I’m an Independent voter. I am a conservative. I typically cast my ballot for Libertarians and I voted for George W. Bush.
Twice.
Time and again I’ve been let down and disappointed by people who claim to be conservative. Meanwhile they choose the politics of fear and mean-spiritedness over the politics of decency and fairness.
I’m let down by people I voted for because they lied to me to and my fellow Americans so we’d get behind what’s turned out to be little more than a bungled grudge match that sends brave and heroic service men and women home wounded or dead.
Our health care system breaks my heart. There’s no reason a country with so much cannot ensure every one of its citizens has affordable health care. Certainly, if we can find $500 billion to wage war in the Middle East, we can find the money to guarantee our nation’s public health.
I’m fed up with the current administration’s destruction of the public’s trust by turning its back on responsible economic stewardship.
I’m angry that the current administration’s chosen to strip away civil liberties in the name of security… a misguided path that forgets that our security begins and ends with civil liberties. When our liberties are taken from us, our security soon follows.
I’m tired of being let down and fed up. I’m tired of being angry. I’m tired of being heart broken.
I’ve kept a close eye on this primary season. I’ve followed both Republicans and Democrats. I’d hoped Michael Bloomberg would run. I’d also hoped, later, that Ron Paul could ignite conservatives. Okay, stop laughing now. 
I had zero intention of voting for a Democrat throughout most of the primary season.
Then John McCain snagged the Republican nod. Too bad The Maverick from 2000 was long gone, replaced by an uninspired, tired, and pandering politician who can’t figure out what he believes.
The Libertarian Party took so damn long to show us anything that they lost me simply by not showing up. And once the LP did show up, they offered a lackluster Bob Barr. Besides, I question the timing — and ultimately the motive — behind his conversion to libertarianism.
Despite my general distaste for the Democratic party, I’ve been taken in by Senator Obama. Week after week.
And it’s not just because he’s a gifted speaker. Although that certainly helps.
No, what’s convinced me is Obama’s vision for America asks us all to better than we are. It’s a vision that seeks to reestablish our nation as the world’s model, like the one that ushered in the global expansion of democracy through strength and compassion.
Quite frankly, it’s a vision that aims to restore our faith in one another as Americans and banish the us-versus-them, with-us-or-against-us mentality that’s prevailed for much of the last eight years.
There’s much that bothers me about Obama. I know he’s not perfect. For starters, I think taxing big oil’s windfall profits will do nothing to help the retail price of gasoline because big companies don’t pay taxes… they just pass them on to consumers. Raising capital gains taxes hurts a lot of middle class Americans, too. As yet, I see little comfort that he’ll do much to curb government spending.
But, still, I’m encouraged by his enthusiasm in the American spirit, by his ability to inspire our passion not only in his candidacy but also in what we can accomplish together. This is my sixth presidential election, and it’s the first time I’ve contributed money to any candidate.
Yes, Senator Obama makes me feel good about being an American.
As a result, he can count on my vote in November.
Tags: Barack Obama, Bob Barr, Democratic Party, John McCain, Libertarian Party, Politics, Republican Party, Ron Paul
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Awesome post, Rob! I am a bleeding heart liberal myself, but I am so glad to see support for Sen. Obama coming from the conservative quarters. We *need* his optimism and vision!
I can really relate to this. I can’t pinpoint when things all changed for me, but I used to be much more politically conservative. It’s been a while because I don’t think I voted for GWB the first time and I know I didn’t the second, but I was also never a fan of the Democratic party. I think we’re in a “enough is enough” mindset and I am ready for some inspiration and idealism. I’m also craving a feeling of community in this country that’s been missing for a very long time. I’m tired of being treated like an idiot. I’m just — tired and I want some hope.
I can understand your disappointment in so-called conservatives, Rob. But I can’t vote for Obama OR McCain. Neither one is a moral individual, in my opinion. Obama can sure talk positive and impress people with his vision, but I don’t think he’s grounded on firm principles. Vision without principles is a dangerous combination.
@mum: Thanks. It’s always a pleasure when you stop by the Five-Two!
@Lisa: Something to be said for it, yes? Then I have to wonder if it’s my love of language and the sound of words that’s clouding my ability to make a decision. I came to this after much difficulty.
And in the days that followed my decision, Senator Obama — or his campaign — caused me to wonder whether I’ll follow through in November (namely due to his support of FISA, and the headscarf flap). But my overriding gut feeling comes from two places: he’s the right person for the job right now; Senator McCain must not be president… not now, not ever.
@Andrew: You bring up vague but good points. My view of national politics is a lot like major sports.
These days, people find it outrageous and shocking when yet another so called role model gets busted for using anabolic steroids. Quite frankly, I about kicked the slats from my cradle the day I learned that steroids were a significant part of big league sports.
I’ll concede the reality and move on.
It doesn’t mean I think such drugs in sports are right (although I think they’ve been good for the NFL… but that’s another blog post).
Same is true with politics. I’ve conceded that once someone gets to the point of becoming the nominee for prez, there’s probably a shady, unprincipled and/or immoral something in his or her past. And certainly we can say the same thing about most anyone. Again, I’ll move on.
I’m curious, though, what specifically leads you to conclude Senator Obama is without principles? Rare is the person who has none.
As for me I won’t vote neither for Obama nor McCain the same as Andrew. But the main thing is that Republicans exhausted themselves and exhausted America with Iraq war. And the war, equally with another problems, has become one of the main trump for Democats.
As usual for me is the vote for the lesser evil … Well, that might not be too accurate, evil might be a bit too strong a word here. Still, neither Obama nor McCain is the perfect man for the job. To be honest maybe we’re expecting too much, wishing some kind of demi god for the office ?After all, all we can choose from are humans and as we know, humans are never perfect
Whew, after this lengthy rant, all I can say is I’m voting Obama too
Good post Rob! I’m with you on this one. I too voted for Bush twice and he has really let me and the country down. What a mess he has made of it! A friend of mine once told me when the Dems are in power the economy is all ways better. I never vote Democratic but I may have to this time. I am impressed with Obama. Whatever “IT” is, he has it.
Hello. I found you via “everything in between blog”. Thanks for this post. I’m sending the link to my husband’s email in hope that he’ll actually read it through. We are of two minds (always) politically—but we meet in the middle over a few things. I’m a social liberal with some moderate fiscal leanings, he’s a fiscal conservative who leans to the left socially (gay rights, abortion, etc.). In short, my heart goes out to my man because he’s totally flumoxed by his lack of voting options this year
(I think he, too, was hoping Bloomberg would ride in on the white horse). You’d have to drag my husband kicking and screaming to vote for McCain/Palin, but he has never once voted for a Democrat, and he has never once NOT voted. Where does that leave him? My guess is that he is far from alone. Anyway, thanks again. ~sadie
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