The neoliberal democrats have been complicit in the country's political and social erosion, but not anywhere near the extent the Republicans have. The major difference between them after Raygun perverted our economy with trickle down is simply that Democrats still claim to be watching out for the best interests of the little guy and Republicans don't even hide their goal of fascism while Democrats more adeptly pull off the con.

The primary role of the Democrats now appears to be taking up space just to the left of Republicans as a roadblock to any progressive (anything not catering to corporations and the wealthy) policies. With the election process locked down there is little chance of realizing any viable challenge from their left, so they only have to be slightly not horrible to lock in the lesser evil vote.

Like you, I could never vote for a Republican. However, the selection of Democrats offered can only lead us to believe that our country may truly be lost already. Only in the American political climate is it often better when politicians don't get anything done as any consensus would be highly suspect.