MyDD :: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, Ever

My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, Ever

by dpANDREWS, Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 02:47:28 PM EST

Like many - the vast majority - of Clinton supporters, I have always said that I would support the eventual Democratic nominee, no matter who that nominee is. With that I would make my usual small donations and talk up the nominee among my friends and neighbors.

Today I cannot make such a pledge. If Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee I will not register a vote at the top of the ticket.

In recent weeks the Obamas' have gone out of their way to sow the seeds of division in the party. When Edwards and Clinton made very public promises to support the eventual nominee and work to get them elected, Obama offered up:

"I'm confident that I will get her votes votes if I'm the nominee, it's not clear that she would get the votes I got if she were the nominee."

Now we have Michelle Obama on record striking a similarly divisive tone on Good Morning America:

"GMA: Could you see yourself working to support Hillary Clinton should she win the nomination?

MICHELLE OBAMA: I'd have to think about that. I'd have to think about that, her policies, her approach, her tone.

GMA: That's not a given?

MICHELLE OBAMA: You know, everyone in this party is going to work hard for whoever the nominee is. I think that we're all working for the same thing. And, you know, I think our goal is to make sure that the person in the White House is going to take this country in a different direction. I happen to believe that Barack is the only person who can really do that."

Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama, have not only not earned my vote, their disrespect of the Democratic Party, its candidates, and of Democratic voters (don't forget the 'Democrat For a Day Stunt') have assured that they can never earn my vote.

If they can't have the decency and respect to answer yes to a simple, and very common question every four years, then they do not deserve the votes of Democrats such as myself. Let Obama try to win it with 'Republicans for a Day.'

I will not vote third party, I would never vote for a Republican, but I will not enter a vote for Barack Obama.

Tags: 2008 Presidential Election, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama (all tags)

Permalink :: 33 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, (2.00 / 1)

Get over yourself.

You'd rather give McCain half a vote (which is what you do if you don't vote and cancel out a voter of his)??? That is effectively like voting for McCain.

Would you hire George W Bush to be YOUR latex salesman?

by jgkojak on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 02:52:04 PM EST

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, (2.00 / 1)

michelle obama should get over herself as well , including the diariest.

michelle obama was wrong in not equivocally saying she would support the dem nominee.

Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.

by lori on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 02:55:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I see (2.00 / 1)

Can we call you a Naderite, then??

A great democracy must be progressive or it will soon cease to be a great democracy. - Teddy Roosevelt

by minvis on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 02:53:48 PM EST

Same here (2.00 / 1)

I was originally happy with either of them. Now, there is NO WAY I will vote for him. He practically killed democratic principle of universal health care and keeps lying about it. He practically imported Rovian strategy to attack Hillary. He openly threatened the party saying that his supporters (who are largely independen and republicans) would not support Hillary.

I have too many problems with him lately and I think he should know that Hillary supporters would not vote for him just because he got the nomination.

by praxis1 on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 02:54:26 PM EST

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, (none / 0)

Thanks for the laugh - my mind has changed. That cracked me up.

by Piuma on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 02:54:29 PM EST

Re: My Mind Has Changed (2.00 / 1)

I can't blame you. If Obama is the nominee, I will have a very difficult time voting for him in Novemeber. Maybe by that time, I will be able to support him, but at the moment, it is hard for me to imagine.

Each day, I add to the list of Democrats I know who refuse to support Obama in November, and these are passionate Dems who have voted for Democratic candidates their entire lives. You're definitely not alone.

by musicpvm on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 02:59:38 PM EST

Re: My Mind Has Changed (none / 0)

I'm sure the GOP will do something sleazy enough to make me vote for Obama in November, but it will be with a certain reluctance.

For all the high-flying rhetoric, the only issue on which he's chosen to make a stand is against universal health care. And Ted Kennedy can't get enough of it.

by OrangeFur on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 04:30:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, (none / 0)

Yeah, they're running a movement not a political campaign. It's EXACTLY like Bush: "Either you're for me, or against me."

"Tone" my ass! Although my ass is quite toned.

Sorry, I'm getting a little excited here.

I proudly support Barack Obama for President!

by Zeitgeist9000 on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:03:37 PM EST

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, (2.00 / 1)

The Clintons went after her husband with quite a bit of nastiness. Michelle should rise above it, but it's understandable that there would be some hard feelings.

by Drummond on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:05:08 PM EST

she should keep her feelings private then (none / 0)

Every prominent Democrat should declare publicly that they will support our nominee, period.

She should not be aiding and abetting the supporters of any candidate who want to put their personal feelings above saving the Supreme Court from conservative domination.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:16:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: she should keep her feelings private then (none / 0)

I agree.

by Drummond on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 05:32:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, (2.00 / 1)

She didn't say she wouldn't support , in fact she said just the opposite. She was asked would she work to support Clinton and she said she'd have to think about that. I can understand that.

by Piuma on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:12:08 PM EST

wrong answer (none / 0)

She should have said she would work to support the eventual nominee.

The Supreme Court is at stake, but Michelle Obama needs to think about whether to nurse a personal grudge against Hillary.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:14:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No I cannot (none / 0)

GOP policy has very little chance to bring the troop home. We have the responsibility to bring our troop home, over and above our personal differences.

by JoeySky18 on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:17:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And the HillBilly smear machine soldiers on... (2.00 / 2)

God I hope that Obama locks things up tomorrow just so the Democratic party will be rid of you and your cohorts once and for all.

NJ Hussein Independent

by NJIndependent on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:13:20 PM EST

No party ethic (none / 0)

DEM need more unity to win GOP in general election. We need to support our nominee in the general election. Based your judgement on policy. And GOP/DEM policy are from the different universe. We have the obligation to our troop. We need to bring them home. And DEM policy is the best hope to bring them home.

Edwards showed his character when he vowed that he will support the nominated candidate. Clinton has repeated said that we will have a united party after the nomination is over.

I expected more grace from Michelle. She gives me a sense of a short sighted person, a democrat just as far as her front door.

by JoeySky18 on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:14:45 PM EST

two words: Supreme Court (none / 0)

Every person who doesn't want more Alitos on the Supreme Court needs to get out and vote for our nominee, period.

No hedging.

I've been quite disappointed by Obama's campaign, but I would not hesitate for a second to vote for him if he wins he nomination.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:15:28 PM EST

Yes, that's the spirit (none / 0)

Vote DEM, bring our troop home.

by JoeySky18 on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:18:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

At some point respect comes into play (none / 0)

I can vote for a candidate who I disagree with. I can vote for a candidate I don't like ( I don't "like" Clinton all that much .. I don't want to have a beer with her). But I cannot vote for a candidate who I don't think respects people like me, and who at the end of the day I do not think respects the Party either.

by dpANDREWS on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:24:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: two words: Supreme Court (2.00 / 1)

I won't hesitate either, but part of the problem is that Obama has been a little too blatant in announcing that he's taking the party base for granted. That sort of attitude creates a backlash, with people wanting to prove that they shouldn't be taken for granted. Hopefully those hard feelings mend themselves by November, because we do need every vote.

Obama's comment about how he expects to get all of Hillary's supporters is a perfect example of this attitude. And of course, the entire style of his campaign is a classic "take the base for granted, and reach for as many people in the center as you can." Once upon a time the netroots used to deplore that style.

When Hillary talks about the party being united for November, it's quite obvious she means it as a two-way street. That's the bargain every candidate is expected to strike: you give your all for the Democratic Party, and the party will give its all for you. Obama keeps coming up with these comments that suggest he doesn't see it in the same way, and that bugs partisan Democrats who expect something in return for their loyalty.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:31:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama (none / 0)

If he's the nominee, I'll vote for him in November. But I'll do it with even less enthusiasm than when I voted for Kerry (and I didn't think that was possible).

by LakersFan on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:25:17 PM EST

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama (none / 0)

My sentiments exactly.

by arkansasdemocrat on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 10:35:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Mind Has Changed: I Cannot Vote for Obama, (none / 0)

I haven't made up my mind on who im voting for, but you Clinton supporters are starting to piss me off.
dpANDREWS, your so hardheaded that you would allow for McCain to become president? And where you were when the Clinton's were race baiting and throwing fellow democrats under the bus just so she could win and election, where was the outrage then? Where was the outrage when she voted for the fucking war? Where was the fucking outrage when she enabled the administration over and over? And now you post a threat via diary that its Clinton or bust because your pissed that the Obama's wont commit to voting for Clinton if she wins? WTF?
Now listen I see what Clinton has to offer despite all of the BS that has occurred during the primaries and thats just the way the game is played. Its important to realize that both of our candidates would be solid presidents and for you to issue a ultimatum of "Clinton or bust" is fucking retarded.

by anujtron on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:38:08 PM EST

I have put up with the BS until now (none / 0)

I have put up with the we don't want to go back to the 90s theme (Monica Monica Monica .... I get it), I have put up with the we don't want to fight the old battles of the 60s again (a jab at equal rights). I have said I could look past this and vote for Obama.

I have looked past his race baiting. Like when he sent Jesse Jackson Jr. out the day after he lost New Hampshire, and had JJ Jr. deliver the "she cried when she thought she was losing, but she never cried for the victims of Katrina." I get the message ... she doesn't care about poor black people. I said I could still vote for Obama.

But when Obama puts his arrogance on display and think that people like me will fall in line and vote for him, while at the same time asserting that his supporters would not do the same for Clinton, I have to reconsider.

When his wife, in official campaign stops, says some of the vile shiite she has said in recent days, and also echos her husbands arrogance, by being coy with her support of an eventual nominee. Thats the straw that breaks the camals back.

Bye bye Michelle and Barack. Let your 'Democrats for a Day' voters carry you to victory in Nov. I have some self respect.

by dpANDREWS on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:56:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Please (none / 0)

You recommended the crazy you-tube smear diary that MyDD had the good sense to take down. Self-respect?

by labor nrrd on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 04:12:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Changing Minds (none / 0)

Finally, Obama supporters are starting to see through the veil. Obama is arrogant to think that Hillary supporters will back him. Some might. However, Hillary's supporters that support her on the experience issue, will vote for the moderate McCain. Our best chance to win is a Clinton-Obama ticket. Hillary has to put Obama on the ticket and if Obama is truly a man of the people he will except VP; however, if he is power hungry and out for himself he won't.

by grlpatriot on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 03:41:12 PM EST

register independant (none / 0)

i think you will find the following to be true.

O supporters do not take your vore for granted and have more respect for an independant.

H supporters expect you to fall in line with the party wheather you agree or not.

as an independant progressive, i have seen my voice ignored by the dems for a long time. your case seems spiteful and i suspect that the H gang will be vandalizing your home with nader slurs come november.

by citizendave on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 04:40:17 PM EST

Will vote a straight Democratic ticket (none / 0)

But I may leave the top slot blank depending on the nominee. I can't vote for Obama at this point. I question his loyalty and sincerity to Democrats like me.

by dpANDREWS on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 04:42:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Will vote a straight Democratic ticket (none / 0)

as an indy, i would prefer candidates who were not blindly loyal to any party (until a party comes along that honors the ideals that it was founded on)

by citizendave on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 04:47:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah lets have 3 or 5 or 15 parties (none / 0)

Then we can have a mess like all the others that do with coalitions that break down overnight, and government stalls for 3 months as "snap" elections are organized.

by dpANDREWS on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 04:50:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeah lets have 3 or 5 or 15 parties (none / 0)

how would a government stall for three month be a bad thing (if you consider the last 7 years).

so, you won't fall in line and support your party if they choose O, but you reject the idea that there should be more than 2 parties: it must suck being you right now.

or is this just another anti-O thread.

by citizendave on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 04:57:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

barack's the man of the house (none / 0)

he'll get control and make sure she supports Hillary. This is just leverage to get obama on the ticket.

I guess she didn't get my memo that it's

Clinton - Obama 2008

by yellowdem1129 on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 06:16:14 PM EST

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