I'm not planning on voting to re-elect President Obama either. But I have to add a caveat...there has to be a reasonable opposing candidate, one who I think might try to govern rather than simply spout ideology in an attempt to "solidify the base".

An opposing candidate who would be attractive to me will have to demonstrate that he or she is pragmatic regarding issues facing the country and espouses priorities that are closer to my beliefs than President Obama.

Almost as important is how that opponent might govern. As Peggy Noonan, speechwriter for President Reagan has related, he told her and others on many occasions, "...I'm happy to get 80% of what I want from Congress. I'm not willing to drive the country off a cliff trying to get everything."