I still consider myself to be a lifelong Republican. However the people that call themselves Republicans now are in no way representative of me.
You suggest that perhaps I should address:
- How much of a role did religion or the military play in your Republican family?
- Was there a strong fear of the ‘other’ growing up Republican?
- Did your Republican family rely on the federal government while bashing it?
- Were your Republican parents members of a labor union?
- How did you leave? Was it a spouse or significant other? College? Moving away?
None of these were a factor. G W Bush did not seem to be bright enough for the office. After his reaction to 9-11 I knew I was right to have not voted for him. I have voted a straight Democratic ticket ever since. If intelligent Republicans regain control of the GOP during my lifetime, then I will likely return to voting the Republican ticket.
As my title pic suggests, I think Sanders would make a good president; pity the deck is stacked against him. We have a government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich.