Don't Make Me Suffer Through Another Bush

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Monday July 07, 2008 · 7:12 AM PDT

2008/07/07 · 07:12

When it comes to voting, my family is a true representation of America. I have a father who does not vote but knows more about politics than the average Joe; a brother who voted for Bush twice; a sister who voted for Hillary in the primary, but now is supporting Obama but is deeply troubled about FISA; a mother who was a Democrat, but then a Republican and now an Independent; another brother who is an Independent and me a Progressive. Let me say, when we talk politics it is not the most loving conversations of the day. My most recent conversation was with my brother who is an Independent and it scared me considerably.

My brother, the Independent, is a reasonably minded person who weighs both candidate's positions and then votes. He keeps up with the issues by watching MSM and reading the LA Times. We recently talked about the two candidates and he was leaning John McCain because of Obama's questionable "flip flops" on his Iraq policy and Obama's vague energy policy.

My sister, who is a Democrat will vote for Obama, but she is mad as hell about FISA and will not lift a finger to do anything more than vote. She listens to MSM, mostly CNN and told me last week that Obama needs to stop questioning John McCain's military service.

My mother watches the Christian cable programs and does not talk politics much, she just leaves everything in the Lord's hands.

And, then there is my brother who is a part of Dobson's cult, who told me two months ago that the only issues that matter are abortion and gays. Yes, I am ashamed.

These are the people that Obama must contend with. People, yes, like my family. So, I understand why Obama must approach the General Election with a different strategy. And when I think about my mixed bag of nuts family, I love him for doing so. The people in my family (with the exception of my Dobson brother) could and would vote for Obama and participate in a meaningful way, but they each have to hear the right message. Yet, the right message for one, may be the wrong message for another. Each person is so different, even within the same family. And, what is good for the goose is not necessary the same for the goose's brothers or sisters.

I must admit that I was one who struggled with Obama's strategic approach because I consider myself a purist. But, when I listened to my brother, who I believed would unquestionably vote for Obama, I now say, do whatever it takes Obama, just win.

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