Are you ready to 'convert' a Repub rather than inflict their just punishment on them?

[Blackhatjack]

As Democrats we can win the White House and a majority in the House and Senate in 2008 by mobilizing our Democratic base and reaching out to the Independents/Undecideds and Unaffiliated Voters.

However, this election cycle presents us with an 'opportunity' to reach out to disaffected Republicans and 'change their minds' about what the Democratic Party offers and how the Republican Party no longer represents their interests.

Remember that for every Republican who crosses over to the Democratic side, the Republican Party has to sign up TWO new Republicans to get back to the status quo we have today.

It sure is easy to point out to Republicans how dumb and insensitive they have been in supporting Bush and his cronies, but will that get us to our goal of super-majority support for the Democratic Party?

Many moderate Republicans are as alienated from the abhorrent practices of the present Republican Party leaders as they are from 'far left liberal policies.' There is a place in our Party for the fiscally conservative voter, the voter in favor of restraining Government spying and torture and extraordinary rendition, etc.

We will never reach the ultra Rightwingers, understood. However, don't be so quick to write off all present day Republican Party Members as possible future Democratic Party members.

[gateley]

1. That's a thought. There are several Dems who have converted from the

other side. Hmmmm....

[Mojorabbit]

2. I think the ones with any intelligence

are going to cross over themselves. The 30 percent diehards are unreachable. My pop's last vote before he died was for Kerry. His first time ever voting Dem. He was smart enough to realize that * was a crazy ass who was destroying what he grew up believing America was.

[On the Road]

11. People Do Not Cross Line Simply Based on Intelligent Arguments

It is just as much a matter of group identity and emotion. This is true no matter how educated or rational the person. It accounts for a lot of residual Republicanism from people who should know really know better at this point. And it accounts for the traditional effectiveness of stereotypes like "wine sipping limousine liberals" in discouraging crossovers.

For a person considering a change in affiliation, it's important to feel accepted by the new group. It's also important that no matter how big the tent is, there are people you can identify with. That's why prominent Democrats like Jim Webb are so important -- they allow Republicans to cross over without thinking of themselves in any of the negative stereotypes they've built up over the years.

I changed parties almost twenty years ago. I had known progressives for years, and their attitude was important. The fact that they seemed intelligent and cared about the issues was important to me. The fact that they didn't mock me for our political differences was probably an important factor in changing affiliations.

[Blackhatjack]

3. I keep running into 'buyer's remorse' Republicans, who feel they have no where to go...

As Democrats we need to be the 'big tent' Party once again.

We want to set our government straight, get rid of the moneyed special interests, and restore our constitutional rights and reputation. I believe with some appeal to them, many disaffected Republicans could 'cross over' if they thought they would be welcome.

The rueful Repubs I am meeting are expecting to hear 'I told you so' rather than 'come join us and let's fix our government and this country.'

The former would certainly be justified, but the latter would actually help us reach our goals.

[Hydra]

4. Most of them are scared of us

They're like us in many ways- "I'd rather have a bad repub than any dem"

The people screaming that we must vote for Hilary may want to consider that when they use that argument.

I try to educate people about how our system is screwed up, but most of them are more scared of what a replacement would be to even consider it.

[Blackhatjack]

5. Well, Democratic 'paygo' and Republican 'fiscal conservatism' are very similar....

The divide between the two positions is much smaller than the issues that divide fiscally conservative Repubs and the Bush Administration.

[AngryAmish]

6. No, they must all be crushed

Every last one of them. Man, woman and child.

[unpossibles]

7. I have been trying to do so

although I admit that sometimes I can't help going off on some freeper 20%er but usually only after they keep "debating" by using insults and lack of logic to the point of being annoying. On the other hand, I tend to bring as many links and as much solid evidence of documented fact to my arguments before that ever happens, so ideally I'd like to think that wins folks over that are just witnesses.

One final thing: I love how when you finally keep calling them on their BS, they always say "I was just being funny/controversial/sarcastic/interesting, etc." No personal responsibility even to the last drop.

[Rex]

8. George Bush has done more to 'convert' a Repuke than anything

I ever could do. I mean, I tell people what I think but complete strangers hate his guts and say so in public - here in South Texas. Where they love football more than, dare I say it, God.

[Az]

9. Its real easy to convert Reps too. Just shift our values to be more in line with theirs

Sorry. I am going to continue to champion the ideas I believe in. I may lose some and win some. But at least I am fighting for the things I believe in. If I manage to convince a few Repubs along the way so much the better. But my goal is to champion my ideals.

[Blackhatjack]

14. No one is asking you to compromise your beliefs. n/t

[Az]

16. Like I said

If by championing my ideals I convince some republicans then I will be happy. But it is my ideals I will focus on.

[Swamp Rat]

10. I don't like the sound of 'converting people'

:hide:

[Rex]

12. Zell so looks like the Emperor from Star Wars.

Jus sayin.

[Swamp Rat]

15. Yeah, but so does James Baker.

Maybe they are the breed called "Emperor Lizards?"

[Rex]

18. Maybe

They are the 'visitors' from V. :o

[Blackhatjack]

13. Well how many have heard lifetime Repubs say voting for Bush was a mistake?

I have heard them say it, and many of these had been the 'true believers' in Bush.

But in the next breath they say they won't vote for a Democrat in the next election.

These are prime targets. As Democrats we have been villianized by the Repub Leaders and Strategists like Rove as being against God and Country. The more they get to know us and our real positions on issues other than the divisive ones, the more room there is for them to join us.

[applegrove]

17. I think the DU has been pretty decent to former Repukes. And so those

who fell for the war (like me). I understand when you are one on one in the non-virtual world it might be a little harder - speaking is a more immediate medium that a discussion forum. Let's all prepare ourselves for the time when this will happen (and it will likely happen to many of you Americans). Get ready to welcome them. We need these Republicans. We need the centre too.