Unfortunately, in every election cycle we are presented with 2 "mainstream" candidates. 1 from the left, 1 from the right. Like it or not, this is a 2 party system, and that's just the way it is. We have to choose the candidate who most closely adheres to our individual values. 1 candidate represents 65% of what we truly believe, the other fulfills (in electioneering talk) 25% or less, of what we believe. Which one do you choose? Sitting it out "on principle" only helps the guy whose belief system least mirrors our own. I'll choose the guy who most closely resembles my beliefs, and will NEVER sit out an election on principle- just because I'm not in lock-step with the guy who is closer to my beliefs. The lesser of 2 evils is exactly that. Sitting it out on principle only helps the other side.