I vote republican because I believe a smaller government is better than a larger one, that competition brings out the best in people, that a strong defense is the best way to build long-term peace and because too much of a welfare state is incredibly self-defeating. I don't have strong opinions on gun control or gay marriage, but if I had to I would side there with the liberals, but those are certainly not as important issues to me.

I am a registered D but came very close to voting for McCain the first time he ran. I do like some of the religious/cultural protection aspects of the Republican platform. When we return to the U.S. I will register as an I.

I'm black and a D and I feel that if the republican party actually put forth a real effort, they can capture a good chunk of the black and minority vote.

Part of the issue is that the majority of real racists and bigots lean republican and the party seems to not want to lose their vote and in turn all the suggested and subliminal racism of the party hangs around.

Let me be clear. I am not saying that all republicans are racist or that the majority of the party is. I am saying that that so-called voting block or people who truly are lean republican. I am more saying that the party tends to either "accept" or tolerate the real racists and this is where all the defending the party name or calling blacks the racists one stems from.

You can disagree with my assessment but I am certain in my belief that the GOP can take folks away from the Democrats if they opened up and really tried. The party is is underestimating our allegiance to the Democratic party but you can try to tell me otherwise since you know more than me as a black man.

Clearly there are Republicans who are accepting of black people. It's just hard to get past the nontrivial percentage who get a kick out of passing around photos of Barack Obama with a bone in his nose. And then when someone complains about it, guaranteed some wingnut will defend it or even tell us that we are the real racists for taking offense at African traditional garb, like we don't know when we are being ridiculed.

Anonymous wrote:Part of it is a race issue. Republicans are so hostile toward people of color in what they say.

Exactly. Many of them make it clear that they flat-out don't like black people, so I'm not going to vote for someone who doesn't like me.

I'm looking at you, Mitt "Who Let the Dogs Out?" Romney.

Anonymous wrote:A black person here. I am a registered independent but I tend to vote D but I have voted R in local races (Rudy Guliani when he first ran for mayor on NYC). I dont vote R because they oppose the things that are most important to me - women's right, gay rights, healthcare and the environment. I don't care if my family has to pay an extra $1k in taxes. I dont care if my DH come home with a slightly smaller paycheck bc his company has to pay a bit more in healthcare costs. I do care that my children will have an earth to inherit, that if one of them is gay they will be free to marry or that they will not be excepts to conform to a certain role just because of their sex.

+1.

A black person here. I am a registered independent but I tend to vote D but I have voted R in local races (Rudy Guliani when he first ran for mayor on NYC). I dont vote R because they oppose the things that are most important to me - women's right, gay rights, healthcare and the environment. I don't care if my family has to pay an extra $1k in taxes. I dont care if my DH come home with a slightly smaller paycheck bc his company has to pay a bit more in healthcare costs. I do care that my children will have an earth to inherit, that if one of them is gay they will be free to marry or that they will not be excepts to conform to a certain role just because of their sex.

well, with the current stances, I have a hard time with anyone who is hispanic or gay still aligning themselves with that party

Part of it is a race issue. Republicans are so hostile toward people of color in what they say. Black people also remember the southern strategy and the civil rights battles. Those are hard things to get over. I am a D b/c I am not religious, believe heavily in women's rights, and understand that sometimes people do need help getting out of poverty. This is not a race blind society and people have challenges that I do not believe can be discounted.

The point is, it's my beliefs that make me a D, not just b/c I am black. I am also pro gay marriage. Why would I be an R?

I grew up with a lot of black friends, whose parents and grandparents were Republicans. But I haven't met anyone my own age or younger who is (I'm in mid-40s).

Anonymous wrote:How is thisacracevissue. Lots of people have conflict with family over politics.

I assume it's a race issue because very few blacks are Republican, so it is unusual to encounter one. And I could imagine if you are black and everyone in your extended family is a D, it might be hard to be the only R.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - he's put down and accused of being a sell out because they are telling him that as an AA he should be a Democrat.

I get the same thing from my republican catholic family.

OP here - he's put down and accused of being a sell out because they are telling him that as an AA he should be a Democrat.

How is thisacracevissue. Lots of people have conflict with family over politics.

One of my DH's employees is an AA Republican and gets a lot of flak from his relatives who are all Democrats. Anyone else have this issue?