"I voted for Bush and I'm so embarrassed- He's such a scoundrel!"

[callous taoboy]

This from a teacher's aide after school today. She goes on with, "So I'm writing in Ron Paul I'm so disgusted with things."

"I'm an Obama fan, myself," I say.

She says, brightening, "Yeah, he would bring change wouldn't he?"

"Yes, I believe he certainly would," I respond.

"Yeah, well I'm writing in Ron Paul," she says.

I say, "You'll be wasting your vote then, I think."

No response, already sees her no option as an option. Maddening, more than likely hinges on some anti-evolution stance.

[Donnachaidh]

1. And it is her RIGHT to vote for whoever she wants

Geez -- give her some props for admitting Bush is a total asshole. You're NOT going to convince her to vote for Obama with that shitty comment. If anything, she's going to look at other candidates because of your snark.

[callous taoboy]

2. Relax. We happen to be friends. Nice snark on your part, however.

[crim son]

3. I understand your frustration.

I guess if she won't vote Democrat, then writing in RP is the next best thing. I wonder, though: how sincerely do these people want change? She has to know RP has no chance: is her vote then based on her "principles"? Hard to understand, that mentality.

[callous taoboy]

4. I think economics may play a role here-

especially where "change" is concerned. She and her husband have no money worries, and being a teacher's aide she does not feel the intense disgust with NCLB like I do. She is very religious, though, so principles trump change in her case I feel sure. I believe she has a family member in Iraq as well.