The Republican Vote for Obama

“you have asked the million dollar question. Let’s see if I can give you a good answer…

I’ve worked in politics professionally for over a decade, much of that in the House of Representatives in D.C. where I saw the animosity between parties build up day after day after day. Between that and becoming less and less enamored of the policies of Bush (who I voted for twice), I started looking for someone else — and I didn’t see that the GOP was offering anyone who could get the job done. A year ago, I would have wholeheartedly supported Giuliani or Thompson, but they handled their campaigns so badly that even they fell off. I go to visit friends on the Hill now, and I can feel “it” hanging in the air — I don’t know what it is, but it’s just there, and I think working in it for so long insulated me from the feeling until after I had left.

And then came Obama. The older of my two sisters told my father that she was shocked to hear me say that I was considering supporting a Democrat for president — to which he (also a lifelong Democrat) responded, “Well, I voted for a Democrat once - Jack Kennedy. You have to consider that perhaps your brother feels that this is his generation’s Jack Kennedy.”

I think I do feel that very thing. At first, I was cautious — was I excited because everyone else was, because he could beat Hillary, or because he was something new. Turns out that it’s because he has inspired something in me — yes, I recognize that he is much more liberal than the folks I usually support, and may do things I don’t agree with. But for me and my jaded/cynical mind, he represents a willingness to do things differently, to make sure everyone has a seat at the table, and to make us feel better about ourselves. At this point in my life, having THAT kind of effect on me — and leading me to contribute and attend a rally!! — is more important than any “R” or “D” behind the name.

I hope this adequately expresses my reasons; not sure I got it across very well…”

I wonder how many more are out there like him, hmmm?