Hell has frozen over...

[LP2K12]

and pigs have flown!

At least in my small part of the world. Let me explain. Since I can remember my parents have been staunch Republicans. The only Democrat I can recall them ever voting for is Bill Clinton. I'm talking deep red, anti-welfare, NRA-lifers.

When I turned 18 they promptly convinced me to register Republican and told me just why I should vote for Bush since I had just joined the military.

My parents both voted for McCain/Palin in 2008 and were very anti-Obama.

Well...today I think my heart stopped.

I called my mom after work like I regularly do. I brought up Glenn Beck's tweet about not voting because Romney did nothing but agree with Obama during the debate and to my surprise here's how the conversation went.

Me: "So, did you hear how Glenn Beck said Romney agreed too much with Obama?"
Mom: "Yeah, he did."
Me: "I think the Republicans are a bit pissed about that."
Mom: "I think Obama just handled the whole debate better. He brought his A-game. He was prepared."
Me: "Well, I thought you and Dad weren't going to watch the debates because you weren't voting this year?"
Mom: "We weren't going to, but we decided to start watching after the last one. This one though, this one was different."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Mom: "I don't trust Romney. I don't feel like he's for me. He's for the big guy. I don't agree with Obama on everything, but if I don't vote for him how will I ever know what he could have done for us?"
Me: "That's what I've been explaining to you and Dad. It's not only about agreeing 100%. He's not going to magically take your guns. You dont have to like his skin color."
Mom: "I know. I can't vote for Romney. I wasn't going to vote at all, but I can't not vote for President. I'm going to vote for Obama because I didn't feel like he was lying up there. Your dad said he wasn't going to vote for him either, but he doesn't like Romney at all now."

So... I may have left bits and pieces out because I was driving while on the call, but those are the most important parts. We've got Mom, the Republican, voting for Obama. We may have Dad and even if we don't... we've taken his vote from Romney!

Oh yeah... we're from FLORIDA!

FORWARD!

[OKNancy]

1. K and R

Thanks for this

[LP2K12]

3. Thanks...

For allowing me to share. I was so excited I probably almost drove off the road once I hung up. I immediately called my wife and she was in disbelief.

[freshwest]

67. You made my evening! A lot of people told me theywere impressed with how Obama handled himself well.

I am so glad you saw a thaw in the attitude. As I've said before, let's not write our Democratic breathren living in red country off. Also grateful that you kept from running off the road. Be careful about that!

[CurtEastPoint]

2. LOVING THIS and it got 13 recs in a heartbeat! One at a time (or two..) One at a time!!

[Whovian]

4. Fantastic! I love to hear things like this.

Good on your Mom and Dad.

[hollysmom]

5. enjoy.

For the most part, I agreed with my parents politics most of my life. It was a very progressive family

[LP2K12]

8. I wish...

I could say the same. When they found out I was voting for Obama in the last election they threw the race card at me. They've given me crap about him not supporting the troops (I'm a veteran). Since I was raised shooting they've thrown the whole, "he's going to take your guns" crap. Yeah, it's been more than a struggle. This... this was a marvelous day to say the least.

[rivegauche]

18. I just don't get why so many conservatives

think that Obama doesn't support the military. His administration has made a huge effort reachng out to military families. He brought home the troops from Iraq -- is that somehow not being supportive? I don't get it! I have a brother in the USMC who also thinks this. I love him to bits but I can't talk to him lately, he's deranged. :/

[NICO9000]

21. Because the Rethug meme for decades is that Dems are weak on defense

Never mind the facts. Obama could have beat UBL to death with a lead pipe and the RW would give all the credit to the pipe.

[hollysmom]

32. Isn't it also because the military radio plays Limbaugh and their ilk

Some one in the upper ranks must insist on it and you are supposed to trust your leaders.

[AAO]

48. LOL, I'd pay top dollar to see that!

[ciking724]

65. Hilarious

good laugh

[Booster]

43. I'm shocked they think Obama's not supporting the troops. Romney never even mentions our

troops. Hell, Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden have done more for the troops in 4 years than ANY Republican. I'm sure you've mentioned to them that Romney didn't even mention the troops in his acceptance speech or in the last debate. I'm glad they have seen the light though and I'm happy for you.

[roscoeroscoe]

72. good for you!

it's tough to hang in there with family, but you always win by being yourself and being honest about what you believe.

great news to share, thank you~

[Indpndnt]

6. Niiiiiiiice!

[yankeepants]

7. I'm surprised you kept the car on the road!

Fantastic.

[hifiguy]

9. It's not hard to see that Mittwit is just like the

sleazy used car salesman who sold you a vehicle that blew up before you got it home from the lot. How anyone can not notice this is beyond me.

[Historic NY]

10. I really think the worm is turning...people begin to think perhaps...

something just isn't quite right its unsettling. Glenn Beck may have cost Rmoney dearly.

[LaydeeBug]

11. k & r. Isn't it GREAT when the ones you'd never expect, turn?

I needed this like tonic.

[LP2K12]

22. Yep...

What's funny is it's my son's fifth birthday, but it felt like i got the biggest gift of the day.

[DarthDem]

12. Great Job LP!

That's really impressive; you did some GOTV of your own right at home! Thank you!!

[mnhtnbb]

13. I think a LOT of senior Republican votes are going to flip when it comes time to vote.

OBAMA!!!!!

[OldDem2012]

17. Agreed. They don't like what they're seeing and hearing from Romney, and....

...if he gets elected, the war on social programs will get kicked into high gear.

[mnhtnbb]

20. It's pretty obvious to anyone who has followed his campaign that he'll throw seniors under the bus

when it comes time to add up the cost of keeping taxes low on his 1% buddies.

[savannah43]

26. Either now or after R&R take their SS and Medicare away if they win.

[LynneSin]

14. This is the best message we can give to Republicans - Romney just isn't the right guy

He's just unqualified. Don't sell them on Obama, sell them on the idea that Romney isn't the right one and perhaps vote 3rd party or just stay at home.

[beam me up scottie]

15. Congrats!

My bf of 5 years who used to be in the "I could care less" category is now converting southern blue collar workers during lunch.

[Cha]

30. YAY! Thank him, scottie! nm

[beam me up scottie]

42. I'm so proud of him.

It's not easy when you're so outnumbered and the few allies you have are afraid to speak.

[Cha]

52. I so well know it's not. Thanks! nm

[rivegauche]

16. YAY Mom!

[Angry Dragon]

19. Good for mon and dad

OT: Please do not drive and use the phone

[No Vested Interest]

23. Good for You!

Now, if you can just lay a little groundwork for of the down-ticket FL Dems. -
Nelson for Senator.
Congressional vote - Alan Grayson would be great, if they're in that district, of Allan West's opponent - any Dem House vote to help win back the House.

[LP2K12]

24. Yep...

I had already started about the amendments and Nelson when they said they weren't voting for POTUS. Hoping I can swing them on those now.

[geckosfeet]

25. Way to go mom!

[Tribalceltic]

27. Great for you

But even better for them. Having an open mind on something like this may just improve their health outlook.

[Cha]

28. Wow, LP2K12! I'm so glad your parents did

watch the last debate! Romney and the cons(but I repeat myself) thought they were being so clever in last night's debate.

[justiceischeap]

29. I feel like I've been saying this a lot lately, but there are still SOME sensible republicans

I think the "new" breed that doesn't care about lies and insincerity would look at RMoney and like him 'cause he's white and not President Obama. However, I think there are more Republicans that look at this guy and can just tell he's lying to get elected. He'll say anything, going as far as to agree with the guy everyone on our side likes, hoping that'll make some of the independents/undecideds like him too. That doesn't fly with people who think and consider the state of the nation. I'm not saying they're all going to vote for President Obama but I can see them giving silent disapproval of RMoney by not voting at all.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

31. I like the whole "give him a chance to finish" idea....

It appeals to a sense of fairness.

Bill Clinton in his speech mentioned that his policies weren't felt in the his first term either. As he said, If Obama is reelected, "I guarantee you that you will feel it"

[Populist_Prole]

33. Wow! Excellent breakthrough

So happy to hear stories like these. I sorely wish it would be so with my parents.

[jalAbi]

34. I like how your mom thinks!

[MzShellG]

35. Congratz. That's great news! nt

[Swede Atlanta]

36. These are the non-confrontational conversations I hope are taking place......

As frustrated as I get with a few of my relatives that are staunch Republicans, I have learned not to push too hard. But I have had some successes in bringing them around to being open to considering other options if I use facts, logic and some patience.....

I hope that enough of those that will decide this election...those not solidly in either camp...have been paying attention to one or more of the debates. Obama "lost" the first debate not because he wasn't prepared but because he or his campaign had decided to have him appear presidential and "above the fray". That was obviously not a good strategy. But in the last two debates Obama has come across as intelligent, rational, knowledgeable, confident, calm, sincere and full of conviction.

Whether you agree with Obama on everything or not there is no real choice between Obama and Robme. If Robme settles in at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue even for four years any hope for America for at least one or two generations is lost. The House will do his bidding, or perhaps the other way around. The conservative majority on the Supreme Court will continue to hand victory after victory to corporations and the instruments of governmental overreach (such as allowing a mentally challenged individual to be put to death, warrantless wiretaps, etc.). The Senate will be the only shield against the worst of the worst if it stays in Democratic hands (as it appears likely.

It couldn't be more telling from the 2nd and 3rd debates that Robme has no plans for anything - the economy, foreign policy, nothing. He will contort or Etch-a-Sketch himself into whatever shape (reminds me of the shape shifters) he thinks he needs to be to win votes. He is a selfish, mean, conceited, privileged individual that cares only about himself and his 1% brethren.

And if people haven't watched some of the eye-opening videos on YouTube about the Mormon Church and especially its temple rituals you are uninformed. I lived around Mormons growing up and they always appeared to be nice people but if you understand what they actually believe they are NOT Christians (not that that is an impediment to the Presidency for me) but when you understand they take an oath to the Church that previously included a commitment to destroy the United States, you would be terrified.

[johnnyrocket]

47. Yeah, that's good. Non-confrontational, I think I'll work on some co-workers this week..

...just approach them matter of fact, ask then "Do you believe anything Romney says? Doesn't he seem a little slick?"

They'll have to think about it.

[rightsideout]

37. That's terrific news!!

The fact that they did vote for Clinton at one point led me to think that they are open to hearing the issues from all sides.

That's a great turnaround from 2008 though. Wish I could have the same experience with my parents.

A couple weeks ago I dropped by my parents house to visit. I never really discuss politics with them but they know I'm a Liberal. No sooner did I take up my dad's offer for a beer then he started laying into me for being an Obama supporter. He obviously had been drinking before I got there. I couldn't get a word in edge wise. He called Obama a "silver tounge snake" and interrupted every time I tried to speak. I put my beer down in front of him and walked back to my car with my mom following behind apologizing.

My dad is an Independent and voted for Obama in 2008 but has since done a 180 on him. My mom always votes Republican except she changed to Democrat last election to help a friend who was running for County Council. I don't think my Mom switched back to Republican but I'm sure she'll vote for Romney no matter what because she tells me she always votes for the Republican Presidential nominee know matter who it is. I have tried reasoning with her a few times and said it's the person more then the party that counts.

But I wish I had your story. Great job

[SaveAmerica]

38. I'm in tears for this moment!

[PatrynXX]

39. too bad for staunch Red Republicans who's already voted.

can't change it now.

Which is both dad and my brother did. Think quietly my brother has regrets but dad oh Obama got hammered last night in his little world.


Glad to hear some parents can change. Mom's always been a Democrat. I've only been a registered one since 2004. And usually just say I'm left leaning. Because some Dems are to the right of me... Didn't used to be this way but the radical right and slanted everything further to the right. So the Dems today were Reagan Dems yesterday.

[mountain grammy]

40. Republicans should warm up to this very moderate president..

He is moderate. He is like most Americans. He comes from the middle class, the working class, raised by a single mother. He is us. So I ask working class Americans: what's wrong with the moderate in the White House? Oh yeah, he's not white.

[LP2K12]

41. Exactly

the reason I believe my father wouldn't vote for him the first time. Although I believe he wouldn't admit it. Something has changed this time. Apparently, Mittens is just a bit too white.

[lamp_shade]

44. Thanks, LP2K12. Great Post!!

[1StrongBlackMan]

45. That's fantastic; but for accuracy's sake ...

"We've got Mom, the Republican, voting for Obama. We may have Dad and even if we don't... rOMNEYwe've has taken his vote from Romney!"

Same effect; but important distinction ... esspecially if dear old Dad shares his concern with like-minded bolting goppers.

[AAO]

46. K&R - Music to my ears. An orchestra of hope.

[Doc Holliday]

49. Way to go, Mom.

"I can't not vote for President."

There's your money quote.

[DrewFlorida]

50. Great news, we need every vote we can get!

[Cognitive_Resonance]

51. That's progress. Well done. nt

[SalviaBlue]

53. Good news!

[sherylkaye]

54. I suspect more will be changing their minds.

[Doctor_J]

55. Great news

almost enough to offset my brain dead family.

[L0oniX]

56. K & R ...from Florida. n/t

[porphyrian]

57. . n/t

[DonRedwood]

58. you lifted my spirits!!

[madamvlb]

59. Made me smile...

We need all the sunshine we can get in Florida.

[roguevalley]

60. your mom and dad are awesome. Its a process. Like my dad getting over hippies. LOL!

My dad was a champion for everyone. Hug your mom and dad for this old gal.

[LP2K12]

61. Will do...

[AllieO]

62. Thanks - your Mom is wise not to trust R&R

Women of all ages have to protect themselves - to paraphrase Rachel Maddow - that's why they're called rights!

[Tigress DEM]

63. It's raining VOTES!!

[Liberal_Dog]

64. K & R

Thanks for posting this.

[apples and oranges]

66. I love these threads

MSNBC has been a source of so much negativity, despite the fact that Obama has always maintained the electoral advantage and he's won most of the debates.

[-LOKI -BAD FOR YA]

68. the gop will be stocked on nov 6

this is great a bird hand is worth two in the bush.the gop will be shocked on nov 6 when enlighten ex gop do not show up

[politicaljack78]

69. Awesome, great for you, your family, and the nation as a whole. n/t

[eridani]

70. You might also mention to them that--

--Repubs intend to eliminate Medicare and Social Security.

[ProudProgressiveNow]

71. K&R

[lamp_shade]

73. If possible, show them this thread.

[liberal N proud]

74. That is great news

[DreWId]

75. Down-ticket, too.

There's more than just voting for President on the ballot. There's down-ticket candidates as well as other issues.

It's how Republicans get in power like they did in 2010. The Presidential Ticket's the 'sexy' vote. But the voting booth is open on off years in which hardly anyone votes but the results still affect everyone.

Voting is more than just voting for President and Vice-President.

[flying_wahini]

76. Hope that deep freeze extends into Texas...

not that it matters in this election........

[LP2K12]

77. A reply in general...

To reply to a few points...

I've been working on the down ticket vote with them for months when they began saying they weren't going to vote at all. Starting with getting them to agree to at least go and vote on the amendments, after they read up on them. Then, working my way up to down-ticket candidates. They haven't given me an idea on where they fully stand on those yet, but I'm still working.

My hope at this point is that they spread the ideas they shared with me yesterday to other "red" family members. I've shared the same thoughts on medicare and social security especially because my mother is on social security after working at the Jeep assembly line in Toledo, Ohio for most of her life. She suffered a pretty bad injury on the job that kept her from going back to work, but still talks about other "welfare babies."

So, this hasn't been an easy transition, but baby steps and it's working. I think we're going to see more of this in many states. I now see that in my case I had a lot going for me.

We currently reside in Florida, however, I was born and raised in Toledo, OH where my mother was an automotive worker. The first ding against Romney came after Obama was elected (which she was against) when he saved the Detroit auto industry. Even her own sister, my aunt, is very pro-Obama because of this. I'd say 95% of my family in Ohio and Michigan work for on of the big auto companies that was saved. So, she had to see the good.

In 2010 my best friend was KIA in Afghanistan. His brother was flown on a private jet to meet him and then was allowed to fly back with him. There was full media coverage, including pictures by the AP. Something Bush didn't allow. This was a close family friend. We practically enlisted at the same time so this hit home. The whole, "what if it were my son?" She now sees the positives in what President Obama has done for veterans & military families.

Honor and honesty. She finally saw this during the debates. Our POTUS came wel prepared and didn't change his mind or his ideas just because pressure was put on him. She even admitted, he presented the facts and accepted responsibility whereas Romney suddenly began agreeing with the President, spouting untruths or flip-flopping all the time. This basically sealed the deal for her and from what I understand for my father as well.

So, as we've all said, it starts with one or two and we keep working on it so I continue the conversation with them and others and hopefully it turns to three and four.

Oh and thank you for the immense response to this thread as a newbie I never expected it, but it's much appreciated as all I was doing was sharing my enthusiasm during this important election.

[AnnieK401]

78. I think the R's are over confident about winning FL.

It's very close and the Obama campaign is very organized here.

[BlueDemKev]

79. Great News! Hopefully, a LOT of Republican-leaning voters in Florida feel the same way.

[CaliGal]

80. I have to say....

Sorry, it return by accident (God, I hate that!!)
Anyhu, I just wanted to Thank you for posting that, honestly, it really warmed my heart. I think all Obama wanted to begin with is a chance. Just a chance. I hope he really gets it this time....

[Douglas Carpenter]

81. knr