Any Bush voters or former Republicans here?

[gully]

Just curious...

Tell me what your thinking about election 2004. Who would you like to see as prez?

I would like to keep this a respectful place for people to share.
It's always interesting to hear what makes people evolve and change their position...

[carpetbagger]

1. Proud ex-republican since 1987.

I'd like to see Teddy Roosevelt elected. Since he's unavailable, I'll take Clark, or whomever our nominee is.

[Webster Green]

2. Unh..Unh..

None here!

[gully]

3. By the way my husband is a former "Repub" and the biggest

lefty you can imagine today! I guess you could say 'he grew up'?

[goddess40]

18. My hubby turned from the dark side too!

He used to be a right winger and while I would like to take credit for the change it really was his becoming involved with his union that did the trick. He used to think unions were a nessecary evil.

I also strongly believe he was a right winger because he thought some day money would fall from the sky and he would be rich. Being rich meant that he had to protect that money by being right wing. He has gotten over the instant rich dream.

[paulsbc]

4. not really

an ex-Republican, I'm really an independent in my own view. I'm not a die hard Dem because I'm really not for the federal government being as large as it is. However, I agree that much has to be done with regard to social welfare and assitance of the poor and those not born to privlege or down on their luck. I agree with most of the Dem stances on social issues, especially abortion and minimum wage laws, but disagree with the Dems on foreign aid (I'm for a whole lot less of it to other countries while our people are hurting, for example).

So, perhaps I'm a type of Dem, but I certainly didn't like much of Clinton's presidency or much of the current crap coming from many Dems such as Lieberman or Kerry... :)

[Catherine Vincent]

20. So you probably plan to vote for Bush??

I know you didn't say but it sure sounds like it.

[paulsbc]

24. no

Right now I'm leaning towards Dean.

As for Bush, I don't agree with him on:

-> PNAC
-> Iraq
-> Afghanistan
-> Tax cuts for people making > $250,000
-> Huge spending increases such as prescription drugs and massive government deficits.
-> The Patriot Act and Justice Department civil liberty removals
-> The massive Homeland Security spending with no focus
-> The lack of accountability in the CIA and FBI post 9/11.
-> Our 9/11 response
-> ALL the social issues, marriage, abortion, civil rights, etc.

So, I agree with Bush on.......
-> Tax cuts for the people making < $250,000.

That's about it...

[Booberdawg]

5. I was a registered Republican until the mid 90's

Okay, I confessed! Oh the shame of it. :( (hanging head in shame and self disgust)

I was a Republican because my family told me we were Republicans. I plead ignorance. Can you ever forgive me? :(

I was not politically aware until the 90's. I voted for Bush in 92 and in 96 when Clinton won. About the time Clinton took office I was paying more attention to things politic and started educating myself on the issues. About that time came the Gingrich revolution. It took me a while but I went from simmering, to steaming, to full boil! :grr: Playing chicken with that little stunt that shut down the government for a couple weeks was the LAST straw for me.

I received Republican opinion surveys that I usually tossed, but I started filling them out and voicing my anger. When they sent me one specifically about Gingrich and how he was doing his job I responded that he was the biggest horses ass I'd ever imagined and he should fired and replaced. They took me off their mailing list.:evilgrin:

I marched downtown and changed my voters registration to Democratic and voted for Clinton in 96. I've never looked back. Since the 2000 stolen election I now vote a straight Democratic ticket, and will continue to do so until the balance of power is changed in the House and the Senate.

WHEW! Now you know.

Linda:D

[SharonAnn]

6. Don't be embarassed, I was an Iowa Republican and didn't

know that our populist, small business, moderate bent wasn't anything like the right-wing, religious fundamentalist nuts that took over the party.

Anyway, I left after Reagan had been in office about a year and I saw what policies they were pursuing. Thought I was independent for a while after that. Finally figured out that I was a Democrat and wanted to be involved with the party. Voted for Dukakis and Clinton and Gore and lots of other good Democrats in the last few years.

Anyway, I'm happy now and try not to think of those dark days on the "other side".

[Ladyhawk]

7. I admit it. I voted for Bush.

And I apologize profusely. I am so very, very, very sorry. I'd feel even worse had he actually won my state.

My family raised me as a rabidly right-wing religious nut. Over the past ten to fifteen years I have challenged every single belief I was raised with. I was a nominal Republican until last summer when I suddenly realized, "Hey, wait a minute! The media is applauding Bush. Something is wrong, here!"

I bothered to look at what I found out sickened me. I'll never vote Republican again. :(

As for who I'd like to see for President? Someone who doesn't lie our nation into war. Someone who cares about the poor and disabled. Someone who spends less on the military and more on domestic policies.

[Booberdawg]

10. Welcome out of the abyss

:hi:

[leftofthedial]

11. welcome to the human race LadyHawk and Booberdawg

It's pretty soulless over there.

[Sapphocrat]

14. Ladyhawk...

Stop beating yourself up so much, eh? Only us former / recovering / queer Catholics get to indulge in so much self-flagellation. :D

[PATRICK]

27. any wisdom?

That moment of conversion- is there any way more people can experience this. Do people bury these realizations a, especially when they find they don't wan't to brave real changes in their live- but they KNOW it is all wrong?

I am thinking Bush's so-called support is extremely shallow except when it comes to what people feel pressured or conditioned to accept. Then he is legitimized by a lot of things that run counter to reality both of Bush and the world.

Can people wake up through some natural proces of their own or just move protected by numbers should the tide break the dam?

[Sapphocrat]

28. You're asking me?

'Cause I honestly have no idea what that sort of epiphany is like -- I've always voted Dem. I come from a family of FDR worshippers. I had a great-aunt whose home was literally blanketed in JFK memorabilia (and who died convinced that I would grow up to marry John-John).

One thought: If anything, I've bucked the norm and become even more liberal as I've grown older. There was no epiphany; it was a natural process as I learned more about how politics really works. (Or maybe I stayed the same, and just seemed more liberal as the Dems creeped further to the right.)

In any case, once a person starts paying attention to the facts, how can s/he not make the transformation toward a political philosophy that embraces humanity instead of demonizing it?

Now, if anybody's got an instant wake-up pill for the masses, sing right out! I've spent half my life trying to find a way to get people started on that path to enlightenment.

Who was it who said, once your eyes are open, they can't be shut again?

[Arugula Latte]

32. Ladyhawk --

I admire you. It takes guts and intelligence to realize you were wrong (albeit brainwashed) and then ADMIT it. More power to you.

[Booberdawg]

8. those dark days on the "other side".

Boy don't you know it. The "dark side".

I was "in recovery" by the time the impeachment noise started. I worked with a bunch of died in the wool Republican men near Offutt AFB and had to listen to them BELLOW all day about Clinton. Talk about viscera hatred! I felt like I was an Affirmative Action hire as the token Democrat. It was unbearable.

I took particular delight in 98 when the House lost several seats after Newt the horses petewt promised double digit gains. DEAD SILENCE the next day at work, ROTFL! I didn't say a word. :) My next favorite day was when the Senate didn't vote to support impeachment. Another very quiet week at work.

But,"it's NOT about the sex, ... it's because ..er ...uhm it's beca ......" :eyes:

[Sapphocrat]

13. Booberdawg...

Be consoled: If you'd never confessed, I would never have known.

Consider yourself absolved of your sins. ;)

[Booberdawg]

15. Oh you are so kind!

My sordid past is now out in the open for all to see. It was liberating to get it off my chest.

I have repented. Thank you for your understanding and forgiveness.:D

[ronzo]

9. Greetings...

Just joined and what a great in...

I was a registered repub for twenty years... though, bubba got my vote the second time around. I changed my voter affiliation six months ago. I felt I had to.

Around here, we're anticipating the Clark announcement in a couple of weeks and we'll support him. You must admit the guy's got the Q to beat bush. I suppose we'll have to see how he does in a grassroots role before any party weight finds him. I feel that when the field thins, he'll still be there. They'll love him in Iowa.

ABB,
ronzo

[Sapphocrat]

12. Oooo! I never get to do this!

Welcome, ronzoNOLA!

You're dead-on re Clark -- he's got what it takes, all right. Now, if only somebody could figure out what to do with him (including himself)! :)

It is a salve to my little bleeding-liberal heart to see you join us from The Scary Dark Place.

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

[newyawker99]

16. Hi ronzoNOLA!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[GumboYaYa]

17. Welcome ronzoNOLA!

I'm hoping that NOLA means New Orleans, Louisiana. I grew up in LA and went to college in New Orleans at Loyola.

I like what I have seen of Clark, but I would like to see more on his positions on issue sother than Iraq and national security. If anyone has a link to specific positions on the issues I would appreciate you posting it.

[ronnykmarshall]

19. Was raised by Rep parents

Who now have come back from the dark side. My step dad is a fire breathing proud LIBERAL Democrat now. My mom gave me a copy of their voter reg card for Christmas several years ago. The greatest gift I ever got.

[corporalclegg9]

21. I am currently Republican

I was born and raised Republican, and am currently registered that way, although I generally consider myself a Moderate Libertarian. Basically, I'm very liberal with social policy, and moderately conservative with fiscal policy.

That being said, Bush doesn't come close to supporting anything that I stand for. We are polar opposites with regard to social policy, and he's certainly not a fiscal conservative. A fiscal conservative would not INCREASE spending, while at the same time spouting that he supports smaller gov't. A fiscal conservative would support smaller government in a smart, even-handed manner, and would also realize the importance of balanced budgets. Handing out tax cuts when we're already in debt, particularly skewed towards the rich, is not being a fiscal conservative.

So, in general, I would support a "fiscally liberal conservative" or a "fiscally conservative liberal" who is liberal on social policy.

In 2004, I will vote for whoever is the Dem candidate. Although I can't vote in the Dem primary, I would like to see probably Dean, Kerry, or Edwards win.

[nedlogg]

22. Briefly in 1972-1976

When I was discharged from the Navy in 1972 I considered a going for county job here on Long Island. I was told by the county clerk that to even be considered, I would have to register as a Republican and she handed me the enrollment form to fill out.

Long story short, I didn't get a county job and switched back to Dem for the '76 elections.

[denverbill]

23. Former Republican.

I voted for Ford in my first election, and voted in the Republican primary in 1980 (for Connolly or Bush Sr, can't recall now, but they were pro-abortion). When Reagan got the nod, I jumped ship.

Republicans prior to 1980 were a different animal. There were moderates and even liberals in the party. The pukies have gradually changed from a multifaceted party to a one-dimensional, take-it-or-leave-it conservative party.

I was mostly an independent or even libertarian til the early 90's. Once I realized libertarianism isn't an option, I became a liberal and have been getting more liberal ever since. As long as Democrats are liberal, I'll vote for them.

[gully]

25. Wow...

what an interesting discussion. Thanks to you all for your candor. My dh was also raised rightwing religious fanatic republican. He has since been "saved."

Thanks to you all for sharing. I love to hear about the evolution as I said. I was raised liberal so it's easy for me to be one KWIM?

It takes a special person to change as you all have, and furthermore to share.

My dh feels the Republican party has changed over the years. I think it's pretty much the same and he is just 'aware' now? But, I respect a different opinion. :D

:hi:

Did someone say 'fiscal conservative' 'social liberal,' sounds like Howard Dean's your man!

[corporalclegg9]

26. Yep, that's what I said!

Yep, I was looking for fiscal conservative, social liberal, and yep, I think Dean is probably the candidate I would like to see run.

He's sneaky, because all of the mainstream is calling him extremely liberal, but if you look at his issues, I think he's got some conservative streaks in him, and in my mind, they're in exactly the right places.

To make matters even better, the one place where I stray the most from fiscal conservatism is my support (in principle) of universal health care. I say "in principle" because I have little faith in the gov'ts ability to successfully implement something this big.

[gully]

29. Ya know, Dean's simply put a 'moderate'.

The Right wing calls him 'liberal left' and the so called progressives call him 'Republian lite'...

Not touting any particular candidate mind you ;)

[gully]

30. *bump*

:P c'mon there's gotta be more here?

[Dob Bole]

31. Registered Republican, voted for Bush... (need help from Dean people)

I'm a Republican by registration and voted for Bush after he played the religion card. But I left the party after I entered college and discovered that I was, in fact, fiscally liberal out the wazoo.
I started a website this week to counter Republican influence in the South, and so far it's doing well. (It's at www.geocities.com/SweetTeaDemocrats by the way) But if any of you could help me out with some advice on starting a political mass movement, grassroots movement, or political action committee when I'm 21 years old and have no money, I would appreciate the tips. I figured Dean people would know something about that.

[sendero]

33. I voted for Reagan....

... twice. But around 1986 I started to realize that everything his detractors said about him was true.

You have to give the pukes some credit, they have perfected the art of patting folks on the back while pissing on their leg.

The only upside of the current dismal economy will be that a lot of people are going to notice the wet.

[HawkerHurricane]

34. I was never a registered Republican, but

I did vote for Bush (the Greater) in 1988...
The horror...
But I was young and foolish, and did foolish things back then.
(That's also the last time I voted for a Replutocan, too, so...)

[nayt]

35. i wasn't old enough to vote last time

i was a senior in hs. did anyone else go to a high school where virtually everyone was a republican?

the teachers were republicans, the popular kids were republicans, the IB and AP kids were republicans. former president bush came to our town campaigning for dubya, and everyone was given the afternoon off so we could go to the rally. in the school's mock election, bush won by a 60% margin.

[gully]

36. Dob Bole, keep up the great work!!!

Perhaps ask the Dean people for info by writing them via email...?

I bet they might even provide a link to your site?

Nayt, I grew up in Minnesota. The home of Mondale, Wellstone and Humphrey to name a few. The Republicans seem to be taking over as of late however, and it's a very sad thing. As Molly Ivins said the whole country is becoming Texas!

We can only hope the nation comes to it's senses soon!

Thanks again for sharing your stories.
Peace