General Discussion

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)

193. To the contrary, it would be a PLUS for her.

Tue Jan 27, 2015, 04:05 PM

Jan 2015

First, it's completely unacceptable for you to impute to her support for every Reagan policy. She was certainly a registered Republican and she probably voted for many Republican candidates. That's not enough to equate to support for all Reagan policies. I voted for Bill Clinton despite disagreement with some of his policies (including his gay-bashing with DOMA).

Beyond that, what would be the political effects? A notable fact of modern American politics is the rightward lurch of the Republican Party. A few people, like Lincoln Chafee and Charlie Crist, have formally abandoned it. Nevertheless, I think there are many who stay in the party out of loyalty and tradition (and inertia), but who are troubled by its current stance. Someone who used to be a Republican would have an edge in getting those people to overcome their habit of voting Republican.

Ronald Reagan was a registered Democrat at a later age than Warren was a registered Republican. It didn't seem to hinder his electoral effectiveness.

In fact, I remember some debate or news conference where Reagan was asked about something he'd said earlier. He responded along the lines of, "That was when I was a Democrat. I said a lot of silly things back then." Warren could similarly mock the Republicans while making political hay out of her own history of having recognized which party deserved her support.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

272 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

So Elizabeth Warren was a Republican up until 1995. [View all] DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 OP

I was a Democrat when it was cool. it's not anymore so I went Autumn Jan 2015 #1

Message auto-removed Name removed Jan 2015 #2

Ha! City Lights Jan 2015 #11

hee hee LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #14

Exactly. n/t 99Forever Jan 2015 #73

Welcome to DU... SidDithers Jan 2015 #91

Welcome to DU, and yes, Warren actually became a Democrat, and was one during the most uncool times sabrina 1 Jan 2015 #94

Besides that, she's been feeling the wrath of the GOP for quite a while. That poisons the well. nt TheBlackAdder Jan 2015 #106

Except for that time she was a Goldwater Girl ... Myrina Jan 2015 #113

when she was 17 living at home and not old enough to vote OKNancy Jan 2015 #156

LOL! Shhhh...don't remind them of that it drives em crazy! Rex Jan 2015 #221

Thsts not true! hrmjustin Jan 2015 #203

Saying "She(he)'s changed" has become something of a canard these days. randome Jan 2015 #3

I wasn't officially a Democrat until 2008 tabbycat31 Jan 2015 #4

I came and went. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Jan 2015 #119

I considered myself a Democrat before then tabbycat31 Jan 2015 #124

How precisely, is it convenient? LanternWaste Jan 2015 #5

It's not convenient to be a Republican when your boss and all your clients are one? /NT DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #8

How about - don't tell your boss and your clients about your politics? brooklynite Jan 2015 #53

That's good advice but sometimes it's unavoidable./NT DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #61

How so? Throd Jan 2015 #99

You're sitting at a table at a nice banquet and the other diners start braying... DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #112

In similar circumstances, I just held my opinion. Throd Jan 2015 #132

Depended on the circumstances. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #142

You can rebut the first two with facts, without saying you are a Democrat. merrily Jan 2015 #140

Reagan era, Warren and I both made great money, most of mine got spent trying to plug the holes Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #126

I can relate. There were 4 other high school students who did not support Ike Eisenhower. jwirr Jan 2015 #6

Stevenson was once told hfojvt Jan 2015 #37

A brilliant man, ahead of his time. merrily Jan 2015 #43

And funny too but I'm not sad I missed the fifties./NT DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #49

I don't know if he was consistently funny, but I think he was consistently brilliant. merrily Jan 2015 #56

Thats probably one reason why Stevenson chose Estes Kefauver as his running mate in 1956 Art_from_Ark Jan 2015 #231

Very interesting. If I ever knew his running mate's name, I'd forgotten. merrily Jan 2015 #235

Interesting story about the Underground Railroad Art_from_Ark Jan 2015 #263

Thanks, and interesting connections among Gore, Sr., LBJ and Kefauver. merrily Jan 2015 #264

LOL Thank you for that. jwirr Jan 2015 #62

Enjoy President Cruz n/t n2doc Jan 2015 #7

Not possible without a Constitutional amendment, which ain't happening. Born in Canada, he was. merrily Jan 2015 #48

To an American mother. Codeine Jan 2015 #105

You don't that. Please see the discussion I had with treestar about this, starting around Reply 64. merrily Jan 2015 #108

Idiotic argument. Codeine Jan 2015 #218

As a progressive, I spend... Whiskeytide Jan 2015 #9

For me, I'm not bothered so much by Warren having voted for Reagan and Bush I YoungDemCA Jan 2015 #97

I can't really disagree with that... Whiskeytide Jan 2015 #104

OK, so you took a swipe at Warren's (supposed) supporters demwing Jan 2015 #135

I feel the exact same way about the Neo-Cons in the Democratic Party... bvar22 Jan 2015 #195

You don't know how she voted & she hasn't said. AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #223

Her boosters want her to be President, so she should be able to address any and all concerns about Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #114

That's fair enough... Whiskeytide Jan 2015 #159

Wow JonLP24 Jan 2015 #230

I said what I said and I meant it. You, right here, have spoken more clearly of your own Reagan era Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #239

You don't know how she voted & she hasn't said. AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #224

I don't support Hillary Clinton. I support Bernie Sanders. Why would she be a Republican and not Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #240

see AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #250

Senator Warren is not to only one who has Republican Values in her past. nt bemildred Jan 2015 #10

That's a fair point but it still leaves us with problems. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #13

She's not running. bemildred Jan 2015 #17

I think you take your username too seriously. randome Jan 2015 #18

My mom played this every birthday DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #23

Those problems are nothing compared to the latest Bill and the sex jet story. LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #21

It leaves YOU with problems. Not "us". djean111 Jan 2015 #36

Well aren't you precious... Johnyawl Jan 2015 #12

If you don't believe we should demand a higher and different level of consistency from our leaders.. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #16

Well, if you want someone that consisently sides with Wall Street then all by means support Hillary. Broward Jan 2015 #24

Wow, you can knock me over with a feather! mimi85 Jan 2015 #15

That's how I felt when I found out Reagan was first a Democrat. RiverLover Jan 2015 #22

And there is the Warren Double Standard. Hillary was never a Republican, her parents were and Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #121

I thought Nancy Reagan led Ronny to Republicanism DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #131

Gosh no, she was 'casting' basically. Jane was liberal and needed replacing. Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #244

I want people here to know you are purposefully AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #225

I don't support Hillary Clinton. I support Bernie Sanders. I did not support Hillary last time Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #241

I don't give a crap about any of that. AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #249

I'm assuming then, that you did not vote for Obama in 2008. sabrina 1 Jan 2015 #253

Actually, no Bobbie Jo Jan 2015 #181

You should take that up with the OP Mnpaul Jan 2015 #228

Oh by all means Bobbie Jo Jan 2015 #255

Ah, the puerile expectation of perfection. nt Dreamer Tatum Jan 2015 #19

I didn't know the pursuit of perfection is childish and nowhere did I even demand it./NT DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #25

You cast stones at her for not being you. Dreamer Tatum Jan 2015 #31

And the Clintons acted like Republicans...(and still do when it comes to Corporate Power) Armstead Jan 2015 #20

The only Democrats who seem to fit in my suburb of Orlando are Baitball Blogger Jan 2015 #26

I voted in Seminole County DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #42

Yup. Baitball Blogger Jan 2015 #98

Lake is redder, Orange and Volusia are blue. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #154

I've always been a Democrat except for a short Independent streak treestar Jan 2015 #27

And she doesn't bash the President JustAnotherGen Jan 2015 #33

Not Cruz. Born in Canada. merrily Jan 2015 #52

Right wingers treestar Jan 2015 #59

I am not sure you can be "a natural born citizen" within the meaning of the Constitution if you were merrily Jan 2015 #64

Cruz is a natural born citizen treestar Jan 2015 #75

The only thing the SCOTUS has said so far is nation of birth, though that was dicta, not parents. merrily Jan 2015 #80

Yes, even if eligible treestar Jan 2015 #83

I am not at all sure Lady Mary is a natural born citizen within the meaning of the Constitution. merrily Jan 2015 #87

Depends on when Cora left to reside in the UK permanently treestar Jan 2015 #155

Actually, it depends 100% on how the SCOTUS interprets "natural born citizen." merrily Jan 2015 #163

Thop it thumper! JustAnotherGen Jan 2015 #68

Trump was told that during an interview, while he was yelping about Obama. merrily Jan 2015 #78

Love it! JustAnotherGen Jan 2015 #79

An idiot who had a rich dad and knows how to work the bankruptcy system. merrily Jan 2015 #82

and Bernie Sanders the most progressive in the U.S. is an Independent!!! TheNutcracker Jan 2015 #28

She was not an elected official until 2012 krispos42 Jan 2015 #29

It took a hard right turn in 1995? DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #40

The first time conservatives had the House in decades was in 1995 krispos42 Jan 2015 #45

I don't know how old you are but the 80s were a dark time for those on the left. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #55

Hillary put Reagan on her list of 10 best Presidents in all of US history. merrily Jan 2015 #60

I would like a link for that dsc Jan 2015 #166

Google Hillary 2007 2008 List Ten Best Presidents See how easy it is to find a link merrily Jan 2015 #178

I did google dsc Jan 2015 #197

Depending on wording, I got between over 11 million and over 57 million hits, as one might expect merrily Jan 2015 #200

i put in : hillary clinton top ten reagan ,and didn't get anything about her list of top presidents JI7 Jan 2015 #232

I got this result (took approx 5 minutes search) delrem Jan 2015 #233

Thank you, but that is the not the story I recall. The story I recall included a list of merrily Jan 2015 #234

yah, it's the closest I could get to an exact match. delrem Jan 2015 #256

No worries. That she mentioned Bush 42 and Reagan merrily Jan 2015 #257

Yes, this issue is at distraction level. delrem Jan 2015 #258

BTW, did you try clicking on the link? merrily Jan 2015 #247

He was certainly one of the most effective. lumberjack_jeff Jan 2015 #243

The only difference between the 80's and 90's.... Armstead Jan 2015 #103

And, indeed, Reagan's victory was what facilitated take over of the Dem Party by DLCers. merrily Jan 2015 #125

Nearly forty. krispos42 Jan 2015 #162

the gop of the 80's literally laughed at AIDS dsc Jan 2015 #58

Please see Reply 60. merrily Jan 2015 #72

When asked about Warren's past history, her boosters first dismiss it then attack Hillary's past Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #137

Can one really "safely assume" that Hillary did not vote for Reagan? Why? Please see Reply 72. merrily Jan 2015 #145

I will vote for anybody with a (D) after their name even if they were an (R) DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #191

When I said "can't vote for Warren, I meant the primary, not the general. merrily Jan 2015 #199

Try to wrap your head around this: I don't care about Hillary. If she gets the nomination Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #246

I think we agree on bottom line substance. On anything I can recall, in fact. merrily Jan 2015 #248

You're still lying about how Warren voted. AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #226

People still spreading that lame myth about Hillary saying Reagan was one of the "best presidents"? NYC Liberal Jan 2015 #164

Not a myth. She and Obama were asked for lists of 10 Best Presidents in 2008. merrily Jan 2015 #167

Yes a myth. NYC Liberal Jan 2015 #169

Please see Reply 183. merrily Jan 2015 #184

you are going to have to backtrack on this untruth OKNancy Jan 2015 #173

A comment posted at Kos, much as I post here, does not require backtracking. merrily Jan 2015 #183

Please link to those lists. NYC Liberal Jan 2015 #190

and the fundies were gleeful downright, because treestar Jan 2015 #157

So how is it that a professor and consumer advocate made all those millions, gathering fees for Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #128

You should ask her krispos42 Jan 2015 #209

"In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents Douglas Carpenter Jan 2015 #30

Luke was quite the con man. GeorgeGist Jan 2015 #77

It's the sentiment of Jesus, not Luke. However, if the issue is not merrily Jan 2015 #85

I'm all for Hillary bluestateguy Jan 2015 #32

My dad and he were the only ones JustAnotherGen Jan 2015 #39

It's childish, but Hillary was never a voting Republican OKNancy Jan 2015 #158

Party loyalty isn't in itself a virtue. Simply indicates imperviousness to facts. Orsino Jan 2015 #34

And she was an Economics professor when she voted republican ALBliberal Jan 2015 #35

I was in a staff meeting in 1994. There must have been a dozen of us. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #47

Actually, she was a law professor. n/t winter is coming Jan 2015 #84

thank you I admire her greatly ALBliberal Jan 2015 #202

Hubris isn't helpful. madamesilverspurs Jan 2015 #38

FWIW, I was a Young Republican in the early 60's as an undergrad. Jackpine Radical Jan 2015 #50

We are worrying about the wrong stuff, and I once wondered about this too, but so what. NoJusticeNoPeace Jan 2015 #41

She has risked more political capital defending the rights of the middle class than anyone GoneFishin Jan 2015 #44

Let's see what else happened in 1995: LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #46

uh oh! The OP has been warned by LawdeeDuh! wyldwolf Jan 2015 #57

Childish play on member's name. Grow up, Corporatist supporter. n/t benz380 Jan 2015 #63

that must be my new puppy :) LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #65

and she tries to be cute, too. Patiently waiting your next right wing info dump wyldwolf Jan 2015 #70

Says the guy who just hurled an insult. wyldwolf Jan 2015 #66

This is a high class thread. Can you gentlemen and ladies keep it that way. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #74

well known, not popular. Their stories are of the Nat'l Inquirer type LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #69

Actually the correct term is 'popular.' wyldwolf Jan 2015 #76

Is Bill Clinton running for office? MineralMan Jan 2015 #67

Say Mitch McConnels brother was caught up in a sex trade ring LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #81

I would not support Mitch McConnell under any circumstances. MineralMan Jan 2015 #130

One of the selling points is you get both Clintons for the price of one. merrily Jan 2015 #111

You're welcome to consider anything you think is appropriate. MineralMan Jan 2015 #133

Sure. You were the one who raised the issue of Bill's not being the candidate though. merrily Jan 2015 #136

See, here's the thing. I make my decision on voting MineralMan Jan 2015 #146

I don't think Hillary will win the general, if she is the nominee. merrily Jan 2015 #148

I'm glad that you finally see you can't believe the Clintons all the time. LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #138

I don't believe anyone all the time. MineralMan Jan 2015 #144

The "10 Best Presidents" is a harder list to fill than "The 40 Worst Ones." immoderate Jan 2015 #176

I'd like to thank you again for that excellent OP with those paragraphs... freshwest Jan 2015 #214

Good thing she has INTEGRITY. Octafish Jan 2015 #51

And Hillary Clinton Was A "Goldwater Girl"... Elizabeth Warren Has Learned The Error Of Her Ways... WillyT Jan 2015 #54

Please see also Reply 72. merrily Jan 2015 #89

Can I ask which one is Hillary? I can't tell. 2nd from right wth the frown? LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #120

and reagan used to be a democrat. so? unblock Jan 2015 #71

I'd liked to agree with you Ichingcarpenter Jan 2015 #86

FDR was a Republican that switched to the Democratic Party as well nt AZ Progressive Jan 2015 #88

Not true YoungDemCA Jan 2015 #90

Remember: Republicans were the liberals when Lincoln ran. merrily Jan 2015 #118

Not so. FDR's side of the family was Democratic. So was he. merrily Jan 2015 #93

And Hillary was up until the late '60s. KamaAina Jan 2015 #92

Please see Reply 72. merrily Jan 2015 #100

Who's supporting the right issues now? That is kind of important..... /nt think Jan 2015 #95

20 effing years ago? ??? 99Forever Jan 2015 #96

Please see Reply 72. merrily Jan 2015 #101

When it occurred is not as relative as the age of the person when it occurred. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #147

Please stop insulting our intelligence. 99Forever Jan 2015 #168

I will try to do better. Perhaps I should incorporate some ad hominem attacks in my pitch. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #170

People aren't allowed to evolve politically? Throd Jan 2015 #102

Democrats and Republicans outside Jan 2015 #107

In 1988, I voted for George H.W.... because I was young and didn't know any better. ScreamingMeemie Jan 2015 #109

Ms. Warren had her epiphany at 46 years old. That doesn't sound like a youthful indiscretion/NT DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #122

This is how much I care... ScreamingMeemie Jan 2015 #129

If you don't care for all of the victims of Nixon's, Reagans, And Bush Pere's policies... DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #134

... ScreamingMeemie Jan 2015 #149

Silence can be taken as consent in this instance. Thank you for your acquiescence. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #151

How much do you care about the victims of the Iraq war, the one Hillary wanted, that war? LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #204

I will support the Democratic candidate in 016 DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #207

About Kerry and Biden, there is that and it's not pleasant at all to know LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #213

She also claimed to be Native American for quite some time...NT 1bigdude Jan 2015 #110

and how does that measure up to the Sniper story? or voting for people to die? LawDeeDah Jan 2015 #152

That was her family lore. It may or may not have been true. Jim Lane Jan 2015 #185

And the Koch candidate ran into the ditch on that. Please consider the source of the attack meme. freshwest Jan 2015 #215

Republican talking points at DU? Mnpaul Jan 2015 #229

... and so was Jim Webb. And Wesley Clark (IIRC). Myrina Jan 2015 #115

I'm not so concerned with what party Warren belonged to 20 years ago, Maedhros Jan 2015 #116

The false Native American claim looks idiotic. Nt 1bigdude Jan 2015 #117

So you believe RW media? RiverLover Jan 2015 #123

This message was self-deleted by its author TheSarcastinator Jan 2015 #127

I used to be intractable, absolute, and criticize others for their changing and evolving worldviews LanternWaste Jan 2015 #139

Warren accepted family lore about being part Indian. djean111 Jan 2015 #141

And her family was proven correct. nt RiverLover Jan 2015 #171

I actually think that's a big reason why Warren doesn't want to run for Prez Cali_Democrat Jan 2015 #143

To the contrary, it would be a PLUS for her. Jim Lane Jan 2015 #193

Good for her - another triumph of progressive ideology over conservativism. bluedigger Jan 2015 #150

At my first caucus as a Democrat madamesilverspurs Jan 2015 #153

Amen to that davidpdx Jan 2015 #266

It's good to know that people never, ever, ever change their minds on any subject. jeff47 Jan 2015 #160

OMG!!1! HappyMe Jan 2015 #161

First, people change, and we allow for that Trajan Jan 2015 #165

So much silliness, judging people on labels and not their actions. Avalux Jan 2015 #172

If Robert Byrd can be forgiven for being a senior Klansman Nye Bevan Jan 2015 #174

I have read many of your posts... demmiblue Jan 2015 #175

"I have read many of your posts Elizabeth Warren is a far better representative..." DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #186

I am also a life-long dem, demmiblue Jan 2015 #201

If I'm a zealot then I am a zealous Democrat, something you implied I really wasn't. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #205

in 1960 I wanted Alfred E. Newman to be president olddots Jan 2015 #177

That's nothing. There's a lot of republicans here that pretend to be democrats tenderfoot Jan 2015 #179

Do you have some issue with Senator Warren's work? herding cats Jan 2015 #180

Does this make anyone else miss 1995 republicans? Exultant Democracy Jan 2015 #182

No they sucked ass too. Warren Stupidity Jan 2015 #188

So you see no differences between them and todays teapublicans? Exultant Democracy Jan 2015 #219

How old are you? Were you old enough to remember the nutbags who came in with Reagan? Warren Stupidity Jan 2015 #245

So what? Did she or her husband have "burner phones"? zappaman Jan 2015 #187

good point! One of the fundementals of progressive values is that people must never-ever change Douglas Carpenter Jan 2015 #189

so what you're saying is, she hasn't been a republican for 20 years 0rganism Jan 2015 #192

Any chance Hillary would offer VP slot to Elizabeth? If not, whom would be her best choice? NT 1bigdude Jan 2015 #194

That would be a total waste of Warren. djean111 Jan 2015 #206

All I know is her current political positions are the right ones and the Clinton/Rubin policies mmonk Jan 2015 #196

You are a Democrat since birth? SalviaBlue Jan 2015 #198

I'm gay. Back in my youth that left Bluenorthwest Jan 2015 #238

I agree with you mostly, but in my case I was an exception to the rule davidpdx Jan 2015 #265

Obama in 2012: My policies are republican nationalize the fed Jan 2015 #208

But not as moderate as Ike. mmonk Jan 2015 #210

I was Conservative until 2012 DesertDawg Jan 2015 #211

The "Fake Native American" Story Will Be More of a Problem daredtowork Jan 2015 #212

She is part Cherokee. Not a fake story. RiverLover Jan 2015 #236

Not arguing whether she is or not daredtowork Jan 2015 #259

Just Read the Article daredtowork Jan 2015 #260

People thought that would hurt her in the senate race too. RiverLover Jan 2015 #268

I'm glad if it didn't daredtowork Jan 2015 #269

I know. And you could be right. RiverLover Jan 2015 #270

Yes and daredtowork Jan 2015 #271

Agreed Algernon Moncrieff Jan 2015 #254

Sanctimonious much? October Jan 2015 #216

This is the twin story to the Clinton Flight Log thread. LanternWaste Jan 2015 #217

One of many reasons why I favor Bernie Sanders more JonLP24 Jan 2015 #220

So Hillary Clinton was an intern for Gerald Ford when he was in Congress. Rex Jan 2015 #222

This means about as much as Michele Bachman CAMPAIGNING as a Democrat for Jimmy Carter! cascadiance Jan 2015 #227

Neither was I. LWolf Jan 2015 #237

I've always been a democrat but the hallmark of a liberal is open thinking. lumberjack_jeff Jan 2015 #242

"I was a Democrat when being a Democrat wasn't cool." -- George Wallace unrepentant progress Jan 2015 #251

I'd much rather... vi5 Jan 2015 #252

I don't care about who voted or campaigned for Republicans decades ago. winter is coming Jan 2015 #261

Maybe that explains her zeal in working Democratic policies today. No one is more passionate DebJ Jan 2015 #262

I'm glad she's on our side. Ilsa Jan 2015 #267

You forgot McGovern Jim Beard Jan 2015 #272