I live in a very small town in northern Michigan: 95% plus white; hunting, beer, and pick-ups. We are socially VERY conservative, economically we are struggling and should be solidly Democratic. We ARE also those folks who cling to our guns and our religion, and I know many of my neighbors feel forgotten by the powers who run this country. Almost half of our young men choose the military after high-school. This is a choice made often out of necessity, but always out of a deep sense of duty for our country.
I can't help feeling that many of these folks would gladly return to the progressive party of FDR, Truman, and Kennedy if they were only made to feel wanted. As it is, many don't vote at all, or are sadly and cynically seduced by Republican flag-waving, gay-bashing, and racist fear-mongering.
I hope Barack Obama keeps reaching out. And I hope, more than anything, that the minority constituencies on the left will play a quiet game for once. Folks, we need EVERY vote we can get this time. Lets bury the bastards once and for all by making our tent as BIG as it can be.