I am a Republican and voting for Obama on March 4th and in November

[deadlyaj]

I am a 28 year old white male in Texas.

I am a Marine who spent 2 tours in Iraq - in 2004 and 2006

I am a Republican.

I am a Republican and voting for Obama on March 4th and in November

When I was deciding which candidate is the best to lead our nation, I came to only one person Barack Obama.

The problems we face in this country grow and fester and will just be passed on to our younger generations if we dont do something soon.

I am strict futurist and Obama will move us forward.

the republican party is full of a bunch of jokers right now. Sure, Obama is very liberal on a lot of issues, but he's got to be more conservative than the bozos who were in charge of congress since '94 (and who then lost it) on several different issues.

The most obvious is how the republicans have squandered all of our money. Say what you want about Bill Clinton, but at least he did what the republicans never seem to be able to do-- get a balanced budget. It's hard to believe that Obama will be as dumb as the republicans have been with our nation's money.

[Raven]

1. Welcome! I hope there are a lot of you folks out there! n/t

[deadlyaj]

4. helping out

I have over 110 marines voting for Obama on March 4th

[Hepburn]

28. Outstanding....

....:applause:

[papau]

275. Yep - the GOP have told about 200,000 in Texas to not bother with the GOP primary and vote Obama so

as to stop Hillary - this fellow is part of a very large crowd - at least as to the primary.

I wonder if the vote for Obama in the general was won by Obama being for school vouchers, or being more deregulation and "civil" rights for corporations (both noted by Obama supporter Hart in his 2006 book)

Or was it the pro coal plants - albeit with the addition of a federally funded "pilot plant to test carbon sequestration" - Obama does love his Illinois coal mine owners

or was it just the general idea that Getting GOP love so as to change the atmosphere in DC means none of that left wing stuff is real and the "GOPer" sees McCain as too progressive compared to Obama?

[tblue37]

30. WOOHOO!!!!! n/t

[Hawaii Hiker]

87. Great news

:woohoo: :woohoo:

[roguevalley]

191. bless you. its nice voting FOR something for a change isn't it.

[curiousdemo]

260. It's real warm on this side of the Isle....

compared to the old, fake, lying, bigots, cold, unpatriotic, rich proxy, fools on the other side. Welcome aboard the love boat, and let that Titanic on the other side sink into oblivion. :toast:

[Scurrilous]

2. Thanks for your vote!

:thumbsup:

[sloppyjoe25s]

232. THANK YOU OP - for your service! And...

We all have enormous respect for what you did for your country in Iraq.

You also sound like a very thoughtful person w.r.t. your Vote.

I think that ALL PEOPLE can make a difference. We have alot of work to do in this country,
but I would GLADLY join arms with you to work to make this country everything it can
possibly be. Barack's campagin has been all about hard work, hustle, and street smarts, and we
welcome EVERYONE who is willing to work, and fight, and struggle for this country.

At times, we might disagree on specifics. No Problemo.
We can still work together to make progress on the many challenges we face.

It will NEVER be easy. Nothing worth having ever is.


"We are not as divided as our politics suggest." - BHO

"We are not a collection of Red States and Blue States, We are the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." - BHO

"We are ONE nation, ONE people, and our Time for Change has come." - BHO

[angie_love]

3. Welcome to DU! You've made an excellent choice and I'm sure others will join in to welcome you!

[RoadRage]

5. Welcome to the DU!

Many of us share your interest in Senator Obama for similar reasons.

And THANK YOU for your selfless duty during two tours in Iraq... many of us hate this damn war, but we sure as hell respect you and all of the soldiers fighting it every day.

[C_U_L8R]

6. Welcome : -)))))

forgive the mess, we haven't cleaned up in a while.

Gobama !

[Just-plain-Kathy]

7. Who will be the first dope to say, 'See, repukes support Obama'.

...It will come. :(

Welcome to DU :)

[jgraz]

144. You mean besides you?

:P :P

[Just-plain-Kathy]

146. You got me.

:hi:

[hisownpetard]

251. Ooof!

:rofl:

[Kokonoe]

8. Thanks for that,

I believe he has America in mind, and will work at the betterment for all.

[tblue37]

34. And so does the Marine who started this thread. Deadlyaj

is obviously more interested in the well being of his country than in the success of his party. That is true patriotism.

[niceypoo]

9. Obamas promises that Republicans will flock to him are a farce

Even Bill Clinton got 15% of the republican vote in 96 (while the republicans were having a blanket party on him, which Obamites continue to this day). When will democrats stop falling for the, 'reach across the aisle,' crap, only to get burned again and again and again?

The definition of insanity is repeating the same mistake over and over always expecting a different result. This whole claim of Obamas is a lie, and he knows it, and his supporters will be in a total daze when the media and GOP turn into rabid piranhas in smearing and attacking him, which is inevitable.

[Apollo11]

22. Sorry about this

Sometimes people come here and post stuff that doesn't make any sense.

I think maybe of them have anger issues or other mental health problems.

But it doesn't mean that everyone here is nuts! B-)

(PS - I am not mocking people with mental health problems)

[niceypoo]

38. And when anybody points out Obamas baseless farce, the ad hominim attacks begin

Obama makes empty promises, based on slogans, with no evidence. His whole, 'unity with republicans' tack is based on, 'because Obama says so'. And if you point this out, Obama's 'hope filled' supporters call you names or 'mentally ill.' It is their MO.

The fallacy of ad hominem:

Person A makes claim X
Person B attacks person A
Therefore X is false

[Apollo11]

53. Some (ex-)Republicans are attracted to Obama's message

Some have already voted for Obama in the primaries. Polls are showing that Obama would win against McCain.

I guess we will find out in November how many (ex-)Republicans prefer Obama - if he wins the nomination.


PS - Sorry if I speculated that someone who is filled with irrational hatred might have a mental health problem.

Just a suggestion, but why don't you direct your hate against the people who started the War in Iraq? :eyes:

[Labors of Hercules]

109. I guess some people don't realize Republicans are people too...

There are those who are Republican because they feel it is the Party that represents their status in life (Most of these have been duped into believing this, but they are beginning to come around)... and then there are the true Neo-con/Rethugnicon Bushista cronies... those who are Republican because they are self-serving elitist assholes. Although these are in control, I think they are not representative of the majority of Republicans who have good intentions...

I like to ask people this question to find the elitists in the bunch: "Should your government benefit all of society, including those who need help to prosper, or do you want only enough government to support your goals and the goals of those you deem "worthy"? After all, you worked hard to make it, and it's not your problem if someone else can't because of whatever lameass excuse they come up with for failing."

gets em every time.

[stahbrett]

36. Bill Clinton may have gotten 15% republican vote in 1996, but Hillary would not

She is untrusted, reviled, and/or hated by almost all Republicans that I know. She does not have the appeal that her husband had in the 1990s. If Obama gets 15% of the Republican vote, that would be terrific.

[WatchWhatISay]

179. Not true here in the Woodlands, Texas

For the first time since I have been precinct chair, more voters have voted in the Democratic primary than in the Republican primary. In the past this city has voted about 75% Republican. As of Monday there were 2434 votes in the Republican primary and 2902 votes in the Democratic party.

Republicans are crossing lines to vote in our primary despite the fact that they have some highly contested local judge and rep races that we dont even have candidates for.

[zanne]

326. That's great news!

I think it's happening all over the country, too. Wouldn't it we wunnerful?

[WatchWhatISay]

180. Not true here in the Woodlands, Texas

For the first time since I have been precinct chair, more voters have voted in the Democratic primary than in the Republican primary. In the past this city has voted about 75% Republican. As of Monday there were 2434 votes in the Republican primary and 2902 votes in the Democratic party.

Republicans are crossing lines to vote in our primary despite the fact that they have some highly contested local judge and rep races that we dont even have candidates for.

[Imalittleteapot]

10. You're joining some of my Republican friends -

4 that I know of including the one I'm married to. Welcome to the bright side.

[rug]

11. Who are you voting for downticket?

[deadlyaj]

26. reply

I will vote against anyone who is for the war. Period.

[tblue37]

41. Good! The ones who have been there know what is what.

The politicians need to listen to you. But people like Rush Limbaugh call any soldier who comes out against the war "phony soldiers." They only support the troops if the troops toe the party line.

[Dhalgren]

49. Good answer!

[rug]

63. And the other issues? The Patriot Act? Universal health care?

[Apollo11]

82. What is this? An interrogation?

:eyes:

[Lisa0825]

99. I think it is just people interested in what he thinks.

Considering we don't have a lot of Republicans who post here who legitimately want to contribute (as opposed to freepers), it is interesting to know his point of view.

[thevoiceofreason]

134. Did you get to go see Michelle?

[Lisa0825]

151. No :-(

As suspected I have the flu (despite having gotten the shot - I have a different strain than was in the vaccine this year). By the time I worked half a day and then went to the doctor, all I wanted was to be back in bed. Plus, I wouldn't want to spread my germs either.

I do feel quite a bit better today. The prescription meds have done a much better job on my cough and congestion than the OTC stuff was doing. I should be back at the office tomorrow, and if I have my voice back enough, I'll be ready to get back on my call list too!

[rug]

230. Ironic you'd ask if I'm interrogating a Republican about the Patriot Act.

[RandomKoolzip]

259. Zing!

[faithfulcitizen]

298. Thank you for your service.

:patriot: It's an honor to have you. Wes Clark did the same thing for me in 2003.

[City Lights]

12. Thank you for your service, deadlyaj!

:patriot:

And welcome to DU! :hi:

edited for typo

[From The Left]

13. WELCOME OBAMACAN!

He will make a splendid president!

[Name removed]

14. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[deadlyaj]

15. good man

The military community likes Obama over all the other candidates. Unless they are die hard life republicans -- armed forces types respect Obama very much. He has been on the veterans committee and even visited with me for over an hour in Walter Reed when I was in recovery.

[Guava Jelly]

65. A wounded Vet too

Man...If any one gives you shit I'll kick their ass..
:patriot:

[Iktomiwicasa]

112. Thank you, young man.

For your service and dedication to our country. I think you have made a good choice in who you are supporting for President.

[JustDavid]

183. Thanks for your service.

Gulf war vet here and I have a daughter going into the Guard.


Watch out. There is an anti-military faction here. The hard lefters. I ignore them because they piss me off and I'll get banned. I focus on the sane dems here and leave the nutcases alone.

But some here do indeed loathe military and everything it stands for.

[reggie the dog]

228. I never understood the blind hatred of the military

it is as if some people want to put up a sign saying "invade us"

[Viva_La_Revolution]

273. They are a very small faction, there are far more of us who have been in the Military or

who have kids serving now. Every once in a while someone will post a DU Vet Check-in thread... it always gets hundreds of replies.
:patriot:

[yardwork]

193. Thank you for your service and sacrifices for our country.

I'm glad that you will be voting Democratic this fall!

[Kahuna]

332. Awww. Recovery? So sorry that you and your comrades had to endure

that for a baseless invasion of a country that did us no harm. My heart breaks for you and my country. Is should have never been. I will never live it down. I will never forget. It is a blot on our country's history. That is why Obama is catching on like wildfire. People perceive correctly that he would never start a war for political purpose.

[K Gardner]

16. Welcome, welcome. Thank you for your service to our country and for your bravery.. on

MANY fronts ! Hope you'll be with us for a long time to come. It will be a pleasure to work with you during the GE ! :hi:

[blogslut]

17. Welcome

Watch out for flying chairs. :hi:

[Voice for Peace]

24. please don't let the nastiness on this forum influence your choices

[Mooney]

18. Welcome

It's good to have you on board, and it's even better that you came back alive.

[polichick]

19. Thank you for your service...

And welcome to DU!

[bunnies]

20. Happy to give this its 5th rec.

Welcome to DU and thank you for your support. :hug:

[Skidmore]

21. Welcome.

The only note I would add to your comment about the republicans in Congress is that they are not conservative, they are not liberal, and they are corrupt.

[Window]

23. Refreshing post.

K/R and welcome to DU.




Peace:thumbsup:

[Hepburn]

25. Hi and welcome....

...and thank you for your service. :patriot:

You make me proud to see our nation come together for change. You and young men and women like you are our future.

:hi:

[tblue37]

27. Welcome to DU, deadlyaj.

Many of our members are lifelong Republicans who recognize that their party has been hijacked by insane radicals and that the current Dem Party is actually more conservative in many ways than Nixon's Republican Party. I am a very progressive liberal, a John Edwards supporter, and I wish the Dems were more liberal than they are. But no matter how you slice it, they are certainly better than the crazy people running the Republican Partyy these days!

People like you are the ones we refer to when we say that there are a lot of sensible, decent people in the Republican Party, people we really could work with, but that they no longer have a voice in their own party, since it is controlled by the religious fundamentalists, the "war firsters," and the crony capitalists.

We are glad to have you here.

[Justyce]

29. Kinda sounds like you're a Democrat but just didn't know it

;) And welcome to DU!

[moondust]

31. Salute!

:patriot:

[SIMPLYB1980]

32. Wow republicans posting on Democratic Underground.

So your 28 and Republican, you probably voted for Shrub not once but twice, you probably think that Bill Clinton's Penis was important enough to impeach him, but don't think Shurb's crimes against humanity are not as bad as we think. Why should I give a damn who you support in our party.



Will you stay after the primaries are over.

[angie_love]

40. Stop crapping on this thread. You just sound extremely bitter and angry.

This young man served his country well and was at the Walter Reed hospital and you write this assinine disgusting post? GET LOST.

[Name removed]

52. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Why Syzygy]

175. I think it's Hillary posting as herself.

Every time I read one of those posts with HC's pic, I just hear the abuse coming straight from her mouth.

[deadlyaj]

43. ass?

I voted for him in 2000 - but I didnt even vote in 2004 - was to busy being shot at and having explosives go off around me while you were stuffing your face and shopping at the mall.

Ive seen children and my own friends die right in front of me. If anyone has the right to change their mind or be a little cynical its me. I dont need to take any crap from you -- no one else should either. Frankly, you havent earned it.

[Guava Jelly]

47. You are going to catch crap here

Just ignore it.
Thank you for serving our country.
And please stick around

[Hepburn]

66. .........

.......:applause: You tell 'em!

And....:hug:...and :cry:

My son is about your age. He is a vet, but served in peace time. I am a mom and to hear about what you went through and survived....it really gets to me.

[Name removed]

75. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Obamanaut]

86. Nicely said! nt

[SIMPLYB1980]

207. So nicely said it got deleted.

Oh well suffice it to say that I have been working with my local Democratic groups, that have been trying to end this war for years, so that our troops don't have do die in a conflict that can never be won.

[Obamanaut]

234. Actually, I responded to post 43, and it is still there, undeleted. If

you will follow the dotted line, you'll see it goes to #43, and it so states in the upper right hand corner.

[Kahuna]

335. You support a candidate that posted for the stinking war. What's wrong

with this picture? :crazy:

[Drunken Irishman]

152. Don't listen to him, he's bitter his candidate can't gain any traction with voters.

Welcome to DU. Hopefully 20 years down the line, we're looking back to 2008 as the beginning of dramatic change in the American political landscape!

[Iris]

158. aren't you even the least bit curious why a Republican would support someone as liberal as Obama?

And the say he's probably "more conservative" than the Congress of 94?

[Drunken Irishman]

164. Nope.

Why should I be? There were very conservative people who supported FDR all four elections -- especially here in Utah (one of only a handful of states to vote for him all four times).

[Recursion]

178. Because by his criteria, Obama *is* more conservative

In that he wants to actually balance the budget and restore the rule of law.

You know, places where conservative values are the same as ours, which is exactly what we've been trying to get you to understand ever since the "ZOMG we can't have Republicans voting for us!" idiocy began.

[Iris]

217. Don't you think there's a major difference between how Republicans would balance the budget and how

Democrats would?

Should we just keep cutting the social safety net out from under the working class and the poor?

[Recursion]

261. But it needs to be balanced

At this point we have to stop the bleeding. A conservative can deal with that being done in a Keynsian way rather than a Friedmanian way if it will actually get done.

What the hell is this bizarre purity test we are setting up?

This guy has decided that a politician from our party most closely reflects his values.

In what idiotic world is this something that worries you?

[Duncan]

274. Well put. NT.

[harmonicon]

165. you rule

I'm afraid to tell you that you aren't a republican though. A conservative maybe, but not a republican. The republicans haven't been the fiscally conservative party for at least a generation, and that's one reason I like the democrats, though I'm "liberal" in most other cases. Sure, I think it sucks that you ever voted for Bush, but he lost the election, so I can't blame you for him being in power. I'm maybe not as crazy for Obama as you are, but of our three likely possible candidates for president, he's the only one who would give me any sense of pride in my country. Welcome aboard. I hope you continue voting in your own best interests and for what's best for our country, and not because of what party you feel you belong to (something we should all do).

[reggie the dog]

229. right on

the other poster was just hating on you because their support for a specific candidate is more important to them than ending the war and bringing back some form of respectability to the office of president.

[joe_sixpack]

253. Ooh Rah!

Well said.

[Kahuna]

334. Bless your heart. Ignore the idiot. I'm embarrassed for that poster. nt

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

339. Has my Vietnam Veteran husband earned it? How do you know who's earned the "right"?

[Hepburn]

57. Here....you need this....

Bitter much???

And...stop acting like this to someone who is coming over to OUR side in supporting a Dem candidate in November 2008 and who has recruited 100 others like him to our side.

PS: Our side is the side of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY....get it yet?

[powergirl]

58. How will this help us get Republicans out of office?

I support Obama. But if he does not win the primary, I will support Sen. Clinton. We should embrace all who want to be a part of the Democratic party.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

69. I didn't hear him say he USED to be a "Republican"....he said "He is a Republican"....this board...

is for DEMOCRATS And PROGRESSIVES.....get it?


that's the rules....I come here to get away from thewm ...get it?!?

[Why Syzygy]

171. I think it's for anyone who supports Democratic candidates.

No one asked me for a Party card when I signed up. I'm an Independent progressive. I vote Democrat.
Labels suck anyway.

[LostinVA]

185. No, it's a board for Dems and progressives, as per DU rules

Posters are expected to support the Dem candidates, not Independents, Greens, et al.

I really don't want to see Republicans posting on here openly.

[Why Syzygy]

188. That's what I said..

"other progressives".. it goes on to say this is a big tent but we are expected to support the Democratic candidate!!!

I don't agree with your side. You're entitled to your beef, but it isn't mine.

[LostinVA]

189. Republicans are not progressives

[Name removed]

190. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jgraz]

246. Neither are most Democrats

Check out Eisenhower. He was well to the left of Bill Clinton. I think we'll see progressivism take over both parties in the next 20 years.

[Greyskye]

266. Unless they vote for Hillary

Otherwise, they "don't count". :eyes:

[reggie the dog]

231. do you really think that all people that post here

are members of the Democratic party????????

Come on, people change their minds. My father voted Republican ever since Nixon pulled him out of Vietnam 3 weeks early. I convinced him to vote Kerry instead of Bush because of the Irak war. My father is still a registered Republican who was hoping Ron Paul would get the nomination but he told me he will vote Obama to vote anti war. Getting him to vote Clinton will be hard, but at least my Republican father is willing to consider voting for Democrats in a hope that the war will end, the budget will be balanced (one thing he like about Bill Clinton) and our international image will be restored.


"I come here to get away from them". Come on, you come here to get away from people that work to convince memebers of the armed forces to vote for a Democrat??????

What the hell kind of values do you have?

[Hippo_Tron]

321. The rules also say that we ban "conservative disruptors"

And that means people who advocate for Republican candidates. Thus far he has not advocated for any Republican candidates.

[Kahuna]

336. Oh stop it. There are several posters that come here and state that they are

republicans voting Democratic. As long as they aren't disruptive and profess support for the republican platform they are welcome and you know it.

[EmilyAnne]

84. I had a hard time reading your post so I ran it through a translator.

The result?

"I'm devastated that Hillary isn't winning." Next time, just say it, ok?

[SIMPLYB1980]

92. I just put your post through a translator.

The result?

"I'm a republican voting to stop Clinton and then I will go back to voting Republican"
Next time, just say that, ok.

[SammyWinstonJack]

111. ...

:spray: :thumbsup:

[Zachstar]

150. Hate much, SIMPLYB1980?

GET LOST!

[CatnHat]

302. To the original poster:

First of all, we all owe you a debt of gratitude for your service. Thanks.

Don't take is too personal, but I find it hard to believe you suddenly "got enlightened". We all know from a republican's standpoint, a vote for Obama is a vote against Clinton. That's the way it is; what is more astounding is the Obama supporters who act like it's a real "conversion." The Democrats don't need Nader, we got republican's posing as "democrats". It's no secret that republican's hate the Clinton's. If Edwards and Clinton were in the race; would you still vote "democratic"? Vote for anybody but Clinton, has been the republican mantra for years; and these Obama supporters think you really like their candidate.:crazy: Give me a break.

[Iktomiwicasa]

115. Why don't you

go sit in a corner and abuse yourself for awhile...

[LanternWaste]

154. Wouldn't the most prudent and effective way...

Wouldn't the most prudent and effective way of letting someone know you don't give a damn about which Democratic candidate they support simply be not to respond to the OP...? :shrug:

[slick8790]

201. Wow, aren't you pleasant.

And a Hillary supporter no less :eyes: . Republican voters are not lepers, you know.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

237. Completely Inappropriate Post. I Have The World Of Respect For The OP, As Should You.

[ellisonz]

241. Ignore.

[Greyskye]

267. Here's your sign

[MadMaddie]

290. Did you volunteer for service? Did you serve in any wars?

If no on both counts then you have no place questioning a soldier that has lived and breathed this war. Shame on you for being selfish and hateful and basically un-American.

That's right I said it because maybe you have forgotten America is the land of the free and we have free will to change our minds through our life experiences. We also have the right to voice our change of mind and heart.

WTF is wrong with you?

[Kahuna]

333. Did you read that OP say that he was wounded in Iraq??? What is wrong with you??

You reek. You should be banned. You don't do that. You don't attack a wonderful young person who served our country and was wounded in the process regardless of who he voted for.

[racaulk]

338. Here, I think you dropped this...

[mmonk]

33. Thank you for the post.

I'm reminded of the Neil Young song "Lookin for a Leader" that can "reunite the red, white and blue before it turns to stone".

http://www.neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/lwwvideos/lookinforaleader_wm.html

[Guava Jelly]

35. Welcome to DU

And thank you for your vote.

[ananda]

37. Newsflash! Obama is NOT liberal.

Repeat. Obama is NOT liberal. Not even close.

[rug]

72. The OP acknowledged it. And now is voting for him.

[calmblueocean]

90. I would characterize Obama as a moderate liberal but not a progressive.

To me, the difference between liberals and progressives is that liberals primarily see themselves as being sympathetic, open minded and tolerant people, while progressives are all about actively working against injustice. Progressives have goals and an agenda, while liberals wait to be convinced on any given issue. Liberals listen to NPR, progressives listen to talk radio. (Okay, progressives listen to NPR & talk radio, but you know what I mean. :)

In that respect, I think Obama is a moderate liberal. He's an issue-by-issue kind of candidate, a pragmatist, someone focused more on "good government" than righting wrongs or fighting injustice.

[xultar]

127. But didn't we want to purget Moderate Democrats?

[paulk]

250. that was B.O. (before Obama)

now we're into A.D.O. (anno domini obama) and things like that don't matter anymore.

[dansolo]

268. I think you have it backwards

I would characterize Obama as a progressive, not a liberal. And how can you claim that he doesn't work against injustice? Are you at all familiar with his work in Illinois?

http://www.stateaction.com/legislator/legislator.cfm?month=11&year=03

[calmblueocean]

306. Obama isn't running as a progressive.

Obama's work regarding police interrogations and the death penalty is outstanding, but it's really not reflective of how he approaches most issues. Generally, Obama seeks consensus over justice. I don't say that as a criticism -- Kucinich is a good example of a candidate who perpetually seeks justice, and is rarely effective at achieving it. But Kucinich does what progressives do: he frames issues as a choice between right and wrong. Obama doesn't do that. He looks for areas of common ground where the ball can moved incrementally closer to the goal. He is often willing to give opposing parties an extraordinary amount of trust and latitude, as he did when he authored legislation that would allow the nuclear industry a period of two years to devise their own set of regulations.

Obama's health care plan is another good example. He doesn't frame the lack of health care in this country as a moral ill that must be addressed, but rather as a market failure. His language and his plan both center around lowering costs, and making a more competitive product. Only Kucinich really offered progressive arguments and solutions for health care.

Obama's entire campaign centers around "good government", finding a way to come together. The way I define the difference between liberals and progressives, this is a very liberal message. (I know my definition of "liberal" isn't the traditional one, but I think times have changed.) A progressive message is more populist, more focused on goals instead of process. I think progressives seek victory rather than consensus.

Sometimes the progressive message can be too bold for the moment, as it is right now. Obama is the right man for the times. We need a good government liberal in office to fix all the bad government we've gotten over the past 8 years. We need someone who values process because our processes have been corrupted. But we're not going to see Obama fight for the rights of gays to get married. We're not going to see him speaking out for the criminal acts of the Bush administration to be investigated, and the criminals held accountable. That's not the kind of guy he is.

[Rockholm]

97. He won't call himself a liberal.

Nice article in the Boston Globe about that today. No link.

LINK ADDED:

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/02/26/just_dont_call_barack_obama_liberal_okey_doke/

[xultar]

126. So right. I'm cracking the fuck up. That's why they called Hillary Bush Lite.

ROFL.

[shadowknows69]

39. Welcome to DU

And thank you for your service.

[Dhalgren]

42. A serious question. Is Obama the first Democrat you have supported?

If so, why have you chosen Republicans over Democrats in the past? TIA...

[deadlyaj]

yup

I am socially in the middle. Fiscally very conservative. Yes. First Dem Ive ever supported.

[Dhalgren]

54. I am glad you have come over, but why did you support Republicans

over Democrats in the past? What made you go from voting for Bush in '04 to supporting Obama in '08? I think that your answer would be very useful for Obama and the Democratic Party.

[angie_love]

56. I believe he stated he didn't vote in 04.

[Dhalgren]

67. I must have missed that. I don't see anywhere he said that. He

said that Obama was the first Democrat he has ever supported and I would like to know why he never supported any other Democrat. I think it would be beneficial to the Party to know this answer.

[deadlyaj]

71. its the war ...

I couldnt really vote till 98 -- I come from a long line of proud republicans. My family, like most in TX is die hard republican. I voted for Bush in 2000, but not in 2004 (didnt vote) There are a slew of reasons I support Obama. The #1 is the fact he was against the war from the start

[Cha]

156. That's one of my best reasons

for supporting Obama was that he came out with his speech in Oct 2002 against the War On Iraq and gave clear concise reasons like your post.

<snip>

What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz and other armchair, weekend warriors in this administration to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne.

What I am opposed to is the attempt by political hacks like Karl Rove to distract us from a rise in the uninsured, a rise in the poverty rate, a drop in the median income - to distract us from corporate scandals and a stock market that has just gone through the worst month since the Great Depression. That's what I'm opposed to. A dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics. Now let me be clear - I suffer no illusions about Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal man. A ruthless man. A man who butchers his own people to secure his own power. He has repeatedly defied UN resolutions, thwarted UN inspection teams, developed chemical and biological weapons, and coveted nuclear capacity. He's a bad guy. The world, and the Iraqi people, would be better off without him.

But I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors, that the Iraqi economy is in shambles, that the Iraqi military a fraction of its former strength, and that in concert with the international community he can be contained until, in the way of all petty dictators, he falls away into the dustbin of history. I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of Al Qaeda. I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars.

So for those of us who seek a more just and secure world for our children, let us send a clear message to the President today. You want a fight, President Bush? Let's finish the fight with Bin Laden and Al Qaeda, through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a homeland security program that involves more than color-coded warnings. You want a fight, President Bush?

http://www.barackobama.com/2002/10/02/remarks_of_illinois_state_sen.php

Thank you so much for your service, deadlyaj, and Welcome to DU!

[Jax]

242. My family in Texas are all die hard proud Democrats

b*sh fucked Texas with his racist re-districting.

Now he fucks America by wiping his deserting ass on the constitution you raised your hand to protect and defend. Treason against Valerie Plame for starters, she was a deep cover agent before his boys outed her.

He has fucked the Constitution with more than just this illegal racist invasion and oily bloodbath of lies. Tons more....who will you be voting for for your US Representatives and US Senator?

He was still a deserter in 2000....

There is nothing fiscally Conservative about repubs, goes way past reagan too.

Lots of facts and info on these forums about how the repubs screw just about everybody but their rich white corporate base. Hope you will read up.

Thanks for your service, Al Quida wasn't in Iraq until b*sh invaded.

Alyce

[lastliberalintexas]

287. What will you do once we're out of Iraq?

Will you go back to voting for republicans? Will you start to support other Dems, espcially down ballot? I'm really just curious, because I don't see that much of the new support for Obama is translating to new votes for other Dems. I'm wondering if this is really a watershed moment for Dems/progressives, or if it's an Obama only movement.



And in my family of 3rd and 5th generation Texans, my grandparents would have disowned any member who openly admitted to being a republican. Both my grandfathers served in the military, as did both of my uncles and my brother. SE Texas is much, much different than Dallas.

[Hippo_Tron]

322. Do you think that the "Reagan Democrats" started calling themselves Republicans overnight?

To answer your question as to whether they will stay in the party, I think it largely depends on how well Obama does as President if he is elected. If he does a good job then I think many "Obama Republicans" will gradually start to consider more and more Democratic Candidates. If he does a poor job, then it likely will not last.

[cali]

44. Great, clear concise post.

Welcome. Thanks for the vote and thanks for your service to our country. How do you feel about Iraq now? Do you think we should withdraw our troops?

[deadlyaj]

50. eye off of the ball

I believe we should give the Iraqi govt one more chance of a political settlement and from that point it shouldnt take more than 1/4 of a year to see it move forward or get out.

We will have quick strike teams in Iraq for years to fight Alqaeda but I believe we should be focusing on Afghanistan.

I signed up in 2002 because I wanted to kill Osama, not fight in Iraq.

[stevenleser]

153. I can totally relate...

I am former USAF and I came very close to joining back up after 9/11 because we had been attacked. When the leadup to Iraq started, I was glad I didnt do that. I would have been VERY pissed off if I had ended up in Iraq instead of Afghanistan.

[Adelante]

45. Welcome to DU, deadlyaj

And thank you for your service :patriot:

As long as you are supporting a Democratic candidate, we're happy to have you here. But it's good you were a Marine, too, because you'll need your leather.

[crispini]

46. Welcome to DU!

:patriot::hi:

Edited to add: Please do at least take a look at some of those Democrats lower down on the ballot. You might find some "futurists" there too. :D

[iconoclastic cat]

48. Good to have you. If you encounter friction here at DU, ignore it.

Remember, it's just a message board. People act here in ways that they would never dare act in public.

[powergirl]

51. Welcome fellow Texan

and thank you. I hope the Democratic party will continue to earn your support and we are honored for you to be among us.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

55. wow Obamanites welcoming a "Republican" on the DU board welcome to 1984

[powergirl]

61. We need to embrace those who come to the Democratic party

We are winning voters one vote at a time by our acts and deeds as good Democrats. Please join us in encouraging others to try and do the right thing.

[nonconformist]

296. He didn't become a Democrat. He's still a Republican.

He's just voting for Obama.

[blogslut]

62. Picking on newbs?

Have some chamomile tea. Maybe a nap.

[cali]

68. Of course we embrace republicans who are supporting the dem

nominee for the presidency and who intend to support him in November. It would be insane not to welcome voters who will help us win the White House. Even the most limited thinker should be able to figure that out.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

70. I joined DU to get away from them and that is a DU rule period!.....

he did NOT say he is a new democrat or that he used to be a republican....he said "I AM A REPUBLICAN"

oh but it's okay as long as he is voting for Obama....what is wrong with you?

[Apollo11]

80. Who you vote for is more important than what label you wear.

It's like Hillary says: "Actions speak louder than words" B-)

[cali]

83. tough. Alert then. But you won't get any satisfaction

because you're twisting the rules. DU is a forum for those supporting dems. He's supporting a dem, and he said in this thread that he'll vote for any candidate who opposes the Iraq war. Please name all the Texan repubs who are opposing the Iraq war. Except for Ron Paul there aren't any that I know of. And nothing is wrong with me, but your hate and bitterness over Hillary losing, has made you lose all perspective.

[hendo]

132. If he wants to vote for a democrat..

What do you care? It seems like you should be supporting his decision also. Something tells me that if he came here supporting Hillary rather than Obama you would change your tone.

[bjnumb9]

177. "That is a DU rule period!"

Just like it was an agreed upon "rule period" that the delegates from Florida and Michigan would not count before the primaries occurred, and I am going out on a limb and guessing you support the bending of the rules there.

Just quit jumping on new DUers, lay down in the tub, and bathe in your own tears.

[LostinVA]

200. Then take it up with the Admins -- it's their site and their rules

WTF does this have to do with seating delegates? NOTHING. This site, as per the OWNERS' RULES AND, is only for DEmocrats and other progressives. There are plentry of bipartisan and non-partisan sites out there. DU isn't one of them.

[bjnumb9]

221. Just an example of your hipocrisy of when you'd like to

play by the rules. When it benefits you and/or your candidate (FL and MI delegates are just an example) then you are all for bending/breaking rules, but when you'd like to keep new Democratic supporters from being able to voice their support for someone other than your candidate you scream "but the rules say, but the rules say!" Open your eyes and realize that this person is inches from becoming a Democrat. He's trying to walk into the party and you are trying to bar the door because you disagree with which Democrat he likes! Get over it. You are being selfish and are not helping the party, PERIOD.

[texastoast]

199. There are a lot of "democrats" here who say

they will vote for McCain if Hill is the nominee.

What about them? They piss me off far more than a Republican who has seen the light.

[LostinVA]

204. Then they are also breaking DU rules and should be TSed

[ellisonz]

249. Who made you judge, jury, and executioner?

:thumbsdown:

[LostinVA]

288. Skinner's board, Skinner's rules

[rug]

77. Except Obama is not a nominee. He is simply a leading candidate in a very divisive primary.

[cali]

85. It's not nearly as divisive as people here portray and he is

the presumptive nominee. It's over for Hillary, and most people know that.

[JustDavid]

186. you got it right.

His vote counts as 1
just like yours counts as 1

The most hardlined progressive activist's vote counts as 1.
The little old lady that never mentions politics vote counts as 1.

[Apollo11]

76. Welcoming a soldier who understands that we need to leave Iraq.

Probably better than most of us who have only seen Iraq through our TV and computer screens.

[Alamom]

91. ! Just reported on CNN - 43% college students don't know what Orwell's"1984" was about,

Around 50% don't know when the Civil War started.
Around 50% have no idea what McCarthyism means.

(Emphasis : All questioned are taking college level courses)


No link. It was a "live: news report. The "study" should show up later and I will certainly post it.


How these numbers were garnered could change how bad this looks.I hope so.

[angie_love]

95. Erm what does this have to do with the thread, you can start your own thread you know

[SammyWinstonJack]

116. Holy crap!

:wow:

[hendo]

138. don't know 1984?

Are you serious?

I mean I do believe that most Americans have no clue when it comes to history or literature, so this isn't very surprising. Heck, I jsut asked 5 random people at work if they had heard of either 1984 or McCarthy. They have all heard of McCarthy (I am temporarily in Wisconsin), which makes sense; but none of them have heard of or are familiar with 1984.

I always was more a fan of Brave New World myself. It is far more believable in our current political climate.

[ellisonz]

248. This just in. The numbers are likely much higher for all adults.

Someone seems to have caught the elitist bug;-)

[ourbluenation]

139. whats the alternative?

[slick8790]

202. Yes, let's shun them. We're fine with just the votes we got in 2004, right?

:shrug:

[southern_belle]

59. Welcome to DU and

thank you for your service. :patriot:

For those posters trying to get under your skin you can "ignore" them by clicking on the farthest right icon on the left side with the red "x" over it (next to the posters name). I just discovered it myself a couple weeks ago. :toast:

[stellanoir]

Welcome to DU

and thanks.

You might want to chime in response to this article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-wiener/republicans-for-obama-ho_b_88353.html

[Franks Wild Years]

74. Fuck anyone who slams Republicans who want to vote for Obama in November.

If every single Republican who voted for Bush has failed to see what an almighty disaster his government has been, THAT would be a problem. People willing to change their affiliation, change their mindset based on actual facts are to be embraced, not abused. If no one changes their mind, McCain gets to run a third Bush term.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

79. McCain will get the WH and you can thank Obama for it...you are being duped by the PNAC handbook

[Franks Wild Years]

93. You really underestimate

how pathetic and creaky the ancient, unbalanced, racist McCain will look when direct comparisons become necessary. Still, don't let that cloud your irrational hatred of Obama.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

114. I have about as much"hope"in Obama's promised "change"as I did in Bush's"compassionate conservatism"

[John Q. Citizen]

168. did you predict that Hillary would be losing big at this point? I just am trying to get a feel for

for how good your analytical abilities are.

If a year ago you were posting that Hillary might have a lot of problems actually getting the nomination, then I might pay attention to your prediction that McCain will win in Nov 08.

On the other hand, if a year ago you were predicting a cake walk for Hill to the nomination, then I would also ignore your prediction about McCain vs Obama.

To sum it up, do you see what you want to see, or do you have an objective view point?

[HCE SuiGeneris]

184. My impression is that many of us know the answer to your 1st question.

;-)

[bjnumb9]

226. You hit that nail on the head. n/t

[ElsewheresDaughter]

176. I did NOT hear him say anywhere that he "changed his affilation"...he said "I am a Republican"

[Oak2004]

309. Hint: that's how Republicans become former Republicans

I dropped my Republican affiliation after realizing that not only had I not been able to, in good conscience, vote for anyone on the Republican ticket for a couple of elections, I was unlikely to find any Republicans I sincerely wanted to vote for anytime in the foreseeable future.

Membership in a party is more than about policy. Party affiliation is about identity, about family traditions (or rebellion against your family), about regional and generational identity, and often about personal bonds of friendship. People don't give up their party affiliation lightly. Even I still harbor an irrational hope in the back of my mind that the Republican Party will rid itself of it's extremist nut jobs, and I'll be able to rejoin them in good conscience (my rational brain on the other hand thinks the Republicans are going the way of the Whigs).

People more easily cross party lines to support candidates from another party who appeal to them. It's only when they do that too often that they will reconsider their party affiliation.

[stellanoir]

60. self deleted

flaky double postings

[Obamanaut]

64. Welcome to DU from this retired sailor. Good on ya! nt

[TheCowsCameHome]

73. I salute you, sir.

Damn right I do. Welcome.

[pdxmom]

78. Welcome to DU and thank you for your service. N/T

[Coexist]

81. thank you for your support and your service.

you, me, my kids and millions of others are hoping beyond hope that a large mandate will give him the political capital he needs to get out or Iraq and get our economy in order.

Its going to be a tough row to hoe, but I am staying positive.

Welcome to DU - don't mind the ugliness right now - its a temporary thing.

:toast:

[mcg]

88. True, Bill Clinton was more fiscally responsible than many of

these so-called conservatives. The waste of our taxpayer dollars is appalling. $45 for a can of coke, overpaid contractors, the bridge to nowhere in Alaska, it goes on and on.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

89. just wow.........insane

[K Gardner]

96. Try actually reading the rules. According to them, you're the one out of line in this thread. So

alert yourself.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules_detailed.html

[reggie the dog]

240. Obama supporter = progressive

[LostinVA]

102. I kinda REALLY like the GOP Elephant in the sig line

[SammyWinstonJack]

118. Crazy ain't it?

:crazy: Imagine if he had declared he was voting for Hillary? :rofl: I don't think he would have been so warmly welcomed as a republican here. :evilgrin:

[Forkboy]

197. Except by Hillary supporters.

:shrug:

[LostinVA]

219. I beg to differ

[Forkboy]

223. Ok, how about, "except for SOME Hillary supporters" ?

I think you know that would be the case. They are too many on both sides who couldn't care less about what source it is when it agrees. I've seen people here complain about a source and then use the same one later on (think it was an Edwards supporter that I saw do it last). Nature of the partisan beast.

[Blue_Roses]

94. Welcome!

I'm a fellow Texan too (DFW) and please excuse the few bitter ones. :hi:

[GTurck]

98. Believe it or..

not there was a time when voting was really about the man and not about the party. I have already voted for Obama in Texas' early voting because I will be an election judge on March 4 and I have voted Democratic most of my life simply because there have been very few Republicans who spoke the words that resonated with my life. Having said that I have voted for Repubs in local and state elections because they did speak to my concerns and understandings. I could never do that now because the candidates cannot be separated from their party at any level. I have to assume on the evidence that every GOPer is going to follow the party line - one that I very much disagree with.
Welcome to a much more complicated world.

[deadlyaj]

100. Obama Rally Items - Dallas Fort Worth

I have a ton of Obama Rally Items!

He is coming to Fort Worth this Thursday evening. (6pm at the Ft Worth Convention Center)


All this gear is very rare.

Rally Signs, Lapel Pins, T-Shirts, badges and stickers!

They're all Pro made stuff and its cheap - there is an 8 week wait on all Obama rally items from his website. I would like to get rid of this stuff to people and at least make my money back on costs.


just email me at [e-mail] and we can setup a time to meet up.

This is for DALLAS FORT WORTH only -- I will not ship

[deadlyaj]

101. Obama Rally Items - Dallas Fort Worth

I have a ton of Obama Rally Items!

He is coming to Fort Worth this Thursday evening. (6pm at the Ft Worth Convention Center)


All this gear is very rare.

Rally Signs, Lapel Pins, T-Shirts, badges and stickers!

They're all Pro made stuff and its cheap - there is an 8 week wait on all Obama rally items from his website. I would like to get rid of this stuff to people and at least make my money back on costs.


just email me at [e-mail] and we can setup a time to meet up.

This is for DALLAS FORT WORTH only -- I will not ship

[Raejeanowl]

311. WHOA WITH THE MARKETING THERE!

You need to get Administrator permission to sell that stuff here or it needs to be over in "DU Marketplace."

[Yael]

103. Welcome to DU. Remember -- 'liberal' is not a dirty word

Give us a chance. You just may like our way better.

(Former Republican here)

:hi:

[deadlyaj]

104. I will remember that!

[reggie the dog]

243. another former Republican

says whats up. I am 29 and I voted mostly Republican and Libertarian until 2004. I voted in 1998, stayed home in 2000 and 2002, then started to vote Democrat because I held out hope that they were better for the country than the GOP. Since then I have warmed up to ideas like national health insurance (not exactly what Obama proposed but hey, he is marching in the correct direction), the idea that a social safety net reduces anxiety and violence, and the idea that deficit spending is not good fiscal policy. Although I am not a loyal Democrat (I voted Green for gov. of Illinois because the Republican candidate stood no chance against the Democrat) I tend to identify more with Democrats than with Libertarians or Republicans now. Perhaps you will have a similar experience.

Thanks so much for your anti war efforts.

[WinkyDink]

314. The OP doesn't say "former"; it says, "I AM..." Underlined.

[reggie the dog]

315. yeah, well

when I started to change my mind I still identified as a Republican too, up until 2004. Do not forget that many Democrats voted Reagan and then became Republicans. Perhaps some Democrats will vote Obama and then become Democrat.

[cooolandrew]

173. Yep, ignore Sean Insanity. The founding fathers referred to themselves as liberal. =)

A caller on nova m said " I am a former Republican and I don't mind a raise in taxes. It is better to pay for something before the problem than after the fact. Like addressing poverty better to have welfare than to fund an over expensive prison system"

[Independent-Voter]

105. You are surely not the only one, but prepare to get slammed by some idiots on this board

Supporters for Her Shrillness have gone full-blown into "Lost their Damn Mind" mode and are embracing her fucking scorched earth policy.

[Yael]

120. No joke.

:eyes:

[mckeown1128]

106. Welcome!!!

I think it is fantastic that you are voting for Obama. Don't listen to any of the "haters" who will try to say you shouldn't be allowed to vote in the primary. My wife who is a Republican too, voted for Obama here in GA. She is in the Military too(Air Force) ohh, and welcome to DU.

[deadlyaj]

107. no one can say ..

No one has been able to give me one reason other than the fact he doesnt "have enough experience" -- to not vote for Obama.

Republicans need to take warning -- that kinda rhetoric towards him will not work. (ie Clinton)

They better be careful

[Indenturedebtor]

125. Thank you so very much for your service

I am sorry that we couldn't stop them from sending you to Iraq in the first place :(

How do you feel about Obamas pledge to redirect our troops and resources to Afghanistan? (with shorter and less frequent tours) I agree with him myself, but I'd like to hear what you have to say about it.

I was a Republican myself. Raised as one, hard habit to shake... In College I became a moderate, and when traveling in 03-04 I swung WAY left after seeing how well it worked for most of the developed, and quite a bit of the developing world. Also being reminded what real news looks like, and how propagandized our news had become pushed me to the internet to get my info. Amazing the discrepancy between the two! Frightening really.

Please pay no mind to Elswheres Daughter. She makes some great posts outside of primary season. Personally sometimes I wonder if she isn't Hillary in disguise ;) She's pissed that HRC is losing. There are about 13 HRC supporters on here that have been getting very "excited" over the last 3 months or so. This too shall pass.

[NoBorders]

108. Welcome Obamacan. You've made a good choice.

And thanks for your service. The current adminstration is simply batshit crazy.

[Jersey Devil]

110. Any port in a storm

Welcome to DU and thank you for your service to our country.

My son-in-law is active Air Force, flies in an F-15 Strike Eagle, a lifelong Republican from a Republican family and has much the same opinions as you do. He is voting for Obama because of the idiocy of Iraq and because he is convinced that by continuing that war Bush is destroying the military.

[Arger68]

113. Welcome to DU and thank you

very much for your service!! You are a true patriot, no matter who you vote for. :patriot:

[jmg257]

117. Semper Fi!

[psychopomp]

119. Got halfway through the thread before I got misty-eyed

Yeah, I guess I am a delusional softy for being touched by seeing Americans decide to come together to overcome the divisions that keep us from moving forward.

If and when Barack Obama becomes President we will need to keep all of our elected leaders' feet to the fire to undo the damage that has been done to this country, particularly in the last seven years.

[spotbird]

121. Welcome.

I doubt you'll stay a Republican, you seem a little too thoughtful.

[Renew Deal]

122. Welcome to DU!!!

Obama gets more money from Military members than any other Democrat. Ron Paul is #1 overall.

[jgraz]

123. Come into the light!!

:P

Welcome to DU :hi: I hope you end up sticking around.

[YOY]

124. Welcome

I always like the kind of Republican you can talk to and reason with. Let me guess, you can actually see the difference between a conservative and a neo-con?

I wish more people could.

Stick around, you're about to find out that most of us aren't as batsh*t crazy/Anti-American as the right wing pundits would like.

You'll find a large numbe of us to be pro-constitution and an incredibly small minority of us "anti-military". Prepared to be shocked bro, you've been lied to.

[paulk]

128. who did you vote for in 2004?

I'm just curious to know if you voted for Bush...

[greguganus]

131. He already said he didn't vote in 2004 because he was in battle. n/t

[greguganus]

129. Welcome! Glad you have come into the light! n/t

[elixir]

130. Good news! Thank you. Please consider Hillary if you've had a change of heart.

[greguganus]

133. He wants change, n/t

[elixir]

147. My point exactly.

[DemGa]

135. Uh huh, right

He wants a balanced budget and likes what Clinton did -- do ya think ya might have overlooked something?

Strict futurist? LOL

Sorry, this reads a little funny. Not buying it.

[deadlyaj]

137. read

Hillary is def not Bill.

[zulchzulu]

136. My father, who voted for Republicans since 1968, voted for Obama

Sure, I convinced him in some ways. But he basically made the decision on his own.

Thanks for your OP and for your service.

[ourbluenation]

140. Welcome to DU and thank you for your service.

:hi:

[motocicleta]

141. Why are you a republican?

You have seen what your party does - lie about being fiscally conservative in order to raid the treasury. Along with a few other choice errors. Why do you stay a republican?

[Big Blue Marble]

163. Did you even read his OP?

He is angry that the Republicans have over spent so much. He said that he is a fiscal conservative and they let him down.
Yes he has seen what his party did. That is why he is here. How about a big welcome.

[motocicleta]

166. He did not say he has become a Democrat,

he said he is a Republican who will vote Obama. In my experience, the GOP is the party of fiscal irresponsibility. I do not think the question of why a fiscal conservative would remain in the GOP is such a strange one.

[LostinVA]

181. He states he is still a Republican

DU is a place for Dems and progressives, as per the DU rules. Voting for Obama -- or Clinton or Edwards or Gore -- doesn't make you a Dem or a progressive, it just means you're a Republican. I give him kudos for being up front about it.

[bjnumb9]

187. Rules, rules, rules

But your candidate and fellow supporters are so willing to throw out the rules concerning the delegates from Florida and Michigan not being seated.

Lame, lame, lame.

[LostinVA]

206. I'm not the one who's "lame" -- don't like the rules, then leave

As I told you when you posted the SAME exact thing: this has nothing to do with seating delegates. This is a privately owned site,a nd the owners/Admins have rules, the main one stating that DU is a site ONLY for Dems and other progressives. Period.

Interesting you're making this a thing about Hillary vs. Obama DUers, when it totally isn't. Hmmm... quite telling, that.

Don't like it? Leave. There are lots of bipartisan sites out there. Currently, DU isn't one of them.

[bjnumb9]

222. Hopefully your candidate follows your advice

and leaves the race so we can get on with winning the GE in November. I'm not making it ab Hillary vs. Obama DUers. The fact that the Hillary supporters are coming out of the woodworks to attack this true patriot is there for everyone to see. Again, open your eyes. He is trying to come to our side and you are attempting to block him. The fact that he steps outside of the label that he once found himself trapped in makes him more patriotic than you, when you can't transcend something as petty as forum "rules." He is a person who formerly supported Republicans who is now supporting a Democrat for President. If that's against the rules in DU, then that's a rule that should be broken.

[Vinca]

142. Thank you and welcome to DU. I hope you don't mind if I quote

your opinions to my Republican veterinarian. I think I can bring him back from the dark side if I try hard enough.

[1awake]

143. Welcome

I am a recent convert as well. To much BS coming from the republicans, and has been for years. In anycase, welcome.. and don't sweat the negatives you will get here and there.. I've been told its just because of the primaries.

[jgraz]

145. Check this poll -- DU's got your back

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4778533&mesg_id=4778533

[PleadTheFirst]

148. Welcome to DU

and thank you for your service. We need more folks like you who are willing to see through the political party divide and vote for candidates based on who they are, not "red & blue".

:patriot:

[tammywammy]

149. Welcome to DU

Thank you for your service!

It's good that you've seen the light. :)

[Iris]

155. So what makes you like him the most?

Perhaps his stance on abortion?

The fact that he wants to make sure the children of illegal immigrants can attend an American university?

How do you think he's more conservative than congress of '94?

I'm really curious about what Republicans see in Obama.

[npincus]

157. Welcome to DU

I respect you, thanks for your service and please don't let a few drive-by assholes on this site bug you.

[cooolandrew]

159. You get the warmest welcome to Team Obama.Good to have you aboard. "Let's go change the world".

The more we have on this side the more we stamp out the corruption and make for a better America. Your support is highly appreciated.

[Big Blue Marble]

160. Your post brings tears to my eyes.

Thank you for your service, your courage, and your wisdom. You give me hope that we can together rise about party
fault lines and get our country back on track.

[WolverineDG]

161. Welcome to DU

Check in at the Texas forum. Lots of friendly folks there! :hi:

dg

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

162. Welcome to the party.

The more you learn the more you'll find we've been right all along.

[TacticalPeek]

167. Thanks for your sevice and welcome to DU.

I don't personally support your choice, but I aways admire when the red white and blue shows through the green.


Force Recon!

[Seabiscuit]

169. Welcome to DU.

Yes, any Dem nominee would be far better for the future of this country than any Republican.

[WatchWhatISay]

170. I am curious what you think of Pete Sessions

as well as Tom Delay, Rick Perry and George W. himself?

Glad you stopped in.

[LittleClarkie]

172. You sir are a true patriot

Thank you and welcome.

[CreekDog]

174. Thank you for your service, no matter which party or candidate you vote for

:hi:

[Recursion]

182. Welcome home and semper fi

I was there in '04 too. Glad you made it back.

[happygoluckytoyou]

192. SEE... YOU CAN TRAIN THEM

[anigbrowl]

194. Welcome. I hope you'll find many other things to like about the Democratic party as time goes on.

I'm an independent who tends to vote left most of the time, but finds many admirable people and ideas in both parties. For me, politics is about making my community, state, country and ultimately the world a better place. I agree that Obama is the best person to do that as President - mainly because he calls to all of us to do the same and try to make a difference.

Some here will question your sincerity. That's life; myself, I'd rather trust and get disappointed sometimes than never take a chance at all.

[ekwhite]

195. Our thanks for fighting for our country

I don't support our being in Iraq, but I do support our soldiers fighting over there. My nephew is getting called back to active duty on March 3rd, hopefully only to train soldiers going to Iraq, but I am worried that he will end up over there.

I am a life-long Democrat who supports Obama because he is against the war in Iraq. I welcome all Republicans who are willing to support the candidate that gets us out of this war and who will bring back the rule of law.

[RiverStone]

196. Good on ya!

Welcome to DU and thanks for the thoughtful reply deadlyaj! :hi:

[texastoast]

198. Well, howdy there

And welcome to DU!

Thank you for your service to our country. And may our country take care of you the way you did for us.

:hi:

[kotsu]

203. Not suprising

seeing as how lots of Republicans are voting for him in the primaries.

The old lesson that we never seem to learn....given a choice between Republicans and Republican Lite, Republicans will win every time.

[Sanctified]

205. Welcome to DU and thank you for your service.

I know a lot of people here probably want to kick you in the nuts because you're a Republican but I think they need to remember that a lot of people come to the Democratic Party through baby steps. Today you are voting for Obama tomorrow you maybe voting for a Democratic Senator or Governor.

[Common Sense Party]

208. Thanks for your service.

What unit were you with? Where did you serve? You probably have some hairy stories to tell. Yikes.

[WinkyDink]

209. Call me when you actually re-register as a Democrat.

[susanr516]

337. Well, technically,

The way you register as a Democrat in Texas is by voting in the Democratic primary. The clerk stamps your card when you request your ballot. It automatically expires in Dec. 2009, when you get a new card. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I would also like to point out a candidate running in the US Senate race directly below the Presidential candidates--Rick Noriega. Check out his website: www.ricknoriega.com and I think you'll see that there is another Democratic candidate who is much more attuned to service members and veterans issues than Cornyn.

[BringBigDogBack]

210. Welcome aboard!

Big tent, baby. :thumbsup:

I have some pubbie friends voting (or have voted in some cases) for Obama. Much for the same reasons you just stated.

[NDambi]

211. I know of 4 republicans that voted on Feb 5th for Obama and are voting for him in Nov

[x-g.o.p.er]

212. Welcome!

I used to be a Republican, still on active duty, got hurt in Afghanistan, and voting for Obama as well.

Welcome home and Godspeed in your recovery.

[Historic NY]

213. Welcome aboard, "thank you for your service".

:patriot:

[RestoreGore]

214. Did you vote for Bush?

[RestoreGore]

289. Guess this won't get answered. Frankly, I don't believe this post at all

More political shenanigans. Anyone can type anything on the Internet.

[Oilwellian]

215. Republicans for Obama

That's music to my ears. It kinda cuts into the Hillary supporters claims that republicans are crossing over to vote for Obama in the primary but will vote for McCain in the GE.

Your service to our country is admirable and we appreciate you crossing the aisle and voting Democratic this election year.

[alteredstate]

216. Thank you for your service!

I'm an Obama supporter who has a stepson currently serving in Baghdad.

[NC_Nurse]

218. Welcome to DU!!!

Glad you're backing Obama. Thank you for your service and your eloquent endorsement. :hi:

[Not Sure]

220. How can you vote for a Democrat if you're a Republican?

Not to take away from the spirit of your post, but - and I don't know if this is statewide - you have to be a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary in Texas, at least in my neck of the woods. Did you change your party affiliation prior to February 4th?

[rexy]

224. No.

You don't have to have a party affiliation to vote in the primaries in Texas.

[Not Sure]

227. Thanks

I don't know where I picked up that bit of bad information. Glad to know it's not an issue.

[PurgedVoter]

225. The stars are right side up!

Note that the Republicans for Obama have the stars pointing up!

[RBInMaine]

233. Thanks ! Please do all you can for the Obama campaign.

As a fellow veteran, I thank you for your service. Please consider going to BarackObama.com to see how you can help if you have not already. We need more vets helping. Again, thanks for everything.

[delt664]

235. Good to have you

I technically used to be a Republican. I even voted for Bush in 2000 to my eternal shame. Then I realized that the Republican party had pretty much eliminated all the republican values that I held in favor of personal money, power, and all around evil shadowy puppetmastery and corruption.

The chains that bound my thinking have been broken, and now I make decisions based on rational and critical thinking - no matter what the GOP or Media (or sometimes the Democratic party as well) tell me to think. I hope the same happens for you.

[Blue State Bandit]

236. Welcome Home, and Thank You!

Semper-Fidelis!

[still_one]

238. Welcome aboard. Just keep in mind that we have a lot of different views here

but hey, isn't that what America is all about?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

239. Welcome, And I'm Proud Of You For Showing The Objectivity You Have.

For now, I understand that you are still a republican, but maybe as time goes on you'll come to realize more and more that being a Democrat is more the way to go. But regardless, I'm absolutely thankful for your support in November.

[Laelth]

244. Wow! This post poses a bit of a dilemma for our mods.

For my part, welcome! Same goes for all sane Republicans.

:toast:

-Laelth

[Occam Bandage]

258. Rules are pretty clear: DU accepts anyone of any ideological bent, so long as

they will support the Democratic candidate.

[NanBo]

245. Welcome to DU

And thank you for your service and sacrifice.

I applaud your open-mindedness--it takes a lot to change one's lifetime affiliations and demonstrates real thoughtfulness. I don't quite understand all this "call me when you become a democrat" etc stuff--other than voting for the democratic candidate, I don't know what the qualifications are that some here are looking for from you--it's not like there's a secret handshake!

Stick around--you're obviously tough enough to weather the few idiots here :)

[joe_sixpack]

254. No secret handshake?!

Well screw that, I'm outta here then.

[Lorien]

247. Obama is also very conservative on a lot of issues

too conservative for this liberal Democrat. I certainly hope that more Republicans will vote for him so I don't have too!

[paulk]

252. Why are you a Republican?

and why, as a Republican, are you supporting Obama?

To me, at least, there seems to be some kind of massive disconnect at work here. I mean - why would you think that "(Obama is) more conservative than the bozos who were in charge of congress since '94 (and who then lost it) on several different issues" . Are there stated policy positions of his that would lead you to believe that?

How do you feel about Hillary's candidacy? Because in all reality, there's not a dime's worth of difference between her and Obama on the issues. Most people belong to a particular political party because that party better represents their positions on the issues. Would you vote for Hillary if she is the Democratic Party nominee?

[mrreowwr_kittty]

255. Good for you and thank you for your service!

Please keep posting on DU because there are a lot of smart and awesome people here and you'll learn a lot.

[dcindian]

256. Hi !

I always found it odd why so much of the military go republican. Spent 20yrs (most as an Air Force brat the rest in the Navy) on bases myself and don't remember the military being as political as it is now. My brother retired from the Navy several years ago he said a lot has changed over the years. He described it as almost preachy at times.

[Occam Bandage]

257. Thank you for your service and your vote.

[sellitman]

262. Shame on you!

You are blowing my stereo-type of Republicans.

Welcome to DU and please post more.

[LucyParsons]

263. Thank you for your service

and Happy Early Texas Independence Day from a fellow 28-year-old, white, Texan.

[lumberjack_jeff]

264. That's great to hear.

However, polls indicate that your fellow Republicans are supporting Obama in the primary, but intend to support McCain in the general.

Welcome to DU. I hope you stick around through November.

[earth mom]

265. Just as I thought-Obama is really a rethuglican.

Sorry but I won't jump for joy that you are here on a LIBERAL website or that we will have another rethuglican in office in 2009. :puke:

[HCE SuiGeneris]

269. I thought I had already posted this...

but seeing as how I am unable to find it, I will say it again.

I admire your decision and the supportive reasons for making that decision. Let's get this country back into the hands of responsible politicians that can return our country to respectability and responsibility.

:patriot:

[ithinkmyliverhurts]

270. Yeah, well, don't forget the other D's on the ticket;

Congress, Senate, state house, state senate, dog catcher . . .

Or just make it easier and vote straight democratic.

[parkeradison]

271. Republican voting for Obama

There are two things that are most important to Republicans, money and power. Check out this blog I copied from the following website: http://www.rightwingexposed.com

Why John McCain?
February 26th, 2008
Why has the Republican Party now rallied around John McCain? After Romney dropped out of the race there were two choices left for Republicans, McCain and Huckabee. Huckabee is certainly the more conservative of the two, even to the point of desiring to add a human life amendment and a marriage amendment to the Constitution. Moreover, the largest voting block within the Republican Party is Evangelical Christians, most of whom also desire to use all legislative and judicial avenues necessary to protect human life and traditional marriage. So, why McCain?

It appears that, once again, Republicans’ moral values are easily trumped by their craving for power. Huckabee should be their man based on their professed biblical and moral values, but they believe that McCain has a better chance of winning so they decided to “chuck the Huck” and maintain McCain. This is the same McCain who is known for his outbursts of temper and sailor’s profanity, which are traits that are considered to be sinful in Evangelical circles. He’s also the same McCain who has been viewed as being weak by most conservative Republicans when it comes to issues regarding enforcing America’s border with Mexico, which was supposed to be one of the top concerns for Republicans.

What happened? Just as religious right-wingers regularly allow their love of money to trump their biblical and moral values, which I have documented and written about on this website, we see similar behavior when it comes to their love of power. When they have the choice between shared moral values with Huckabee, or a better chance to win power with McCain, they go for power. So, now it’s “win baby win” with McCain, while Huckabee is relegated to self-deprecating humor on Saturday Night Live.

I guess, on second thought, religious right-wingers are not much different than their most secular opponents. The love of money and power also top the list of their priorities. Those who fear a values-based agenda from the “religious right” can relax. You have nothing to fear if you remember to give them a choice between their values and power or money. They’ll take the power and money nearly every time.

[ChazII]

272. Semper fi

and welcome to DU. Thank you for your service.

[Ashford Dunwoody]

276. Yeah!

This is good news!

Move forward, not straight!!

[Texano78704]

277. Ha Ha!

Was channel surfing on AM radio and stumbled across "Savage Nation." There were two callers in a row that said the exact same thing! That guy is a real ass-hat clown.

[Name removed]

278. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. 
[link:www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html|Click
here] to review the message board rules.

[Maddy McCall]

280. GTF out of here.

[Olney Blue]

279. Welcome to DU, deadlyaj.

I am very worried about the war in Iraq. It is so hard to know the truth, and I try to get the news from as many sources as possible.
I really appreciate members of the military who post here, because I crave information and I trust you guys.

Thank you for being here!

:patriot:

[njarmywife]

281. Count Us In...

Although we voted for Kerry in 04, we are a thirty something "Gen-X" couple. My husband is currently on his 3rd tour in Iraq, and we too are registered Republicans.

We will support Barack Obama now and in November. MANY military families we know are doing the same thing. We have learned that the Republicans do not have our best interests at heart.

We want change, the Bush's and Clinton's have been in charge our entire adult lives. It's time to turn the page, look at something new. And... Get us OUT of Iraq! I am speaking solely for myself, but I know most military wives echo this sentiment- We don't want to be widows, we don't want our husbands to die for an illegal, unconstitutional war. Although we stand behind our men, and all of our troops 100%, we do not support this war! The only people the Iraqi's need freedom from, sadly, is our own government.

Our entire generation seem to be clamoring for change, it's an exciting time. We look to the future with eager anticipation, knowing that the time will come soon for the baton to be passed to us.

[Olney Blue]

282. Your post brought tears to my eyes.

Welcome to DU. My nephew is serving in Iraq right now, and in the DU community I find some release since so many here are outraged at the poor leadership of this administration. I can't imagine the stress you must be under. I hope to God that we can have an honest, competent commander-in-chief that our service men and women deserve. I wish the best for you and your hubby. :hug:

[EvolveOrConvolve]

283. Welcome from a former Republican

Voting for Bush in 2000 was one of the biggest mistakes of my life, a vote that has cost tens of thousands and trillions of dollars. I consider myself an independent now, but it won't be long before I register as a real Democrat. It didn't take long to figure out that the Democratic party is more in line with my ideals and values.

Maybe you'll join me someday? :)

Welcome. :hi:

[Skittles]

284. stick around long enough and you will no longer be a republican

LEARN SOMETHING

[MadMaddie]

285. deadlyaj welcome my friend and thank you for your service.

Every vote counts and our country cannot afford to have another Republican as President.

:toast:

[Maine-ah]

286. welcome to DU, but it sounds as though you really aren't

a republican. Maybe you should consider changing your party registration!

:hi:

[idovoodoo]

291. Do you still love me after last night?

:D

[DinahMoeHum]

292. Welcome home, deadlyaj, and thank you for your service to our nation.

And the same for your fellow Marines. :patriot:

Rest assured, you're not the only Republican who has experienced "buyer's remorse" regarding your party's candidates. My own brother and sister-in-law, both registered Republicans, feel the same way about Barack Obama and will vote for him in the general election should he win the nomination.

:patriot::toast::patriot:

Oh, and to the 1-2 people on this thread (who shall remain nameless - you know who you are): if you can't show some respect for those who not only have served but have seen the light and have now come to our side, do us all a favor: take your political purity standards and shove 'em where the sun don't shine.
:freak:

[YDogg]

293. Welcome to the dark side!

:hi:

[Apollo11]

316. Wait a second!

I always thought that the other guys were the dark side.

Democrats are the good guys! B-)

;-)

[graywarrior]

294. After the crap day I had, this thread made is all worth while.

Thanks for posting...and more importantly, thanks for serving.

[Lint Head]

295. I feel you are sincere and not just taking the advice of the

biggoted, WTC family hater and liar Glenn Beck. :dem:

[thevoiceofreason]

297. aj -- you are like several guys on my deer lease.

Thanks for youe service and thanks for your support.

[Postman]

299. Read books written by Howard Zinn

I was a republican until I got a political education after reading Howard Zinn.

If you work for a living, you can't afford to be a republican.

[On the Road]

300. Thanks for Posting, DeadlyAJ,

It takes some cojones to post on an opposite party site, even if it is in support of the likely nominee.

I am a former Republican myself, before the party cracked up and the Dems got religion about fiscal responsibility.

[RainDog]

301. Yes. You recognize that Bush's policies have brought us to this point

We need to move away from the Texas crooks who have been looting the treasury. This, imo, is the worst presidency of my lifetime and it is vitally important for republican national and state organizations to get rid of the current sector of the republicans who are currently wielding power. They were wrong under the Reagan admin too. They do not know how to rationally govern.

oh, and there is a fairly recent Princeton study that found Democrats (were and) are better for the economy than Republicans...over 50 years... in every three out of four years.

too large of a concentration of wealth in very few people's hands is simply bad for democracy. a strong middle class has been the most stablizing force in this society. people out there are in trouble now. banks are in trouble. foreign policy is in trouble, provisions for troops are in trouble. Bush couldn't pay for freaking body armor?

sorry, but I hope there are a lot more like you out there b/c we are all gonna have to work together to get out of the mess Junior has gotten us into.

[defendandprotect]

303. Good for you . . . but . . .

The most obvious is how the republicans have squandered all of our money. Say what you want about Bill Clinton, but at least he did what the republicans never seem to be able to do-- get a balanced budget. It's hard to believe that Obama will be as dumb as the republicans have been with our nation's money.

I think you have a bit more awakening to do ---
This isn't a question of the GOP havin "squandered" our money --
Nor are they "dumb" ---

This is purposeful bankrupting of our Treasury ---
a purposeful perpetual war/profiteering ---
by a thoroughly corrupt administration.

[PretzelWarrior]

304. ROCK ON! We're Sooooo happy you're here.

It would be so inspiring to see Obama not only win the nomination but to sweep to a landslide victory in dominating margin of votes and electoral romp.

I could even see Obama pulling an upset and winning some southern states over McCain with ramped up interest among black voters and Dems/Independents and a sour turnout for Republicans.

[2bfree]

305. Good deal! My daughter in law is a republican as well......

And she is all excited about Obama as well. I hope he wins!

[Bluebear]

307. 'but he's got to be more conservative than the bozos who were in charge of congress'...

Sorry, I don't see being more conservative as being a good thing.

[GainesT1958]

308. Thank you...

Both for your service to this country, and your voting to put this country you serve right again!:thumbsup:

Trust me, all of us here appreciate you doing this. And we know you'e not alone; I'll bet a bunch of your buddies who are Repubs are looking to vote the same way.

Welcome aboard, DEADLYAJ! And welcome to DU!:toast:

B-)

[anonymous171]

310. Good Choice!

And thank you for your service to this country!

[MagsDem]

312. The fact that rethugs support him is why I don't

[Apollo11]

317. Way to welcome folks who have seen the light!

Or to encourage folks who are starting to see the light! B-)

NOT! :eyes:

[Swamp Rat]

313. Bushler killed the Republican Party.

Welcome to DU. :hi:

[Finite]

318. Right, so..

"The problems we face in this country grow and fester and will just be passed on to our younger generations if we dont do something soon."

..so did you help reelect Bush? Did it take you 8 YEARS to work out what a moron this guy is?

[DFW]

319. For our Republican visitor:

First off, he said he did not vote in 2004.

Second: here's an old Bush video many Democrats are familiar with,
but most Republicans are not (have fun singing along!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7dPISoH6Ok&mode=related&search=

[knixphan]

320. Hiya!

Welcome to the O-boat! (salutes)

It's the love boat, just loaded with critiques of the failed Bush regime, and some restless progressives.

And cake!

Let's get it done -

First we take the white house back (can I get a holler for 1 million donors??!!)

THEN we start building a real dem majority in congress...

It's a good time to be sick and tired of 'Cheney and the Chimp' and their elitist corporatist clique.

[Hippo_Tron]

323. Welcome to DU, please ignore the mathematically challenged...

Who are under the impression that we can win an election with just people who voted for Kerry in 2004.

[rasputin1952]

324. Thanks for being a sensible Republican...As long as you're

voting against anything that continues the bush "Legacy of Destruction" your doing the right thing.

I hope there are many more R's out there that will see that bush has not only destroyed what was left of the GOP, but has taken this nation down a route that has cost it dearly. McCain would do precisely the same thing...but drag it on for another "100 years"!

Thank you for voting against the neo-con agenda.

And for those of you who have posted nasty comments, please realize, if you can't see this man as someone who has taken a stand against what the "new" GOP has done, open your eyes.

[Submariner]

325. Welcome aboard Marine

Glad you made it home safe.

[bdamomma]

327. Welcome to DU deadlyaj!!

thank you for your service, and thank you for walking towards the light!!! I hope more of your comrades join you.:patriot:

[Kahuna]

328. Welcome and thanks. And, oh yeah, the republicans didn't "squander" our

money. They outright pilfered our treasury. They gave our money to interests that were supporting the campaigns of the republican party.

But thanks for your support. And oh yeah, "liberal" is good. Just the fact that you're willing to think for yourself makes you....GASP....LIBERAL! :)

[MethuenProgressive]

329. Welcome to Republicans For Obama underground.

He said He was 'just like George Bush on Iraq', so no wonder Republicans love Him.

[harun]

330. Good post, thank you and welcome (n/t)

[LWolf]

331. I am a Democrat who is not voting for Obama,

not in May, and not in November.

I stand on the liberal left side of the fracture in the Democratic Party, you stand on the right.

I don't find Obama to be nearly as liberal as he is portrayed. I believe you are correct about his conservatism. You've found the right candidate. I, of course, have no candidate left in the race. Pun intended.

We illustrate the great divide.

[RainDog]

342. no, you illustrate short-sightedness

if you are liberal left, why do you not care about choice for females?
if you are liberal left, why do you not care about current warmongers?
if you are liberal left, why do you not care about health care proposals that address the issue, rather than ignore it?
if you are liberal left, why do you not care about the direction of the economy brought about by repuke policies?
if you are liberal left, why are you willing to have another four years of crony capitalism?
if you are liberal left, why don't you care about the environment, since you know, in the 8 years of repukes, they don't.
if you are liberal left, why don't you care about the attempted takeover of science, etc. by fundie ignorants?
if you are liberal left, why do you think a senator from Chicago, who represents one of Chicago's truly liberal districts, is not liberal enough... and why are you willing to allow the alternative.... a Senator from Arizona who is Bush's amen chorus?

In your day-to-day life, is this also how you deal with the world?

Are you this rigid?

[LWolf]

344. I obviously disagree.

I would say that I illustrate the big picture, and the long-term goals.

Why?

Because I don't think that voting for someone who won't work for what I want is a step forward, or is likely to move anything or anybody in that direction.

Because I think that, in the big picture, if the political process is ever going to work the way it should, people should be voting, not for the lesser of evils but for who and what they actually want.

Because I think that people who vote a straight party line no matter how the party conducts themselves in office enables the corruption of said party.

Because I think the only way to minimize corruption is to hold the party accountable. I have two ways to do so; with my $$ and my vote. I use both.

Because I think that we get the party we deserve, the party we've put in power, and if we aren't satisfied, we stop putting those kinds of people in power.

For me, it's not about any one particular election. First of all, I don't consider it a "win" unless the person that wins is moving us in a direction I want to go. Secondly, when the focus is always about this election, or the next election, it's never about issues. If there is one thing Democrats have made perfectly clear, it's that elections are not about issues.

Why do I think Obama is not liberal enough? He's a hawk. He likes too many republican themes: Ronald Reagan and privatization, to start. He leaves too many "at the table:" homophobes and for-profit insurance and drug companies, for example. He brings politics and religion together too much for my comfort; I like a deep and wide separation.

I am not going to "allow" any Republican to win. They have to earn votes to win, just like Democrats. If Democrats can't earn enough votes to beat Republicans this year, I'd suggest that Democrats might want to, instead of playing the blame game, spend some time in self-reflection to see what might be done differently to change that situation. You know: the big theme: "change."

You're damned right. In my day-to-day life, this is how I handle the world. I have high standards. I've found that keeping my standards high, and working continuously for them, gets me farther than settling for mediocrity, or the lesser of evils. THAT'S THE WAY WE MOVE FORWARD.

I don't consider that "rigid." I consider it smart, principled, and responsible.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

340. What was it about Bush that caused you to vote for him in 2000?

I'd really like to know why someone as reasonable sounding as yourself cast your vote that way?

Most of us here were horrified at the political coup and, in fact, it's the reason this board was started in 2001.

I'm really curious, it's rare that any Republicans announce themselves here. My husband and I are both veterans, ourselves, and we never saw Bush as anything but a looming disaster.

There had to be something about Bush that captured your fancy. What was it?

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

341. One more question. As a female veteran, I have a great deal of interest in the

details of tours of duty by female G.I.'s.

Did the women with whom you served, in Iraq, get the benefit of your reasoned self? Did you treat them as peers? Did you witness any of the atrocities against females serving in Iraq, in the Armed Services, about which we statesiders are hearing?

Thanks in advance. I'm glad you're willing to make this step and embrace liberal sensibilities. :toast:

[Bravo Zulu]

343. Better late than never I guess!

But you Pukes have done so much damage too our country in the last seven years I'm not sure it can be turned around, and your man bu$h is going to leave a poison pill for the next President that will keep us from winning against our enemy's!
I blame you and your kind for the mess we're in, period!

[Common Sense Party]

345. Where did you serve? What was your unit?