It's not "buying time." It's political suicide.
John Judas McCain was a bridge too far. Mitt Romney is the plunge into the political abyss.
IMO, Dubya's big spending "compassionate conservatism" was a bridge too far. So I sat out '04. But I also voted for Ross Perot, much to my subsequent regret. I used to read this site before the '08 election, and a Freeper at that time repeatedly posted a comprehensive dossier revealing Obama's murky background, corrupt connections, and pro-death votes. Even his citizenship is questionable. So I voted against him, with visions of McCain's hand reaching across the aisle to Ted Kennedy dancing through my head.
The choices usually stink.