Why do people vote for the assholes they went to High School with?

[devilgrrl]

I'm talking about George Allen and Republicans in general because to me, they represent the typical high school assholes that made everyone's lives miserable. How do they get people to vote for them? Did everyone that good of a time that you're willing to let bygones be bygones regarding the school bullies? They are people who should be stuck working (if even) menial jobs somewhere and not running (Ruining) the country.

Quit voting for people you know perfectly well that you would have hated back when you were in high school!

[villager]

1. Stockholm Syndrome/unresolved teen trauma

or unresolved teen-rooted self-loathing?

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Actually...

Someone I went to high school with is running for Congress, looks like she might well win.

She's in another state, so I have no say about it. That said, I'd vote for her against the Rethug she's up against, but my memory of her from school simply confirms what I suspected anyway about the current Dems (and Rethugs) - it's all about them - the heck with the rest of us.

[Not-QuiteRight]

3. Controlling them was simple, getting the blood off, difficult.

Those I went to High School with, who even resemble those who infest the Republican majority, were actually spat upon on a daily basis; indeed, those claiming the “moral highroad” throughout my High School were relegated to backrooms and basements, where they generally prayed for those of us who made the decisions that guided everything from High School athletics, to High School politics.

http://www.not-quiteright.net/al/

[newyawker99]

5. Hi Not-QuiteRight!!

Welcome to DU!!

[Ezlivin]

4. No, but they unknowingly vote for assholes/bullies from other schools

George Allen may have been a real asshole in his high school, but if I didn't go to that school, I have no way of knowing. Sure, I know most of the bullies and assorted ne'er-do-wells from my school, but the others are strangers. If they smile and act nice to me I have no way of knowing how they used to be.

Ignorance never fails.

[Solo_in_MD]

6. I'll be asking myself the same question WRT to Obama

assuming he ever runs for national office

He wasn't an asshole then, more a typical freshman...