If it makes anyone feel any better, the reputation thing I mentioned was just an offhand comment. I can't help but feel partly responsible for this mess.

I already explained I made my decision based on stuff I've been reading in the IRC thread for the past 2 years. The huge reputation surrounding his e-dickery reinforced it.

I'm sorry. I'll remember to make more informed choices on internet voting in the future.
Funny, I was going to use that as an insult against them both, but decided against it, or just hadn't gotten around to it. They haven't proven anything, just that herd mentality will be the downfall of democracy.
That's a pretty drastic conclusion, considering I've not once voted since I turned 18, precisely because I've not felt myself informed enough to make a proper judgment call in major elections. Leave me out of your tirade.