3 (edit -- now 5!!!) Southern Alabama senior citizens w/ a change of heart!
EDIT TO ADD that two more senior citizens in that area, who have been terrified that Obamacare is going to literally be the death of them, learned the facts and plan to vote for President Obama.
I should set up a Skype meeting with a bunch of them who have the same unfounded fears!
I never expected to be able to share positive anecdotes about this election, but -- after last night's debate -- I DO have good news!
1. Senior Citizen #1: The most rational of the three, not a racist bigot, not a right-winger, not a Fox News loyalist but completely surrounded by people who are all of these things. She's hammered daily about "the muslim destroying this country from within" and the tales of death panels and the gutting of Medicare, etc. She tends to use the "they all lie" approach as a way to remain apathetic.
She has paid close attention in the last six weeks. Watched all the debates. No Fox News. She's asked questions. I was able to educate her about Obamacare and remove the unfounded fears she's been pummeled with daily. After each debate, I've been able to show her how Romney (and Ryan...she initially LOVED Ryan) lie then deny. As we know, links to videos speak for themselves if people care to check it out and are open to the truth.
She was most definitely not happy when she got up to speed with the Republican's war on women. She feels it's a matter of choice.
Still, she stayed open, not wanting to lean in any particular direction (nor did I pressure her). She gradually discovered for herself that there IS a big difference between the two camps. The contrast is stark in many ways this time.
She called today to tell me she is definitely voting for President Obama. When I asked what had changed, she replied "Seeing Ann Romney on The View saying her husband dumps on her or else he goes crazy, and knowing she'd already said she fears for his mental well-being, scared the crap out of me. We don't need someone like that in office!!!"
She also said the debate last night clinched it. She said Romney just can't be trusted and seems like a sleazy used-car salesman.
She then told me about two other family friends to whom she spoke this morning...
2. Senior Citizen #2 is the typical "What's in it for me, me, me?" voter. Hasn't voted in decades, feeling they're all crooks and liars; complains about everything and says no one does anything for her, but she obviously doesn't take personal responsibility to be an informed, engaged citizen either.
Seems another covert progressive/Dem in that small, military town enlightened her about Obamacare and how her interests are much better served with Democrats than Republicans, and how there is a lot at stake right now.
As much as she couldn't imagine casting a vote for a black man, she decided this morning that Obama is more interested in her well-being and Romney doesn't seem to be interested in "real" people. More important, she realizes that HER VOTE MATTERS.
3. Senior Citizen #3 is a Vietnam vet who happens to be a proud racist bigot. He has vocally and consistently bad mouthed President Obama from the start.
She couldn't get details from him but, as of this morning, after watching all three debates and watching Romney closely, he said "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I'm gonna have to vote for Obama. I don't trust Romney. Don't trust him at all."
I thought #2 and #3 would either hold their noses and vote for Romney, or just stay home if they couldn't stomach casting a vote for him.
I never, ever imagined they would even consider voting for President Obama, let alone say it out loud.
WOW!!!
= new reply since forum marked as read
there is hope for truth to come to the fore!
is extraordinary ...
Lifts the spirit. 
not only in Alabama but everywhere.
I abhor it, but conceding to vote for President Obama because he's the right person for the job...that could trigger a much bigger change of heart and change in worldview.
That's my hope.