I've seen the polls with plummeting numbers, and read the diaries here about conversations with doubting Republicans, but I have always been a bit of a cynic - one who wonders how much of what we read here is truly "reality based," and how much is wishful thinking and fantasized conversations.
But it happened to me today, out of the blue - or should I say - out of the red -
More to follow ...
Some background: Those of you who frequent gyms and fitness centers know that there are lots of people that you recognize and talk to - but may never actually learn the name of. It is a "friendship" or relationship circumscribed by the time of day you hit the gym and the people that are there. So about three years ago there is a man, born and raised here in the southeast - perhaps even right here in my current home county who is there most mornings that I am. And what becomes clear in casual conversation that slowly escalates into more direct but still friendly discourse, is that he is (no snark or snideness intended) a true God-fearing, Christian man, dedicated to his church, and very clearly solidly in the Bush and Republican camp. Over several months I tried to point out disconnects and contradictions but to no avail. So he went his political way and I stayed on my course. Then, as those of you who do the gym thing know, one day he just stopped coming to the fitness center when I was there. Never knew if his schedule changed, he got tired of it, joined another club, or whatever.
But - being a small community - I would periodically see him around town and maybe we'd acknowledge knowing each other with a nod - but not much else. Often the "sightings" were at our favorite local Mexican Restaurant (the story of the owners and how they came to go from migrant workers to restaurant owners is another whole diary in itself).
And then tonight.
My wife and I are at a table, enjoying dinner. I had seen he and his family (wife and a couple of kids) at another table earlier that evening, so when he nodded to me as he was getting ready to leave it was no surprise. Then he entered into some small talk banter about always seeing us at the restaurant.
Then, unsolicited and out of nowhere he says (quoted as best I can remember) ... "You know - all those mornings I tried to turn you into a Republican (smiling but shaking his head). Now - maybe you had something ... with what's happening ... I've really got my doubts..." And with that he continues walking out the door.
My parting comment was a polite "I know... it is really something ... I just hope things work out OK for our country." Simply to acknowledge that he had seen something new, but that we were both TOGETHER in concern for OUR country.
Will he turn into a flaming liberal Democrat? I doubt it? But will he question the deceit, the cronyism, the crookedness? Absolutely. And will he begin to recognize that the kind of Christian values that HE holds dear are perhaps more consistent with a political agenda different from exclusion, hate, and distrust? I think so. And would he vote for a Democrat that could touch his soul, one that talked of community, and caring and concern?
I think we might have a convert.