The problem with this all or nothing attitude though is it does cause losses. While you might not want to accept the choice between civil unions and prison if you don't make a choice someone else will make it for you and that could end up with you in prison.

Yes you fight for change and as a progressive I really wish we'd had a truly progressive candidate but when presented the choice between a middle way candidate and a rabid right wing fascist I will fight for the middle way candidate lest the fascist gets foisted upon me.