Let’s start with a statement of fact and make some conclusions (all IMHO, of course).
Fact: The current administration has created such a mess that it is impossible to clean it up during the next 4 years, no matter who wins the election in November 2004.
The long term interest of the Republicans dictates that it is best to let the Democrats be in charge of the next 4 years. Since there is no way the Democrats can clean the mess left behind by GWB, the country will overwhelmingly vote for Republicans in November 2008.
The long term interest of the Democrats dictates that it is best to let the current administration continue with its fiasco for another 4 years. The country will be in such a bad shape by November 2008, that Hillary will win with a landslide. Also, if Kerry wins in 2004, Hillary’s chance of victory in 2008 will diminish as Kerry will probably want to run for the second term.
The long term interest of the American people is to have a genuine alternative, a viable 3rd political party. This dictates for more people to vote in this election for a candidate other than Democrats or Republicans. While such a move will not result in a victory of a 3rd party in 2004, it may help the emergence of a viable 3rd party for future elections.