Obama Republican

Obama Republican, Obamacan, and Obamacon are terms used to describe Republicans or conservatives who support Barack Obama for President of the United States in the 2008 presidential election. [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0802/12/acd.01.html CNN.com CNN Transcripts] , McCain, Obama Sweep Potomac Primaries [http://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/articlelive/articles/39872/1/The-Way--I-See-ItBecoming-an-Obamacan/Page1.html New Pittsburgh Courier] , The Way I See It... Becoming an Obamacan] [http://www.republicansforobama.org/?q=node/326 Republicans for Obama] , Dear Fellow Obamacans] [ [http://www.insightnews.com/commentary.asp?mode=display&articleID=3779 Insight News] , Becoming an Obamacan] [ [http://www.tnr.com/story_print.html?id=46a816dc-f843-41ec-9fe4-fbeac17bcfca Mr. Right? ] ] [http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/obamacon-watch.html]

A Gallup Poll from September 29 to October 5 indicated 9% of Republicans prefer Obama to McCain, [ [http://www.gallup.com/poll/109042/Candidate-Support-Political-Party.aspx Gallup] ] compared to 8% of "McCain Democrats". Andrew Romano of Newsweek states the polls he has read indicate the cross-over voters "cancel each other out" so far. [ [http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/08/12/the-obamacan-movement-myth.aspx Chasing the Mythical 'Obamacan' Masses] ]

Etymology

On February 12, 2008, Barack Obama mentioned Obama Republicans in his Potomac primary victory speech: "We are bringing together Democrats and independents, and yes, some Republicans. I know there's -- I meet them when I'm shaking hands afterwards. There's one right there. An Obamacan, that's what we call them." In another speech, he said, "We, as Democrats right now, should tap into the discontent of Republicans. I want some Obama Republicans!" In his call for Republican votes, Obama referred to Ronald Reagan, who he says "was able to tap into the discontent of the American people and...to get Democrats to vote Republican— they were called Reagan Democrats."

Commentary and events

Early conservative praise for Obama came from the neoconservative "Insight Magazine" in July 2007. "Insight's" story focused on Obama's character as contrasted with the then Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. [ [http://www.insightmag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=5D3B38F8A2584DB5A77BA05660C6045C&nm=Free+Access&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=120FEC0B66D5465788625381483D5A9A Washington Watch: Obama's fund-raising record reveals weakness of Hillary's campaign] Insight, July 7, 2007."Will the Democratic Party soon awaken to the growing American consensus? The nation will not be governed by the white-trash Hill-Billies of yesteryear and much prefers candidates with class and true grace—regardless of their race, religion or even political stripes."] In January 2008 Andrew Sullivan, writing in "The Atlantic" also praised Obama's character and personality. [ [http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/01/bainbridge-asks.html The Daily Dish] The Atlantic January 2008. "Obama's legislative record, speeches, and the way he has run his campaign reveal, I think, a very even temperament, a very sound judgment, and an intelligent pragmatism. Prudence is a word that is not inappropriate to him. "] In March 2008, Andrew Bacevich, writing in "The American Conservative", said that "principled conservatives" should consider voting for Obama since he promised a quick end to the Iraq war; which Bacevich said had contributed to the growth of federal and presidential power. [ [http://www.amconmag.com/2008/2008_03_24/article.htmlThe Right Choice? The conservative case for Barack Obama] Andrew J. Bacevich, "The American Conservative", March 24, 2008. "Yet if Obama does become the nation’s 44th president, his election will constitute something approaching a definitive judgment of the Iraq War. As such, his ascent to the presidency will implicitly call into question the habits and expectations that propelled the United States into that war in the first place. Matters hitherto consigned to the political margin will become subject to close examination. Here, rather than in Obama’s age or race, lies the possibility of his being a truly transformative presidency."] Bruce Bartlett, writing in the New Republic, cited Obama's opposition to the Iraq war as the main issue which appealed to conservatives. Also mentioned were his opposition to some parts of the Patriot Act and his possible support for school vouchers. [ [http://www.tnr.com/story_print.html?id=46a816dc-f843-41ec-9fe4-fbeac17bcfca Mr. Right? The rise of the Obamacons.] Bruce Bartlett, "The New Republic", June 25, 2008. "The largest group of Obamacons hail from the libertarian wing of the movement. And it's not just Andrew Sullivan. Milton and Rose Friedman's son, David, is signed up with the cause on the grounds that he sees Obama as the better vessel for his father's cause. Friedman is convinced of Obama's sympathy for school vouchers--a tendency that the Democratic primaries temporarily suppressed. Scott Flanders, the CEO of Freedom Communications--the company that owns The Orange County Register--told a company meeting that he believes Obama will accomplish the paramount libertarian goals of withdrawing from Iraq and scaling back the Patriot Act."]

In June 2008, Republican Douglas Kmiec was denied Roman Catholic communion for his support of Obama, due to an interpretation of church policy and Obama's pro-choice stance. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060202591_pf.html For an 'Obamacon,' Communion Denied] Washington Post June 3, 2008. ] In June 2008, "Washington Post" commentator Robert Novak blamed the policies of President George W. Bush for Republican defections to the Obama camp and suggested that Republicans Colin Powell and Chuck Hagel might soon declare their support for Obama. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/25/AR2008062501942.html The Obamacons Who Worry McCain] Washington Post, June 6, 2008.] In July 2008, conservative columnist Thomas Sowell criticized "Obamacons" and advised them to more seriously consider Obama's liberal positions on many issues before supporting him over Republican candidate John McCain. [ [http://www.deseretmorningnews.com/dn/view/1,5143,700241851,00.html Conservatives should rethink their support of Obama] Thomas Sowell, Deseret News July 10, 2008. "Back in the 18th century, Helvetius said, "When I speak I put on a mask. When I act, I am forced to take it off." Too many voters still have not learned that lesson. They need to look at the track record of Obama's actions. Back in the days of "The Lone Ranger" program, someone would ask, "Who is that masked man?" People need to start asking that question about Obama."]

The Republican party reported a total of 700 Republican voters in Iowa who voted for Obama, and 500 in Colorado. [http://www.newsweek.com/id/107476 Barack + GOP = "Obamacans"] , Newsweek ] Polls in late February have shown that up to 14% of Republicans support Obama. [ [http://www.crosswalk.com/news/11568914/ 'Obamacans' and 'McCainacrats' Will Help Decide Presidency] , Crosswalk.com] Some disenchanted or moderate Republican donors who contributed to the George Bush campaign in 2004 are now donating to the Obama campaign. [ [http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/39067.html Former Bush donors now giving to Obama] , McClatchy.dc.com] .

Republicans and former Republicans endorsing Obama

*Congressman Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) [ [http://www.cncnews.org/index.php?files=story.php&storyid=sTD0PGiJ61yjuL05myTf "GOP Rep. Wayne Gilchrest backs Obama"] , Capitol News Connection, September 17, 2008]
*Fmr. Congressman Jim Leach (R-IA). [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/12/1261942.aspx Republicans cross over for Obama]
*Fmr. Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI). [ [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0208/Chaffee_for_Obama.html#comments Chafee for Obama] ]
* Former publisher of National Review, Wick Allison [ [http://www.dmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?nm=Core+Pages&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&tier=3&gid=B33A5C6E2CF04C9596A3EF81822D9F8E A Conservative for Obama] ] [ [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/01/national-review-endorses-obama----not/ National Review endorses Obama -- NOT] Washington Times October 1, 2008. "Today it is conservatives, not liberals, who talk with alarming bellicosity about making the world 'safe for democracy,'" Mr. Allison wrote in the Sept. 27 issue of D Magazine. "It is John McCain who says America's job is to 'defeat evil,' a theological expansion of the nation's mission that would make George Washington cough out his wooden teeth. This kind of conservatism, which is not conservative at all, has produced financial mismanagement, the waste of human lives, the loss of moral authority, and the wreckage of our economy that McCain now threatens to make worse."]
*Fmr. Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan (R-CA). [ [http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-trailriordan18-2008sep18,0,7854187.story Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan backs Obama] ]
* Julie Nixon Eisenhower, daughter of former President Richard Nixon, granddaughter-in law of Dwight D. Eisenhower [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/1944612/US-Elections-Julie-Nixon-and-Susan-Eisenhower-back-Barack-Obama.html Julie Nixon and Susan Eisenhower back Barack Obama] The Telegraph "As their family names make clear, Susan Eisenhower and her sister-in-law Julie Nixon Eisenhower hail from Republican presidential aristocracy. But the two lifelong Republicans are spurning those loyalties this year to back Barack Obama for the nation's top job."]
*Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower and president of the Eisenhower Institute. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/01/AR2008020102621.html Why I'm Backing Obama] Washington Post] [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/1944612/US-Elections-Julie-Nixon-and-Susan-Eisenhower-back-Barack-Obama.html Julie Nixon and Susan Eisenhower back Barack Obama] The Telegraph] [ [http://washingtonindependent.com/view/eisenhowers Ike's Granddaughter Calls Obama 'Future of America'] The Washington Independent]
* Lilibet Hagel, wife of Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) [http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/07/mrs_hagel_to_endorse_obama.html] [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jl4RIfcVYSklHSEj1aw8kRbQnW8QD93LD7D00]
* Rita E. Hauser, Former White House intelligence advisor for George W. Bush
* Larry Hunter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Policy Innovation and Chief Economist for the Free Enterprise Fund, former Reagan policy advisor [ [http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/07/16/2008-07-16_im_a_lifelong_conservative_activist_and_.html I'm a lifelong conservative activist and I'm backing Barack Obama] New York Daily News "I'm a lifelong Republican - a supply-side conservative. I worked in the Reagan White House. I was the chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for five years. In 1994, I helped write the Republican Contract with America. I served on Bob Dole's presidential campaign team and was chief economist for Jack Kemp's Empower America. This November, I'm voting for Barack Obama."]
* Rear Admiral John Hutson, USN (ret.), former Judge Advocate General of the Navy and the current dean and president of Franklin Pierce Law Center. [http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=John+DiStaso's+Granite+Status%3A+Who's+more+muddy%3F&articleId=5aa673a0-021f-486e-9810-5dde35b6faae]
* Legal scholar Douglas Kmiec [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060202591.html For an 'Obamacon,' Communion Denied] "Word spread like wildfire in Catholic circles: Douglas Kmiec, a staunch Republican, firm foe of abortion and veteran of the Reagan Justice Department, had been denied Communion. His sin? Kmiec, a Catholic who can cite papal pronouncements with the facility of a theological scholar, shocked old friends and adversaries alike earlier this year by endorsing Barack Obama for president. For at least one priest, Kmiec's support for a pro-choice politician made him a willing participant in a grave moral evil."]
*Tricia Mosley, former staffer to Senator Strom Thurmond [ [http://www.newsweek.com/id/107476 When Republicans Endorse Obama] Newsweek "They include lifelong Republican Tricia Moseley, a former staffer for the late Sen. Strom Thurmond, the one-time segregationist from South Carolina. Now a high-school teacher, Moseley says she was attracted to Obama's positions on education and the economy."]
*Paul O'Neill, United States Secretary of the Treasury from 2001-02 under George W. Bush [ [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/07/two-former-bush.html Two former Bush Advisers Now Advising Obama, Will Appear at Economic Meeting Today] ]
*Frank Schaeffer, pro-life advocate and the son of evangelist Francis Schaeffer. [ [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/frank-as-a-former-pro-lif_b_119435.html Frank! As A Former Pro-Life Leader How Dare You Support Pro-Choice Obama?] ]
*Mayor Lou Thieblemont of Camp Hill, Penn. Thieblemont switched his party registration from Republican to Democrat so that he could vote for Obama in the Pennsylvania primary. [ [http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGBHKJ Lifelong Republican Mayor of Camp Hill, PA Switches Parties to Vote Obama] ]
*Fmr. Governor and Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT). [ [http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--obamaendorsement-0404apr04,0,177149.story Former Connecticut governor Weicker endorses Obama] ]
*Fmr. Governor Linwood Holton (R-VA), father-in-law of current Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) [http://hamptonroads.com/node/480366]

upport for Obama from scholars, authors and bloggers affiliated with conservatism

* Andrew Bacevich, Professor of International Relations at Boston University. [ [http://www.amconmag.com/2008/2008_03_24/article.html The Right Choice? The Conservative Case for Barack Obama] ]
* Charles Barkley, Author, former NBA basketball player. [cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-tucker/charles-barkley-obama-wou_b_121693.html |title=Charles Barkley: Obama Would Make "Fantastic" President |accessdate=2008-10-09|last=Tucker |first=Diane |date=2008-08-27|publisher=Huffington Post]
* Christopher Buckley, author, son of legendary conservative William F. Buckley, Jr. [ [http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-10-10/the-conservative-case-for-obama Sorry, Dad, I'm Voting for Obama] ]
* Francis Fukuyama, Author, major figure in the rise of neoconservatism. [ [http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/05/27/fukuyama/index.html?source=rss Former neocon supports Obama] ]
* Dorothy King, Archeologist and conservative blogger. [ [http://phdiva.blogspot.com/2008/05/on-being-obamacon.html PhDiva: On Being an Obamacon ] ] [ [http://www.tnr.com/story_print.html?id=46a816dc-f843-41ec-9fe4-fbeac17bcfca Mr. Right? ] ]
* Andrew Sullivan, libertarian commentator. [ [http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama Goodbye to All That: Why Obama Matters ] ]

ee also

*Party switching
*Reagan Democrat
*McCain Democrat

References

External links

* [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91480956 Obamacons: Conservatives that support Obama] National Public Radio June 13, 2008.
* [http://www.republicansforobama.org Republicans for Obama]
* [http://www.freewebs.com/republicansforobama/ Republicans for Obama Journal]
* [http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807250411 Republicans for Obama has Indiana presence] Indy Star July 25, 2008.