What is the difference between compromising on policy positions and compromising on tactics?

Every time I call for harsher tactics to be used against the rethugs, the prevalent reaction is to condemn "acting like the GOP" because "we are better than that."

OTOH, when criticism of Obama's positions is expressed, the chorus loudly sings "we have to win first" and we cannot afford to offend the "undecideds."

Why does "winning" trump standing up for equal rights (marriage) for GLBT people, opposing the corporate bailout, stopping the goddamn war, wanting a truly progressive agenda

but not

doing everything possible to secure that victory?

Putting it in concrete terms - why do we think it is OK to throw GLBT people under the campaign bus but not to jingle keys in McInsane's presence?

If winning is so important, why the double-standard?

As for the LGBT people, what are they going to do about it if they are thrown under the bus? Vote for McCain out of spite?