Why I, a Former GOP Senator, Will Vote for Obama
October 9, 2012
As a Vietnam vet, one of the reasons I support President Obama is because he has consistently shown he understands that our commitment to our servicemen and women may begin when they put on their uniform, but that it must never end.
This decision is not easy for any lifelong Republican. In 2008 I voted for Barack Obama, the first time I ever voted for a Democrat, because the Republican Party was drifting toward a dangerous path that put extreme party ideology above national interest. Mitt Romney heads a party remaining on that dangerous path, proving the emptiness of their praise as they abandon our service members, veterans and military families along the way.
What really set me off was Romney’s reference to 47% of Americans to be written off – including any veteran collecting disability like myself, as a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) veteran.
Behind closed doors with his donors, Romney made clear he’d write off half of America – including service members and veterans – because, as he said “I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility for their lives.” But there’s no greater personal responsibility than to wear your country’s uniform and defend the rights we all enjoy as Americans. We don’t sow division between “us” versus “them.” The Commander-in-Chief sets the bar for all to follow and fight for the entire country. Mitt Romney fails that test. As a veteran I feel written off.
Just as revealing is what Romney actually says publicly. As a former Foreign Service Officer, I find it offensive that Romney, Congressman Paul Ryan and their Republican Party are politicizing the death of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other brave Americans who lost their lives in Libya. Being Commander-in-Chief requires a resolve and steadiness that’s immune to politics and fear mongering. Mitt Romney fails that test.
And along with high-profile Republican surrogates, Romney and Ryan are pandering to election-year politics rather than focusing on pending cuts to military spending. Strategy should drive our military priorities, not party purity.
We are a nation at war – the longest war in our nation’s history – and we must remember the sacrifice that so many have given for the protection of our country and our values. That’s why it’s so surprising that Republican nominee Mitt Romney has given five speeches on foreign policy – and will be giving another one today – and has yet to outline any plan to end the war in Afghanistan or bring our troops home. That’s unacceptable for anyone running to be Commander-in-Chief.
President Obama ended one war, is ending another and meeting our national security needs with support of our military leaders. He’s laid out a clear plan that would reduce the deficit and prevent the mandatory military spending cuts that no one wants. But today’s Republican Party, including Ryan who voted for the deal that would trigger the cuts, is willing to bring our country’s defenses to the fiscal cliff – just so a multimillionaire doesn’t have to pay a single extra penny in taxes. And the real lack of leadership? Failing to own up to your role in racking up a record debt from two unpaid wars and two massive unpaid for tax cuts. Mitt Romney leads the party that fails this leadership test.
And as former member of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman of the then Commerce Committee, I came to know the federal budget in detail. I’m disappointed that just as our troops are returning home after a decade of war, Romney and Ryan might gut by up to 20 percent investments in the Department of Veterans Affairs – and even suggest privatizing the veterans’ health care. Again, they would short change our national security and the education, health care and employment benefits our veterans have earned and deserve just to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans.
Let’s be clear, Romney and Ryan would be disastrous for America’s service members, veterans and military families. Public praise rings hollow when you fail to mention an ongoing war in accepting your party’s nomination to be president, or veterans in a speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a so-called jobs plan or in a budget that should be a blue print of our nation’s values.
Meanwhile President Obama recognizes our sacred trust with those who serve starts when they take their oath and never ends. He’s enacted tax credits to spur businesses to hire unemployed veterans and wounded warriors. He implemented and improved the post-9/11 GI Bill, the largest investment in veterans education since the original GI Bill over sixty years ago. He’s proposing a Veterans Jobs Corps that would put returning service members to work as police officers, firefighters and first responders. As part of his achievable plan to keep moving our country forward, the President would use half the savings from ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to help pay down our debt and invest in nation building here at home, putting Americans back to work – including our veterans – fixing our roadways and runways, bridges and schools.
And something that hits close to home, President Obama also secured the largest increase in VA investments in decades so our veterans get the care and benefits they earned, like treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injury. As someone with service-related PTSD, I meet with younger veterans weekly to help them through the treatment and transition to a productive civilian life. It makes a difference for them knowing their President has their back.
That’s the difference in this election. In word and deed anywhere and every time, President Obama never forgets that standing by those who serve is the heart, soul and core value of this country. As a life-long Republican, I stand by him as he stands by all of us, putting national allegiance ahead of party affiliation. I endorse President Obama for reelection in 2012.
BEGIN YOUR COMMENT BELOW
Unfortunately, Mr. Pressler’s comments will be ignored by most of his party. He’ll be branded a “RINO” and tossed aside. Move over Olympia Snowe, Steve LaTourette and Colin Powell.
I’m a life-long Democrat, but I have just found a Republican worthy of the term. I salute you sir, you put country above party.
Colin Powell was douche just like Bush. He knew there were no WMD in Iraq but went along with it till he quit. The Bush W. era people like Powell all started to distance themselves when they saw what he was doing but they didn’t help stop it. And they knew the truth.
The editorial didn’t mention Colin Powell at all. Am I missing something?
I think Brad is responding to the commtator Jeff Cox above him.
That… is a very, very good point. Well said.
You sir, have a very distorted sense of right and wrong for America. Voting Obama back in would be like resurrecting the Titanic and using it for an icebreaker. I’m no Romney fan either, but giving this administration 4 more years would be criminal.
Why?
President Obama has given us the making work pay credit for the 2009 and 2010 tax years. He’s extended the Bush tax cuts in order to keep away the high rates that existed during the Clinton era. Then in 2011 he cuts our employee social security taxes by 2%, which helped all taxpayers, primarily those around $106,000 of income.
Overall, he’s done a good job and I hope he stays for 4 more years.
I agree! He’s done a great job and needs to continue the same for 4 more yrs.
Are you kidding me? just cause he’s done these things doesn’t mean we were able to afford it.(You people clearly don’t understand what happens when we are 20 trillion in debt at the end of his next term) WHAT WILL YOUR TAXES BE THEN? what kind of economy will we have at that point? Come on… these ‘cuts’ aren’t what we need. we need to repay our debt and become a strong nation again.
The problem with that reference is the Titanic WOULD have been a good icebreaker, they just failed because they tried to avoid the issue. I’m not a huge fan of either candidate but checking the facts for the things they say, the current admin if most definately the better choice.
If you could substantiate your claims that giving Obama 4 more years would be criminal, that would be great.
i just can’t hardly wait for gas to go to $10 a gallon and for my parents medicare to be cut and given to welfare cheats on medicaid
The Senator makes a very well-reasoned argument. You make a not-at-all-reasoned argument. Senator wins.
FACTS……..your ramble is not fact based. Please provide the factual information you are using to make such a statement.
Very nice blog i am very glad to see more update in your post.
Gary Johnson 2012 (wish it could be Dr. Paul). BTW – On November 10, 2009 President Barack Obama named Larry Pressler to the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Pressler) – there was already a tie with Mr. Pressler and President Obama
If you look at Libritarian philosophies it’s hard to fathom why they are not a major player. I think America treats politicians like a football team, they stick with their team no matter what, even if they loose every game (run the country into the ground).
Your words scare me, im a european and when I look at your 2 candidates Im wondering why Obama dosnt have 100% of the voters. Mitt is a religious moron that is not fit to lead anything. If you value your country I dont understand how you even consider Romney. The guy is a joke, I mean look at what he has said during the campaign its the more idiotic thing after another
I completely agree. Also as a European I can’t even begin to fathom how the GOP exists as a political party. American democrats are more right wing than our conservative party as is. They would quite literally be laughed out of any other election in pretty much the entire democratic world.
and the thing is the whole world should be scared because america is a very influential country and having policy makers like these affecting the world’s affairs should alarm anyone. if romney wins, america deserves to fall.
Ha, Canada here.. we are the first ones Mitt will try to annex for our oil and lumber…
cause not trading it to them would be anti-american, and anything that is against america, or the bible, deserves to be bombarded by cruise missiles…
Sorry I am a Idiot…
I too was a lifelong Republican until the party took a hard right turn and left me. I will also vote for Obama in the swing state of Ohio.
Thank you!
I too am a lifelong Republican. I will vote for Gary Johnson though, since he is against war. Romney and Obama are too much the same and I want the GOP to see my vote went 3rd party. Enjoy another four years Mr. Obama!
I respect your thought process Mike A. The only reason I wish you were to vote for Obama instead of Gary Johnson is because it could be a very tight race and your vote could determine the next 4 years.
That being said, in a different time or situation, I might vote for Mr. Johnson myself. Instead, this go ’round Mr. Obama gets my vote hands down. I can’t deal with even the thought of a single day of Romney being in office!
I’m not sure why I cannot reply to you SE, but I cannot with good conscience vote for either Romney or Obama. Amurika needs to stop being the world police. We are making enemies all around us by sticking our noses in places they do not belong. War is not the answer. We are still in Afghanistan, Gitmo is still open (and newly refurbished – how *fabulous*), American citizens can be detained indefinitely, Corporations are getting bailed out when citizens are the ones hurting, the deficit continues to climb as does our budget, we spend more on *defense* than the other top 10 combined (and doubled or close to). Sooooo many reasons, please pick your favorite. Now, if everyone would wake up and stop saying (like they did about Ron Paul) that he’s unelectable and actually vote for him then he’d actually have a chance. I won’t vote lesser of two evils – it’s still voting for evil. And to all the Romney fans, no voting for Johnson is not voting for Obama (and vice versa), it’s voting for Johnson.
I think like Sen Pressler I am hoping that the GOP returns to a place where any american can support them. Welcoming the center and moderates into both parties is what I would like to see.
I would like to see a return to a time when you could disagree with people across the aisle without demonizing them, and in my opinion the current republican party is more guilty of that brand of politics than the current democratic party. I agree with Sen Pressler that Romney’s position has been disingenuous and his party has abandoned him and many other republicans.
I think Stacey Dash would disagree with you there. Look at the reaction she has received after endorsing Romney.
Who? Never heard of a politician with that name.
Vietnam vet here with 2 overseas tours and decades of education and ample life experience and I shout out in support of a full-scale military coup against the ruling elite master class and rebuild the USA.
Make corporations obey people, not vice-versa.
The USA is invaded by multi-millions severely harming USA citizen working-poor and unemployed. The ruling masters encourage the invasion.
“One reason companies are so profitable is that they’re paying employees less than they ever have as a share of GDP. And that, in turn, is one reason the economy is so weak: Those “wages” are other companies’ revenue.
In short, our current system and philosophy is creating a country of a few million overlords and 300+ million serfs.” Blodget
O has us in 6 proxy wars. Is sending troops back to Iraq. Said he can indefinitely detail Americans without trial. We’re voting for him why again? Oh thats right we’re sheep.
Is the alternative any better you think? Come on!
If everyone would see there is more than just Obama and Romney – yes. Google Gary Johnson.
I do not understand it either.
Romney did not disparage veterans; however, your letter shows exactly what he was talking about: people basing votes on handouts.
On what planet should Romney not mention the catastrophic failure that was the embassy attack?
You are no Republican by any measure I can fathom. This is not even a R v. D thing, it’s a horrible president vs. someone with good qualifications (more than the present one had) to improve things.
“This is not even a R v. D thing, it’s a horrible president vs. someone with good qualifications (more than the present one had) to improve things.”
You think that Mitt Romney has good qualifications and should become president? HAHAHAHAHA. Obama may not be the best president in history, but I would much rather have 10 more terms with him in office than a single month of a Romney presidency.
Yeah??? Is this a joke?
I don’t believe the term handout should apply to men and women who have served their country. The reason we have the system to take care of our veterans is because at one point THEY took care of US! Romney only mentioned the embassy attacks for his own political gain. On what planet do you have to be to not see that??
You are an idiot…
AJ is a Idiot…
I cant even put into words how retarded his argument against Obama is…
AJ is *an* idiot. Please use proper grammar when you criticize another individual’s intelligence. That being said…Romney is not a true Republican. Learn what it means to be a conservative. He’s a complete douche bag, turd sandwich. Good qualifications???? Where and how? Romney couldn’t defeat himself in a debate because he flip-flops so much he wouldn’t know where he stands.
Why do you vote for someone who does not care about our fellow Americans overseas. He cannot get rid of his puppets in the White house who are influencing his decisions. Did you read “The Amateur” by Edward Klein? This must be read by every American Citizen. It is an eye opening.
Obama for 4 more years? Really are you kidding me? All Obama has done is spend other people’s money, play golf, and go on vacation for the past 4 years on our dime. He looks tired and it doesn’t even seem like he wants to go another term. He has no understanding of economics at all. Romney is a successful buisiness man and I believe he can steer this ship back around and get us on the right track. Under Obama the new normal for the fudged unemployment rate is 8% he has lost 50X as many jobs as he claims he’s creating. Obama is an inexperienced politician with a socialist agenda that if given 4 more years will kill the American dream for us, if you want to live in A place like Europe move to Europe for a while and see how bad you want to be back in America. Romney 2012 restore America to its former greatness.
You are a bigger idiot…
That’s the problem, if one does not agree with the lib. they call them names. Tsk, tsk. Tha is how it is.
jipitty… i pitty the education system you were brought up in…
see unfortunatley you are one of the sheep, redneck, easy going southerner, white old people, that romney loves… casue you will listen to him and believe his B.S.even if he changes his tune every chance he gets.. this is a man who makes money on the backs of poor people and you want to put him into office….
all this will do is make you poorer…
I’d like to say that this would make you dumber as well, but that apparently is not possible
I pity the education system you were brought up it that brainwashed you into thinking that you are somehow entitled to everything and shouldn’t have to work to put food on your table or even a roof on your head. I believe that you should have to put forth effort to be able to afford things. It is ridiculous how young people have such an entitlement mentality that is indoctrinated in them through public school and furthermore in higher education. This whole thing with so and so should pay his “fair share” is the byproduct of said indoctrination. The top ~50% of Americans pay 100% of the fed tax, how is that fair? People who have worked hard and succeed should have to give their money to lazy kids that won’t get off their Xbox and work hard? I’m all for helping people in need but it is MY choice, not the government’s to decide who I help with MY money! That same top 50% also give to charities and The Church. I know WE get tax breaks for doing so but it’s not like its all that much of a break, I would much rather give my money to The Church or a charitable org than give it to the government who’s left hand doesn’t have a clue what the right hand is doing. Go ahead and try and belittle me all you want or whatever else you have to do to convince yourself that Obama doesnt equal the demise of America, those of us that have not been brainwashed by the media will throw the crybaby in chief out of the White House.
Seriously? You pay your money to lazy kids that won’t get off their Xbox? Fuck you sir. I am a law student who has to get by on student loans because my parents can’t afford to pay my way through life you ignorant fuck. I’ve had to work full time since I was 17 and pay my own way through college. So don’t you fucking dare say that because I am forced to live off of student loans and because I didn’t work in a high paying job while getting my undergrad that I have an entitlement mentality because I am part of the bottom 50%.
Since I cannot reply to Brandon directly.. Here it is..
You are a bigger idiot…
A vote for Romney is a vote for the downfall of your country…
As an outsider I have seen America turn from the land of the free into the land of who can make a quick buck..
The only thing that voting for Romney will accomplish is making america’s downfall occur much more rapidly and painfully for the people that are not in his “Class”
wrong!
since there is no reply button on your wall of text..I will repost it here, cause really.. everyone should see this…
“I pity the education system you were brought up it that brainwashed you into thinking that you are somehow entitled to everything and shouldn’t have to work to put food on your table or even a roof on your head. I believe that you should have to put forth effort to be able to afford things. It is ridiculous how young people have such an entitlement mentality that is indoctrinated in them through public school and furthermore in higher education. This whole thing with so and so should pay his “fair share” is the byproduct of said indoctrination. The top ~50% of Americans pay 100% of the fed tax, how is that fair? People who have worked hard and succeed should have to give their money to lazy kids that won’t get off their Xbox and work hard? I’m all for helping people in need but it is MY choice, not the government’s to decide who I help with MY money! That same top 50% also give to charities and The Church. I know WE get tax breaks for doing so but it’s not like its all that much of a break, I would much rather give my money to The Church or a charitable org than give it to the government who’s left hand doesn’t have a clue what the right hand is doing. Go ahead and try and belittle me all you want or whatever else you have to do to convince yourself that Obama doesnt equal the demise of America, those of us that have not been brainwashed by the media will throw the crybaby in chief out of the White House.”
wow…
wow, I don’t know about the people that read this site, but that really makes my head hurt…
First of all I work for a living… not as nice a living as this man, but a living..
as for entitlement… fuck you… I’ve worked for everything I have today, we all cannot be a trust fund baby..
The fact that you need to bring your church into the argument speaks volumes, the separation of church and state happened a long time ago and for many reasons. not everyone in the state, let alone the country is a christian, yet those are the values you want to impose on everyone… how is that fair…
The top ~50% of Americans pay 100% of the fed tax,
HAHAHA
sure they do… at least with fancy accountants and lawyers they might
the bulk of the federal and state taxes are set upon the individual, you know them, they are the people… they make up your districts,,, they are the real americans…
unfortunately, the government is as dumb as the deaf blind man down the road,,,,
Don’t criticize a deaf, blind man like that.
Can you not argue without using the F word?
Barack Obama, the first time I ever voted for a Democrat, because the Republican Party was drifting toward a dangerous path that put extreme party ideology above national interest. Mitt Romney heads a party remaining on that dangerous path, proving the emptiness of their praise as they abandon our service members, veterans and military families along the way.
We are a nation at war – the longest war in our nation’s history – and we must remember the sacrifice that so many have given for the protection of our country and our values.
I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it.
Americans. We don’t sow division between “us” versus “them.” The Commander-in-Chief sets the bar for all to follow and fight for the entire country. Mitt Romney fails that test. As a veteran I feel written off.
A record debt from two unpaid wars and two massive unpaid for tax cuts. Mitt Romney leads the party that fails this leadership test.