THIS is what's happening in Texas! I am truly amazed and uplifted.

[Avalux]

I just got back from early voting at a library close to where I work. I though I could drive over there at lunchtime, run in, vote and run out. WRONG.

So many people; cars parked everywhere, even on the library lawn. A line so long the wait was 2 hours. I stayed and found myself waiting with an assortment of people - lots of young people. An elderly couple fell in behind me; the man had a walker and even though many of us offered to find him a chair he refused, said he didn't mind standing and waiting.

So as often happens when people are standing in line with nothing to do, we started to talk. It was the elderly gentleman with the walker who broke the ice. He stood there and exclaimed:

"This is a bit of a change for me today. I'm 74 years old and have voted Republican my entire life. I'm voting for a Democrat today - I'm voting for Barack Obama."

He went on to say he likes his demeanor and his willingness to work with others even if they disagree, he also said he's a bright man and if he doesn't know the answer, he'll go to the right people to get it. This was definitely not a man who was only voting for Obama to kick Hillary out. He genuinely supports Obama.

Several of us standing there then started talking all at once; about Obama and the reasons why we are supporting him. We carried on a conversation for most of the time we were in line - with excitement. The elderly couple, myself, a young black man and an elderly woman who was voting for McCain. Even she had nice things to say about Obama, so who knows - maybe she changed her mind when she stepped in the booth.

I have never had a voting experience like this. What I experienced today is not something that can be explained by pundits or pollsters. It can't be explained by any of the conventional means often used to indicate voting trends. I can honestly say I had a great time standing in line and came away feeling optimistic about the future of our country.

[CPschem]

1. Very cool

Similar to my experience in Atlanta on Super Tuesday. Thanks for sharing.

[K Gardner]

2. That is both beautiful and uplifting.. thank you for sharing ! K&R

[Scurrilous]

3. Great story!

:thumbsup:

[Kukesa]

4. Kick! n/t

[HCE SuiGeneris]

5. An involved electorate. Whodda thunk?

Great news.

[AlbertCat]

102. Silver Lining

This may be the single thing to come out of this 8 year nightmare that is worthwhile. But...oh what a cost! Why should it take so much suffering worldwide for Americans to friggin' do their most basic of duties as citizens? What a spoiled lot we are. No wonder there are many in the world who hate us.

I hope this is the end of the "Greed is good" era.

[caseycoon]

6. That's really nice! Thanks for posting. :o) n/t

[thoughtcrime1984]

7. Thanks for sharing!

This is truly a movement, and I am proud to be behind Barack Obama.

[Double T]

8. I can ALMOST hear the whining AFTER the elections by the obama supporters..............

"we got duped by the rethugs". Swiftboats are ready for launch as the Trojan Horses continue to roll forward.

[Connie_Corleone]

9. You really like sucking on rotten eggs, don't you?

Keep sucking away for all I care.

[Double T]

113. Do YOU actually believe the rethugs are going to vote for obama in the GE?

Pinch yourself, it is time for a REALITY CHECK!

[argyl]

140. After 7+ years of this nightmare, a goodly number of them will.

[rateyes]

148. I know they will. I have two good friends who own a yacht sales

business who have voted Republican all their lives. They are supporting Obama, both with their vote in the primary and in the GE.

[Jacobin]

149. I believed the same way you do....until a few weeks ago

I live in a bright red area of the south.

I've had several Bushbots, who voted for him both times, talk to me. They have looked at the field of candidates and told me that they were voting for Obama because they 'liked his message'.

A lot of it is about personality of course. I think people are inspired. He's a gifted speaker. BTW, these are people who are pretty racist, too.

I think Obama transcends race. He's a very talented guy

[Cha]

180. That's what I was saying awhile ago..

that Obama "transcends race".. It's good to see more evidence of it. At work today someone I hadn't seen for bit came over and said, "what do think, Obama?" I said, "Yes!". She said her 85 year old mother in Alabama was going to "vote for Obama and she's racist!".. It's seems like the Perfect Storm.

[Avalux]

10. I talked to the man. He was not trying to dupe anyone.

He was old and looked ill and if what he said was an act, he deserves an academy award. Too bad you're to cynical to believe it's possible.

[Double T]

111. If YOU truly believe the rethugs are going to vote for obama in ANY numbers..........

in the GE, YOU are truly kidding yourself with fantasy.

[Pluvious]

172. Ah right - they'll all vote for Hillary

rotfl - gimmie some of dat good shit you are smoking !

[IDemo]

12. Do you folks PM each other to see who gets the honors of puking on Obama threads?

[Double T]

114. rethugs are NOT voting for obama in the GE. Get a GRIP!!

[Diana Prince]

156. I believe they will

I happen to have several family members who have never voted for a Democrat in their life. They have stated that they will be voting for Obama or not at all.

[bearfan454]

166. A lot of them are.

Junior's policies have hurt them also.

[gorfle]

168. I am.

I was a lifelong Republican voter until the last election. Even my mother, who has voted Republican since Kennedy, is considering voting Democratic. She was criticizing that she watched a debate where Obama was promising health care, affordable tuition, etc., etc., and how one of the pundits said it would cost about $900 billion to do all that. I told her, "Is that all? You realize by some accounts we have already spent three times that much in Iraq???" Regardless of their moral stance on the war (a goodly portion of Republicans are still the "let's bomb muslims for 9/11" crowd), every Republican can't help but look at the war in Iraq and realize we are spending trillions of dollars on welfare for Iraqies. Most Republicans are anti-social-welfare. But they are most decidedly against social welfare for other countries.

Moreover, most people now concede that the WMD thing was a big ruse to get people whipped up into a fear frenzy and buy into the war. My mother openly admits this now. She also realizes that Al Queda had nothing to do with 9/11.

Most people understand that we are going broke as a nation. They understand that there are bigger priorities than turning Iraq into a happy place.

I think about the only people who are hopeless in this election are the Jesus freaks. Other than that, I expect you are going to see a huge amount of crossover this election. In fact I predict a landslide.

[Laurab]

144. I really think they do - honest.

and recommending threads, too. They're all just SO much smarter than those of us who prefer Obama. It gets so tiring to be reminded how really dumb I am in every pro-Obama thread. I guess Hillary wouldn't be "swiftboated" by the people who have been waiting for her to run for 10 or so years now...

[The Anti-Bush]

13. That is just disgusting. Welcome to my ignore list.

[Double T]

116. I'm honored. rethugs voting for a Liberal Democrat in the GE is pure fantasy.

Reality is tough to swallow.

[RiverStone]

18. What - do you want McCain to win?

Why post negative shit like this?

[Double T]

118. One thing I'm POSITIVE of; rethugs don't vote for LIBERAL DEMOCRATS.

If negative is reality, then so be IT!!

[mwb970]

146. You seem to be saying the same thing over and over.

Let me see if I've got it. You don't think Republicans will vote for Obama in November. There. Now you don't need to say it any more! We heard you.

[JVS]

29. I can ALREADY hear the whining of Clinton supporters about how badly she gets beaten in primaries.

[Double T]

119. Yep. Specially when RW and LW are joining forces to destroy her.

It is pathetic.

[blogslut]

44. Are you from Texas?

Have you ever met a Texas voter?

I was born and raised in the Texas Panhandle. For the last 20 years, Democrats in my part of of the state have grown accustomed to speaking in whispers and gathering in secret. For the past 8 years, the Republicans on this prairie have been large and in-charge.

Then again, it can take as little one election to flip a region. In 1964, my Democratic district voted for Goldwater. (Historically, the Texas Panhandle voted Democratic for close to 100 years before 1964.) As a result, LBJ closed our air-base. Senate district 31 has been Republican ever since.

According to the one of the county clerks that preside over Amarillo, Democratic turnout for early primary voting is up 5-and-a-half times what it was in 2004. If you think that hoards of republicans are slinking over to the other side, just to manipulate the vote, then ya'll don't know Texans.

The early voting numbers are up for repubs, voting repub, in Texas too. We're choosing candidates for US Senator, US Representative, State Senator and whole bunch of localized offices. People who screw with the system don't give a damn about the electoral process.

Yes. In Texas, one can vote Democratic for the primary and Republican for the GE. But what you don't understand is that when a Republican Texan chooses to vote in the Democratic primary, his/her voter card gets stamped, in big letters with red ink: DEMOCRAT.

The TX Panhandle has more Republicans per square foot than any part of the rest of the nation. Despite the dramatic increase in Democratic turnout, Republicans are still outvoting us. There are simply more of them. In the GE, Panhandle Republicans will probably continue to win the majority of the vote, but just barely. The whole state, well, things are changing. The Earth is shifting.

[BeatleBoot]

75. Texas Republican Voters Received This Letter

http://republicansforobama.org/?q=node/359


E-mail to send to Texas Republicans


Attention All Texas Republicans and Independents!!

On March 4th, Texas Republicans and Independents will have an opportunity to end Hillary Clinton's (and Bill's) presidential ambitions once and for all!

Since Texas has on open primary, Republicans and Independents should sign in at their polling place and request a Democratic ballot. They should then vote for Barack Obama. Even James Carville admits that if Hillary loses Texas, "she's done!" Republicans can help make this a reality!!! Just think, no more Clintons in the White House!

Voting Democratic this one time will have NO effect on your ability to vote in the next Republican primary or obviously on your vote in November. Since John McCain has the Republican nomination locked up, voting for McCain or Huckabee at this point will have no effect on the outcome on the Republican side.

After you vote during early voting or on March 4th, you ARE NOT done! Report back to your regular polling place at 7PM on March 4th to sign the Barack Obama list for caucus delegates. In a little known Texas voting quirk, 67 delegates to the Democratic convention will be seated because of these caucuses. This is a full one-third of the total number of Texas delegates. For Hillary to lose, she has to lose the primary votes AND the caucus votes.

I urge you to vote against Hillary Clinton by voting for Barack Obama. Please forward this e-mail to all your Texas Republican and Independent friends so that we can help ensure the Clinton's defeat on March 4th!!!

[theboss]

78. Republicans are idiots and don't realize that they want to run against Hillary!

If this was 1972, the specter of a black president could probably unite Republicans. That ain't happening in 2008.

However, the concept of 4 years of Hillary! in the White House would be the most galvanizing force possible for Republican voters.

I look forward to the hated McCain trying to keep the three legs of the Republican stool attached while campaigning against the eminently likable Obama.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

132. But a lot of Republicans are afraid of Hillary...

and don't want her anywhere near the White House. And most Republicans don't really mind Barack that much.

[WatchWhatISay]

95. But if you click on the link, you will see

that the first few posters responding to this request state they plan to vote for Barak now AND in November. Meaning that they are probably moderate Republicans who are tired of the mess that the right wing has made in this country. I dont beleive that most of them are just Hillary haters, but that it has become socially acceptable for them to vote for a Democrat. I bet this wont be the last time for many of them.

[blogslut]

101. Ahem, *cough*bullshit*cough*

That was a user posting on a community website. It was not mailed to all Republican Texans, nor does it have anything to do with the republican party. The member encouraged others to send it to other Republicans. That doesn't mean it happened.

In fact, you have disseminated this message more times than the Republican party.

[theredpen]

165. If a lot of Republicans do this, it will backfire -- especially in Texas

In 1993, the Minnesota Northstars hockey team was bought and moved to Dallas where they became the Dallas Stars. Who the hell would do that? People in Minnesota love hockey, but Texans? In Dallas?!

The Dallas Stars spent several years being cheered by the many Canadians and northerners who'd moved to Dallas (Northern Telecomm accounted for a lot of Canadians in the area). Still, they were the "oh yeah, Dallas has a hockey team," anomaly.

Then, in 1999, they won the Stanley Cup.

Suddenly, you couldn't turn a corner without seeing a Stars logo. SUVs that were once festooned with Cowboys logos were now flying the flag of the Dallas Stars. A huge new arena was built and now the Stars are nearly as popular as the Cowboys.

If Republican cross-overs make Obama look like he not only has more momentum that Clinton, but more momentum than McCain, he may find himself a beneficiary of the fact that Texans love a winner.

[burythehatchet]

53. You ought to get those "voices" checked out. n/t

[Eurobabe]

54. He can't help it, he's a native New Yawker n/t

[Johnny Noshoes]

91. He doesn't...

He doesn't represent THIS native New Yawker:)

[Eurobabe]

135. Good for you!

:toast:

[stop the bleeding]

79. fucking useless nt

[Emit]

130. stb!

How ya been? Long time no see. :hi:

Strange place, GD: P during primary season, isn't it?

[CTLawGuy]

80. I can almost hear the whining by the Billary

supporters, when they fucking LOSE on Tuesday.

[papau]

89. So many come to Jesus (Obama) stories and so little time to post them all LOL

[Double T]

120. amen.

[George II]

106. You can "ALMOST" hear it, but not quite, eh? GREAT!!!!

So we should vote for Clinton because the republicans won't attack her as much? Ludicrous reason for picking a candidate.

[Double T]

122. YOU and I haven't even seen an attack YET. It is going to be REALLY UGLY........

and Mr. Hope can NOT even imagine what is coming. Clinton has experience with fending off RW attacks, obama won't know where to begin.

[George II]

125. Well, that makes lots of sense...

I'm going to vote for the candidate who can fight off the republican attacks the best. Who gives a shit if he/she will be an effective president - as long as the republican attacks can be fended off.

GET REAL!!!!!

[WVRevy]

162. So far, every attack that Billary and the Repugs have thrown...

...at Barack he has turned against them. EVERY single time. Just look at the ads yesterday. Barack took Hillary's message of "Be afraid if Barack answers the phone" and turned it into "Be afraid if the person answering the phone gets it WRONG". He turned their attacks on his patriotism into a debate on how patriotic it is to support torture, secret prisons, and trampling on the constitution. He showed their smear campaign using *gasp* his MIDDLE NAME for the lightly veiled racism that it really was (with an assist from Michelle).

To date, every single smear and attack the Repugs and Billary have thrown at them, he has used against them by turning it, and them, into a punch line. Yet we're supposed to worry about some mysterious "October Surprise" because Hillary has more slime attached to her name already???

Give me a freaking break!

[krkaufman]

128. Sad, dude. Some Rethugs will...

... as will many independents ... because they're tired of the war and know that we need to get out, and "100 years" McCain ain't gonna get us out. I can see Obama getting 55% of the vote in November, and more than enough EC votes.

[earthlover]

151. There is the sound of the Hillary Campaign sucking enthusiasm and hope out of the air

[Rockholm]

152. Bingo.

[Shine]

11. Thanks for an uplifting post!

:thumbsup:

[EmilyAnne]

14. My parents voted for Barack Obama today! This is the first time they are voting for a democrat.

I know, I know, they are idiots for having supported Bush. Its more important that THEY know they were idiots. They are pretty simple people who would get all of their information from Fox News and didn't have internet to check up on things until a few years ago. Suddenly, they start reading blogs, start double checking those stupid RW email smear campaigns on Snopes and realize that they have been lied to about so many things. Its like they have finally woken up! They were between Hillary and Barack until last week, but finally made up their minds. Not only is this the first democrat vote they have cast, but its also the first time they have voted in a primary.

I'd like to add that my 83 year old, Mexican grandmother and all of my West Texas family (they're farmers) have already voted for Barack. They proudly refer to themselves as Yellow Dog Democrats and they are absolutely not Hillary haters nor are they latte drinkers. None of them have college degrees.

[ellisonz]

35. I'd like to give a belated welcome to DU to you!

I think the last 8 years have been a learning process for the vast majority of Americans. Better late than never!

:donut:

[pingzing58]

77. If my parents voted for Barak Obamania I'd kick them out on the street. But they voted for Hillary

the sane choice. Like I said when Bush was elected the first time: you get what voted for and I'm not the problem Repuglicans are.

[ellisonz]

123. Excuses. Excuses. Excuses.

I'm not impressed by your 2 minutes hate.

[Madam Mossfern]

160. You'd kick them out on the street?????!!!!!

:puke:

I thought that in this country people were encouraged to vote for the candidate they liked the most without fear of for their choice. Would you prefer them not to have a choice?

You really didn't mean that, did you.

[IronLionZion]

173. You're parents must really love you!

:eyes: You would kick your loved ones out on the street for their vote, their DEMOCRATIC vote.

[D23MIURG23]

176. I take the word "sane" with a grain of salt when

The person using it is ranting about abandoning thier parents for voting for the wrong way.

[Shae]

181. Wow. What an angel you are...

Your parents must be so proud.
:sarcasm:

[City Lights]

15. Great story, sparosnare!

Thanks for sharing! I'm amazed that you stood in line for two hours and it's not even election day! :wow:

[Jane Austin]

16. Yesterday at the Elgin (TX) Public LIbrary,

There were people coming out as we went in, 6-10 people inside voting, and people coming in as we left.

This is pretty much what it is like at the bank community room where we usually vote on election day.

There were four ladies working the check-in table and many, many voting stations - maybe 20?

In the past we've early-voted at the county annex, with one person on duty and two voting stations.

We vote on paper ballots with stubby pencils to fill in the bubbles. I have never been as happy to vote for a Presidential candidate as I was yesterday.
A lady on duty said that if all the people who say they are coming do come to the precinct conventions - and that's what we call them in Texas, not caucuses - there won't be room for them.

NSS! In 2004 there were about ten of us at the precinct convention, and the room wasn't all that much too big. (That convention was where I met my first Kerry supporter - and there was only one.)

I was also pleased to see Democratic challengers for all or nearly all the races. There has been a time when Dems didn't even bother to challenge for the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals, and there were candidates for those jobs.

[grantcart]

19. going to the caucus? let us know about that too

[Jane Austin]

39. Of course!

Last time there were so few of us that I was elected convention chairman!

I've heard people calling the talk shows demanding to know when they started doing caucuses. They sound like it's a plot of some kind.

If it's a plot, it's a plot to keep the powers that be in power.

I remember during the Vietnam war, the chairman of my west Austin precinct locked the doors before 7:00 pm to keep the rabble (us war opponents) out.

He was a prominent lawyer/lobbyist who I disliked since that night .

When he died, he was lionized as a great man of Texas. Ugh.

To me, he was a great symbol of the bad old days of the Texas Democratic Party. It was an old boys club then.

Now most of that type are Republicans, and people like me get elected convention chair!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

28. This does my heart good!

Let's hope they stay active. I'm thrilled to hear that Elgin is also motivated!

[thevoiceofreason]

38. I miss Elgin sausage terribly.

I make excuses to drive up there from Houston whenever I can.

Good to hear -- and good luck.

[Jane Austin]

40. Since we moved out here,

we never have to cook dinner when friends come to town!

[Eurobabe]

55. Hey, I have a friend who lives in Elgin!!

[Greyskye]

64. PENCILS used on the ballots?

Really?!?! That just seems - bizarre. What's to stop someone from erasing your vote and substituting another? :tinfoilhat:

[lastliberalintexas]

108. Those kinds of ballots served us well for years

I wish everyone voted that way, on scantron type ballots where the voter has to physically darken the circle next to the candidate of their choice. Simple, easy and effective- until the computer/software companies decided they could make a bunch of money off elections and some politicians saw the opportunities which unverifiable computer voting could provide.


As for the OP, I've seen the same kind of excitement for Obama in SE Texas. It's (ironically) Bill Clinton part deux, and it's nice to see people excited again. He's not my candidate, but he's run a fabulous campaign (with the one big exception of the McClurkin fiasco). I really hope the new voters stay motivated beyond 2008. :)

[Greyskye]

126. Oh I have nothing against that kind of ballot

Only wouldn't your vote be more secure if it was made with ink instead of an erasable material? :shrug:

Definite agreement with you in regards to voter motivation. :thumbsup:

[catrose]

70. Hi from Manor

[powergirl]

98. Howdy Elgin! (g pronounced like God not gin!)

My brother used to live there. Now he's in Victoria (TX). He said the polling places have been packed. He said Bill Clinton was in town but he sees a lot more Obama folks actually kicking butt and working the ground.

[grantcart]

17. I love the personal stories (even if they are from Clinton folks)

are you planning to go to the caucus? I would love to hear (and see any pics) of that.

[Avalux]

22. Absolutely - got my voucher when I voted today.

I will take it to my precinct Tuesday evening to caucus. :hi:

[ieoeja]

34. So in Texas you get to vote twice?

If I ever hear another Texacan talk about we folks in Chicago voting often and early....

At least we have the decency to PRETEND we're not doing it. You make it freakin' legal!

:)

[Celtic_88]

85. Bill Clinton

Announced at a rally in Texas on Tuesday that its legal to vote Twice in Texas.!
Once at the voting booth and you can vote entirely Different that night at the caucuses?
I voted this morning and the Lines were long , most asked For Democrat ballots.

Looks good.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

99. I suppose you could, but I don't imagine many do.

Welcome to DU, Celtic!

[bigbrother05]

45. Explain voucher please

I early voted but didn't get anything

[texas_indy]

48. You get in by showing your voter card to them. It should have been stamped with

democratic when you voted. Don't know what a voucher is for, or would be needed. Maybe you use that if you don't have your voters card with you??

Texas is Obama country! VIVA OBAMA!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fd-MVU4vtU

[bigbrother05]

58. Thanks, cute video, don't know the words

but Viva Obama, and Obama in the cowboy hat, sweet

[Avalux]

49. I didn't have my voter registration card - used my DL.

They gave me a 'voucher' stating I voted today and I'll need to present it when caucus. :hi:

[bigbrother05]

59. Thanks

:hi:

[KLee]

20. Thank you, that warmed my heart :)

To the poster above regarding the Rethugs statement:

Are you really suggesting that, that man was a Rethug? Is it really too hard to comprehend, that Americans can think for themselves? Dems, Ind, and Reps? For far too long we have been "duped" by this Administration, and frankly Americans are sick and tired of it. Face it, Barack has appealed to a lot of people, and those people are Americans first and foremost. He is a reminder of how our country could and should be. We have hope finally coming out of the dark ages of despair.

[Arugula Latte]

21. Who knew that Texas was a festering cauldron of ... liberals!

:)

[Manifestor_of_Light]

50. We've never gone away.

Yellow Dog Democrats have been around for decades and have fought the good fight!

Frankie Carter Randolph started the Harris County Democrats, and then the baton passed to the amazing Billie Carr. Two remarkable women. I don't know who is running the progressive wing of the Dems in Harris County now, but I assure you that we've always been here.

I think the locals (Houston) are tired of the sleaze and corruption of Republican judges and prosecutors (witness the resignation of Chuck Rosenthal, Harris County District Attorney) and politicians in general. The Repukes have monopolized the judiciary here for years.

We have 59 District Courts in Harris County. That's the highest level of state trial court, equivalent to a Superior Court in other states. And below that we have county courts (misdemeanors if crimnal courts) and Constables and J.P. courts. The amount of legal business in this county is staggering because of the population--over 4 million people in the metro area. The tide is turning.

My lawyer is running for one of the Civil District Court seats.

[MrsBrady]

96. we're here!!!!!!

[Bongo Prophet]

153. We're here, yes! We're Fearless! Get used to it!

;)

[RiverStone]

23. Thanks for sharing!

Your experience is happening all over the place - it is in many ways...unprecedented.

But it's real - and I also feel optimistic!!! Don't let the naysayers get ya down. :pals:

Obama is inspiring real change!

[Barack_America]

24. I came away from this POST feeling optimistic about the future of our country.

Thanks! :)

:thumbsup:

[powergirl]

25. Howdy, Plano Texas here - same thing and WHAT A CHANGE!

It has been very lonely being a Democrat in Texas during the last 8 years or so. I had the same experience. People standing in line for a Democratic primary vote is a rare sight - but not anymore. Now, I feel a part of the process and I know that my vote will matter. I never realized how many of "us" there are in this great state. I wear my Obama pin every day and someone always stops me to talk about voting for him. I hope we can bring Texas home for the O-Man.

[snooper2]

61. Plano Signing in! ( East side :) )

GOBAMA!

[powergirl]

63. Hello Plano snooper2!

I live in the south part - near Medical Center of Plano. I've donated the use of my office to some Obama campaign volunteers - nice kids and very earnest. I wish something like this happened when I was in college. My college political experience encompassed the Reagan years. ACK! Those volunteers are hard workers and smart as whips. There are some Harvard types - who I like to goof on - but they get the job done. :)

[tanyev]

94. Hi, powergirl!

I'm in Plano, too. Far north side, work on the east side.

:hi:

[powergirl]

97. Howdy to you tanyev! More Plano checking in!

Who knew that the ranks of the Planoites would make a difference! I'm so happy to have a joyful election season. The last 8 years have been so demoralizing!

[donheld]

26. Wonderful post

Thanks

[blonndee]

27. Thanks for this!

I really enjoyed reading about your experience and I could totally "hear" the elderly man saying that. It brought tears to my eyes. What an exciting time this is for us!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

30. A dying breath has to matter, doesn't it?

:shrug:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

31. This has been such a great experience for Texas Democrats.

I know that many here cannot relate to what it feels like for us. Just take my word for it when I tell you it's been a beautiful experience on the ground here in Texas. I've met so many new and renewed Democrats in my area, it's like finding long lost family members. :D

[TexasObserver]

32. Preach it!! I voted recently, and it was the same way.

The energy, the excitement, the diversity of supporters, the optimism!!

It's soooo different from how it's been for years! We're back, Yall. Texas is BACK!

[loveangelc]

33. I know you hate my questions but how do you think the Clinton ad will effect the TX vote?

[TexasObserver]

42. Hey, that's OK! That's a different question. That ad will change nothing.

It won't change any votes. It will only reinforce the thinking of those who are already voting for her.

Honestly, I don't know how anyone, including Hillary, can think she's better to answer that call than Obama. She's done absolutely nothing to earn any credentials on sound judgment. The opposite. She's shown an inability to think quickly. She's like a B+ student who isn't bright enough to do "A" work on her best day. No matter how hard she tries, she simply doesn't have to stuff to think beyond an ordinary level.

[loveangelc]

46. haha thanks for answering. i dont think it will change much either.

i think it's too little too late. hopefully undecideds won't be fooled by it. i doubt they will be. do you still think he'll win by 5-15 points?

im hoping we can put this behind us and get on with the national election.

[TexasObserver]

47. In Texas, I don't believe there are 2% undecided. Some lie when polled.

Some folks simply don't want to give an answer, and say Undecided. What they really mean is they're undecided if they will get to the polls or not.

[ellisonz]

36. 2 hours in line!

With early voting, wow!

[AtomicKitten]

37. Amen.

[tammywammy]

41. There were at least 20 people in line

Tuesday night when I voted. The people around me were all getting the democratic ballot. :)

[bigbrother05]

43. A two hour wait in early voting

thats unheard of. This is amazing, thanks for sharing

[BuyingThyme]

51. kcik

[Imagevision]

157. K&R...!

[Eurobabe]

52. Thanks for the update SOS. Terrific news!

I have a few Republicans in my family (choke) who are actually voting for Obama because they like him too. Warms the cockles. :hi:

[RBInMaine]

56. Awesome and thank you !

[osaMABUSh]

57. My conservative brother-in-law even had nice things to say

about Barack. He is amazed and interested in the Obama phenom. I call Barack the Tiger Woods of politics. Much like Tiger is a great golfer who happens to be black not a great black golfer; Obama is a great politician who happens to be black not a great black politician. And the righties do admire Tiger Woods and are getting a similar vibe about Barack.

[Oilwellian]

127. I've said the same exact thing

Obama does have the same vibes Tiger Woods gives off. Extremely intelligent, youthful, strong, and you know his best is still around the corner. :D

All of you Texans have warmed my heart. I'm originally from there and have fond memories.

[mwb970]

147. How about an Obama-Woods ticket?

That'd get 'em!

[yellerpup]

60. Many thanks to you, sparosnare

and all the Texans who have checked in on this thread. What amazing, outstanding, exciting news. We are going to take our country back this November! K&R!!!:kick: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[FrenchieCat]

62. Fired up and ready to go!

Sounds like Texas is just that! :thumbsup:

[jazzjunkysue]

65. Nice change from "I don't follow politics....."

Every time I heard that I wanted to draft their kid.

[Q3JR4]

66. When I caucused in the heart of Red state

republican land (Idaho) on Super Tuesday I too was shocked by the number of people who decided to vote for their candidates. We waited in line for over an hour and the line stretched across three blocks.

It was encouraging to think that a red state like Idaho could generate that many people in a Democratic caucus.

Q3JR4.

[IDemo]

170. Might have seen you there, Q3JR4

Fantastic affirmation that place was, with all of the noise and energy, that we are not alone in this state, wasn't it?

[Dbdmjs1022]

67. Very VERY glad to read this!

It's great to hear that the Dems in TX are finally standing up to be heard. And the fact that it's Obama who's bringing them together is just amazing.

GOBama '08

[IndyOp]

74. Welcome to DU, Dbdmjs1022!

I hope you stick around. :hi:

[DuaneBidoux]

68. I voted at a Houston library yesterday and had a similar experience!

[Spangle]

69. Repug voting Dem.. hmmmm

Happens all the time during the primarys. The question is, when it comes time for the big vote in Nov.. will all these republicans still want to vote Democrat.

Generally they don't. Which is why primarys should be closed to just the party voters. But even then, people (activists types) have switched just for the primary..

Am I the only one that thinks this is odd, all these republicans comeing out to vote in the Democratic primary....

[NOLALady]

171. Maybe just maybe

some of our Republican brothers and sisters are also sick and tired of the corruption.

[natrat]

71. that's really nice

[Hepburn]

72. Fantastic!!!!

Thank you for the wonderful report of your experience today! :hi:

[Cha]

73. It's the Perfect Storm, sparosnare!

I love reading all your poignant stories on DU..so far I haven't had real life ones but the people closest to me are all for Obama so it's very gratifying to know the people I love get what this is all about:)

Imagine having someone for our prez who is not divisive but looks for ways to really help the whole country.

[RazBerryBeret]

76. What a beautiful story!

I got chills.

I'm excited to vote her in Ohio on Tuesday, and I have my fingers crossed. One of my very best friends -- who is lifelong republican (don't ask) and voted for Bush TWICE (we can't even discuss it, although there was some yelling in 04), called me up Tuesday night and said she'd go to the Obama rally with me on Wednesday! That floored me, and she is even considering voting for him! this is a very exciting race!

[onethatcares]

81. those are some nice stories, and I lived thru the same thing in

St. Petersburg Fl in 2000 and 2004, guess what happened? I don't mean to rain on your parade but I myself wonder wtf happened.

[Sequoia]

82. Why! It's a.....new......um....American Revolution!

Yeah baby!!!

Thanks!

[tabasco]

83. No, no! This is awful and bad!

The CULT is duping more gullible kiddies to drink the KOOL-AID!!!

:sarcasm:

[crispini]

84. Here is the early voting line where I worked as poll greeter today.

[sonias]

90. Nice photo crispini!

We love lines for Democracy!

Thanks for the photo and for working as a poll greeter today.

:applause:

Sonia

[sonias]

86. Thanks for that report sparosnare!

Fabulous news.

:applause:

I met an Obamacan woman the other day too. She went to see Caroline Kennedy here in Austin and told me it was the first time she had voted for a Democrat too. She said her parents were supporters of the Kennedys and she always liked them. So she was coming out to see Caroline.


Sonia

[applegrove]

87. Just the fact that the Democratic Primaries are causing such excitement and

the Republican ones are duds is cause for hope. It isn't just Obama who gets people excited. Hillary does too - remember they are neck in neck in the polls so about half those new democrats are voting for Hillary too. Don't forget that. It is about the whole movement.

[fight4my3sons]

88. I'm hoping that someone in Lubbock is going to have the same

story and that the old man with the walker they see is going to be my grandfather. He and my grandmother are lifelong Republicans, but I'm hoping that they will vote for Obama.

[Peace Patriot]

92. I suspect that it takes about a 10% edge for the people to outvote the machines--

so I am hopeful about these big, unprecedented turnouts, especially regarding the general election. But, bear in mind that, in elections that are vital to war profiteer and global corporate predator control, they DO have the EASY capacity to rig electronic voting machines, and they would be less cautious about doing so, the bigger the stakes. I think they did a trial run of a big flip of the vote in Ohio in 2005, when election reform measures, which pre-election polls said would win 60/40, were flipped over into 40/60 LOSSES on election day. I think they are normally keeping the vote stealing under 10%, to keep it off the radar of the American people, and to maintain their long term power over election results. But this 60/40 flip in Ohio went by without raising an eyebrow anywhere that I noticed, except a column by Bob Koehler (bless his soul!), who was outraged and alarmed.

I think we had about a 3-5% flip in the presidential election in 2004 (big stakes), combined with big voter suppression. The Democratic grass roots crushed the Bushites, nearly 60/40, in new voter registration prior to that elections. Bush/Cheney's "win" was inexplicable in that circumstance (and in view of a combination of such facts, all supporting a Kerry/Edwards win). Since that time, Dean's 50-state strategy, and boffo work by election reform activists, has reduced voter suppression and intimidation, and greatly increased vigilance about anti-voter poll tactics and anomalous results. But highly riggable machines are still in place all over the country, with woefully inadequate audit/recount controls (non-existent in some states, and nearly useless in most others). Also, the Democratic Party's cave-in on the obvious rigging of the Florida-13 Jennings-Buchanan race in 2006 has me very worried. ES&S voting machines 'disappeared' 18,000 votes for Congress in Democratic areas, in an election 'won' by the Bushite (Buchanan) by only 369 votes! When Jennings lawyers took the matter to court, and asked to review ES&S's "trade secret," proprietary vote counting code--to try to figure out what happened to those 18,000 votes--ES&S REFUSED, and argued that their "right" to profit from our election system trumps the right of the voters to know how their votes were counted! And the Jeb judge agreed!

Now, I don't expect anything else but scumbagism like this from a scumbag far rightwing corporation like ES&S (or its brethren Diebold), nor from a Florida judge, but what bothers me, and has me worried, is that the Democrats in Congress did NOTHING about it. They seem to me to be covering up for this scumbag corporation, and for NON-TRANSPARENT, privatized, corporate "trade secret" vote counting. Which means, a) they won't do anything if it happens again, and b) could mean 4-8 eight more years of fascist Bushitisim in Washington DC, with an increasingly furious American people that could lead to civil unrest and bloody repression.

Not that either Clinton or Obama is a revolutionary of the kind we really need (say, an FDR), but neither is likely to be a big boots fascist like Bush & cabal (Obama less likely than Clinton, I think--but who knows, these days, how to read national politicians or predict what they will do, once in office?). HOWEVER, it takes more than a president to reform a country. It takes the whole country. And what I find so hopeful and exciting is not Obama policy, but Obama SUPPORTERS. THEY are the key to the future--whoever wins the nomination or the general election. They will be less likely to abide election fraud. They will be more likely to demand accountability in our leaders. And if they elect their man--Obama--by outvoting the machines, we will have a president who is to some extent beholden to the American people. And, with reform going forward at the local/state level, spurred by these new activist citizens and motivated voters, the pressure for real reform will be great.

Final caveat: There is nothing that our corrupt political establishment hates and fears more than an aroused, motivated, activist citizenry. They will go to great lengths to crush it--to disempower and demoralize us. They have shown themselves to be without conscience as to disenfranchising us. Do beware. We may be in for a long, hard struggle to get our country back, that likely won't be over in one or two election cycles, and will likely take decades. But the prime condition for success--active, motivated citizens--IS happening, finally, despite the attempt to crush such activism in the movement to oust Bush/Cheney in 2004. Those activists never gave up. We got back up on their feet. WE kept working on it, at so many levels and in so many various activities--media, public information, fundraising, voter registration, grass roots organizing, election reform, meet-up's, new candidates running. It's just amazing. And these big turnouts are the result. It appears that Obama will benefit. And I hope, if he doesn't win the nomination, that Clinton will benefit. Whatever I think of our party's candidates and their policies, and whatever struggle we may have in getting them to be less deaf to us in the future, I want THE PEOPLE to win. I want our democracy to win. I want our great progressive majority to win. And I want the American PEOPLE to take our country back from the warmongers and corporate predators. This OP is just one more evidence that that is happening. And it is thrilling.

[Fly by night]

93. Two hours in line for early voting?!?! The damned DREs are not only insecure, they're SLOW!!

Thanks for your story -- it was very heartening. And I'm sure the time in the line was well-spent. But it needn't have been that way. If Texans (and Tennesseans and too many other voters) were voting on opscan instead of the non-verifiable DREs, the time it would take us to vote would be reduced over 90%. See the assessments on the efficiency of DREs vs. opscans that I've posted elsewhere today. Using opscan-read paper ballots, your new elderly friend would not have had to stand so long and you would not have been late on your lunch hour. Read and then give your local election commission hell for still using DREs. Peace out.
-------
(The following is a comparison we did here in Tennessee of the efficiency of opscan voting vs. DREs. It is no wonder that Fortune magazine picked DREs as the worst new technology of 2003.)

Two small examples of the inefficiency of DREs versus optical scan voting systems

1) Two identical groups of 21 voters are selected to vote either on an optical scan or a DRE. Given the size of the group, there would be no reason to have more than one piece of each type of equipment for them to vote on. (Besides, that keeps the cost comparison roughly equivalent.) For this test, each voter in each group is paired with a voter in the other group to spend exactly the same amount of time completing their ballot and having it counted. For the optical scan voters, that involves completing a paper ballot and having it read by the op scan. For the DRE voters, both completing the ballot and having it counted occurs on the same DRE.

For this example, each group of voters has a fast voter who completes the completing the ballot/counting process in three minutes. The voters then stair-step (in terms of time needed) so that each next pair of voters takes another 30 seconds to vote (so one voter in each group takes 3 1/2 minutes, one voter each takes 4 minutes, etc), all the way until the slowest pair of voters takes 13 minutes to complete their ballot and have it counted. (I am not calculating the time necessary to find the voters on the rolls and to sign the pollbooks. Let's just assume that these tasks take the same amount of time for both groups.) How much time does it take each group to complete all their ballots and have all of them counted?

Optical scan group (n= 21) -- 13 minutes DRE group (n= 21) -- 2 hours and 48 minutes

Why is the opscan group so fast and the DRE group so slow? Well, all opscan voters can start completing their ballots at the same time, and can have their ballots read when they are finshed, the only time they need to interface with the opscan machine. Since it takes so little time to read the opscan ballot, having 30 seconds between each voter means that there is no time needed to wait to have the opscan ballot read. While the slow voters are still filling out their ballots, the faster voters are having their completed ballots counted by the opscan. However, with the DRE, since the same piece of equipment is used to complete the ballot and to count the votes, only one person can complete the ballot and cast her/his vote on that piece of equipment at a time. So regardless of how fast or how slow individual voters are, they must wait until all the voters in front of them have finished before getting their chance to start filling in their ballots.

2) Once again, two identical groups of voters are selected, with 21 voters in each group. In this example, each group contains five voters who take 3 minutes to complete the ballot, five who take four minutes, five who take five minutes, five who take six minutes and a single voter who takes seven minutes. Once again, all other voting-related tasks are assumed to take the same amount of time. In this example, how long does it take each group to complete all their ballots and have them all counted?

Optical scan (n= 21) -- 7 minutes DRE (n= 21) -- 97 minutes

Since the opscan machines read ballots so quickly, one group of five voters (e.g., the 3 minute voters) could be fnished having their ballots read before the next group (4 minute voters) are finished completing their ballots and ready to have them read. But again, since the DRE only allows one voter at a time to complete her/his ballot and have it counted, everyone else has to sit on their hands until everyone in front of them in line to vote has done so.

Under these two examples, there are only two ways to speed up the voting with the DREs to complete the election in the same amount of time as with the optical scan:

a) buy more DREs (10-15 more) and hope that slow voters don't end up using the same DRE, or
b) have DRE voters get discouraged with the long wait and leave the polling place without voting.

So if the time it takes to complete an election were the only criterion for selecting voting equipment, opscan would win hands-down. Add to that the facts that opscans are much less expensive per unit of votes cast and they start and end with a paper ballot that is available for an audit or recount, the selection really should be a no-brainer. So what is our problem (really) here in Tennessee?
--------------------------

"Never argue with a man whose job depends on not being convinced." H.L. Mencken

"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." Upton Sinclair

[Maestro]

100. In my very red area the rethugs and Democrats voted in the same

area with the same election officials and I could easily see that the democratic list of primary voters was just as long as the rethug one. That says something for sure.

[Beregond2]

103. WA

Exactly the experience I had at the WA caucus.

[enemy of the people]

104. Primaries are fine, but...

The true test of these Repuke turncoats is on November 8. Who is voted for in the primaries will not make one whit of difference if the eventual Rethug candidate and his fascist/christian toady veep candidate get the majority of Electoral College votes.

I am encouraged by the evidence that young and old are prepared to send Barack to the white house in January, '09. Not encouraged enough to believe it will actually happen, however. The script is an old one, when the campaign starts in earnest next fall, the marginal supporters like this old guy are going to come to heel like they did TWICE for shrub.

Once the Swiftboating and the RNC/Fauxsnooze noise machine starts after Labor Day the crap will come so fast and furious that Barack will not have time to think much less visit about the real issues. The result of this is that the marginal supporters will be led to believe the only salvation for America is another Rethug and McCain - depicted as a war hero (which he IS NOT) will be massively supported. I suspect even the fascist christians will come around when it comes down to their guy against Hussein Obama.

We have already seen some of the taughtness of the contest when the two primaries next week are seen as real contests. Right now, Clinton ought to be capitulating to the better candidate but she has been able to garner enough support from the DINO that she is still viable.

Much as I hate the idea of it, I see no way someone like Barack Obama will win. I hope I am wrong and I am doing everything I can to see to a better outcome in the red state I call home. I truly want to be proved wrong but these silly fools have a way of voting against their best interests dating back to Ronnie Raygun. Help me to believe it will not happen again.

[stillcool]

110. maybe this will help...

Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.--Bob Dylan

[think4yourself]

163. Those tactics don't work like they used to

These are different times. Have faith.

[ORDem]

105. K&R n/t

:kick:

[Tom Joad]

107. goodbye hilllarymccain.

[Cha]

115. buzzflash has the mccain ad in January

and hilary's plagiarized version side by side.

http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/29/155558/168/352/466445

[Tom Joad]

134. Rumours are going to fly, and Joe Lieberman is going to be so jealous...

[Tom Joad]

137. at least by Wednesday, Obama can fully concentrate on McCain

give Hillary some slack, i think she has already thrown the kitchen sink out there. she has nothing left, and terror of terrors for her, everyone is voting.

Wednesday she tells us goodbye.

[Cha]

182. Hope so..there's still a

long road ahead after that.

[NanceGreggs]

109. Thanks so much for sharing this!

WONDERFUL STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[List left]

112. A good friend

A good friends father is a life long republican. When the family gets together they never discuss politics because it always turns ugly. Recently at a family get together the father began to talk about how much he liked Obama and told them that he was voting for him. This blew his kids away.

:kick:

[liberal N proud]

117. Will he vote for him in November?

[egarcia76]

121. Yes, it's incredible

I voted (for Hillary) on the first day of early voting, thinking I, too, could waltz right in and out. Wrong. The wait (at 11:00 on THE FIRST DAY of early voting) was 25 minutes for me out here in Missouri City (Houston suburb). I passed by the civic center where I voted today and was amazed to see the line extending out of the door.

I attended a Hillary rally last night in Houston and was so inspired by everyone's excitement. Those of us on both sides are really psyched for Tuesday.

Elisa, proud Hillary supporter
Missouri City, TX

[rainbow4321]

124. "Lopsided Democratic turnout has been seen across Texas in counties large and small"

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/030108dnmetvote.3241376.html

The big, lopsided Democratic turnout has been seen across Texas in counties large and small. In Republican strongholds, the story has been the same. In Denton County, where no Democrat holds a local elected office, 27,765 people have voted in the Democratic primary, compared with 16,220 in the Republican races.

"There's never been anything like this at all," said Denton County election administrator Don Alexander, adding that he expects heavy turnout Tuesday. "We're printing ballots like crazy

<snip>

Democrats in Dallas County have ordered an additional 125,000 ballots, elections administrator Bruce Sherbet said. He is encouraging the parties to add staff for the afternoon and evening voting.

"This one is so unusual from start to finish," Mr. Sherbet said Friday. "By the time we're done , it's still going to be an all-time record. There is nothing to compare it to that I have found, and I went back 28 years." He said overall turnout for the 2008 primary could be triple that of just four years ago, when less than 10 percent of Dallas County voters cast votes.

[kwenu]

129. I noticed it was very lopsided at the courthouse in Austin

I early voted today too. The line was about a 20 minute wait and during that whole time only one Republican showed up. It was actually kind of humorous. Once the lady presented her voter registration card and declared she was voting in the republican primary, the poll worker told her she didn't have to wait in line the republican voter sign-in table was open. LOL!!!

[hisownpetard]

131. Now that's a Republican I could love!

What a great story. Thanks!

[lisainmilo]

133. very nice

I hope he wins Texas! :)

[VolcanoJen]

136. Great News, Tuesday Partner!!!

C'mon Texas!!! C'mon Ohio!!!!

[JustinL]

138. wonderful sign - thanks for sharing!

[raventattoo]

139. Similar Experience in Houston

This is my first post on DU.

I voted early today in Houston. I first stopped by at 4:45 and there were about 100-150 people in line. I was working from home and could not wait that long, so I returned at 6:45 just before closing and found the line to have grown to about twice the orginial size. I did not leave until I finished voting at 9:15!

But the wait was well worth it to see my selection for president: Barack Obama! I felt so proud getting to select his name.

Now, I will point out that if he were not running, I would have been just as proud to have selected Hillary Clinton. I think both of these fine people would make a wonderful leader!

As I said, I live in a democrat leaning area in central Houston, just to the north side of downtown, so I know my experience was different from others across the state, but it was absolutely thrilling to see the number of people there. That is what made the wait worthwhile--waiting with so many others that felt how important this is to stand in line for 2 1/2 hours.

Regardless of the final outcome next week, I am anxious to see the number of people that voted in the democratic primary here.

Cheers all!

[snappyturtle]

143. Welcome to DU! That was a long wait...glad you stayed and

voted! I'm out Kerrville way. My mother-in-law and family in Houston...haven't talked to them yet about their experiences. Hope to hear the same from them! :hi:

[cooolandrew]

141. I think you experienced a UNITED stes of America. It's gonna be great.

[lobointexas]

142. I voted today for the first time in Texas

My wife and I voted today for the first time as Texas residents. Both of us voted for Obama! I also thought that we would be able to run in, vote and run out. I too was wrong. The wait to vote was over an hour here in San Marcos. Many of the people in line were talking about the recent visit by Obama on Wednesday and how exciting it was to have a Presidential Candidate visit our city.

It was also great to see so many young voters waiting in line to vote. Most of the people we talked to were excited that they would actually get a say in who becomes the Democratic nominee, which I think is one reason that so many people are turning out to vote in this primary in Texas. After moving here from New Mexico a year and a half ago, I had a feeling that I moved to a "red" part of the country but it seems like I may have been wrong on that too. The line was just as long when we left as it was when we got there.

[Quakerfriend]

145. All of my very conservative family members have been

talking about voting for Obama for several months. They have no doubt about it.

To them John McCain is just NOT young, able or believable enough. They are SICK of all the lies.

I keep asking myself, How can it be that McCain is neck-and-neck with either Obabma or Hillary in the national polls?? Sounds fishy to me.

I pray they don't get away with stealing another one!:eyes:


Great story! THanks for sharing it with us!!

[davidpdx]

150. Thanks OP for posting that

And sorry if I didn't respond to the correct post.

Also I wanted to compliment the two Hillary supporters in the thread who posted positive non-threatening comments. It's good to hear that stuff.

[Imagevision]

154. 04 in Ohio they had tow trucks lined up in front of black presincts discouraging parking...

[Imagevision]

155. I and my friends genuinely support Obama also/nt

[helderheid]

158. rec 99!

[Maxdee55]

159. Where's The Loyalty ?

Hillary Clinton had been the front runner for the Democratic nomination for well over a year, just two weeks ago she held a 10 point lead in Texas, and a 14 point lead in Ohio, those leads are gone. What I don't understand from Democrats is how can you support someone for so long and then switch sides so easily? Even more bizarre is that in Texas, Clinton was leading among Hispanics by a 2 to 1 margin, it is now statistically even, has Obama become so awe inspiring in the last two weeks that Democrats must now vote for him, do they really believe an Obama Presidency will now lift up every poor person in America while making all their problems disappear, personally I don't get it. Do the people who now worship at the altar of Obama really believe he has never taken money from special interests, why doesn't the media ask about his relationship with his minister who has made anti- white statements in the past, had this been Clinton they would have been all over it, no Obama has become untouchable because as Bill Clinton found out you question Barack you get called a racist. In a year when the Democrats should win the White House in a landslide, I'm afraid that despite all the excitement Obama has created, we would have fared better with Al Gore or even John Kerry (50 million votes) as the nominee. I believe that once the race starts for the general election the Republicans will be merciless in their attacks on Obama, and nothing will be off limits, they will scare the shit out of the American people by attacking his name, religion, inexperience, and yes his color, and they will trot out the L-WORD relentlessly. The Democrats have not shown much loyalty during the primaries, lets see what happens in November.

[think4yourself]

164. Don't they poll registered Democrats?

I think the Republicans who cross over and newly registered voters are not polled. Not to mention the youth who only own cell phones, etc. Maybe I'm wrong on this?

[NOLALady]

167. Maybe she lost some of their loyalty with the

IWR vote. Ya think?

My guess is that Obama has been attacked before. He probably learned how to handle attacks at a very young age and got better at it as time passed.

The White House was stolen from Al Gore and John Kerry, which gave us the Buhs administration. We probably would not have the Obama movement if it wasn't for Bush. Amazing how that works.

Welcome to DU. :hi:

[DemReadingDU]

161. rec #100!

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

169. So I was at Walgreens here in Colorado Springs

I have my Standing with Obama sticker from the caucuses on my handbag. The cashier, a 60 some year old woman, comments to me that she thinks he's going to win. I said, "Well, I hope so!" She leans into me and whispers that she's usually a republican and that she voted for McCain in the primary BUT, if it's Obama, she may just have to vote for him.

I told her that we'd love to have her on board and that its time for some new blood in there. I told her that it's OK, my parents are also republicans and that the republican party of my parents isn't the repubican party of today. That my father believes that the Reagan and Eisenhower republicans have been abandoned by their party and that my parents plan on supporting Obama. She agreed with everything I said, and I walked away grinning from ear to ear.

This is the reddest of red parts of Colorado, northern El Paso County.

[Jokinomx]

174. Thanks for sharing your experience!!

Here in Michigan I see the same movement of once strong republicans now telling me that they are going to vote for Obama if he is nominated. I think a large portion of republicans are also tired of the one sided approach to dealing with problems as our current pResident has done. To win this year the candidate has to at least appear to be able to mend the divisions of this administration. Hillary nor McCain do not seem to be able to do that. Hillary is suffering from the early 90's perception of her confrontational attitude with her health-care reform.... and I think McCain lost his supporters from the Dems when he continued to support * in 2004 for re election even when it was obvious that he was not the man for the job. He supported his party over what was best for the country.

I was an Edwards hopeful and now am an Obama supporter.

Let's just hope he can live up to what people will expect from him.

:toast:

[WillyT]

175. Big K & R !!!

:bounce::yourock::bounce:

:kick:

:hi:

[kelligesq]

177. " if he doesn't know the answer, he'll go to the right people to get it." that's how we got

dick cheney

[xxqqqzme]

178. The excitement you experienced is catching fire everywhere.

I think a large measure of it (this is NOT to distract from any candidates' message or campaign mode) a whooping dose is people are beginning to realize * is done....finished....gone. They are hoping against hope that all the shit/hate/bigotry/corruption/death/destruction goes w/ him. It won't of course, cuz we'll still have limpballs, insanitty, o'lielly & fixed news to remind us of where we have been.

[Subdivisions]

179. I went to the Dallas Obama rally that filled Reunion Arena to

the rafters in the middle of the day. The conversation and excitement was stretched all the way from the parking garage 3 blocks down. There were herds of people moving towards that arena. I have never in my entire life been part of a huge crowd filled with people of all races and backgrounds all loving one another and loving Barack Obama - and the feeling of hope and change was definately in the air.

I was concerned, though, that I got inside the arena so easily and then within 3 feet of him, with nothing or no one between him and me but air, as he exited the arena floor. He's the biggest thing since Kennedy and I'd feel so much better if they protected him better and didn't leave him open like that.