My one major take-away from the Republican Convention was simple: the Republican Party hates me. I know for many of you this seems has seemed obvious for eight to 30 years, but as a former Republican, and a long time McCain supporter (prior to the beginning of this election season), it came as a surprise to me. It came as a surprise because I expected the Republican Party would be trying to court my vote, rather than piss me off.
Don't get me wrong, there's nothing they could have said that would have changed my mind during this convention. Yet, it is surprising how well they know this. My profile would be an educated white male, whose main issue is foreign policy and doesn't really think either side has it exactly right. I'm pro-choice, but abortion isn't an issue that I'm likely to vote on (although after this convention, you can just add it to the list).
More importantly though, I'm willing to listen. I've switched parties in the past four years and am not totally comfortable with all Democratic positions. I agree with the Republicans on stressing nuclear power, on the idea that teacher's unions are holding back progress in education, on most issues of free trade and am skeptical of both sides' plans to get us out of Iraq.
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