I've often alluded in comments in other diaries that my parents didn't seem to be sold on Barack Obama.
I'll explain more below.
During the primaries, my parents supported John Edwards. I guess they liked his message. There was no way that my father would vote for a Republican, especially since he dislikes the war in Iraq, high gas prices and high food prices.
My mother on the other hand thought that Obama was "too slick" or "too perfect". Perhaps she was fearful that he would meet the same fate that both Kennedys met in 1963 and 1968 respectively. She told me that it had nothing to do with Obama's race or religion.
My parents grew up in the 1960s. My father was 13 when JFK was murdered and my mother was 10. I honestly don't know what they did in the 1960s or who they supported politically. What I do know is that my father has often switched back and forth between Democrats and Republicans, choosing to support Democrats for the past 8 years (he voted for Gore and Kerry).
My mother on the other hand always tried to instill good values in me. Both parents were strict when I was growing up but my mother was not and never will be a hateful person. She told me not to judge others on their color or sexual orientation. She knew how hard it was for me to grow up with a hearing disability. When I was denied a spot on my hometown little league team due to my disability, she gave the coach hell for it. When people were picking on me, she would stand up for me. I honestly feel I turned out good for it.
Regardless, when discussing politics the other day with my mother, I brought up the issue of gas prices and she mentioned that she was not going to vote for McCain. Whether or not this is an endorsement for Obama (or possibly a third party), I am not sure on. However, my parents did not complain about the Obama bumper sticker on my car, nor did they challenge it. I sent them an email detailing Obama's career in the Senate and debunking myths about him.
So, hopefully it means that they will vote for Obama. I do not believe in forcing people to choose and by backing off and letting people draw their own conclusions, you will be doing them a favor.
My grandmother also discussed politics and we mentioned Obama. She asks, "are you going to vote for that colored man" and I said "yes". She didn't complain or anything afterwards. She dislikes the war in Iraq and Bush as well. She is 90 years old and still going strong.
All it truly means is two less votes for McCain.