You're operating under the assumption that there is a base that basically supports one of the provided candidates, and they are just too lazy to get up and cast

You're operating under the assumption that there is a base that basically supports one of the provided candidates, and they are just too lazy to get up and cast their vote. This might be true for some people, but there are a lot of people who don't vote because the candidates suck. Also, if I didn't vote for someone because I don't believe in them, the fact that they have to spend more time "energizing their base" and less time "governing" is a good thing, it means less chance for them to do stuff I disapprove of. Inaction is generally superior to wrong action.