My wife might vote for Obama

[Courtesy Flush]

I've mentioned here a few times that my wife is a freeper, and that I was also one until a couple of years ago. I voted Democrat for the first time in the mid-terms. Our political discussions in the last several months have been predictable. I've complained about the mess Bush has gotten us into, and how McCain has nothing to offer, and, of course, about Palin. She'd retort with her Sean Hannity talking points.

Well, yesterday the time was right, so I popped the question. "Janice," I said. "I'm asking you to vote for Obama. By now it should be obvious that he's the only choice in this race. I'm asking you to vote your conscience, and do what's right for the country."

And she didn't say no. I knew that this was the right time to ask because our savings have taken a beating in the last month, and our retirement plans may have to be put on hold. Add to that the imploding McCain campaign, and I just knew she'd have no defense for voting McCain. She wouldn't commit to voting Obama, but she's leaning toward NOT voting for McCain, just as I had abstained when Clinton ran against Bush I. (I couldn't vote Dem back then, but Bush hadn't earned my vote, so he didn't get it).

So there's hope. I reassured her that our very red state will probably go to McCain anyway, so at least she could vote Obama just to say she had done the right thing.

[iamjoy]

1. There Are Other Candidates

Now, in a swing state, voting for an extra party candidate is throwing away a vote, it's the same as voting for the opponent of the one you sort of like, but can't bring yourself to vote for. I mean, if you live in Florida and you plan on voting for Ralph Nader because Obama hasn't sold you, you might as well not vote or vote for McSame.

In a solid state, you can lodge a conscience vote (if one of the two major candidates hasn't sold you), or protest vote.

So, if your state really is solid red and you can't sell her on Obama, urge her to vote for Bob Barr or another party

[Courtesy Flush]

2. Hey, at least she wouldn't be voting for McCain! n/t