I was just called a Yellow Dog Democrat for the first time

[Courtesy Flush]

Which made me chuckle. I'm still a registered Republican, and I voted for Reagan, Bush, Dole, Bush, and Bush (accept my apologies).

I guess I'm like one of those reformed smokers who's the most militant speaker for the cause.

[southpaw]

1. Questions...

What made you vote for Bush in 2004? Was there one issue above all others, or were you still pretty much in the conservative/republican mindset at the time? I see you registered here at DU before the 2004 election.

What caused you to change sides?

[Courtesy Flush]

4. Good questions

I joined DU because I heard Rush Limbaugh talking about it and I wanted to inject my opinions here. At first, I made subtle hints that all you yellow dogs were oh so wrong (not enough to get me tombstoned), but the more I learned here, and the more Bush screwed up, the more I saw what was really happening to the country.

In 2004 I really wanted to vote for change, but I was convinced that Kerry wasn't up to the job, and I wasn't convinced that the Democrats were better than the Republicans. I guess it was the flip-flop meme that did it. That's ironic, since I'm now so frustrated that Bush can't be the least bit flexible. Flip flopping now looks pretty good. If you're wrong, or if new information comes to light, change course for pete sake!

Keep in mind that I live in a very red state. I've always been pro-gay, and I've been an atheist for nearly 30 years, but being a Democrat was unthinkable. Even now, I have not heard one person in my area speak up and say he's voting for Obama. And we talk politics a lot. I went to my family's home in Baton Rouge last weekend and was in a heated argument with every single person there, including my own wife. They all hate Obama. I deserve a little credit for swimming against that tide!

Hope that answers your question.

Jeff

[southpaw]

5. Thanks, Jeff

My name is Jeff, too... and I'm from a really red state, Alabama.

I appreciate you taking the time to answer those questions. I hope they didn't come across as pointed or anything. I was just curious as to how you could have voted for Bush in '04 and made the switch since then.

I actually voted for Reagan in 1984. I had just turned 18 and it was my first time to vote. I was not at all politically aware, but Reagan seemed popular, so I voted for him. Basically following the crowd at chow time, here in Alabama. Since then it's been Dukakis, Clinton, Clinton, Gore, Kerry.

So it was the 'flip-flop' meme. Hell, at least you aren't the type to be swayed by the 'anti-gay' tactic.

I, too, am an atheist and GLBT equality is my main area of political activism.

So, do you think you'll ever register as a Democrat?

[Shell Beau]

2. Bush twice?

:cry:

[crim son]

6. Forgive not seven times,

but seventy times seven...

[Connonym]

3. Just so you don't feel so bad, I voted for Reagan

of course I was 18 and stupid enough to let my boyfriend tell me who to vote fore. Point is, we're all capable of growth so good on you for seeing the light!