Perhaps a better way to phrase it is to simply say that politicians are elected, and are nothing without votes.

A politician isn’t even a practicing politician without votes. Democracy is ultimately driven by citizens. Of course politicians will do their best to influence public opinion (it’s their job) but are ultimately in service to it though elections.

It’s why what people think (and vote) matters in a democracy.

And back to the point, why voting with your feet (switching to Firefox) actually means something.