WOW, just WOW. This thread was very hard to follow but darned interesting. Here's my reply to the highlights as I remember them, the things that stand out in MY mind.
Third party tickets are pointless.
There is a LOT of bitching about what to do about dem-lites and RINO's but the simpliest answer is being overlooked. GET INVOLVED! I am a Tea Party follower and if you aren't involved in any grassroots orginizations, you are missing the boat on where to find answers to these questions. Limbo never gets us anywhere.
Carl, I wouldn't vote for either candidate in your scenario. It's time to stop the crawl toward "no real choice"... be active in the primaries, demand outstanding candidates so the choice is obvious between two distinct ideals. The last 2 Presidential elections are perfect examples. I held my nose for Bush in the 2nd term so am now cast as a Repuke, same with McCain. Push for REAL conservatives and start NOW.