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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSo I'm chatting with Bob (name changed), our office conservitive (neo-nazi, no for real)
Bob and I work in the same office but really don't have much to do with one another. He knows I am a lesbian and very liberal and I know he is very straight and very right wing, throw in a dash of racism, but not a bad guy if you know what I mean LOL (we can get along but for very limited amounts of time). He worked 2 full time jobs for years to save the money to buy his family a nice home in a good place I give him credit for that. This is also why he has little time for anyone who does not work or "lives off the government" Well yesterday he came over to my cube and said something to me that made my jaw drop.
"I think either I am not voting this year or I will have to vote for Obama."
Once I could form words again I asked why? "They are crazy, too much religion, religion needs to be kept out of government" For once Bob and I had to agree on something. I thew in that little bit about birth control and he just rolled his eyes. "I can't vote for any of these guys, Obama hasn't done that bad a job."
All I can say is WOW if its getting to Bob....
Chemisse
(30,783 posts)Most Republicans are so smothered by dogma they will brainlessly vote Republican no matter what. So few are willing to let new information sway their stance.
So congrats to your office coworker. I hope there are more like him.
NNN0LHI
(67,190 posts)Not because they like Dems. It is because back then they loved the same policies that Reagan instituted that effected millions of people immediately and destroyed their lives but not them. They were doing OK for a while.
But now those same policies they once liked are beginning to bite them in the ass and they have seen the light. They will never admit that but it is the truth.
They are easy to spot. They are usually about the same age as me but they claim they claim they became interested in politics in the last ten years or so. That is the tip off. That gives me a pretty good idea who they were voting for during the 1980's?
Don
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Your ideological opposite thinks your guy hasn't done such a bad job and you think that's a good thing?
Betty88
(717 posts)SammyWinstonJack
(44,129 posts)treestar
(82,383 posts)the nut cases running to be sane. So he's sane.
Which is better than having someone to work with who thinks Ricky would make a good President.
It is foolish to pretend the far right wing does not exist, and that people rejecting them is not a good thing. You'd rather the guy thought birth control should be abolished?
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Is for droves of former Republicans to join it and push it to the right.
Electoral success would be guaranteed and that's what counts.
treestar
(82,383 posts)Again you are overlooking the fact that there is a right wing
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)You're hilarious..
treestar
(82,383 posts)You're still acting as if there is no right wing that wants to do things so far to the right that even Republicans are voting for Democrats.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)It would be far easier for me to just go with the flow and be a conservative, trying to be a liberal here makes me a Mobius shaped peg trying to fit into a Rorschach shaped hole.
Then I come on to DU and have people tell me I've forgotten about conservatives.
ProfessorGAC
(64,184 posts)Nobody said the counter to what you're arguing.
And, you're so rare that you would faint if you met another liberal that meets your purity test.
Pretty pompous.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Liberals are approximately as rare as one armed Lithuanian paper hangers around here and the ones that do exist keep their opinions to themselves.
And I'm not sure that treestar and I have ever agreed on anything at all.
ProfessorGAC
(64,184 posts)Just seemed you weren't arguing against a point anybody made.
I certainly get the point about living in rural Georgia. (Georgia, right? Thought i read that in a prior post.) Has to be rare to find liberals there.
I live in the southern fringes of Chicagoland, and it is still common to find knuckledraggers here.
GAC
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Which basically means practically everyone I know or meet.
treestar
(82,383 posts)that the Democratic Party is not a socialist's dream, either. Maybe you're thinking it can afford to be because in other places, there are more liberals? And they are all pure liberals?
You're the one who thinks it a bad thing that the Rs have gone so far rightward, they are losing people to the Democrats. As if it is bad for more people to move to the left to be Democrats, merely because they aren't going to move so far left they will be acceptably pure.
This is still a good thing in that it makes it less likely that what the right wingers want is wanted by enough voters for it to become a reality.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)My post wasn't really even about Republicans at all.
When you throw a rock into a pack it's the dog that yelps that got hit..
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)"Then I come on to DU and have people tell me I've forgotten about conservatives..."
Much as we come on to DU and are told that people voting for a Democratic president is a bad thing...
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)That's a sign that liberals should rejoice?
treestar
(82,383 posts)Of course it is. That person is re-thinking being so purely conservative.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)But my post was not about Republicans, it was semi-humorously aimed at at the attitudes of some Democrats and boy did I get the reaction I expected.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)further to the left eventually (meaning right of center, which is still better than batshit crazy right), if even their core constituency is abandoning it.
And that would mean that the Democratic Party could move back further to the left than it has been for the past 15-20 years. And that's a good thing.
Obama said he wanted to be a "transformational" president, like Reagan. What he meant is that Reagan moved vast swaths of the country away from the Democrats and toward the right. (Or even moved Democrats who stayed in the party toward the right.) Perhaps Obama can finally put the Reagan era to rest by moving vast swaths of the country away from the Republican Party and ultimately more to the left (or move the Republican Party more toward the left). It's a game changer. But it's not something that happens in one election or overnight. It took many years for Reaganism to take root, and it's still with us. In the next four years, if Obama can do the same thing for more liberal ideas, we could have a generation of saner, more progressive citizens.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)What I suspect will happen is the Democrats will move further right in order to court the Republican voters, who else are the dirty fucking hippies gonna vote for anyway, eh?
In my view one big difference between the Republican party and the Democratic party is that the Republicans fear their base while the Dems loathe theirs.
I suppose it's possible that a bunch of Republicans joining the Democrats will move them to the left but I sure wouldn't make a bet on it.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Like running on empty..
Glad you like the idea of a wave of Republicans joining the Democrats..
Kennah
(14,010 posts)... would be a Third Party split within the GOP. Whether it's the Libertarians, the Whigs, or whatever, a real Third Party to split up the two dysfunctional halves of the GOP. Each keeps 15-25 percent of the electorate, and the Democratic Party could move more progressive.
Imagine.
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)First off, the primary impetus for moving to the right is letting the right win This sends the message that "Oh, we're losing, they're winning, we should be more like them!" and thus, rightward swinging.
What you're looking at here is the exact opposite. Self-proclaimed right-wingers are taking a look at where their trajectory is leading them, and they're going "Uh, you know what, maybe not," and are professing to vote for the Democrat. This is a demonstration of leftward motion.
But hey, by all means. Let's have a repeat of 2010, with all the hipster liberals sitting around and not voting, because that'll show the Democrats. Just like giving your parents the silent treatment gets you what you want.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)My semi-humorous point flying over your head..
Obama is so far to the right that even rock-ribbed Republicans think he's not so bad..
I should have my 24,000th post on DU pretty soon, you're under 500 and you want to tell me I don't understand?
Although I must say that it's quite amusing being taken for a hipster at sixtysomething.. Thanks for the compliment.
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)Yes, I'm telling you you don't understand. I'm also going to point out that you're a liar, with that "Obama is so far to the right" crap you've got there.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)It's not about Obama.
It's about the two Republican candidates being such socipathic nutjobs that even the "base" is considering voting for "the other guy."
You hate Obama. You'd piss on the man if you saw him drowning, we get it. But, he's going to win this November. I understand that this is like a nightmare come true for you, but my advice is to get the fuck over it. if all you can do is freak out and bang your fists whenever the prospect rears its head, might I suggest finding somewhere else to be? 'Cause you're going to be hearing a lot more about it in the months to come, and I'd hate to see you die of apoplectic fits.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)I don't hate Obama, I find him personally likable in fact, he seems like someone it would be interesting to have a conversation with.
What I find fascinating though is how some Democrats think it's great that some Republicans are now saying that Obama is not so bad.
It wasn't the voting part that I was commenting on, it was the (perhaps grudging) approval of people who are utterly opposed to liberals and liberalism.
I have over 23,000 posts up on DU, you're welcome to search them for any personal slurs I have made against Obama, my criticisms are based on my (liberal) policy preferences, not a personal dislike of Obama.
Eh, I lived through the Dubya years despite the fact I despised the man and everything he did and stood for, I'll probably make it through the Obama years too..
In the upcoming election we'll have the choice a right leaning moderate centrist vs a far right nutjob, I would prefer and out and out liberal as one choice because that's what it's going to take to roll back thirty plus years of right wing dominance in American politics.
When your oil tanker is headed for a reef to the starboard putting the rudder slightly to starboard of amidships in lieu of hard to starboard is only going to delay the eventual impact, to avoid the impact it would be necessary to put the rudder hard to port, that's not going to happen under Obama.
Politically I much prefer candidate Obama to president Obama, it's really too bad that candidate Obama will disappear like the Cheshire Cat on Nov 8.
treestar
(82,383 posts)Isn't it good news to realize there are even Republicans for whom Obama is not the Second Coming of Lenin?
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)It was about some Democrats thinking that these people are moving to the left when my perception from actually knowing them is that they are noticing how far to the right the Dems really are..
The Republican primary Kavalcade of Klowns has forced some of these folks to look at the Democrats anew, that they like what they see should not be a cause for rejoicing among liberals.
It's the parts and positions of the Democratic party for the most part that I don't like that my neighbors do like, that's why I'm not deliriously happy because they are moving Democratic.
dionysus
(26,467 posts)i feel bad for them...
wait...no i don't, i laugh my ass off at them....
progressoid
(49,758 posts)sendero
(28,552 posts).... now contrast that with the morons (and I mean that most sincerely) calling Obama a "Marxist" or even a "Socialist".
At least this guys friend is not a total blithering Limbaugh-sucking fool.
TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)a week or so ago he said he'd had it with the clown car-- they're all idiots.
Didn't go as far as saying he'll vote for Obama, but he's getting there.
Could this be a trend?
amandabeech
(9,893 posts)Socially Moderate Republican Neighbor Last Week: "Well, you know, Obama hasn't done such a bad job."
He can't stand any of the pub candidates, and he especially despises Romney--thinks the guy is a total fake.
jumptheshadow
(3,266 posts)The women are disgusted by a multitude of things, including contraception, and some selected social issues.
The sane men seem to get turned off by mixing religion and government.
Let's hope this trend continues.
Leftist Agitator
(2,759 posts)Republicans have seemingly forgotten that it's not everyone's mission in life to have children. Why in the hell they decided to reopen an issue that has been settled for nearly half a century is beyond me...
beemer27
(454 posts)You should feel sorry for your buddy Bob. This year he has to choose between a Morman, a Catholic, a Libertarian, or a serial-adulter. If Ronald Reagan was still around,even he would have a hard time picking. The Republicans took what could have been a good chance at the White House, and completely pissed it away. They will have a long uphill fight to come back from the damage they have done to themselves. They probably won't.
Many of my conservitive friends are in the same boat as Bob. They don't want to admit it, but you can pick it up when they talk politics. Things are not looking rosey for them.
warrior1
(12,325 posts)that now the republican's politicians are now opening the eyes of their party.
barbtries
(28,689 posts)one of them supports romney; the other won't commit. they both have to know that the republican party has gone way off the rails. i give your co-worker props for being big enough to share his feelings with you.
Great job
libtodeath
(2,888 posts)I think we will maybe not only have a Presedential landslide this year but could easily retake the house and maybe get a veto proof senate.
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)just plain WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NICO9000
(970 posts)They know they don't want to live in some Talibangical nightmare.
mick063
(2,424 posts)Some co-workers were non stop chattering about the President. In the last six months, not a peep.
The debt ceiling ransom was bad politics and the start of the downhill slide. This was before the clown car had entered the track. It has only gotten worse since.
Now I occasionally encounter a couple that wish to "discuss" politics. In otherwards, they speak with me as opposed to speaking at me. I collected a couple e-mail addresses and started sending some of my favorite links to back up my arguments.
Hell, I think I might have a couple of former "Obama haters" switched. Too early to tell.
For those that wish to "influence" these types, I recommend you get them "weaned" off FOX News. To do that, you have to "debunk" the GOP mantra that all other news is "liberal".
tsuki
(11,994 posts)zipplewrath
(16,646 posts)I mean, good for Obama and all. And it's nice to know that the nuts haven't completely taken over the asylum. But in the end it means that our political discourse has become, "All the reasonable people versus the nut jobs".
Makes it hard to have real conversations about moving the country to the left. It really means that it is an inter-party struggle over what to do. There is no "loyal minority" with which to shape policy and politics. And in the end, it gives great power to the moderate right.
If we want to move this country to the left, those people have to "go back to" the GOP and take it back from the whack jobs. We need the DLC and the third way, and all of the NAFTA DINO's to go back to their rightful place in the GOP so we can have a real competition of ideas, not just a tug of war between those who want to jump off the cliff, and those that want to stay alive.
Mister Ed
(5,877 posts)I don't really know how many Reagan Democrats there were in the 80's. A lot? Only A few? I don't know, and it doesn't matter. That phrase had tremendous subliminal power, and I think it made a significant contribution to Reagan's re-election landslide.
It's time to start using the phrase, "Obama Republicans" every chance we get, and weave it into the fabric of the public discourse.
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)padruig
(133 posts)kudo's to you ...
I know someone who in large part because of his racist, white separatist views (yes another neo-nazi) was repeatedly kicked off of websites (YouTube and Facebook), had his email services shut down and literally burned every single bridge he had with the real world.
He is now 'off the grid' so to speak.
Sarah Ibarruri
(21,043 posts)That's pretty amazing!
Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)He still emails lots of nasty Rethug hate mail..stuff like Obama isn't a citizen etc. I think all that propaganda has rubbed in. I think he knows it's propaganda but he believes it...just like the rest of the craze's.
2ndAmForComputers
(3,527 posts)No. I do not know what you mean. That is the oxymoron to end all oxymorons.
jumptheshadow
(3,266 posts)When she actually says it, she rolls her eyes. She needed an emote.
Betty88
(717 posts)Jump is correct
Incitatus
(5,317 posts)and saying "what the fuck?"
just1voice
(1,362 posts)He'd also violate every other piece of human decency that exists for his own gain. Propaganda is easy for people to spot, psychopathic repukes included.
If it could be proven, I'd bet you "Bob" votes repuke. All I can say is WOW if you believe anything a repukes ever says.
Betty88
(717 posts)However after knowing him for almost 10 years I can tell you that this is a HUGE departure from his norm.
Kennah
(14,010 posts)... is it possible this is some new RW tactic?
"I'm going to have to vote for Obama" in an effort to try and make liberals vote for a Progressive third?
Vinca
(50,150 posts)seabeyond
(110,159 posts)and two others not vote because of it. lifelong, in their 70's, always voted republican. all because of the religious aspect.
Rittermeister
(170 posts)and I'm strongly considering voting for Obama/changing parties. For me, it's a number of issues that have finally brought this situation to a head.
One, I'm an atheist, but even before I became one, I was strongly opposed to the comingling of religion and government. Two, I'm a social liberal as far as gay rights, reproductive rights, etc go. Third, while I'm probably more fiscally conservative than most on here, I'm not nearly stupid enough to think a completely laissez faire economy is a good idea. Unlike my brethren, I've taken a few economics courses. Regulation and a social safety net is needed.
I was able to vote for John McCain, even if it meant putting up with that high-voiced shrieker. But between the Ron Paul nut jobs and the fundies, I'm almost literally being shoved bodily from the party.
Sincerely,
the local registered repuke
EmeraldCityGrl
(4,310 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)GoCubsGo
(32,053 posts)They think you forgot the "Bush '04" sticker on the back of their car. Now, they say they didn't vote for him. It has been entertaining watching their evolution in views here. It doesn't come anywhere near making up for the hell many of us have had to endure thanks to their idiotic past votes. But, it is entertaining.
madokie
(51,076 posts)lot of time for the pukes to trash the good that President Obama has done before the general election.
I love my President
JHB
(37,122 posts)...where the stomach and bowels of the elephant have twisted so far to the right that it's making the rest of it ill in ways it can't ignore any longer.
It makes the beast so ill it seeks out the best-known cure: a swift kick in the ass by a donkey.