too. And on every neighbor. All needs should be covered. Do your best. Allow yourself to rest. We can do this.