How a Republican Sees the Democratic Nominee Race

[Avalux]

I had a conversation yesterday with a republican colleague, mainly concerning Wesley Clark. I, of course, am a supporter of Clark. I don't consider this colleague a neocon; he's middle of the road on a lot of issues.
He told me he will follow Clark and if Clark happens to win the nomination, he will consider voting for him. Went on to say he's extremely disappointed with * and believes we were misled concerning Iraq.
Then he said this - there's no way he would consider voting for any other Democrat. If Clark isn't nominated, he will be forced to vote for * again. I questioned his reasoning, reiterating the negative comments he had already voiced about *, but he would not budge. Just said that's the way it is for him and a lot of his friends, as much as they dislike * right now, he's better than the other Democrats.
He doubts Clark will do well anyway - laughed and said the Democrats will rip him and each other to shreds before it's all over, that unlike the Republicans, we can't unite and accomplish a common goal. We won't need any help from Republicans in losing the election, we'll do it ourselves.
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Not necessarily trying to make a point, just thought I put this out there.

[Brucey]

1. Yes, many repugs think like that and talk like that,

but I'll bet your friend won't vote for Clark anyway if he's the nominee. He says that now, but in the booth his rightwing heart will pull the lever for Bush*. But there are many independents and non-political people who will vote for the Dem candidate, Clark or someone else. As far as uniting, that is a bunch of crap... plenty of times the repugs did not agree (McCain), and plenty of times the Dems have been united. So?

[Avalux]

7. You may be right

and, he's not my friend. Colleague. No way we'd ever be friends. The tone of the conversation got a little heated towards the end. :mad:

[Starpass]

2. The guy is right on the mark

That is why with all the incredible shit that's happening, Bush can still in his lowest hour pull the majority in 99% of the polls!!! We have become basically a debating society and one that is going to lose more and more control of Congress to boot. Perhaps it will come to the day where the Dems register republican and try to choose the least harmful one to support.

[Frances]

3. It seems to me that people who tend to have authoritarian

personalities vote Republican. That's why it's easier for them to keep "discipline."

I think that people who tend to ask questions and be very independent tend to vote Democratic. That is just who we are.

However, since Bush is SO dangerous, I think we Democrats should keep our eye on the prize.

Personally, I was happy with the momentum that was building up for the Democrats before Clark joined the race, but now that he is in, I will do my best to see the positives. And if Clark is the nominee, I will vote for him.

[CMT]

4. can't tell you the number of Repubs and Indies

I've met at Meetups or tabeling for Dean that have said that Dean is one Democrat they could vote for--I think Bush is weaker with his base than Rove or polls indicate.

[CWebster]

5. Yes, yes

we must heed the advice of the Republicans. There are stories like this floating out there for all the candidates. Your candidate is Clark, your intent is obvious.

[Avalux]

8. Never said we should heed their advice

and yes, my candidate is Clark at the moment. That could change and I will vote for whoever ends up being the nominee. Just wanted to share my encounter with a repug.

[spotbird]

6. Most registered Republicans will only vote Republican

no matter who we run.

We are not going to win the election by selecting a candidate who will win the most Republican votes. We will win the election by selecting a candidate who will win all the Democrats and a chunk of the independents.

I have no position on Clark or any of them yet. My primary is in 5 months and I want to hear some more, so this is not to trash Clark.

[Brucey]

9. Agree.

Getting Dems to the polls is the most crucial thing. If we do it, we win. Need a candidate who will organize and enthuse people.