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Why are you a Republican?

Posted: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 1:44 PM
Filed Under:

By John Brecher, msnbc.com multimedia producer

Click play to see a variety of people at the Republican National Convention explain why they are Republicans.

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Comments

Why am I a Republican?  
Because Jesus Christ said not to fish out of the left side of your boat.

Wilburn Sanders Huntsville, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 5:28 PM)

Why are they republicans?? because most of them have a low intellect and can't think for themselves.. They are what we call sheep!

deedee OR (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 5:40 PM)

Okay, this is just scary.  Really scary.  Does that chimney sweeper know the Republicans were in office when the planes hit the Twin Towers?  Guess not.  As for as everyone else...man, it truly is la la land in red territory.

nullandvoid (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 5:51 PM)

I like the guy in the hat, who says he doesn't like Democrats because they can't keep him safe from "evil."

Evil? Really?

Bad foreign policy for the last 8 years has made us weaker and less safe than before. When we elect a leader who doesn't bully other nations, we won't be resented the way we are right now.

Seth in Jacksonville, FL (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 5:55 PM)

I am a republican because i believe in values, morals, god, family, country, less government, low taxes, military.

kathy, tacoma, wa (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:23 PM)

Do you have to be "stupid" to be a Republican today?

Gillian, Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:24 PM)

Let me see if I understand this. The Republicans are sheep, not the mindless clowns on the left whose only mantra is "tax the rich" and "Bush is bad".  You would rather turn a blind eye to a candidate whose behavior and relationships reek of racism, division, and capitulation.  By the way, what happened to all of those stories of defeat in Iraq ?  You've moved on.

Joe Devlin (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:24 PM)

He wants the government to leave him alone, but I guess he does not mind the wiretapping and the tracking of his library books and internet use.

Jolierae (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:25 PM)

Why a Republican?  Well no longer are the Republicans supporting family values.  You just can't say that the Republicans are good for the economy.  National Security has never been more shaky.  Why a Republican? Hmmm. That is a good question.

Reality Bites (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:25 PM)

People do realize the democrate dropped a few nukes on Japan right? That the democrates entered us into WW2 right? That two democrates escaladed the Vietnam war for us right?

here (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:25 PM)

Haha! Those people are actually Voting!

jacob (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:25 PM)

People are Republicans for the same reason they're Democrats.  Because it's easier to believe the Big Lie than it is to think critically and form opinions for themselves.  It's much easier to have "what I'm supposed to believe" spoon-fed to me.

ballbee, Richmond, VA (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:27 PM)

CUZ SOME ONE TOLD ME THE EVIL DEMZ WILL TAKE MY GUNS AWAY

LODY SPUD LODI CALIFORNIA (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:28 PM)

This is the problem with America today.  Too many attacks on the character and choice of our citizens to support what we believe is right and the best for our country.  There are many reasons that both candidates could bring something positive to the table if elected.  Quit slamming each other and evaluate which issues are most important to you.  The beautiful thing about this country is... we have a choice.  Get out there and vote, and be thankful that you were born here rather than Iraq, Iran, or Korea.  Love your fellow American!

Jeannie Davis (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:29 PM)

Funny how they keep talking about their freedoms when the Bush administration has been stripping away all of our freedoms over the last eight years.  Way to think it through Republicans!

Jeremy, MD (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:30 PM)

Because you can't eat free from the table at night, if you don't help grow the food by day.

David Phoenix Pass Christian, MS (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:30 PM)

Freedom, privacy... except when it comes to gays and lesbians.

Brenda Hunter (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:30 PM)

Cause I want to be.........

Joe Shmoe (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:30 PM)

because I think that sex education is bad its immoral and should not be supported, but having sex out of wedlock is not bad and not immoral etc. because I also believe that the rest of the industrialized nations have it wrong and nationwide healthcare is not a smart thing. because I say what would jesus do, but then i think that jesus may not want some people to have healthcare.

Armand (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:30 PM)

What a suggestive headline! "Why are you a republican? What sets you apart?" . . as if there was something odd and incomprehensible about it.

Unbelievable.

Lyn (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:31 PM)

because Liberalism is destroying this country and penalizing people who've worked hard for their American Dream.  The Democratic party used to be a different party back in the Kennedy days, but all they care about now percuting Christians and anyone else who stands up for what they believe without being called a bigot or homophobe or gun-crazy American.

Proud Republican (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:31 PM)

deedee OR (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 5:40 PM)


You mentioned most republicans have low intellect however as we all know it is minorities and blue collar white trash that vote democrat or those hollywood folk (No College Their Either).

Most republican are in fact highly intelligent just talk to a few and you'll find out

Thanx

Doug, Gilbert, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:31 PM)

All anyone said was "I agree with the Party, they have the right idea." Nobody talked about A) The Economy B) Abortion or C) How we should win Iraq. One man discussed 9/11 and said we have to win, but nobody offered a HOW. There were hardly any facts involved in any answer.

Anna, Flagstaff, AZ (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:32 PM)

I'm a Republican because I am pro-lifer who prefers taxes to remain low rather than raising taxes so government can spend more money. It hasn't spent our tax dollars well recently (neither the Congress nor State Senate has).

Mike Lacine, Rochester, MN (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:32 PM)

Because I hate America.
1. I hate freedom and want to force fundamentalist christianity upon everyone. Anyone that steps out of line will receive Wahabi style punishment.
2. I hate the poor - they can convert to my religion and we'll give them beans to live on.
3. I hate sharing - god gave it all to me.
4. I hate other countries - we should kill them all.
5. I am not afraid - god is on my side.
6. I fear Democrats will take over America.

P Arthur (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:32 PM)

Because ALL DEMOCRATS are just stupid and don't know how or have the back bone to stand up for this wonderful land of the USA

Todd Lbg NC (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:32 PM)

In my youth I WAS a Republican.  I was raised with the belief that Democrats were predominantly black women who had babies so they could collect bigger welfare checks.  Lots of subtle and not so subtle racism permeated my upbringing.  Then I went to college and met real live Democrats.  Turns out I had a lot more respect for more of them than I did my own family.  Life is about more than tax cuts and patriotism is a lot more than waving a flag and putting a $5 made in China yellow ribbon on one's car.  Hey, has anyone else noticed that John McCain isn't wearing a flag lapel pin on his suit these days?  I think he must despise his country.            

Rick Eugene, OR (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:32 PM)

First of all how can you make a blanket statement that Republicans "have a low intellect" ? .... that statement shows your intellectual level.   The "sheep" are the people that blindly follow either party, Republicans or Democrats .... think for yourselves people .... by the way, I think the planning for 9/11 started while Billy boy was still in office..... as did the first attack on the WTCs.... think people !!

dogboy, San Antonio, TX (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:33 PM)

It's just like liberals to not let us have our own forum - of course they need to put in their $0.02 when not invited.

Lisa in Sacramento (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:33 PM)

I'm not a millionaire, or a war profiteer, and I don't hold animosity toward any group of people in Jesus' name.  Thats why I'm a Democrat. The new republicans don't care about small government, or conservative spending, or the middle class. They are focused entirely on the very wealthy, and every 4 years or so claim to be for the working people, and claim to be concerned about family values.  Their success depends on people buying that line and not looking at what actually happens under republican administrations.  

Lewis, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:33 PM)

I can't help but just shake my head some times... Less government, eh?  So suspending Habeas Corpus is a good thing?  More wire tapping is a good thing?  Invading a country with no creditable threat to our own is a good thing?  Ignoring those in need i.e. Katrina is a good thing?  Survival of the fittest may make sense in the animal kingdom but... We aren't animals... We are people... and citizens of the most powerful country in the world and standardized, affordable healthcare is a bad thing?  Still just shaking my head.

Jim in Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:33 PM)

Because Democrats are a bunch of moronic idiots??? That is why I am a republican

TR, Oklahoma (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:33 PM)

Without Republicans, this beautiful nation of ours would turn into a pathetic country that would be the whopping boy for the rest of the world.  GO McCain and Palin.

bone (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:34 PM)

I think most of us that are Republicans would like our elected officials to actually stop giving our money away and to have some actual family values and morals.  Quite frankly I have a problem with Democrats who want to double my taxes so that all the unmotivated and uneducated masses can sit on their butt and reap the benefits (welfare, housing, schooling, medical, etc.) based on the tax dollars that I have paid into the system by being a hard working individual.

J (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:34 PM)

yeah, they want less government in their lives...just don't ask for reproductive freedom 'cause then the government will be all up-in-your-face about that.

the truth is...they want THEIR kind of government...as long as it's THEIR's they are okay with it.

praise-the-lord-and-pass-the-ammunition!

hah!

tony nelson (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:34 PM)

The guy in the hat worried about "evil" is looking in the wrong direction. Evil is his party, he's helping "evil". He should be afraid of himself?

JR in San Diego (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:35 PM)

Unfortunately none of the speakers in the "Why am I a Republican" video were able to make the point that government actually has been less involved in our lives, because it hasn't.  Or any of their other reasons for being one.  Too many people confuse being Republican with being religious.  I am very spiritual and know that the country has been led by an incompetent president and administration.  That is why I switched from being an independent to voting against Bush the past two elections.  I believe Bush has made a new definition of the word Republican, and I will not trust this party until they demonstrate they have the morals they say they do.  Listening to the debates and conventions make it the easiest choice in the world.  I was right for the past 8 years, and I feel I am right again.  I am voting against McCain more than I am voting for Obama.  I believe Obama will try harder than any president in memory.  Thanks.

Jason Greene, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:35 PM)

Ask the most prominent Democrat what he's going to do about those animals who killed 2500 people, and he will tell you that he's going increase the effort in Afghanistan and go full blast after the real al qaida, even if it may upset the Pakistani gov, and pay for it by turning over Iraq to the Iraqis. McCain? He's going to stay in Iraq till doomsday, which will only strengthen the real al qaida, which is based in AfghanaPakistan

Larry, Larkspur, CA (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:35 PM)

The last guy was good - but his views are bad.  These are the same 'scare' politics the party has been using for years..."Don't vote for the Dems or terrorists will take over the world!"  This country is not safer today because of failed policies.  Bush has been a failure, and we should not reward the party for 8 years of decline!

Doug, Anaheim, CA (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:36 PM)

I appreciate the snippets that allowed the people to talk about why they feel the way they do.  And it interests me that both sides love to accuse the other side of not thinking.  I am a republican.  Do I agree entirely with everything the party stands for?  No.  I would be willing to vote a democrat into office if I felt he/she were the better leader.  I have thought through my decision, and although I strongly disagree with most of Obama's policies, I will not call you an idiot as long as you can factually defend your decision.

Kayla, Lincoln, NE (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:36 PM)

Democrats are gay

ninja, san jose, ca (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:37 PM)

Wow.  These people are apparently Republican because they are delusional (or haven't been paying attention for the last 8 years).  Cool-Aid anyone?

JayJay, Luna Pier, MI (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:37 PM)

I'm a Republican because I prefer to live life in fear of what others will do to me rather than with the hope of how we can make things better... Or maybe I should be a Nazi?!

SB, Shawnee, Kansas (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:37 PM)

this is scary that these people get to vote...i hope msnbc.com didn't pick these just because it's hilarious, i hope there were some people that could provide some constructive arguments as to why they are republicans

The DECIDER, Jacksonville, FL (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:38 PM)

I'm a republican because I have worked for a living since I was 12 years old. The Dems are lazy people period. They want hand outs, don't save or plan for the future and blame it on the government.
Let me ask you a question, why would you want to put Obama in the White house when he has lied for years. His past is scary and I believe we will see the results later if he is elected by people who don't get it. Do you honestly think he is going to stand on the street corner and hand out money. Get real..

Ajo (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:38 PM)

I like the response from the girl who has the Dartmouth lanyard around her neck, "Because I'm a shotgun shooter and the Supreme Court held up the right to bear arms". Great to know that she based her decision on something that was decided on as little as a month or so ago. Come on people where are the meat a potato answers. Then again I'm willing to bet that MSNBC only chose the most ridiculous answers. haha.  

Paul, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:38 PM)

This explains a lot...they are clueless...no wonder they elected Bush twice and still don't get it.  Someone needs to tell the last guy (in the hat) that the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center happened under a Republican president in a city with a Republican mayor...so much for his argument that Republicans keep America safe.

Bob, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:38 PM)

For me: I'm a republican because I'm tired of spending 7 months a year working to pay for deadbeats. For the rest of you: really examine what you are saying... saying things like "they are rebublicans[...]because most of them have low intellect" presupposes that it is an inherently unintelligent choice to be republican. For that to be a useful argument, you really need to back it up with some rationale for you own belief.

Nigel, Redmond, WA (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:38 PM)

I think the Republican party is scary i mean why are they so right?  being a man of god i know that people have to right to choose! and raising taxes will help this nation get back on track!! it's not just for the rich!! give me a chance at the american dream!! health live other countries work!

reggie, seattle (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:39 PM)

I'm a Republican because I've never seen more hatred coming from Democrats than in the last 8 years. You bunch of whiney little brats need to grow up!!
When you lose in November please try to cool down and let this country remain strong and united.

John in Seattle (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:39 PM)



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