Republicans for Obama is potentally bad news...

[557188]

Lets say, just for a moment, all these Republicans are going to vote for Obama in November. Lets also say "independent" voters, that lean conservative, also vote for Obama.

Who do you think they are going to vote for in the other races?

REPUBLICAN.

If they believe Obama will work with Republicans, with all this talk about unity blah blah blah, they will want him to have a Republican congress ect to work with.

THAT IS BAD BAD BAD!

That brings more Republicans out to vote and hurts the Democratic party at every other level of government. Local and State Governments are just as important if not MORE so than one single president. Likewise the legislative branch.

The real strategy should be to alienate them from McCain and create party apathy on that side. Destroy their desire to vote for either candidate so they don't show up. This not only gives us a better chance at the White House but also gives us a stronger election in every other race.

Republicans for Obama are Republicans and will still vote like Republicans. Right now, from what I see, Republicans are rather apathetic towards their party. They'll vote for R candidates but they don't want to go out of their way to vote. Going after them, which seems to be Obama's strategy, is playing with fire in the GE. Its dangerous and downright stupid (not to mention offensive to actual progressives). Let them stay home!

I don't think anyone has even thought about this effect on the other races.

And lets say McCain wins anyways. Now, due to all these extra Republican voters that were "inspired", you have the Republicans controlling everything yet again! That is the ultimate doomsday scenario.

And please no discussion on "Hillary uniting the Republicans" as this isn't about Hillary. Its about a strategy Obama is deploying that I think is stupid and going to backfire hard.

[Colobo]

1. I think nobody should underestimate Obama's crossover appeal.

[saracat]

3. But the question is does it benefit anyone but Obama?

[Colobo]

4. When I see Obama, I think about "Obama Republicans"... just like "Reagan Dems"

It's great news for our party.

[saracat]

10. Let us hope so. I am not so sure about red states.The converts I made and registered

will not vote for obama.I am trying to hold them to the downline.

[emilyg]

12. His voting record shows very little crossover.

[jackson_dem]

29. Well, he did bring both parties together for a bill to name a post office once

;)

[ClassWarrior]

2. Yes, let's just resign ourselves to permanent minority status...

...because of what MIGHT happen.

:eyes:

NGU.

[557188]

6. Strategy is about looking at every possible outcome

And being aware of what could happen.

I fundamentally disagree with this strategy and I laid out why.

[woolldog]

13. There's a line between strategy and paranoia....

and you've crossed over into the latter.

[557188]

20. Dems controlled the House during the Reagan years

But keep sipping the Kool-aid.

[ClassWarrior]

24. And the Carter years, and the Nixon years, and the Johnson years, and the Kennedy years...

But keep being a jerk and failing to make any sort of salient point.

NGU.

[Cheeseburger Walrus]

45. The fact is...

that this race will motivate a large spectrum of voters from many walks of life. Why begrudge votes, for any reason, when ultimately they are for a Dem candidate? Waxing philosophical about local turnout is moot, as the same can be true if Senator Clinton is proven victorious in the primaries. Battles on the local level will be won and lost regardless of the final choice for president. The time for eating our own is over.

[FrenchieCat]

5. Why would they do that?

Obama will be making it clear soon enough that it is democrats that need to be elected in order to end this war and gain health care reforms.

I think the Republicans voting for Obama want that at least. The rest who want war and not health care will be voting for McCain. period.

[Flabbergasted]

7. That's not an actionable strategy especially with Obama. I don't really agree with you but even

if you're partially correct we're still going to have A LOT of wins this year

[Adams Wulff]

8. Keep in mind...

Democrats are turning out in record numbers as well. I think that counts for something, and I see a scenario in there that should allay your fears.

[Sanctified]

9. Would it be better if all of the Republicans and Independents voted for McCain?

I fail to see this logic, Republicans who are going to vote for Obama would have voted in this election whether he was running or not, to say that it's better for them not to vote for Obama is to prefer that we lose the General Election. Republicans did not Bitch and Moan about Democrats who voted for Reagan, they were happy because it got their candidate elected and look what they were able to do after that they pissed on all the Democrats who voted for him.

[557188]

19. Here is the logic

I don't think those Republicans/Indys are going to vote in the GE. I don't think there is a big urge to vote for Republicans. Most of them seem rather apathetic towards the candidates or unhappy period. Their base isn't mobilized at all and I don't think McCain can mobilize their base in numbers.

This assumption comes from what I am hearing on the ground and looking at their turn out numbers for their primaries. Its a mixture of both but I see a trend. Getting those people to the polls, even as a pro Obama vote, is a negative vote for everything else. I don't think that is healthy for the Democratic party.

And also, the Democrats controlled the house under all of Reagan's term. So there is some historical precedent if people want to keep using Reagan Democrats.

[anonymous171]

43. Oh they will vote.

ESPECIALLY if Clinton is nominated. And they will vote AGAINST her.

[LadyVT]

11. Texas caucus

Some Texans are concerned that Texas Republican early voters are requesting Democratic caucus ballots and using them to stuff the caucus for ... (whomever, although most I read say "Obama"). I cannot believe we have such a ridiculous system in the United States.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

14. Thanks for your concern.

I suppose you hadn't considered the "coattails effect" of a popular candidate like Obama on Dem candidates in down ticket races, had you?

[saracat]

15. But he wasn't popular in my state. And he might not have coattails.

McCain, who isn't popular with the GOP, in my state, got more votes and a bigger turnout than Obama , Clinton and Edwards combined.Just saying.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

22. You forget that I live in Arizona too.

I was at the rally that brought 13000 people out to see him in Phoenix. And the one at ASU in October that brought out a bigger crowd than Bill Clinton the year before.

Obama lost by 7% when all the counting was done. This was on Super Tuesday (prior to his 11 straight wins), in a closed primary state, with both a large Hispanic and retiree population (natural demographics for Clinton).

As for McCain getting more votes than the Dems, it's ARIZONA!! It's NOT the same as the rest of the country!! And he IS popular here!!

[saracat]

30. Don't you remember the big deal with the GOP not even allowing McCain to be a PC?

When I say he, Obama isn't that popular, here, heisn't with the general electorate. I was "stunned " by the votes for McCain.I actually thought Rmney would do better. Many reugs are knashing their teeth and threatening to stay home but they still turned out for McCain. Clinton (Bill) carried this state but I do not think Obama will. Just saying. And I am afraid of the effect on the downline.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

Republican activists do not equal regular Republican voters.

Not to mention the independents and even some Dems who think of John McInsane as a Local Hero. Look at the way the AZ Republic gushed over him even when his campaign was on life support. Look at how much money he has steadily raised here. He is an Arizona institution, like (god help us) Sheriff Joe is. Mitt Romney benefitted from our large LDS community, particularly in the East Valley and rural areas, but it would never be enough to overcome McCain's advantage.

I don't think Obama will carry Arizona either. I don't think any Dem would beat him. But I do think that Clinton on the top of the ticket is a bigger threat, down ticket-wise, than he is. At least if the "base" continues to despise McCain, there may be some hope of a lot of them staying home and allowing us to keep or pick up Congressional and statewide seats if she's not on top. If she's the nominee, they will be out in droves, voting R all the way down the ballot.

[Swamp Rat]

16. "pro-Obama" repukes... It's BS.

I know repukes. ;) This is one of their stupid strategies. Publicly, these "pro-Obama" repukes are lauding him, but behind closed doors they are calling him a "pro-Islamo-fascist commie."

Tallying the death threats will be like counting the stars of the Milky Way.

[Flabbergasted]

21. Not all Pubs have extreme views. I know several that have honestly grown tired of the GOP....

Yes they may not vote for Obama when it comes down to it but there are some who will. Many more Republicans will vote Democrat this year than vice versa: My prediction.

[Swamp Rat]

26. Right, they won't vote for Obama BECAUSE they have principles, though I may not agree with them.

But the pro-Obama refucklicans, who are blatantly advertising their Obama vote, are not really supporting Obama. I know a lot of 'em. It's some grand scheme to bring out every bigot and last living member of the Klan.

My prediction... though, I am rooting for yours. ;)

[MadBadger]

23. How bout Lincoln Chafee or Susan Eisenhower

[Swamp Rat]

31. How about them?

One can always find exceptions to the rule. Lincoln Chafee or Susan Eisenhower are decent people compared to the fascists on rw hate radio, and the slack-jawed, knuckle-draggers who listen to them.

If you have a chance to listen rw hate radio, you will hear explicit instructions to act "pro-Obama." It's been going on for at least 2 weeks.

They're calling him everything but the 'N' word, while encouraging dittohead freeptards to "support him for now." Sean Hannity has instructed them to throw the Democratic primaries by registering as Democrats.

[MadBadger]

36. Those people represent the fringe. Many Republicans are decent people

My best friend is a Republican, as is my Mother and Grandfather. I like to think of them as good people. And I've heard just as many people encouraging others to vote for Clinton as you have to vote for Obama.

[Swamp Rat]

38. I can say the same.

Best friends, lots of family members.... and because of them I am also familiar with the entire hoard of bigots plotting against Obama and Hillary, etc.

Don't kid yourself because you know a few nice republicans. I am related to some myself, but I am also related to and know the other type as well. My guess is at least 25% are über-fascists, and another 25% would unwillingly go along with them.

[cliffordu]

40. Once again, you hit it on the head. You are exactly right.

[Swamp Rat]

44. Welcome to DU!

:hi: If I haven't done so already. :D

[cliffordu]

46. THANKS!

I rode my bicycle across the southern tier a couple of years ago.

Lotsa folks looked just like those fellers...heh.

And the men looked even worse......

:hippie: :hi:

[cliffordu]

42. Yeah. They put a new spin on "By any means neccessary"

[cooolandrew]

17. No, stats say we gain more seats that is a reality...

We're not playing with fire that was the old ways Barack is gathering all americans to repair a nation. I have heard Republicans here on radio in voice chat they get it it is time for change. Only way it would backfire is HRC who they would move heaven and earth to vote against. If tlecommunications bill never passed it may not of ended up so ahrd on the clintons, the moral of the story be careful what you sign to law. Also many have changed their party affiliation before the primaries big indicator how they will vote down ticket. Another factor is Democrats arfe out in force before the GE only set to trend higher by November. AS LONG AS WE UNIFY BEFORE November we are rocking and rolling.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

18. Any stats in particular?

[Flabbergasted]

25. Polster indicates very little change...

http://www.pollster.com/senate.php

[cooolandrew]

34. Barack knows to campaign for his fellow senators as wel as himself expect numbers to change a lot

[cooolandrew]

35. Hasn't he proven stats wrong before. =) Have fairth.

[ExFreeper4Obama]

27. Bogus Post!!!!!

Why I fled the republican party....



I'm and ex-republican and freeper. The Rethugs have been a complete DISASTER for our country. Obama will end the war and roll back the bush tax cuts. This will promote confidence in our economy.

You damn right I'm gonna vote for Obama this fall!!!

[lastliberalintexas]

28. But are you going to vote Dem down ballot?

I've asked this of a couple of other republicans who have posted to this site that they will vote for Obama, but I've never received a response on the down ballot races. And I think that was the point of the OP, whether I agree with the premise or not.

Welcome to DU.

[ExFreeper4Obama]

32. Of course I will!!!!

Whats the point in me fleeing the republicans and not voting Dem all the way down the ballot?

:rofl:

[lastliberalintexas]

37. Well, that's wonderful

You're apparently different from the other posters, since you actually say that you have fled the republican party. The other people I've seen post similar sentiments still consider themselves republicans and, at least as it concerns the ones with whom I've spoken with in real life, are planning on continuing to vote republican. Their argument is that a counter is good, and they cite the Clinton years in which the WH was controlled by Dems and the Congress by republicans.

Thanks for the info- I'm rather curious about both the Obama phenomenon and the increased Dem primary turnout.

[ExFreeper4Obama]

41. BTW Thanks for the nice welcome

I'm relatively young, only 27 years old. I've seen the horrors of the bush administration and have deep regret about voting for him. I have NO intention of going back. I was always a social liberal, but more of a fiscal conservative.

The republicans have this crazy idea that waging a multi-trillion dollar war and cutting taxes is good for our country. Please. Also, the health care crises has me worried and I think either Clinton or Obama will be alot better for our country in the short and long term. I'm going with Obama because I think he can get change to happen immediately where as Clinton is not as trustworthy IMO.

[Raine]

33. What is the alternative though

if we don't get them out to vote for President we probably will lose everything anyway. :-(

[DemGa]

39. This is a great point

The more successful Obama's strategy of crossing over, the weaker he becomes. LOL

However, repugs voting Obama in the GE is one of the silliest things I've ever heard. Likewise, independents would scatter during the coming smear campaigns of the right-wing.

Still, it is obviously a very good point.

Hopefully Hillary can stop this nonsense.

[ExFreeper4Obama]

47. Another reason why I left the Republicans is that alot of them are xenophobes!!!

I'm only 27 so I didn't realize the amount of racism in the republican party until now. Look at most of the posts about Obama on Free Republic...

They call him a crypto muslim even though they have to proof.

They call him Barack Hussein Obama and pretend like its nothing. Never mind the fact that most people in America are never addressed by their middle names. Would they call their guy John Sidney McCain? Of course not.

They repeat it over and over again like theres nothing wrong with it. Deep down they're trying to instill fear and hatred and its soooo obvious. Then they say its not a war against muslims.

:puke:

[cali]

48. wacky post

that shows little knowledge of Congressional races and completely ignores the greater expected turn out of dems. Not to mention that the percentage of repubs voting for Obama will be small.

[bowens43]

49. Nonsense.

Any republican or right leaning independent who votes for Obama is doing so becasue he is sick and tired of what the republicans have done t o our nation.

[casus belli]

50. Right on! Let's just divide the country in half.

The Republicans can have the Southern states, the Demcorats can have the Northern states, Independents can choose one side or the other.

Oh wait, didn't we try that once?

[billyoc]

51. Anything Republicans do is bad. There is nothing you can do about open primaries, though.

Can't change the rules in the middle of the football game. I don't think open primaries are wise, but it's up to individual states, IIRC.