Kerry vs Bush in Tennessee

[Claire Beth]

I'm in Nashville and I am hearing from lots of people who are very disatisfied with Bush. Several who voted for Bush in 2000 say there is NO WAY they are voting for him in 2004. Has anyone else heard similar statements coming from Tennessee?

[jo35042]

1. Hearing surprising

things. Some people who are Republican and anti Gay rights are freaked out by Bush wanting to amend the Constitution in a way that is limiting citizens rights. They say he is going too far and that the Constitution should only be amended to enhance civil rights.

Others, especially those with children are very frightened by his war-mongering.

[Melodybe]

2. I'm hearing plenty of the same here in MS.

[gvi]

21. It is too far

It is too far to call for a constitutional amendment. Thank god that there are some, even on the right side of the isle, that think this. I did notice that the mass. supreme court is made up of mostly Reps, so hopefully moderate conservatives agree that the issue should be left out of our constitution.

GVI

[AlinPA]

3. Do Christian Coalition fundamentalists control TN? I thought

TN is a "Guns, God and Gays" state. (Plus Flags) Maybe we have a chance.

[wysimdnwyg]

5. Unless you live in Nashville, that's

"Guns, God and No Gays". Nashville, OTOH, is the most progressive city in the state. (That excludes surrounding counties, though, as most are decidedly conservative.) Memphis is also pretty liberal, due to the high percentage of African-Americans.

[AlinPA]

14. Thanks. I have been to Knoxville and it seemed "republican" nt

[Claire Beth]

17. Knoxville and east Tennessee...

are republican territory so I am not familiar with the consensus from that area of the state. We may not carry that part of the state but if we can pick up a FEW votes from that area, it HELPS!

[Mr Switters]

34. Look at the voting trends in East Tenn...

and you will notice that Knox County (the most populous county in East Tenn) almost always votes Democrat. You can lay this squarely on the large University Community and the support network around it. The surrounding counties may be republican strongholds, but they do not have the numbers.

Writing off Tenn is a mistake, writing off East Tenn is a bigger mistake. There is a solid fight here. I can't say much for the surrounding rural counties but if Knox can get a large turnout it will favor Dems bar none. I'm not too sure about Hamilton, anybody from that neck of the woods have their "feelers" out?

Gore was not a hometown boy. He lost Tenn because he didn't really do much here, more people voted "against" him than voted "for" Bush. He also lost a lot of his solid liberal support to Nader in many of the left-leaning communities in our major cities. I personally know 10 or more people that voted Nader in the last election that are voting Kerry in 2004.

Just to backup a point about anti-bush rhetoric. I'm hearing it from all over the place here in Knoxville, even from my more conservative and republican associates. They are fed up with Bush, he's failed them and let them down. Although East Tenn may be very religious, it isn't a majority "evangelical." Many of them feel downright betrayed. I am not sure that they are mad enough to vote for Kerry, but more often than not they have talked about NOT voting for Bush. That's just as good in my book!

[Claire Beth]

35. You're right!

TN was voting "against" Gore more than voting "for" Bush. People felt that Gore had lost touch with them. It is my hope we will help to put Kerry in the WH in this upcoming election. I'm doing everything I can. It's wonderful to hear from people across the state who are likewise hearing anti-bush sentiments. GO KERRY!!!!

[solinvictus]

36. Hamilton County

There seem to be more Kerry stickers and signs out, but the Bob Boudelang crowd is definitely not changing their mind. We need to get rid of this do-nothing piece of crap congressman Zach Wamp.

[luaneryder]

39. Rural Johnson County

actually has a larger number of Demo registered than Repugs! That was quite a surprise when I read it seeing as all the good ole boys in this neck of the woods are always harping about thanking God for sending GWB to be our president. And although the Demos outnumber Repugs in registering they are extremely quiet. One must reduce conversation to a whisper if talking about Kerry or anything anti-Bush for fear of being physically trounced. Of course, the Bush supporters are loud and boorish in public. Treading lightly is the byword for Democrats or liberals in this very insular community.

[gvi]

22. Memphis is Liberal Home Base

Nashville does not shake a stick at the democratic support that memphis provides. not to brag or anything, but all you have to do is witness the voter turnout. granted many of the progressive movements in TN may stem from Nashville, but they would die there without memphis.

GVI

[Claire Beth]

16. that's usually true BUT

a lot of people here are NOT happy with Bush*.

[SharonAnn]

19. Should snake handlers be subject to prosecution?

Thought you’d enjoy this article from the local paper about one of the current religious issues in Tennessee.

Should snake handlers be subject to prosecution?
Monday, April 19, 2004

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. - Mark 16:17-18

Americans are justly proud of this nation's tradition of religious freedom and religious toleration. But are there circumstances where it would be permissible for the government to limit religious expression?

That question is sparked by an incident involving a local preacher who died as the result of an Easter church service that included snake handling. The Rev. Dwayne Long, 45, was holding a rattlesnake when it bit him on the back of a finger, said Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons.

Parsons said the congregation prayed for the Rev. Long, but he refused medical treatment. Long was pastor of a Pentecostal church where members interpret Mark 16:17-18 literally, viewing serpent handling as a form of obedience to God.

<snip>

Many Christian churches reject one or more of the specific doctrines of other denominations. But, even in rejecting them, church members can understand why others cherish such beliefs and practices.

http://www.timesnews.net/article.dna?_StoryID=3355695

[TNDemo]

4. I don't know about the Repubs here

since I tend to avoid political discussions with them, but I certainly know lots and lots of fired up Democrats.

[gvi]

23. don't avoid them, annoy them

I'm a recent college grad and I'd like to pass on a little something I learned in Theories of Persuasion. "You are never going to persuade someone until you try." It may seem like filibuster when listening to a conservative argument, but you have to lend an ear and then present a better alternative. "Give voice to the nation, let freedom be heard, and let it come from the mouth of the knowledgable." Anonymous


GVI

[Robroy]

6. It's an uphill battle..

what with our two Republican Senators, Frist and Alexander. But we do have an excellent governor, a democrat, Phil Bredesen, who is well respected by both sides of the aisle, and who consistently maintains an approval rating in the 70's. We need him to really, really work hard for Kerry. Damn it, if we don't get a democrat in the WH this election, I'll start cussing more and generally lose what little manners I have left. I don't handle anger all that well.

[indepat]

7. Did not a fairly recent poll give GWB a 51% to 42% edge? Sounds

about right considering GWB handily carried Tennessee in 2000 thereby setting the stage for the shenanigans in Florida. And never forget Tennesseans retired Gore's father from the Senate after Gore Sr. had the temerity to voice support for moderate civil rights.

[sweetladybug]

8. claire_beth, I live just north of Nashville(Cross Plains)

YES I am hearing the same thing from LOTS of people who voted for Bush. Alot of these folks realize now they were conned by Bush and they they see him for what he really is and they are ANGRY. Several were at the last Kerry Meetup last month(the next Kerry Meetup is tomorrow, Thursday April 22nd 7:00 pm at Bon java). Hope you can go. I would like to meet you. Also, Governor Bredesen is very popular with both Democrats and Republicans here and his approval rating is in the 70's, so I think TN might just go Democrat in November.
ELECT KERRY 2004!!!!

[asjr]

9. Same here in lower Mid-TN.

It is amazing to me to talk to someone in a checkout line just off-handedly making a remark about Shrub. I think there has been a great deal of voter remorse of 2000.

[Claire Beth]

10. yeah

I work part-time in retail and hear these anti-bush statements quite frequently. I think in 2000 it was more a vote against Gore than it was a vote *for* Bush. I'm in hopes TN will go with Kerry this time around. It sure sounds like the trend is moving in that direction from what I am hearing. People seem ANGRY with him!

[Claire Beth]

11. Hi Gayle!

I live near Joelton and work in Nashville. I'd love to attend a meet-up but I am unable this week. It will be a couple of weeks before my time frees up a little. I constantly talk with people in favor of Kerry and do everything I can to help.

[sweetladybug]

12. Well claire_beth we are almost neighbors.

I work in Nashville also. We'll have to meet sometime
Gayle

[tnlefty]

13. I have 2 relatives who aren't planning to vote for Bush*

And I've heard a few people who voted for him and have consistently tried to defend him say that they won't vote because they can't see that they could vote for Kerry. Whether that is true remains to be seen. I heard some similar tales at our local county women's club meeting last Tues.

[Claire Beth]

15. that's okay with me

If they don't vote at all rather than vote for Bush... That helps Kerry.

[NashVegas]

18. Lots

My moderate co-workers and acquaintances are fed up.

I even have an evangelical co-worker who has lost the enchantment.

The trouble is the Christians & Conservatives seem to hold the strings for all the puppet shows - witness the recent crap with Abortion & Gay Rights in the state house - and that's with Dem majorities.

Kerry can win Tennessee IF turnout is there.

[gvi]

20. nope

So far TN still sounds awfully conservative. even here in the Dem hub of Memphis, there is still support for B__h.

GVI

[Freddie Stubbs]

24. Bush beat a guy from TN last time

He will probably be able to beat a guy from MA this time.

[Claire Beth]

25. correction in your statement....

Bush STOLE the election....PERIOD!!!!

[Freddie Stubbs]

26. I was talking about the state of Tennessee

Regardless of what happened in Florida, Bush was able carry TN by almost 4%, despite the fact that hsi opponent was a native of Volunteer State. I doubt that he will have more trouble facing a New Englander.

[Claire Beth]

27. Tennessee voted *for* Bill Clinton, so they will

vote democratic. In 2000 the people in TN were voting AGAINST gore more than voting *for* bush. I do think TN will go with Kerry.

[Freddie Stubbs]

28. John Kerry is no Bill Clinton

Clinton was a southerner. Although Bush was born in New England, he spent a lot of his life in Texas and speaks with a southern drawl. No one is going to confuse Kerry for a southerner.

[Claire Beth]

29. that won't be necessary...

I work in part-time in retail. I deal a lot with the public who previously voted for bush. Everyone who comes in the store that voted for bush, talks about how much they dislike him and are planning to vote for Kerry. Coming from a conservative area, I'd say that sounds pretty dayum good! My point is, TN *DOES* vote democratic and the feedback I am hearing is not good for Bush.

[Rocinante]

30. You know it would be helpful

if folks would check out Tennessee at Campaign Underground. It's true that we have two sorry ass republican Senators, but Democrats pretty much have control here.

[Lars39]

33. You are aware that TN also had voting day shenanigans going on?

It didn't just happen in FL.

[Tippy]

31. We are hearing the same thing in Putnam County

We are registering a lot of new voters....But it seems the Republicans are finding even more to register....I swear I don't know where they are finding them.....

[lyrical di]

32. wavering

Some B*sh voters are wavering, some have truly dug in their heels and state that it would be "Unamerican" to vote against him during the war. Makes me want to spit.
On the other hand, the minority voters that I work with are truly repentant for every single minority voter they knew that they didn't help get to the polls. We will work together to drive everyone who needs a ride this year. No sitting complacently at home anticipating that someone else has cast their vote. Remember the votes by race? They truly felt robbed.

[TNMOM]

37. Was in Nashville on Friday (5/28)

Bush bumper stickers were everywhere I looked. It was kind of depressing. I hope you're right about the those who will withhold their vote for Bush.

[newyawker99]

38. Hi tawnnhan!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Claire Beth]

40. curious

what part of the state were you in?? Which county? There *are* some who will vote for * no matter what.

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Citizen Daryl]

42. My father-in-law is changing sides, I think.

He was a big Bush guy in 2000. This year, he's definitely not voting for him. Unfortunately, he seems dissatisfied with both candidates. I'm planning on taking him to see F911 soon.