I had a very interesting conversation today here in Texas with a self described Republican who has never cast a vote for a Democrat. Ever. She asked me about the upcoming election and if I was going to vote. "Absolutely," I replied. "Me too, and I can't wait." "Who are you voting for," I asked. "Obama."
She told me how she had always identified with the Republican message (Less government, lower taxes, personal responsibility, etc.) but the last 8 years have seriously turned her off. She "can't stomach the sight" of George W. Bush anymore, and she has (correctly) seen through the smoke screen and recognizes that John McCain is more of the same. She also cannot stand the thought of Sarah Palin a heart beat away from the Presidency. She cited her inexperience and lack of intellect as "shamefull" and "dangerous."
She was apologegtic, once she found out I was a lefty, for voting for W in '04. She said that she hadn't really followed politics in the past, but that lately she was much more in tune. I complimented her for turning into a high information voter, and she said, "with everything that's going on these days, if you don't pay attention you deserve what's coming." And, "now that I've read everything, I can't bear the thought of another Republican administration. I'm just glad that it's OK to change your party without giving up your beliefs."
It's that last part that grabbed me. She basically admitted that her core beliefs hadn't changed, but recognized that the G.O.P had abandoned them, and the Democratic candidate was more in line with what she wanted than the alternative.
BTW, we talked a little about the current economic fiasco, and I informed her that McCain was a life long supporter of deregulation, and I described how Phil Gramm was largely responsible for the current situation, and that he had been, until recently, McCain's cheif economic advisor. This was the first time that she had heard this, and she became enraged. She said, "I'll be there as soon as the polls open to vote against these bastards."
I love the smell of a disaffected voter in the morning. It smells like...hope.