Im here in SC and do not think my vote really will make a difference. This is one state where Palin will energize the base and prevent the increased AA vote from an upset here.
A person who I know through business is a devout Baptist. We have spoken about our politics once in a while. Her son is serving in Afghanistan. She is the prototypical Republican SC voter.
I last spoke to her two months ago. Then I saw her today.
Two months ago our conversation came to Obama. "You know, I hear he is a Muslim" she said in her rural accent. I wanted to explode but, I know her background and what she hears. I explained no, he was Christian. Then she said,"Well I dont think he supports Israel and I want Israel to survive" (this is a big issue with the Baptist). Again I said it would be fine but I really did not want to get into it as there was no changing her mind.
I saw her today and she looked at me and said "I'm voting for Obama because General Powell is and I think he is the most honest man in our country."
Stunned as while I thought the endorsement was great for the overall arc in the election for Obama, I did not really think people, much less a white, rural, Baptist lifelong Republican would vote for Obama.
She told me with her son in the Air Force in Bagaram we need to listen to Colin Powell. She then asked me to pray for her son, which I did and then to pray that Obama has the leadership to help our country.
This may me just one person who happened to be a big fan of the General or there or more.
Or, what I am thinking is many Republicans are looking for an excuse to vote for Obama.
Either way I am stunned and happy.