My republican parents in Florida

[LTRS]

I don't talk to my parents much - we have what I would call a "distant" relationship for lots of reasons, most of them not very germane here, but partially attributable to their horrible politics.

But, since I have been canvassing and working and donating money to get Kerry elected I figured I would be remiss if I didn't at least call them and try to get them to vote for Kerry. So I did.

And when I asked if they were voting for Bush they said (and I quote): "Gawd no! Not a chance."

You're voting for Kerry then, I asked. They said "Yes, we think he will make a good president."

I was so relieved to hear that I can't tell you. It's hard when family members don't see the light, and I was very glad I didn't have to have a huge political discussion with them since we agree on just about nothing in that regard.

I also converted my VERY conservative ex-husband to voting for Kerry. He even donated some money to the campaign.

I see a Kerry win coming - so long as we keep working hard to GOTV.

16 days until victory, and we can breathe again!

[Dookus]

1. most excellent

good job

[spooky3]

2. that's great news, and is nice for you on a personal level also.

[Cha]

3. Brava to you on all counts...

Your story made me cry for happy! It's just so awesome when People see the Light!

OTOH..I get really depressed when people ignore their Country for a party vote.

[kikiek]

4. Thanks for some good news! Needed that today! Hope is on the way.

[DemFromMem]

5. My dad in Florida is also switching!

My dad cast his first presidential vote for Barry Goldwater and has voted consistently Republican for the last four decades. He also said he was voting for Kerry. I though hell would freeze over before I heard him say he was voting for the Dems.

My dad's in conservative Pensacola (Scarborough was his Congressman). He thinks Kerry is going to win and says a lot of fellow Republicans are not voting for Bush this year.

Wahoo! My mother, his ex-wife, was astonished. She's a lifelong liberal.

[LTRS]

12. My parents, in Venice, also think Kerry will win (n/t)

[louis c]

6. Maybe you can share some insight on how you

converted your ex-husband.

I hope it's clean.

[LTRS]

10. I worked on him for months

We are actually good friends and talk quite a bit (we have a child together so have tried very hard to maintain a good relationship). I have been working on him with facts for over a year now. He has very strong values and everytime I found some info about Bush basically crapping on someone or some group I pointed it out to him saying, "these are not your values - how can you support this man?"

The tipping point was an article I sent him from a pastor who wrote a newspaper column about how republican values did not match the teachings of the bible. And then the debates showed him that Kerry was not the man the Bush campaign had made him out to be. He told me he saw that Bush had lied about Kerry and his positions on things. He told me those were the two things that changed his mind.

[Stew225]

7. Way to go LTRS! Super news! eom

[Jokinomx]

8. That is Awesome TRLS.... Congratulations...:-)

My repug Father in Law said he wouldn't vote for bush either.... he said he "can't" vote for a Democrat...but at least he isn't voting for chimp... and it looks like more and more that all the 20 or so visits by bush hasn't given him Michigan... Kerry leads here by about 7 to 9 points depending on the poll...:-)

:toast:

[DuaneBidoux]

9. I love anecdotal evidence

I wish I could get anyone in my family to awake from their brain damaged slumber. But good for you (and good for U.S.)!

[blondeatlast]

11. As a genuine yellow-dog with great parents, I can't empathize, but

I'm happy for you on a personal level and for us as a nation.

Hope thigs can work up from there, maybe.

[Lorien]

13. Bravo! You've inspired me; gotta get my mom to switch!

we're also not terribly close, and every time I bring up politics she quickly changes the subject. She was an atheist when I was growing up (she had been raised in a Mennonite/ democratic family), but was 'born again" 20 years ago, and has become increasingly right wing. She won't read newspapers or watch TV, so she has no clue about what's going on in the world. When my home was hit by a hurricane recently, I called five days later (once I had dug out from debris and found a working pay phone) to tell her I was all right. She said "Really? When did Florida have a hurricane"? *sigh*

Today I went to Costco and bought a DVD of F 9/11 and a DVD player for her (no, she really doesn't see many movies,either). I'm nearly broke, but this is worth it, I think. She lives in Ohio, and I know that if I can convince her, she'll convince others. I hope I end up with the same response you did!

[naufragus]

17. I know what you mean

i have a fundie side of the family. they have very strong views on every topic...yet know absolutly nothing about it...they dont read, dont watch tv or most films.

there seems to be a word of mouth between fundies that thells them waht they are supposed to think.

if there is real evidence against it they get angry and wont discuss it.

[deadparrot]

14. Great news. Did they go for * in 2000?

[LTRS]

15. Yes, the voted for Bush in 2000

Hated Clinton with a passion, and by association, Al Gore as well.

[deadparrot]

16. Even better!

[Doohickie]

18. I think the one thing that will surprise a lot of people is

how many "Kerry Republicans" there will be.