I've finally decided to vote Obama in NC primary tomorrow

[mnhtnbb]

As many know, I was a big Edwards supporter. I still am. I still think he's the best candidate
we could have put up against McCain. But it's not to be.

When Edwards dropped out, I didn't believe my vote in our late NC primary would make a difference.
I have never been a Hillary fan, although I did support her first Senate bid with some small donations.
I am not an Obama fan, because I really do question whether the guy has the ability to translate
all his talk about change into action. I used to think that Hillary was better prepared for the job (and I'd have bet the ranch she'd choose Wes Clark for VP)until she made her latest comments about Iran
and not caring what economists think. Plus this support for the gas tax suspension is just plain pandering.

Here's what really pushed me to vote Obama tomorrow: he will get out the vote in November to a degree that's going to make it very difficult for the Repubs to steal a third general election--and I think that's their plan. Hillary has such high negatives, that I don't see how she can generate enough
votes to squeak past McCain when the Repubs will be pulling out all stops to disenfranchise Dem voters.
There's no way we're going to see the change needed in this country without a Dem Congress
to deliver the legislation needed to undo all the damage done by the Bushies these last 7 years.
I think Obama will help the down ticket Dems in a way that Hillary never could.

So, there you have it. I'm finally climbing down off the fence tomorrow to vote Obama.

[scheming daemons]

1. Welcome to the right side of history. You're on the side of the angels.

...

[StevieM]

45. "The right side of history." This is the arrogant attitude that will defeat Obama in November if

he is nominated. It can't just be that some Americans prefer a different candidate?

Steve

[truebrit71]

55. Well they could be on the "wrong side of history" and perpetuate the bush-clinton-clinton-bush-bush

..regime that has ruled this country for the last 20 years...

"Right side of history"? You got that right!

[nichomachus]

58. Very hypocrtiical words from

a supporter of a campaign whose main slogan is "Help make History."

It's OK when your gal does it, but "arrogant" when someone on the other side says it.

Your comment is a prime example of what has turned many people off from the Hillary campaign.

Hillary's message is "I want to be in the history books and I want you to be my little helpers."

[mkultra]

64. only seems arrogant

because it goes against your pre-established expectations. in other words, your arrogance makes it look like arrogance. Savy?

[WA98296]

2. I was an Edwards supporter too. I think you made a good choice.

[BattyDem]

3. Welcome aboard!

:hi:

[writes3000]

4. YES!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you....

I do think the Obama campaign has the power to possibly transform the election process.

They will GOTV in every way they can. And that can only benefit Dems down ticket.

[eleny]

5. All the best to you

I went the Kucinich--->Edwards--->Obama route and it felt very good to caucus for him in my first caucus ever.

[NightWatcher]

6. Have fun and feel good.

and thank you for your support

[VolcanoJen]

7. Fantastic!!!

Better late than never!

C'mon, Tarheels for Obama!

[Pisces]

8. Great!!!

[slick8790]

Thanks for your vote! Here's towards making NC REALLY not count!

:toast:

[Cha]

9. Thank you, mnhtnbb!

I don't think you'll be sorry.

[meow mix]

10. ty good luck tomorrow

:)

[democrattotheend]

11. Yay! You just made my night!

I am really nervous about tomorrow but you just made me feel a little better. Glad you decided on Obama!

[mnhtnbb]

12. My vote will join with hubby's and our newly registered 18 yo son to make 3 for Obama

[writes3000]

17. Wow, then that's THREE big thank you's for you and your family! n/t

[graycem]

18. Awesome. :

You're making a wise choice. :)

[sktmax]

13. Great!

[TBF]

14. Good luck tomorrow - and thank you.

[AZBlue]

15. Your country needs that vote - and thanks you!!!

:toast:

[City Lights]

16. IMHO, you've made a wise choice.

:bounce:

Welcome aboard! :hi:

[Tinksrival]

19. Well thought out

Thanks

[DMorgan]

20. A very logical and very realistic reason! Thanks

You think well, you follow the logic, I wish Hillary fans would do the same soon!

[peoli]

21. Thank you so much, that is really great news!

[ClayZ]

22. Bravo! Good on you!

K and R

[mnhtnbb]

23. I'm feelin' the love tonight!

[Tatiana]

24. Excellent choice. Thank you for considering the issues and making a wise decision.

We can bring change... all of us, together.

:grouphug:

[JVS]

25. Thank you.

[mmonk]

26. Welcome aboard.

Our ship is coming in.

[Hepburn]

27. Excellent logic....welcome on board!

:hi: Edwards was my choice, too. Well, after Kucinich dropped out. IMO, Obama can beat McCain ~~ I have grave doubts if Hillary can. So I can totally see what made the choice for you.

[Zachstar]

28. Thank you!!

[thevoiceofreason]

29. Thank you for your considered and thoughtful approach toward this decision.

[stillcool]

30. I think you are 100% correct,,,

the only way we will win the election in November is if there is a massive Democratic turnout.

[Diane R]

31. Wonderful news.

[roseBudd]

32. For me it was always her high unfavorables, now there is her high dishonesty index

[my3boyz]

33. Thank you. nt

[jbm]

34. pragmatism or idealism..

The vast majority of general election voters are not straight ticket people. Individuals may label themselves as Dems or Repubs, but their voting historys tend to be all over the place.

It's impossible to predict an election turnout, in part because the circumstances are never static, but there are trends that are fairly reliable. Vote counters may not get much info from a poll about who people are planning on voting for, but they can make fairly accurate predictions based on past trends, and other available info.

That's why demographics are so important, and why Obama is a longshot in the general election. I know people have come after me before for discounting the young vote, and I hope they do turn out, but traditionally they're not reliable. The African American vote may stay home if it's Hillary, but they are less likely to vote Republican. I'm not sure what the well educated liberals would do, but I suspect they'd vote for the Democratic candidate, even if the candidate was not their first choice.

The blue collar people like to identify with their candidate though. Years of vote counting in my state has taught me that they trend Dem if both candidates seem like someone that could be a political version of themselves. But if the candidate seems 'different' somehow, they'll switch parties. I don't think it's Obamas race that gets him into trouble-I think he really does project an elitist image, even if it's not really reflective of who he is.

I'm sure the Obama people will jump in here and tell me Hillary is less likely to relate to people, but her vote demographics aren't supporting that theory. The assumption that most voters are Democrats or Republicans is a fallacy. Many people pay lip service to a party ID, but don't have an emotional investment.

Predicting election results isn't about how many voters identify as Democrat or Republican. It's about trying to isolate groups of voters based on their circumstances or belief systems, and determining which candidate is connecting with them. Hillary is a masterful politician, who seems to be able to direct a message to a variety of target groups. Obama doesn't seem to be able to reach out beyond the groups he's always had. To win the general he would need to drastically increase his support, and I haven't seen any reason to believe he can do it.

[Tennessee Gal]

35. I suggest you have not studied what Hillary has actually said about the gas tax.

And if you "really do question whether the guy has the ability to translate
all his talk about change into action," why on earth would you vote for him?

[mmonk]

36. It's not going to happen.

Therefore, it's pretty much a hypothetical and not a real issue.

[Tribetime]

37. Edwards to Obama also, Edwards will still be working with Obama

in the White House soon.

[nonobadfish]

38. Thank you! As an Arkansan who has known Hillary for years....

I have to say that she's a good person, but the desire to win has overwhelmed her ability to see what's good for the country. The willingness to say things (like Iran and the gas tax)has increasingly gotten worse as time passes. It's sad because it didn't have to be this way. Does Washington do this to everybody?

[akbacchus_BC]

39. I really like your logic for making your decision. Goodluck tomorrow.

I was a Kuchinich supporter, then Edwards, now am for Obama.

K&R

[barack the house]

40. You've made the perfect case why he will win.

[malik flavors]

41. Great to hear and great choice, in my opinion!

[Thickasabrick]

42. Yippee!!! Congratulations!! I'll be voting for him tomorrow too!!! Hope the weather is

great like today!!!

[Johnny__Motown]

43. WOOT....... End The Drama, Vote Obama

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

44. rockin'!

[Turn CO Blue]

46. Edwards Dem here, now for Obama! n/t

[panAmerican]

47. Welcome aboard!

[goclark]

48. I respect your position and pleased that you

have carefully and honestly decided to vote for Obama.

I certainly respect John Edwards.

I met him when he was campaigning in 2004, such a wonderful personality and I see why he was your favorite.

I was sorry that he dropped out of the race.

We will see him again in politics.

I was thinking the other day that sometimes life directs us to go down another path. This path allows him to spend quality time with Elizabeth and the family.

That is far more important than this rough and dirty election. FAMILY is everything.

[Scurrilous]

49. Good job!

:thumbsup:

[mnhtnbb]

50. Just thought I'd post that I'm on my way to cast my ballot for Obama...

No change of heart overnight--despite the PM's trying to change my mind!

[Tesha]

51. Thank you! (NT)

[Eurobabe]

52. Good for you.

I just can't see Edwards supporting Hillary. Interesting that they have chosen not to endorse either remaining candidate. Wonder what that is all about?

:hi:

[sellitman]

53. Kucinich to Edwards to Obama here.

He is the only one left who can defeat McSame.

[NC_Nurse]

54. I agree with your reasoning. Welcome aboard!

Let's GO win this thing!!!:toast:

[Owl]

56. You've chosen wisely.

- Owl

[TragedyandHope]

57. Thanks for sharing your decision!

Welcome!

[npincus]

59. I wish you were more enthusiastic than tactical... but I'll take it!

:)

[mnhtnbb]

60. Voted Obama this morning--#123 voter at my precinct in Chapel Hill. Then took an exit poll

See my thread http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5840410&mesg_id=5840410

[me b zola]

62. Thank you!

:grouphug:

[NOLALady]

61. I was a Kucinich...

Edwards supporter also.

Now I'm a GeauxBama Mama.:toast:

[yardwork]

63. Good. I just voted for Obama in NC too.

[tledford]

65. One more NC former Edwards supporter

who voted for Obama this morning.

Didn't vote early for the first time since 2000 because I was simply undecided. Undecided, that is, until Senator Clinton appeared on CNN's morning news yesterday (Monday) and REPEATED her intent to obliterate Iran if they threatened Israel. She COULD have softened it and qualified it, but she didn't.

I really have NOT had anything against Senator Clinton in the past, but between her increasing hawkishness and the imbecilic "gas tax holiday" horse manure, that was what it took to help me make up my mind.

[slay]

66. Same here - voted for OBAMA about 4 hours ago

My first choice would have been Kucinich. Then Edwards. However, I do not dislike Obama and in this country unfortunatly you have to choose between the lesser of two (three?) evils. Not that Obama is evil or anything - I just hope the best for him - and for the world - cause we need it.

[Yael]

67. Thanks mnhtnbb!

From a fellow Edwards' refugee. John still has my heart. :hug:

I also believe that between the 2 left, Obama can make it happen in November and has to coattails to bring us a (hopefully) filibuster proof congress...