My Fundy Family is voting Obama today.

[Kittycat]

We've ALWAYS been at odds, and I'm kind of the outcast from my family in regards to not living up to their standards when it comes to religion. We've had hang up and walk out conversations about B*sh for years. The last time we spoke of politics was this fall, and she mentioned - along with my dad (who's a pastor) that they really liked what they were seeing/hearing of Obama.

Well, last night she called while I was waiting for the Obama rally to start on Cspan. I was so excited about the rally - I just blurted out what I was waiting to watch (normally I would try to avoid such things, out of civility of conversation). She responded back that this country really needs to change, we're going the wrong way and fast. She's afraid of what the world will be like in a few more years - so she's voting for Obama, in hopes that he'll be able to turn things around and get people on the right path - and working together. She was speaking from a standpoint that I have never heard her speak of before - I was amazed. Instead of focusing her anger on sinners, blah, blah (you know the routine), she focused it on community, and needing to rebuild. She focused it on the country - and needing to come together, to end the war - to right the wrongs, and so on.

This was the most moving conversation I've ever had with my mom. In the background was my dad, agreeing with her. I told her about the Oprah/Michelle Rally, and she was excited to hear the news. I told her about the large crowds, and the kids turning out - she said they had been watching bits on the tv here and there. She said she was really excited to see everyone pulling together. She also had some choice words of negativity about her "sad options" on the republican side. Mitt, the "chameleon" as she calls him. And McCain, the old man that's just not in a right place in his heart (her words). And of course Hillary - which we actually agree on a couple things there, just not all ;)

I know my mom - and I know she wouldn't be saying this if she didn't truly believe it. I have no doubt that she's been talking with her friends and the rest of my family. My Brother is 17, and he'll be old enough to vote come fall. I'm glad that he's hearing this from her - I grew up differently (we're 16 years apart in age). I hope he'll be joining us all this fall - when we "hopefully" cast our ballots together for Change.

[ursi]

1. so they didn't believe the muslim email that was sent out nationwide to smear Obama? GOOD NEWS!!

Thanks for sharing!

[Adelante]

2. Wonderful story for our country

:)

[calmblueocean]

3. That's awesome.

Connecting with fundy family members on political issues is rare and extremely gratifying when it happens. I know! :)

[pearl]

4. That is so moving

Gosh, I hope this is an indication of what's going on out there.

[Kittycat]

10. I hope so as well.

What I find most interesting... She didn't seem to care about or even mention a single "hot button" rw issue when it came to her support of him. No mention of HC, no concern over his liberal voting record or the potential to raise taxes. What she saw, and what it appears she believes in - is his ability to bring everyone together, end the war, and rebuild our country.

For someone that's been known to be a single issue "moral" voter... I find that quite moving.

[dkf]

13. Obama is a leader who can redefine moral goals for those previously misguided by Pat Robertson

:)

[ingac70]

5. It is great to hear some of these people...

are realizing what they have done and are trying to undo it.

[dkf]

6. I am so happy for you!

What a wonderful story...

[griffi94]

7. that's a pretty big swing

did you say they had been bush supporters.
were they the hardcore supporters or just thought he was an okay guy in a bad situation.

[Kittycat]

16. Oh no... They were ALL for the war, and HUGE Bush supporters

I think it came more down to being big anti-clinton supporters at first. Then grew from there. Particularly with the war - like it was a set-up to what the bible spoke about, and even if it wasn't - well... they're muslim.

[dmallind]

8. As long as they do it in November too when it matters.

It's one of my concerns with Obama to be honest - how much of his support will desert him when the choice is him or the Republican?

[Yael]

9. My mom said the other day that she fears him because he is a muslim

I have a follow up note to send her an email debunking it for the next time someone forwards her that tripe.

[peace13]

11. That is great!

You are lucky. My mother is so far gone that if * wanted people to turn in their family members she would be the first to call. Peace, Kim

[TexasObserver]

12. My left coast family members are voting Obama, except

... except one aunt, who will vote Hillary, and the hard core Republicans, who will vote McCain.

[chknltl]

14. I heard a similar story on Air America yesterday.

It may have been the Thom Hartmann show where I heard it... I was moved then and I am again moved by this story. There may indeed be hope for us. Thank you Kittycat

[NoBorders]

15. Thanks for posting. Cool story.

Seems like there are plenty of stories like this.

[GDAEx2]

17. nice

kick

[propol]

18. YES WE CAN!

God bless you and your family.

[IsItJustMe]

19. I have noticed, in the last year, that some fundies are actually starting to develop a conscience

regrading the Iraq War. I also have family members that are of that persuation, and I have heard some of them talking about how their pastors' are turning away from this war.

Don't know if that is the case with your folks, it may play a role.

[Perky]

20. The fundies are usprisingly open to Obama

some of it is sumply anti-Hillary.


But alot of the do not like their choice on the GOP side., and the War is the big issue

[Kittycat]

21. This I would agree with.

They do loathe the clintons with every fiber of their being. It's a character & moral issue, which really has little to do with HRCs voting record. Chances are, few have probably even looked at it, beyond what they've been told to believe. It just comes down to a clean slate, and a politician that's open about working with and mobilizing the citizens - instead of the Me, me, me - I, I, I that is so defeatist of our party's past. We can still work together on our policies, it's the approach that makes the difference.