Reply #37: Possible true in previous election cycles

[susanwy]

However, you have to remember that many of this blue collar demographic is very pissed off at the republicans right now. Why do you think many of them took any democratic candidate seriously this cycle and didn't let the religious right tell them who to support (as if they have a clue this time around). They have watched the value of their homes disappear (many times their biggest asset), can't afford to drive to work anymore in their 10 year old car that they can't afford to replace, have lost the ability to save for retirement or put their kids through school, and I didn't even touch the fact that many of THEIR sons and daughters have died in Iraq/Afghanistan or returned home to inadequate care. They are the demographic that encouraged their children to join the military. Many are conflicted on the war, not sure if a complete pull out is the answer or if we stay and try to salvage the mess GWB leaves behind.

So, I would argue that this year they are quite possible swing voters, and Obama and his supporters would do well to recognize this fact. They are looking for some way out of this mess, and not just hope on a stick. Obama is going to have to get into specifics now, real meat and potatoes specifics about his policy. And PLEASE, don't tell me he has, he hasn't. I check his website about once a week and it is still lacking, not to mention his positions have shifted right or left from one month to the next. Seriously, I wish I had the drive space to have archived his website over the last year. I'm working on post outlining my problems with his platform and what he needs to do to convince me.

I'm not blue collar, I have two degrees, a professional well paying job and I am working on my masters, but my husband is as blue as blue collar gets. We argued about voting for GWB in 2000 and canceled each other out, in 2004 he refused to tell me who he voter for because I kept nagging him about how he should have listened to me in the first place and not voted for GWB. This year he was leaning Hillary as was I recently, but now he is considering not voting at all. I am willing to give Obama a chance to convince me otherwise, but right now I remain unconvinced. A few weeks ago I said I'd support the nominee whomever it turns out to be, but now, I'm not so sure. Obama's positions on NASA, education, energy and Iraq all concern me. I'm not over 65, uneducated or racist, I just don't think his policies are the right direction for our nation. All I know is I WON'T vote for McLame. But, I may join my husband in leaving the presidential column blank. Not that it makes a difference in Wyoming, 'cause its measly two electoral votes will go to McLame. Please, someone, introduce a constitutional amendment to abolish that pesky electoral college.

Peace,

Susan