Republicans for Obama

Several high-profile Republicans (or maybe recovering Republicans) have endorsed Obama in the past few weeks and months. Perhaps the two biggest surprises recently have been the endorsements of Former Bush Secretary of State, Colin Powell and Former Bush Press Secretary, and son of Carole Keeton Strayhorn (former Republican Texas State Comptroller who ran against her party in the 2006 gubernatorial election) Scott McLellan. These Obama Republicans have often been dubbed "Obamacans" by some. Republicans for Obama includes a comprehensive lists of some of the most important Republican and conservative endorsements. This list includes Powell, McLellan, and several other elected officials, government officials, and columnists, along with their reasons for supporting Obama.

There is the occasional apology to the Republican Party.

Richard Riordan (former mayor of L.A.) said, "I'm still a Republican, but I still will always vote for the person who I think will do the best job."

However, for the most part, the prevaling theme seems to be that Obama is a unifier who will work with both parties toward the common goal of improving our nation.

Michael Smerconish (columnist for the Philadelphia Enquirer) said, "...an Obama presidency holds the greatest chance for unifying us here at home and restoring our prestige around the globe."

Susan Eisenhower (Ike's granddaughter) said, "Given Obama's support among young people, I believe that he will be most invested in defending the interests of these rising generations and, therefore, the long-term interests of this nation as a whole."


Some others cite McCain's "temperament," and lack of judgment, especially in selecting Sarah Palin to be his nominee for VP. Others believe that McCain will be an extension of the disaster that has been the Bush administration.

Whatever the reason, there are some Republicans switching teams. Democrats flocking to the polls to vote for Reagan in the 80s were part of the reason that Reagan had such success. I don't think that Republicans will come out in droves for Obama, but having a few high-profile party members come out for Obama helps to eliminate fear, in the minds of some voters, that Obama is an unthinkable choice.