I'm originally from a rather Republican-friendly area of the country: rural Louisiana. I have been shocked by how many people that I know that still live in the area that would consider or are planning on voting for Obama this year. I'll detail a story or two below the fold...
I'm a strong supporter of Obama for many reasons, but the one that is starting to become extremely clear to me is that he has the potential to unite this country in a way that hasn't been seen in a long time. My friends and relatives, all registered Republicans, are really impressed with the man, even if they disagree with his politics somewhat.
My aunt is a classic example. She is a registered Repub that owns her own business with 20+ employees in New Orleans. Out of the blue tonight she starting talking about politics. The first thing I thought was "oh crap, politics in the family, this is going to be a disaster." There was some Hillary talk, and she was like "why does it have to be that woman who could be president." Oh yikes. I didn't think this was going to go well. Then she asked some of us who we were planning on voting for. After some hedging by other family members in the room, I just flat out stated that I was voting for Obama. And she replied, "I am too." I couldn't have been more shocked. I asked why, and I can't remember exactly what she said, but it was his whole idea of bringing the country back together and that we are all in it together. In addition, she mentioned that the country seriously needs to think about its interventionalist politics and that the economy is in the toilet. I was simply floored. I know she hasn't voted for a Dem in my lifetime, and yet, there is a vote ready to be cast for Obama. She also thinks McCain is too old ("I wouldn't trust him to drive a car, much less run the country..") but would "never vote for that woman." eek.
Another relative has also told me that he is interested in hearing more about Obama. He thinks that McCain is too old, but would never vote for Hillary. There is some sort of irrational fear of her that can't be underestimated and she will never get people on her side. I can't see her winning many southern male votes, and any chance of a southern state victory would be gone without that constituency. Friends from the area have told me the same thing, and something about Hillary is spoiled to a lot of people.
I think the choice for president is very clear. If the Democrats want to win, and bring the country together, Obama is the right person for the job. No one else will bring together Repubs, Indys and Dems to form an exceptionally strong coalition. The only way to get the young voters, the new voters and a lot of crossover voters to the polls is to nominate Obama. I strongly encourage anyone who hasn't talked to more moderate or conservative people to do so. I think the answers you will find could be very enlightening, and are a big part of why I believe that Obama is best chance for the Democrats to win back the White House.