This is pretty big news but surprisingly I have not seen this anywhere.
Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, a sitting Republican representative from Maryland has endorsed Barack Obama. Normally this would be shocking news, but Republicans for Obama are pretty normal these days.
Here's what Gilchrest had to say about Barack Obama and Joe Biden
they have the breadth of experience. I think they're prudent. They're knowledgeable
And here is what he said about John McCain and Sarah Palin
we can't use four more years of the same kind of policy that's somewhat haphazard, which leads to recklessness
Ouch.
Gilchrest joins many fellow Republicans in endorsing Obama. Republicans like Susan Eisenhower
We have been living in a zero-sum political environment where all heads have been lowered to avert being lopped off by angry, noisy extremists. I am convinced that Barack Obama is the one presidential candidate today who can encourage ordinary Americans to stand straight again; he is a man who can salve our national wounds and both inspire and pursue genuine bipartisan cooperation. Just as important, Obama can assure the world and Americans that this great nation's impulses are still free, open, fair and broad-minded.
.......
It is in this great tradition of crossover voters that I support Barack Obama's candidacy for president. If the Democratic Party chooses Obama as its candidate, this lifelong Republican will work to get him elected and encourage him to seek strategic solutions to meet America's greatest challenges. To be successful, our president will need bipartisan help.
Given Obama's support among young people, I believe that he will be most invested in defending the interests of these rising generations and, therefore, the long-term interests of this nation as a whole. Without his leadership, our children and grandchildren are at risk of growing older in a marginalized country that is left to its anger and divisions. Such an outcome would be an unacceptable legacy for any great nation.
Former Republican Senator Lincoln Chaffee
"I believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to restore American credibility, to restore our confidence to be moral and to bring people together to solve the complex issues such as the economy, the environment and global stability,"
Republican mayor of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, Lou Thieblemont.
"I'm sick and tired of the politics of fear in this country. He's the only one who doesn't do that, He's the only candidate who's said he'd talk to our enemies and try to get some common ground."
Former Republican Rep. Jim Leach
"It's been a very difficult thing for me because I've never endorsed a Democrat before...but sometimes in life you come to a juncture where it's very clear the national interest trumps party discipline"
And many, many more.
These Republicans get it, they've had enough of the politics of fear and hate, enough of the last 8 years and they want a new direction in this country.
They're not alone.
But John McCain and the Republican Party will do anything to win. Just today they released another shameful, lying ad.
The truth?
I am not an adviser to Barack Obama, nor have I provided his campaign with advice on housing or economic matters
That's from the man who is supposedly such a key adviser to Obama.
It's a lie. There's no other word for it, it's shameful. But it's happening.
But we can make sure these kind of shameful attacks have a cost to McCain.
Fight back and make McCain pay for this by donating to Barack Obama or donating to help build a Obamajority in Congress.
If you can't afford to donate go to a event in your area, volunteer with the campaign, help fight the smears, anything! There is so much to do and only 47 days left. Whatever you do, make sure you get active!
¡Sí, Se Puede!