Conversation I had with an undecided, swing voter

[Coventina]

I had the opportunity to talk to a self-described, undecided, swing voter.

He voted for Bush in 2000, but he is a Howard Stern listener, and is unhappy with the religious wackiness of Bush. We had quite a long conversation, and I think it went well. He didn't say I had convinced him, but I'm pretty sure I gave him some things to think about. He agreed with most of my points.
I really don't know why I'm posting this, except to try to say that every one of these conversations that we can have is probably important. After all, if I change his vote, it could also affect his wife's (although he didn't say where she stood right now). Who knows, if he decides for Kerry, he might talk to others.

One other interesting point, he's a non-practicing Catholic, and had NEVER heard about the Rapture theory. When I explained the whole thing to him, he said it was the craziest thing he had ever heard, and couldn't believe that millions of Americans believe in it. I hope he believed me. I think he did. It seemed to really disturb him. I hope so. It's disturbed me since I first heard it at the age of 8. I've suffered religious paranoia ever since. :-(

[whalerider55]

1. all those groups out there

Cov-
sounds great. i haven't run into any undecideds yet. lately, i keep reading about all these "subsets" of the electorate who either went for Bush last time, or have been activated by the election to potentially oppose him.

The stern demographic is one; Latino voters are another; the gay and lesbian vote.

it remains to be seen what will happen with vets.

where is wes clark on this swift boat nonsense? i haven't heard anything from him.


whalerider55

[madmax]

3. He spoke out on Thursday or Friday...

short interview on CNN. He wasn't in the studio.

[madmax]

2. I've never heard of it either until DU

:shrug:

[kikiek]

4. Great job! It is so nice to find someone who is willing to talk about

issues. We can win on issues. I am so tired of hearing people say they don't know what Kerry is about. Kerry is very clear on issues. It is just that people and media fall prey to the repugs shifting of focus off the real problems facing this country. They don't listen to his message then.

[asjr]

5. I have finally turned my aunt. It has

taken 4 years to do it, but today I finally got her to see the light.
I don't think she has ever voted for a Democrat but this time she will. She is 92 years old and has been Repub all her life. I will sleep better tonight.

[UrbScotty]

7. Wow! that is so cool!

:D

[Sugarbleus]

6. It's amazing what everyday people DON'T know about

other groups of citizens. I had to chuckle at your statement about having been traumatized religiously by the rapture theology. My poor daughter, in her father's care, went through that. She is 32 now. She was freaked out for years from her experience--always wondering if she did this or that, would she not go to heaven or even getting to the point of real paranoia in that if she saw an empty street in the fog or couldn't get in touch with us when she needed to...she thought maybe the rapture had occured and she'd been left behind. Oh geez, did I just say "Left Behind"?? I had to disabuse her of the idea that she should be afraid.

I told her to back away from that stuff immediately.

I like that you mentioned the religious extremeism of this administration to your friend though...that could be startling enough to some folks to make them back away from the neo cons.

Religious extremeism and rabid nationalism is part of the definition of fascism.

[Coventina]

8. Thank you for posting this

I can't tell you how comforting it is to know that other people have suffered as I did (and still do, at times). It has been very lonely at times, feeling so worried about being "Left Behind" and too ashamed to admit the fear.

[Sugarbleus]

9. You are so welcome........please be at peace

A WHOLE lot of people have suffered what you describe. I was surprised to learn it myself. My best friend had a nervous breakdown because of it!! Got all schizo. I'm happy to tell you she is fine now.

I STILL carry this weird guilt around after all these years. Was talking to a counselor one time; they asked me if I was Catholic (lol) Said no, but it would take much too long to 'splain it.

We are free now......... Peace :hug:


(edit for smilie)