My brother, Mr. Republican, is voting for Obama

[MissWaverly]

I am still looking for the moon to fall out of the sky. He was a major Reagan republican, he has completely defended the Republicans until now and voted for Bush 41 and Bush 43 x 2. I am telling you if they have lost my brother, they have lost the country. Why, is he voting for Obama, he doesn't like how isolated we are and McCain's habit of flipping out in a crisis. He also feels Palin is woefully inexperienced and a bad pick. I don't think that he has ever voted for a democrat in his life.

:-)

[LisaM]

1. I hope he lives in Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania,

or Virginia!!!

[MissWaverly]

2. He lives in Virginia

and wife and kids are also voting for Obama, when I heard this I thought I was having a heart attack, this was
such a shock. I forgot to add, he is a fervent Catholic who goes to mass every single day. The reason I add that
is that Catholic voters are supposed to be locked up for McCain.

[City Lights]

6. That is *great* news!

:bounce: Thanks for sharing it with us! :D

[MissWaverly]

10. it's like seeing a boulder pried loose

believe me, it has made my day.

[Lex]

26. Wow.

:thumbsup:

[MissWaverly]

33. liked your sig line from Abe Lincoln

yes, there is a lot we have to stand up for now, the Constitution, whoever thought that it would be debated.

[LisaM]

45. All the Catholics I know (including me) are voting Democratic

Of course, Obama put a Catholic on the ticket, but McCain picked someone who comes from a church that doesn't think Catholics are even Christian!

[MissWaverly]

47. well, I was raised Catholic and the emphasis is on ethics

I don't think the current standards which seem to be comprised of: "If no one is looking, we'll try it." would pass muster.

[vaberella]

58. Actually, I was raised Catholic as well.

As followers of Catechism, since that is the basis of the modern Roman Catholic Church....we bend the rules when necessary. Further more, Catholicism realizes that one can't live on bread and water alone in this society. You make do with what and so you can be pro-life and fight the fight but you have to live in order to fight it. McCain promotes Pro-Life, from what I see, in order to send more kids out into war.

[MissWaverly]

63. yes, but I was referring to what does it benefit a man

if he gains the world but loses his soul, this is a core of ethics which does not bend to trickery or greed. I think this administration talks a good game but the moral behavior is missing which is sad. Bush campaigned as the moral reformer who would restore the presidency damaged by Clinton. He also said that he was a compassionate christian. I have seen little compassion from this bunch for anyone who makes less than $250,000 per year. So I do admire your beliefs which are for the greatest good which is very decent and moral. It bothers me that there was so little concern for those helpless babies in the convention center during Katrina. Pro Life for all life for a better planet, a gentler society which is kinder to children, and our elders.

[vaberella]

67. Sorry I misunderstood.

I have to say I don't understand these Christian people either. As a Catholic most of what they do and say is so anti-Chrisitianity that it perplexes me that such religions are used as a base for these people. If any thing they take the worst aspects of Christianity and promote it. Bush himself promoted the war in Afghanistan/Iraq as some dreamscape or even similar to the crusades. Didn't even he use that term to describe his plans. If this is the Crusades those kids sending out to war are ending up in the same way as the last ones. It's so unchristian so non-pro life, so non-charitable. I had to wonder how he sleeps at night. The souls of the dead children, parents and people don't seem to plague this man nor his possible (by some freakish fluke) successor. They're licensed murders, sociopaths if you will.


It gauls me. That's why I find Catholics are more likely NOT to vote McCain.

[MissWaverly]

69. yes, democracy on the march

It sounds so crazy now, but "we will be greeted as liberators", pre-emptive war (which McCain more or less supports, I saw him on 60 minutes). McCain says that he's a veteran and he knows how to "secure the peace." But he believes in attacking someone who might be a threat even if have not attacked us. And what you say about the civillian casaulty rate is also alarming. How can there be so many women and children dead if we have a handle on this occupation (which is not a hot war).

I am glad to hear that many Catholics are not voting for McCain, he scares me as a hothead and he has supported Bush 90% of the time, that alone should disqualify him.

[vaberella]

57. That's funny, because Catholics believe they are the OTR. n/t

[calimary]

70. THANK YOU for sharing this! Btw - this Catholic is locked up for Obama.

Same for a whole bunch of other Catholics I know around So Cal.

GREAT story, though! I love hearing these!

[diane in sf]

71. I teach at a Catholic university and I haven't met anyone there who's voting repug

not even the students

[MissWaverly]

76. I think there is a new realism in this country regarding politics

people are paying attention, listening to the news and cutting through the rhetoric, the problem is that the president has usually been such an honorable man who put the American people first that it took a long time for the American people to realize that Bush only cares about his base and his lobbyists.

[FightingIrish]

3. I wish I could say that.

My brother is a professional Republican in the employ of our Republican congressman. He has barely spoken to me since January 2003 when my OP ED piece against the war was published. The few times our family has gathered since then it has always been strained with almost all of us against Bush and now supporting Obama. The "uniter-not-a-divider" has been pretty effective in even keeping families apart.

[MissWaverly]

5. my brother could be his twin, he has sneered at us liberals

meaning my sister and I as "naive" about world affairs. We tried to avoid discussing politics with him because it would evolve into a huge fight. So I was really surprised to hear him change to Obama, believe me if my brother can change his opinion so can yours. My brother has worked all over the world in some rough and dangerous places, the flag means something to him. So I realize that he always wanted the best for this country but I don't think that the folks he so passionately supported did what was best for us.

[Flirtus]

4. Your brother, my mother

I'm still in shock over her telling me while I'm driving her car that she's going to vote Obama - she's 76 - she knew Nixon, Reagun, Howard Baker, Bill Brock, etc personally -

Count me still in shock. I'm hoping for a 48-state win, since they're going to steal Ohio and Florida...

Congrats! I hope the good feelings persist for you and me and all of DU!

[MissWaverly]

7. yes, I hope it's a trend

I hope that at last we are going to have leaders that truly love this country and want what is best for it.

[Cha]

8. A toast to MissWaverly's brother and those

republicans who see that mccain is not up for the job! :toast: :patriot:

And, thanks for the report:D

[MissWaverly]

11. thanks

I do think there are a lot of sincere republicans out there who really believed in the Cold War and sound fiscal policy.

[H2O Man]

9. I think that

there are a significant number of moderate, rational republicans who will vote for Obama once they are in that voting booth.

[MissWaverly]

13. yes, I think the hyperbole of Rove, and the hate pundits

is being tuned out, most want what is best for the country.

[Solomon]

53. They are embarassing those who can think.

I think Rove and company have outsmarted themselves time after time with Obama The stuff they are throwing up now is just downright embarassing.

[MissWaverly]

55. well, the thing is people tend to not pay attention in good times

When Clinton was prez, everyone was worked up about Monica, that's not even a blip on the radar now. Back then we had prosperity which is gone now along with our status in the global economy.

[tomnjoy]

12. Hooray for your brother! My Father In Law is, too!

That is great news - I just keep hearing stories like this more and more! We just found out last night that my husband's father, who has consistently voted Republican since Nixon and just LOVED Mitt Romney, is voting for Barack .... and he's EXCITED about it! He can't wait to vote. This is my father-in-law?!? He's actually getting active in the campaign and talking to all his neighbors about it - even has a yard sign. I had to see a picture of it to believe it.

My in-laws live in Oregon, so it's not as big a deal as another state may have been, but he's in Eastern Oregon, which is a very RED part of the state ... and according to my husband's family, there are a lot of Obama supporters there.

[MissWaverly]

14. well, I give them credit, this is a big step for them

it's like another universe for my brother, he has identified with the Republicans for years, they are the leaders,
they are the ones that know how to run the country. Now he has said, no, I am not going along, I don't agree, it's
a major thing. All his close friends are diehard republicans too.

[tomnjoy]

16. Absolutely!

I am very proud of all of them. :applause:

[MissWaverly]

18. yes, reminds me of the birth of democracy or something

once people start objectively looking beyond party labels to what is going on, then the country will improve.

[Cha]

36. This is Fantastic News, tomjoy!

Just what we hoped would happen and you know that doesn't always follow!

[UndertheOcean]

15. Wo Hoooo !

[DevonRex]

17. Thank you so VERY much for telling us this. My eyes teared up

with joy. No joke.

I can tell you from personal experience that it isn't as easy as it seems to change from republican to democrat. His switch is more difficult than just putting an X by a candidate's name. It's also letting go of all the things you thought were true. It's a life-changing experience for him. He'll never go back now. :)

[MissWaverly]

19. Yes, I agree

and here are his two irish sisters, who have every Obama sticker, t-shirt, button, I think I will send him a bunch of stuff.

:-)

[BklynChick]

20. I'll go you one better.... my racist Republican brother is voting for Obama... there must be a god!

[MissWaverly]

24. there is something about Obama, something that pulls people

Clinton had charm, but Obama has something that draws people to him, maybe it's charisma but he really reminds me of JFK.

[Cosmocat]

42. Integrity and intelligence ...

calm and cool under pressure, too boot, and not exactly lacking in confidence.

Just a drop dead, natural born leader.

[MissWaverly]

48. yes, and a communicator

he contacted Nancy Pelosi and said "no blank check."

[Flirtus]

73. I agree about the JFK echoes

it's what drew me towards him at the last convention - but if I mentioned that to my Mom it would undo her conversion!

[MissWaverly]

77. yes, I will not bring that up with my brother either

I don't know if he wants Camelot back; I think he would prefer Reagan 2.0

[gingersnaps1]

21. Wow. I am excited and encouraged by what you guys are posting

I am hoping that a lot more people sober up and see that Republicans are not the way to go. Richard Cizik, a Republican and an Evangelical leader is not sure he will vote for McCain.
I sense a trend. :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[MissWaverly]

25. boy, do I hope so, also McCain is running against his party

which is hard to understand or support.

[RiverStone]

22. Well, he won't be Mr. "Republican" for much longer

Just maybe, he can influence some of his rightie friends...

Kudos to your bro for seeing the truth! :applause:

[MissWaverly]

28. well, could be, for one thing I am sure his friends will be pissed

they prize party loyalty, he understands diplomacy and how America has to be part of a global community, cowboy
diplomacy is not his thing so this may keep him with the Dems.

[moc]

23. Can you have him talk to my evangelical sister-in-law in Virginia?

When Palin was selected, she all of a sudden claimed she was a "feminist". :eyes:

She's still voting for McCain, I fear.

[MissWaverly]

30. sorry, he's not the social type

but I hope she will see Palin for what she is, I look for more dirt to come out on her.

[faithfulcitizen]

27. My father in-law too. And get this- he's a racist!

or at least he was... I've posted this before, but it still shocks me. He's a vietnam vet, dyed in the wool, militaristic type republican. He's a "born again" Christian and says his wife left him for a Black man, he now has a Black granddaughter, and he's going to vote for a Black man for President. He thinks God is trying to tell him something. Ya think? O8) The reason is he thinks the country needs a new direction and the main reason he cannot vote for McCain is - he's too old. Simple as that.

[MissWaverly]

31. well, there is the issue of McCain's health

and that Palin is now pushing herself forward, the Palin-McCain Administration, what a nightmare.

[vaberella]

59. I love this post. Yours takes the cake, it should be it's own thread. n/t

[firedupdem]

29. People of America are Waking UP! n/t

[MissWaverly]

32. yes, it's funny, I remember when we bloggers were the only ones

but I am glad to see it.

:-)

[PerfectSage]

34. I love all the racist's for Obama stories on this thread.

It warms the cockles of my cynical heart.

[BklynChick]

35. it's weird, even though my brother is a racist and voting for Obama, he hasn't lost the racist

label in my eyes. In this situation and this election, I think some things just trump his own racism.

[MissWaverly]

37. well, my brother will never be warm and fuzzy

but I think that he tries in his own muddleheaded way, he is the oldest so he considers himself the "wisest" one in the family.

[vaberella]

60. It's like loving Basketball...but calling the players the N word.

There's nothing to say to it. Just accept it and move on. :rofl:

[MissWaverly]

64. I think we are at the crossroads

we will either go forward into the future where we need to go or jump backwards into the past, if McCain is elected then I am afraid that we are looking at very dark days ahead. I am hoping that people can move ahead at last.

[vaberella]

66. I'm hoping the same as well.

I already know if by some freakish unlikely chance McCain steals this election, I have to leave this country. It has served me well and provided me freedoms and luxuries that normally found every where else. However, under Bush I've seen the rights of the people limited, manipulated and abused. If McCain becomes president, he has already laid claim and set the course of what he plans to do to this nation and that's just based on what he's said in the primaries not even looking at his policies (healthcare/ss---as terrible as it already is will be destroyed under him) we're done for as a people.

It will also show me that fighting is not enough...so I better escape in tact. Obama I do get the sense of the future and I hope that's what we'll get as close to the Clinton/F.D.R. years or better under his administration.

[MissWaverly]

68. If Obama wins, he will be in forever like FDR

When he finally serves his last term; folks will say that he should have run again. One day they will look back and laugh about the fact that race was an issue in this race. Unfortunately it's no laughing matter now but a real concern. However, I think that Obama will win. Even George Will is attacking McCain on ABC's This Week, sunday talk show. The MSM is not giving McCain the boost that they gave Bush. Remember Bush was the son of a prez and was considered the anointed one.

[marions ghost]

38. Here's one for you....

One of my mom's relatives is rich, and their kids are even richer--involved in banking and high finance. Let's just say they got a REAL good start in life. None of them have never known a day of want for anything. They are what I would call super-rich. We always thought of them as smart, but stingy and stuck-up. They are not rabid social conservatives, but Scrooge McDuck when it comes to money. Big Reagan supporters.

Well I heard recently that the whole family is WORKING for and giving heavily to Obama. Now I'm so suspicious of these people that I HOPE that's good news. I'm dying to find out when & how the cosmic epiphany occurred. It boggles the mind. I sucked my breath in disbelief when someone told me that.

PIGS are FLYING everywhere..... :D

[MissWaverly]

40. yes, I agree, my brother has been core supporter

and a major contributer to them too, it was the responsible thing to do for him to do until now.

[DeschutesRiver]

43. I know a family with the same type of creds doing the same!

Their $$$ are in apartments and other real estate. Super rich, smart, stingy, just not stuck up:) No want for any of this large extended family, nor any real work done by any of them any longer.

I didn't get their "cosmic" epiphany either, but can't wait. When I was on the phone with the kid, another line kept ringing in the background; when I asked if he needed to get it, he said no, it is just the republican party calling and we are no longer taking calls or voting republican. There were three more calls that he ignored.

I still can hardly believe it, knowing this family and how very deeply republican they were.

I have now seen the pigs fly too, and they aren't named Palin!

[marions ghost]

46. LOL!

I cracked up at your description. "Republican Party calling Preferred Customers" and they treat them like telemarketers... !?!!! :7

WHAT has come over these people?

I'm sure somebody will write about this phenom eventually...it seems to be real...make a good article in Harper's or New yorker

[MissWaverly]

50. well, the architect got his start in "Direct Mail"

ha, ha!

[DeschutesRiver]

56. The republicans are losing their frequent flyers:)

I too cannot wait for the back story on this. Your thread cheered me up, because maybe this is not the isolated incident I thought it was. Truly, when you lose solid, old wealth, generational republicans like this, something is definitely stirring deep in the pot. And that could be very good news!

I subscribe to the New Yorker, and I'd bet we'll see something there at some point.

[marions ghost]

72. right, I'm on the same wave....

Further analysis would be necessary for me to understand what we are sensing as a significant movement of tectonic plates.

Both my folks were journalists, hardcore liberals, and we grew up what would be described as lower middle class in that we had a hard time paying the bills fairly often. So I can't quite understand what would motivate these lifelong wealthy Republicans to come out STRONGLY for Obama (being fed up with Bushco I could see...but not flipping!) Yes, it's the fiscally conservative, socially moderate, "old wealth" generational Republicans I'm talking about too. I plan to try to pick a few brains when I get the chance.

Being the child of journalists I do know a "story" worth researching when I see one. Something's going on.... ;)

[MissWaverly]

78. well, I think part of it was the crashing of our image worldwide

these people were doers, they spent years working on establishing better relations with other countries only to see all their hard work trashed by this crew.

[marions ghost]

88. yes

I think you're right, that's a large part of it. The global economy depends on diplomacy, not aimless use of force. We must work WITH the rest of world. (Duh) But it takes some people a long time to get over the fact that our current (Bushco driven) approach is so Yesterday. If they weren't awake before, they should be after this recent economic heart attack.

Also seems like some of these ship jumpers are flexible enough to want to be on the winning team, esp the younger ones. The smart ones can glimpse the next wave and accept that it's going to look a bit different than the previous one. They want to be there.

[MissWaverly]

90. agree, but my brother took a great risk to go abroad

and work for the government, he was on the ground where people were begging while holding submachine guns, one country he visited was experiencing a severe drought and the entire ground was covered with live cockroaches, everywhere he went, he was constantly dealing with huge swarms of live cockroaches. He has always really cared about our commitment to the global community and now it's been trashed.

[MissWaverly]

49. no longer taking calls from the GOP

I love it, what if the GOP gave a party and no one came.

[Mira]

39. This warms my heart !

[MissWaverly]

41. well, I don't know about these polls showing them so close

becuz my brother can't be the only one. Also my brother never shows emotion. For McCain to be constantly bouncing off the walls makes him squirm. My brother believes that men should be strong and polished, calm and reserved. He would define a leader as someone who would meet with advisors before mouthing off to the press. And to say something w/o fact checking it first, no, absolutely not, he would see that as irresponsible and juvenile.

[Allyoop]

44. 2nd Amendment

Just learned today that a friend's husband (who usually votes Repuke because of the 2nd Amendment) will

put aside his concerns re: 2nd Amendment and vote for the first time for a Democrat - OBAMA!!

Change is in the air!

[MissWaverly]

51. that is a big change as well.

The 2nd amendment speaks of independence, being on the frontier ready to defend yourself, it's a big leap to get past the single issue vote.

[CitizenPatriot]

52. Don't forget to share with them

that there is a website just for them! Republicans for Obama is a great website -- I've sent a number of people there. It's even set up more conservatively looking than his official website;-)

Great news- thanks for sharing...I needed it.

[MissWaverly]

54. thank you, that's a good idea

he would relate to that, those Obama folks think of everything.

[vaberella]

61. Great news!! More and more stories are coming in that are like this.

It's good to hear.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

62. And yet another story for you!

My parents (Mom age 90, and Dad age 88)...

Lifelong Republicans!

Last year, they became DEMOCRATS!

They've had it with the Republican Party!

They love Biden, and can't wait to vote for Obama!

The only bad thing?

They live out here in California...

But still!

I am so damn proud of them!

:woohoo:

[MissWaverly]

65. that's a major change

for someone to change their lifelong voting pattern, they have both probably voted Republican for my entire life, that is huge.

[eshfemme]

74. Wow, that's great news!

Seriously, the Republicans might have been able to pull a win off in this election year but they just seriously fucked up because the only guy on their side with the best chance of winning was John McCain.

[Patiod]

75. My mom's friend, lifelong Republican, has an Obama sticker!

She's 84, and has never voted Democratic before, but she's got an Obama bumper sticker!

My mom says her friend was at Starbucks this morning (my mother: "I don't know why she couldn't make her own coffee") and a young man saw her bumper sticker, and said "Ma'am, I like that bumper sticker - I'd like to buy you a coffee,", and she accepted!

My 84-you racist mom claims, grudgingly, that she'll vote for Obama even though she doesn't like Michelle Obama "because she looks angry all the time" :eyes: She doesn't like Sarah Palin very much either, so there's that

We're in the 50/50 suburbs of Pennsylvania.

[MissWaverly]

79. Michelle looks angry all the time becuz her face retouched

photoshopped, looks like it to me. They add weird shadows and lighting to make her look like a thug, I have seen them do it with journalists too, remember the NY times and Fox News. The pictures of Michelle that I have seen look like they are taken out of a 1950s horror movie; I have seen her often on Tv and have never seen her look like that
in any of the real footage only the "stills."


Fox News airs altered photos of NY Times reporters

Summary: During a segment in which Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade labeled New York Times reporter Jacques Steinberg and editor Steven Reddicliffe "attack dogs," Fox News featured photos of Steinberg and Reddicliffe that appeared to have been digitally altered -- the journalists' teeth had been yellowed, their facial features exaggerated, and portions of Reddicliffe's hair moved further back on his head.


http://mediamatters.org/items/200807020002

[flpoljunkie]

80. It speaks volumes that Barack Obama chose and obviously loves this strong woman, Michelle Obama.

[MissWaverly]

81. I think both of them are A+

they are intelligent, articulate and dedicated to serving others, they are the best couple running for high office that I have seen in a long time.

[Patiod]

83. I agree 100%

She's pretty and well-dressed (yeah, I know, it's a female stereotype of the requirement for a politician's wife) AND she's also smart and accomplished. It's the latter part that's impressive.

I don't think she looks "angry" - I just think my mother is so deeply prejudiced that ALL black women look angry to her!

[MissWaverly]

86. Well, hope for the best with your mother

I think that once they are in the White House, they will be very popular. She is a lady and will bring dignity and style back to the White House.

[TooRaLoo]

82. I LOVE these stories!

My best friend today informed me that her husband was voting for Obama. And that he made his decison BEFORE the Palin spectacle. I am floored.

[MissWaverly]

87. I read Obama is outraising McCain 2 to 1 in the battleground

states, let's hope that it means a landslide, I hope we have a blue Christmas with lots of democrats elected
into office.

[yellerpup]

84. You must be feeling pretty gratified with this turn of events.

A change like that would refresh my faith in family. Good for you for exercising patience for all those years and good for your brother who has obviously made a well-thought-out decision. That is simply GREAT news, MissWaverly! :loveya:

Edited to correct gobbledyness

[MissWaverly]

85. thank you

Yes, maybe we are only seperated by degrees like they say. My brother has the courage to change, that's pretty impressive. Thanks for the kind words.

:-)

[codjh9]

89. Awesome! I wish I could say the same for my brain-dead fundamentalist brother, but ah,

I think there's no way...

[MissWaverly]

91. he may change too if the country turns around

I don't think it will be easy; it will be a hard slog but at least we will have hope.