Changing tides: Who has switched their likely vote and why?

In My Humble Opinion
1

With daily, weekly, and monthly polls, there is always variation as the undecided category percentages seem roughly the same but the percentage of voters or likely voters supporting either of the candidates seems to shift. While the Dope is certainly no slice of average America, it stands to reason that a certain percentage of posters have changed their minds about whether they’re going to support McCain, Obama, or a third candidate.

So, since the end of the primaries, have you changed your mind about whom you’re supporting? Why?

2

Not I but white women seem to have seen through Palin and are dropping from her fast. The Palin tide ran aground.

3

No change from me, I’ve supported Obama for president since 2004.

4

Back when he was a nobody that talked really good but didn’t have any actual policies, I was on Obama’s side. Especially against the crop of Republicans that I thought were likely to win the nomination. But then I found out a little bit more about the guy, what he stood for, what he had done, and I realized I didn’t like anything about him or agree with him on more than a few minor points.

Familiarity breeds contempt or something.

5

As a conservative Independent, I was really thinking of sitting this one out. I have problems with McCain and think that maybe the best thing that could happen for conservatism is for the Reps to lose big this time. I changed my mind before Palin. Mainly because of these boards. They acted as a good reminder of where the Dems would like to take the country. Also, now that I have a better idea of what Obama wants to do with taxes, he needs to be opposed at every turn.

6

You can continue this poll in IMHO.

7

I was really behind Obama once he’d announced that he would run. As time has worn on and his “Yes We Can!” hasn’t really changed to give real solutions and/or plans, my support has wavered. Slogans don’t keep my attention for long.

I’m not going to vote for McCain, especially since he put that weirdo zealot on the ticket. Having said that, I’m not sure I’ll vote at all. I’m feeling pretty disheartened.

8

I usually vote Libertarian but this time I’ll vote Republican. This election is just too important to let the Democrats control both the White House and the Congress.

9

I have been wavering between McCain and Obama for quite some time now. I see positives and negatives to each to each of them. But I’ve now settled on a candidate.

Two things really worked to sway me: an exposition of radical changes in position, particularly where those changes are to positions I used to agree with, and seemingly done for expediency rather than as honest changes of position; and, second, the selection of a vice presidential candidate as an indication of how the candidate will exercise his judgment in office.

10

I find it noteworthy that, given the above explanation, there’s little question of your choice.

11

I was going to vote for Obama but the democrats on campus have really pissed me off with their condescending and just plain jackass attitudes that I am now voting for McCain purely out of spite.

12

This page has Obama’s “Blueprint for Change” - a 64 page document outlining his solutions and plans - available for download. Also available from that page are shorter flyers on just about all the issues. A bit of Googling will get you more info, analysis, and discussions on the specifics of his plans.

Just tryin’ to fight some ignorance.

13

I was undecided and thought both would likely do a good job until McCain picked that nut Palin.

That selection put me firmly into the Obama camp and caused me to make a donation, also.

I like Biden, too, so feel good about the decision.

14

Thanks for the link, I will read each word.

As an aside, your ignorance fighting comment smacks of the same stuff RandMcnally was referring to. I find it far more frequently with Obama supporters than any other.

15

Huh? “condescending and just plain jackass attitudes”…? The slogan of the Straight Dope is “Fighting ignorance since 1973.” My comment was a play upon that, there was no condescension or jackass attitude intended.

16

I agree with Sleeps With Butterfly’s comment. Tho it be the slogan of our beloved board, its use does fit in nicely with the overall attitude of the Obama faithful to those of us who have considered another candidate. Just that wee bit of “if only you were smarter you’d understand the One True Path”.

I am a swing voter. I still have not made up my mind. I mentioned to Lillith Fair tonight that I would eagerly vote for a McCain/Obama ticket, and she visibly blanched. They both have good points, they both have very bad points, they both agree with my basic philosophy and they both vary wildly from my perception of what would make a good President. Their running mates and families DO figure into my decision.

I have to fight the inclination to say, “I want to vote for a winner!” with the desire to vote for the person I feel would do a better job. I have to figure out the future.

Instead of scorning me, you should be trying to woo me. I feel neglected.

17

I was thinking of either Barr or sitting this one out.

But McCain’'s choice of Palin - absolutely awesome person and awesome choice - made me switch to McCain/Palin.

Also reading how Obama is much worse than the average scumbag politician. I have nothing really bad against Biden. He is too liberal but that’s to be expected. But his bad traits, like all the gaffes, don’t mean a thing.

18

This is ridiculous. SWB said that Obama hasn’t offered any ideas of substance. Athena countered her, with a small joke that could only be offensive if you’ve never noticed the banner headline on this message board, with a link to a long document with many of Obama’s ideas of substance. She then apologized for any inferred insult.

How on earth is that offensive or scorning?

19

It’s unfortunate that you’re planning to use your vote as a blunt object rather than as a way to actually participate in our government. When I voted in 2000, I made a decision similar to yours that I have regretted ever since. If you’re voting out of spite, you’re only hurting yourself by shitting on your right to cast a ballot.

20

Man, fuck the face… so long we’re rid of that godawful nose. :rolleyes:

8 years ago, I may have backed McCain in the Republican Primaries (if I’d been registered) but after 8 years of Bush’s scare tactics, the unifying of church and state and all manner of poor spending decisions, it would’ve taken a horrifying bad Dem pick to make me even consider McCain.

Fortunately for me, I realized during the DNC in 04 that what America truly needs right now is a leader. Someone to fire us up FDR-style and pull from the better part of each of us to restore faith in our government and in each other. I’ve been for Obama since before Obama was for Obama for this very reason, but in a perfect storm of bad candidates, I would’ve voted for pre-Palin McCain.

Post-Palin McCain is so entrenched in lies, evasiveness and religious fervor that I wouldn’t vote for them even if the Dems put up Michael Moore and a Chihuahua. (I’d prolly just stay home from the polls and cry all day if these were my options, of course)