[Frumanchu]

Isn’t this just an example of the ‘end justifying the means’, ie the long term goal of electing a conservative justifies electing a liberal in the short term?

No, because I'm voting my conscience and voting for a conservative. Voting for a conservative for the sake of advancing conservatism is NOT the same as voting for a liberal for the sake of advancing conservatism.

[DugwayDuke]

“No, because I’m voting my conscience and voting for a conservative.”

You can attempt to justify it any way you like but the fact remains:

Vote Third Party - Elect Obama.
Vote Democrat - Elect Obama.

Different paths - Same President.