A mother's opinion on Barack Obama

For several months now, I have been introducing Barack Obama to my parents through conversations about his positions, speech videos, and whatever other means I could. My dad is pretty ambivalent about politics and my mom displays a little bit of passion about certain topics but is also largely uninterested. In the end, I doubt I could persuade either of them to vote, much less vote for Obama. It saddens me that neither of them feel inclined to participate in their most basic democratic right. Regardless of their decision to vote Republican or Democrat, I would like to see them take an interest.

For some time, I have thought it possible that my mom could be a supporter of Barack Obama. It is evident now that she is no longer a candidate for this position. Today, she mentioned that she doesn't like Obama because she "doesn't trust him" and "doesn't like the vibes she gets". Is there a more pathetic excuse?

I don't think there is. This opinion seems to have been developed over the last month or so, following bombardment of e-mails from my grandma and other conservative family members and participation on an online forum consisting of largely conservative members. The premise that one should vote for president or choose not to vote based on a "feeling" is the reason we have dealt with 8 years of idiocy. Disagreement based on issues and values is one thing. Disagreement based on "gut feelings" is...frustrating. I find it intellectually dishonest and repugnant that people think that a gut feeling is enough when deciding the future of the country.