My son will vote for the Democrat.

[ZenDem]

This is sort of a big deal.

Here's a quick timeline of the past 15ish years to give you an idea.

Joined Marines as a left-leaning Dem so he could fight for women's and girl's rights to an education and freedom in the Middle East. (this is a really long story that I'll spare sharing here )

4 years in, he was a right-leaning Independent who still called his mother to ask her to fact-check bullshit lies or stretched truths about our President (Obama, of course).

8 years and out...came out a centrist Conservative that would argue with his Mother about guns, politics and minimum wage.

Today..."Mom, I don't care who it is, I'm voting for the Democrat. I'll even vote for Sanders." (I don't mean that as a dig, it's just a huge step for my kid).

Now, to be fair...he was a horrible Conservative. He's always supported gay rights and women's rights, believes in fair immigration and rights for the undocumented. He's a diehard climate change believer and will ridicule any deniers into the ground (he was a 'weatherman' in the Marines).

I'm so glad he's back. I got tired of avoiding talking to him about politics. Now, he listens to me rant and...agrees with me.

[AllaN01Bear]

1. eggscllent

[nevergiveup]

2. I love this story.

No doubt "The Donald" has shaken a lot of folks back to their senses and yes, sometimes to their roots.

[patphil]

3. Bob Dylan said, "you don't need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."

But sometimes it sure helps.
It's been a long road home for him.
I'm happy for you all.

[eppur_se_muova]

10. You certainly don't need to be a weatherman to know how this IMPOTUS blows. nt

[CaptYossarian]

4. With his social beliefs, e was halfway there.

You and your wife did a fine job, Dad.

[ZenDem]

11. Heh...thank you...

...but, I'm 'mom'. Dad wasn't around.

[CaptYossarian]

15. I'm a dad and read it that way. Sorry.

[ZenDem]

18. No apology necessary!

That's one of the reasons this place always appealed to me. You never know 'who' you're talking to. I think it keeps us more open and honest. But...I overthink things, so...

[magicarpet]

5. That is nice,...

Get busy,... your job is to Demo the grandchildren too.

[stopwastingmymoney]

6. That's wonderful

I wish my Army Captain brother would do the same. On the bright side, I saw him today and he didn’t bring up politics at all. That’s progress as far as I’m concerned, I was prepared to burn his ass to the ground I mean Vindman, amiright?

Anyway, I know how relieved I would be if he came over to the light and I’m happy for you

[ZenDem]

12. Oh, man...

...I brought up Vindman at lunch yesterday and had to change the subject fast. My kid was completely disgusted at how he (and all the other true patriots) have been treated. He was livid.

[stopwastingmymoney]

21. Yeah I'm guessing mine didn't want to go there

I’ve told him that I have zero patience left for that rwbs and if he brings it up I’m through being nice.
I think he still respects his big sister a little anyway

[Karadeniz]

7. So happy for him and the whole family!

[iluvtennis]

8. That's great news ZenDem

Welcome to DU.

[ZenDem]

13. Thanks! I've actually been here quite a while.

I left when the blackout happened. Had too much going on and no energy left for this place.

[iluvtennis]

16. 👍

[sorcrow]

9. I had two rules

I had two rules when my son went into the military. I told him he could not start smoking or become a republican.
It has worked out well. He flies helicopters in Korea and is as good a Democrat/progressive as can be. He had a lot of strong smart women in his life, my mother, my ex-wife, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, my sister, his sister, my current wife. Also a gay cousin. Good role models all round and none of whom were shy about their opinions and outlooks.
And today is his birthday.

Best regards,
Crow

[ZenDem]

14. Happy Belated Bday to your son!

It can be so hard for them to stick to Democratic values in the military. I know when my son first joined he managed to find a pocket of guys to hang with. But, then deployments and assignments split them up. The long term friends he stays in touch with are pretty centrist, but genuinely great guys.

Glad to hear you've managed to keep up with those restrictions! I had to chuckle at the thought of a helicopter pilot turning down a smoke because "My Mom and/or Dad said I can't."

[diva77]

17. What was the "last straw" that brought him back to vowing to vote for a Dem?

K&R

[ZenDem]

19. It really wasn't a turning point.

More of a turning curve. Bits and pieces just started falling into place. He started talking to 'civilians' again and remembered why he joined to begin with.

Things he ranted 'right' about 7 years ago are now things he leans left on today. It was the atmosphere more than anything.

He hates Trump for a mountain of reasons, but it's more than that. He actually supports so many Democratic and Progressive ideas.

[LaelthsDaughter]

20. Celebrate good things

Right on! I’m glad to see another person voting democratic! ^.^

[Upthevibe]

22. Great story!

Thank you. We need to hear more of these.