Republican and conservative support for Barack Obama in 2008

On February 12, 2008, Barack Obama mentioned Obama Republicans in his Potomac primary victory speech: "We are bringing together Democrats and independents, and yes, some Republicans. I know there is—I meet them when I'm shaking hands afterwards. There's one right there. An Obamacan, that's what we call them." In another speech, he said, "We, as Democrats right now, should tap into the discontent of Republicans. I want some Obama Republicans!" In his call for Republican votes, Obama referred to Ronald Reagan, who he says "was able to tap into the discontent of the American people ... to get Democrats to vote Republican—they were called Reagan Democrats."

RepublicansforObama.org was founded in December 2006 by John Martin, a US Navy reservist.

[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1752381.ece Republicans Defect to the Obama Camp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511205538/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1752381.ece |date=2008-05-11 }} The Sunday Times, May 6, 2007. "Disagreements on the war have not stopped John Martin, a Navy reservist and founder of the website Republicans for Obama, from supporting the antiwar senator. He joined the military after the Iraq war and is about to be deployed to Afghanistan."

The organization grew to include over 2,500 registered members from across the United States, and was featured in USA Today, The New Yorker and other media throughout the 2008 Presidential Campaign.

[http://www.republicansforobama.org/?q=about About Republicans for Obama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028030924/http://www.republicansforobama.org/?q=about |date=2008-10-28 }} "Founded in late 2006 as part of the nationwide effort to encourage Senator Obama to run for the Presidency, our volunteer-run, grassroots group now includes over 2200 registered members from across the nation."

[http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/03/a-new-political.html A New Political Breed: Obamacans] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125222013/http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/03/a-new-political.html |date=2009-01-25 }} USA Today, March 19, 2008. "Founded in 2006, Campbell's organization might well be leading the charge among mutinous Republicans in the online world. He says it has 800 members in 19 states and is glowing. On super TuEsday, Campbell says, the site had 22,000 hits. Now, it gets 1,200 to 1,500 hits a day."

[https://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/05/07/070507fa_fact_macfarquhar?currentPage=all The Conciliator] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218151732/https://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/05/07/070507fa_fact_macfarquhar?currentPage=all |date=2008-12-18 }} The New Yorker, May 7, 2007."In his election to the U.S. Senate, Obama won forty per cent of the Republican vote; now there is a group called Republicans for Obama, founded by John Martin, a law student and Navy reservist shortly to be posted to Afghanistan, which has chapters in six states."

Conservative praise for Obama was highlighted in the conservative Insight magazine in July 2007. Insight{{'}}s story focused on Obama's character as contrasted with the then Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. In January 2008, Andrew Sullivan of The Atlantic also praised Obama's character and personality.

[http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/01/bainbridge-asks.html The Daily Dish] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611083933/http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/01/bainbridge-asks.html |date=2008-06-11 }} The Atlantic January 2008. "Obama's legislative record, speeches, and the way he has run his campaign reveal, I think, a very even temperament, a very sound judgment, and an intelligent pragmatism. Prudence is a word that is not inappropriate to him."

In March 2008, Andrew Bacevich, writing in The American Conservative, said that "principled conservatives" should consider voting for Obama since he promised a quick end to the Iraq War; which Bacevich said had contributed to the growth of federal and presidential power.[https://web.archive.org/web/20120406100121/http://www.theamericanconservative.com/article/2008/mar/24/0002/ Right Choice? The conservative case for Barack Obama (Archived)] Andrew J. Bacevich, The American Conservative, March 24, 2008. "Yet if Obama does become the nation's 44th president, his election will constitute something approaching a definitive judgment of the Iraq War. As such, his ascent to the presidency will implicitly call into question the habits and expectations that propelled the United States into that war in the first place. Matters hitherto consigned to the political margin will become subject to close examination. Here, rather than in Obama's age or race, lies the possibility of his being a truly transformative presidency." [http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/the-right-choice/ Original Link] Bruce Bartlett, writing in the New Republic, cited Obama's opposition to the Iraq War as the main issue which appealed to conservatives. Also mentioned were his opposition to some parts of the PATRIOT Act and his possible support for school vouchers.

In June 2008, Republican Douglas Kmiec was denied Roman Catholic communion for his support of Obama, due to an interpretation of church policy and Obama's pro-choice stance.

[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060202591_pf.html For an 'Obamacon,' Communion Denied] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714222022/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060202591_pf.html |date=2018-07-14 }} Washington Post, June 3, 2008.

In June 2008, Washington Post commentator Robert Novak blamed the policies of President George W. Bush for Republican defections to the Obama camp and suggested that Republicans Colin Powell and Chuck Hagel might soon declare their support for Obama.

[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/25/AR2008062501942.html The Obamacons Who Worry McCain] {{Webarchive|url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090802113004/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/25/AR2008062501942.html |date=2009-08-02 }} Washington Post, June 6, 2008.

In July 2008, African-American libertarian-conservative columnist Thomas Sowell criticized "Obamacons" and advised them to more seriously consider Obama's liberal positions on many issues before supporting him over Republican candidate John McCain—despite Sowell's previous strident criticism of McCain.[http://www.deseretmorningnews.com/dn/view/1,5143,700241851,00.html Conservatives should rethink their support of Obama] Thomas Sowell, Deseret News, July 10, 2008. "Back in the 18th century, Helvetius said, "When I speak I put on a mask. When I act, I am forced to take it off." Too many voters still have not learned that lesson. They need to look at the track record of Obama's actions. Back in the days of "The Lone Ranger" program, someone would ask, "Who is that masked man?" People need to start asking that question about Obama."

On October 19, 2008, Colin Powell, who served as President George W. Bush's first Secretary of State, endorsed Obama in an appearance on Meet the Press. Calling Obama a "transformational figure," Powell cited John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin (who Powell believed is not "ready to be president"), Republican personal attacks on Obama, and Obama's ability to improve strained relations between the U.S. and its allies as reasons for his choice.

{{cite web |title=Powell endorses Obama for president |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27265369 |access-date=2008-10-19 |work=NBC News|date=October 19, 2008 }}

The Republican party reported a total of 700 Republican voters in Iowa who voted for Obama during the January 2008 caucuses, and 500 in Colorado during their February 2008 caucuses.

{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/107476|title=When Republicans Endorse Obama|date=31 January 2008|work=Newsweek|access-date=2008-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220145516/http://www.newsweek.com/id/107476|archive-date=2008-02-20|url-status=live}}

Polls in late February 2008, the height of the Democratic primaries and the point at which the Republicans had virtually decided on John McCain, showed that up to 14% of Republicans supported Obama.

[http://www.crosswalk.com/news/11568914/ 'Obamacans' and 'McCainacrats' Will Help Decide Presidency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411051447/http://www.crosswalk.com/news/11568914/ |date=2008-04-11 }}, Crosswalk.com

Some disenchanted or moderate Republican donors who contributed to the George Bush campaign in 2004 have donated to the Obama campaign.

[http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/39067.html Former Bush donors now giving to Obama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624053900/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/39067.html |date=2008-06-24 }}, McClatchy.dc.com

Following General Powell's endorsement, other prominent Republicans continued to join the ranks who had decided to vote for Senator Obama, including: Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld, former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson, former spokesman for President George W. Bush, Scott McClellan, and prominent conservatives Ken Adelman and Charles Fried.

Susan Davis, Obamacans: Prominent Republicans Line-Up Behind Obama, Wall Street Journal (October 24, 2008), at https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/24/obamacans-prominent-republicans-line-up-behind-obama/. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916132008/https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/24/obamacans-prominent-republicans-line-up-behind-obama/ |date=2017-09-16 }}

This wave of endorsements led The Economist to publish an in-depth examination of "The Rise of the Obamacons" and their influence:

The biggest brigade in the Obamacon army consists of libertarians, furious with Mr Bush's big-government conservatism, worried about his commitment to an open-ended "war on terror", and disgusted by his cavalier way with civil rights. ... For many conservatives, Mr Obama embodies qualities that their party has abandoned: pragmatism, competence and respect for the head rather than the heart. Mr Obama's calm and collected response to the turmoil on Wall Street contrasted sharply with Mr. McCain's grandstanding. ... How much do these Obamacons matter? More than Mr McCain would like to think. The Obamacons are manifestations of a deeper turmoil in the Republican rank-and-file, as the old coalition of small-government activists, social conservatives and business Republicans falls apart. They also influence opinion. ... The more tantalising question is whether the rise of the Obamacons signals a lasting political realignment. ... If the Republican Party continues to think that the problem lies with the rats, rather than the seaworthiness of the ship, then the Obamacons are here to stay.

The rush of Republicans and other conservatives openly endorsing Barack Obama was the subject of satire on the television show The Colbert Report on October 29, 2008, which drew record ratings with a self-serving endorsement by the conservative host character played by comedian Stephen Colbert.

The Wall Street Journal characterized the Obamacans as "the latest sign that the Republican Party's coalition is fracturing."

{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122442243992348037#printMode|title=Powell Endorses Obama, Reflecting Fractures in GOP|author=Jonathan Weisman in Washington and Amy Chozick in Fayetteville, N.C.|date=21 October 2008|work=WSJ|access-date=2017-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825114838/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122442243992348037#printMode|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}}

The final election Gallup Poll, from October 27 to November 2, indicated 10% of Republicans supported Obama instead of McCain, compared to 7% of Democrats who supported McCain.

{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/109042/Candidate-Support-Political-Party.aspx|title=Candidate Support by Political Party|author=Gallup, Inc.|work=Gallup.com|date=August 12, 2008 |access-date=2008-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021154819/http://www.gallup.com/poll/109042/Candidate-Support-Political-Party.aspx|archive-date=2008-10-21|url-status=live}}

Gallup also indicated his support among self-described conservatives, although stronger than John Kerry's, was weaker than what Al Gore received.

{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/139880/Election-Polls-Presidential-Vote-Groups.aspx#2|title=Election Polls -- Presidential Vote by Groups|author=Gallup, Inc.|work=Gallup.com|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503084928/http://www.gallup.com/poll/139880/election-polls-presidential-vote-groups.aspx#2|archive-date=2016-05-03|url-status=dead}}

In August, Andrew Romano of Newsweek stated that the polls he had read indicate the cross-over voters "cancel each other out."{{cite web|url=http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/08/12/the-obamacan-movement-myth.aspx|title=Chasing the Mythical 'Obamacan' Masses|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629232838/http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/08/12/the-obamacan-movement-myth.aspx|archive-date=2012-06-29}} However The Economist cited a poll in late October 2008 that indicated Obama was "winning 22% of self-described conservatives, a higher proportion than any Democratic nominee since 1980."

{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12470555|title=The rise of the Obamacons|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=2008-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025155919/http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12470555|archive-date=2008-10-25|url-status=live}}

• Kenneth Duberstein, White House Chief of Staff (1988–1989), White House Deputy Chief of Staff (1987–1988), White House Director of Legislative Affairs (1982–1983)

{{cite web |title=Former Reagan adviser endorses Obama |url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/31/former-reagan-adviser-endorses-obama/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103121315/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/31/former-reagan-adviser-endorses-obama/ |archive-date=2008-11-03 |access-date=2008-10-31}}

• Wally Hickel, Governor of Alaska (1966–1969, 1990–1994), United States Secretary of the Interior (1969–1970){{cite web |title=Daily Kos: Dem State Legislators from Reddest States are for Obama |url=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/30/21118/4285/849/446625}}
• Paul H. O'Neill, Secretary of the Treasury (2001–2002){{cite web |author=ABC News |title=Two former Bush Advisers Now Advising Obama, Will Appear at Economic Meeting Today |url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/07/two-former-bush.html |work=ABC News}}
• Colin Powell, Secretary of State (2001–2005), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993), National Security Advisor (1987–1989), Deputy National Security Advisor (1986–1987)

• Edward Brooke, U.S. Senator from Massachusetts (1967–1979), Attorney General of Massachusetts (1963–1967){{Cite web |title=Sen. Brooke Favors Obama |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2008/08/22/sen-brooke-favors-obama |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=wbur.org |date=August 22, 2008 |language=en}}
• Lincoln Chafee, Governor of Rhode Island (2011–2015), U.S. Senator from Rhode Island (1999–2007), Mayor of Warwick (1993–1999); Chafee was registered as an Independent at the time but served as a Republican in Congress

{{cite web |title=Chafee for Obama |url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0208/Chaffee_for_Obama.html#comments |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217155420/http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0208/Chaffee_for_Obama.html#comments |archive-date=2008-02-17 |access-date=2008-02-26 |work=POLITICO}}

• David Durenberger, U.S. Senator from Minnesota (1978–1995); registered Independent since 2005 but served as a Republican in CongressMinneapolis Star Tribune, 21 October 2008 (letter)
• Charles Mathias, U.S. Senator from Maryland (1969–1987) and U.S. Representative from Maryland's 6th congressional district (1961–1969)

{{cite news |title=My Choice: Obama |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/27/AR2008102702407_pf.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107131732/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/27/AR2008102702407_pf.html |archive-date=2012-11-07}}

• Larry Pressler, U.S. Senator from South Dakota (1979–1997) and U.S. Representative from South Dakota's 1st congressional district (1975–1979)

{{cite web |title=Former GOP senator, vet backs Obama |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14963.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027205635/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14963.html |archive-date=2008-10-27 |access-date=2008-10-26 |work=POLITICO}}

• Lowell Weicker, Governor of Connecticut (1991–1995), U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1971–1989), U.S. Representative from Connecticut's 4th congressional district (1969–1971), Connecticut State Representative (1963–1969); registered Independent since 1995 but served as a Republican in Congress[http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct – obamaendorsement-0404apr04,0,177149.story Former Connecticut governor Weicker endorses Obama] Stephanie Reitz, Newsday, April 5, 2008

• John B. Anderson, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 16th congressional district (1961–1981) and 1980 presidential candidate; registered as an Independent since 1980 but served as a Republican in Congress [https://archive.today/20080109094207/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-anderson_monjan07,1,2811525.column John B. Anderson endorses Obama] Chicago Tribune, January 7, 2008
• Mickey Edwards, U.S. Representative from Oklahoma's 5th congressional district (1977–1993)[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96648705 The Future Of The Conservative Movement], Series: Fresh Air, NPR, WHYY, November 5, 2008, [https://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=96648705 Transcript] (accessed May 22, 2013)
• Robert Ellsworth, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense (1975–1977), United States Permanent Representative to NATO (1969–1971), U.S. Representative from Kansas's 2nd (1961–1963) and 3rd (1963–1967) congressional districts

{{cite news |last=Ellsworth |first=Robert F. |author-link=Robert Fred Ellsworth |author2=Dimitri K. Simes |author2-link=Dimitri K. Simes |date=October 31, 2008 |title=TNI Publishers Split on Endorsement |work=The National Interest |url=http://nationalinterest.org/Article.aspx?id=20146 |url-status=live |access-date=November 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081111224658/http://www.nationalinterest.org/Article.aspx?id=20146 |archive-date=2008-11-11}}

• Harris Fawell, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 13th congressional district (1985–1999), Illinois State Senator (1963–1977) {{cite web |title=Former GOP Congressman Endorses Obama |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/03/former-gop-congressman-en_n_140679.html |website=Huffington Post|date=December 4, 2008 }}
• Paul Findley, U.S. Representative from Illinois's 20th congressional district (1961–1983) {{cite web |date=April 3, 2009 |title=Paul Findley: Obama should rescind the Bush Doctrine |url=https://www.sj-r.com/story/opinion/columns/2009/04/03/paul-findley-obama-should-rescind/44192567007/}}
• Wayne Gilchrest, U.S. Representative from Maryland's 1st congressional district (1991–2009)

{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd6VIS4NB1s |title=Gilchrest 'Happy' To Retire |date=2 January 2009 |access-date=2016-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309034946/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd6VIS4NB1s |archive-date=2016-03-09 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}

• Jim Leach, U.S. Representative from Iowa's 1st (1977–2003) and 2nd congressional districts (2003–2007); spoke at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in support of Obama and was appointed Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (2009–2013) under Obama

{{Cite web |title=Republicans cross over for Obama |url=http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/12/1261942.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815085943/http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/12/1261942.aspx |archive-date=2008-08-15 |access-date=2008-08-13}}

• Pete McCloskey, U.S. Representative from California's 11th (1967–1973), 17th (1973–1975), and 12th (1975–1983) congressional districts, 1972 Republican presidential candidate; registered Democrat since 2007 but served as a Republican in Congress [http://www.ibabuzz.com/insidepolitics/2008/02/04/mccloskeys-back-obama/ McCloskeys back Obama – Inside Politics – with Lisa Vorderbrueggen] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209103954/http://www.ibabuzz.com/insidepolitics/2008/02/04/mccloskeys-back-obama/|date=February 9, 2008}}
• Claudine Schneider, U.S. Representative from Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district (1981–1991) {{Cite web |last1=Brenton |first1=Hannah |last2=Colombo |first2=Hayleigh |date=2010-10-29 |title=Republicans who backed Obama say they may vote for him again |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/126421-republicans-who-backed-obama-say-they-may-vote-for-him-again/ |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}

• Arne Carlson, Governor of Minnesota (1991–1999), Minnesota State Auditor (1979–1991), Minnesota State Representative (1971–1979), Minneapolis City Council member (1965–1967)

{{Cite web |title=Minneapolis Star-Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/politics/32973804.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUqEiaDUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208161844/http://www.startribune.com/politics/32973804.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUqEiaDUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU |archive-date=2008-12-08 |access-date=2008-10-23 |website=Star Tribune}}

• Linwood Holton, Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs (1974–1975), Governor of Virginia (1970–1974)

{{cite web |author=Julian Walker |date=16 September 2008 |title=In Virginia, Obama surrogates continue push for win |url=http://hamptonroads.com/node/480366 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022063932/http://hamptonroads.com/node/480366 |archive-date=2008-10-22 |access-date=2008-10-02 |work=PilotOnline.com}}

• Bill Weld, Governor of Massachusetts (1991–1997), United States Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division (1986–1988), United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts (1981–1986)[http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/2008_10_24_Former_Mass__Gov__William_Weld_to_endorse_Barack_Obama/srvc=home&position=5 "Former Gov. William Weld endorses Obama"]

• Kenneth Adelman, director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (1983–1987), member of the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee

{{cite magazine |author=George Packer |date=20 October 2008 |title=First Colin Powell, Now ... |url=https://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/georgepacker/2008/10/not-quite-colin.html |url-status=live |magazine=The New Yorker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022044136/http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/georgepacker/2008/10/not-quite-colin.html |archive-date=2008-10-22 |access-date=2008-10-20}}

• William H. Donaldson, chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (2003–2005), Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs (1973–1974)

{{cite web |author=Reuters Editorial |date=14 May 2008 |title=Three former U.S. SEC chairmen endorse Obama |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1448591420080514?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208131238/http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1448591420080514?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews |archive-date=2008-12-08 |access-date=2017-07-01 |work=Reuters}}

• Charles Fried, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court (1995–1999), Solicitor General of the United States (1985–1989); although he had initially served as an adviser for McCain, he switched to supporting Obama due to his disapproval of McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as Vice President{{cite magazine |last=Sunstein |first=Cass R. |author-link=Cass Sunstein |date=October 24, 2008 |title=Reagan Appointee and (Recent) McCain Adviser Charles Fried Supports Obama |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/45415/reagan-appointee-and-recent-mccain-adviser-charles-fried-supports-obama |magazine=The New Republic}}
• Rita Hauser, member of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board (2001–2004), United States Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council (1969–1972)
• Douglas Kmiec, United States Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel (1988–1989), Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel (1985–1988); later served under Obama as United States Ambassador to Malta (2009–2011)

[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060202591.html For an 'Obamacon,' Communion Denied] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305072422/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/02/AR2008060202591.html|date=2017-03-05}} "Word spread like wildfire in Catholic circles: Douglas Kmiec, a staunch Republican, firm foe of abortion and veteran of the Reagan Justice Department, had been denied Communion. His sin? Kmiec, a Catholic who can cite papal pronouncements with the facility of a theological scholar, shocked old friends and adversaries alike earlier this year by endorsing Barack Obama for president. For at least one priest, Kmiec's support for a pro-choice politician made him a willing participant in a grave moral evil."

• Scott McClellan, White House Press Secretary (2003–2006), White House Deputy Press Secretary (2001–2003), author of What Happened{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=David |date=2008-10-23 |title=2nd former Bush official endorses Obama |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6100638&page=1 |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=ABC News |language=en}}
• David Sturtevant Ruder, chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (1987–1989)

• Lou Thieblemont, mayor of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania; changed party registration to Democratic to vote for Obama in the primary

{{cite web |title=Organizing for Action |url=http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGBHKJ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808075737/http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGBHKJ |archive-date=2008-08-08 |access-date=2008-03-21}}

• Jim Whitaker, mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska (2003–2009), Alaska State Representative (2003); delivered a speech on the second day of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in support of Obama{{cite web |title=Newsminer.com • Mayor Whitaker endorses Obama |url=http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/aug/12/mayor-whitaker-endorses-obama/ |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920105316/http://newsminer.com/news/2008/aug/12/mayor-whitaker-endorses-obama/ |archivedate=2008-09-20 |accessdate=2008-10-25}}

• Ken Adelman, former diplomat, director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and member of the Pentagon's Defense Policy Board
• Wick Allison, former publisher of National Review

[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/01/national-review-endorses-obama----not/ National Review endorses Obama -- NOT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003161155/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/01/national-review-endorses-obama----not/ |date=2008-10-03 }} Washington Times October 1, 2008. "Today it is conservatives, not liberals, who talk with alarming bellicosity about making the world 'safe for democracy,'" Mr. Allison wrote in the September 27 issue of D Magazine. "It is John McCain who says America's job is to 'defeat evil,' a theological expansion of the nation's mission that would make George Washington cough out his wooden teeth. This kind of conservatism, which is not conservative at all, has produced financial mismanagement, the waste of human lives, the loss of moral authority, and the wreckage of our economy that McCain now threatens to make worse."

• Jack Antaramian, Florida real estate developer and Bush fundraiser

{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-wave12-2008oct12,0,4955582,full.story|title=Obama rides a wave of bad news|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2008-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015191148/http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-wave12-2008oct12,0,4955582,full.story|archive-date=2008-10-15|url-status=dead}}

• Julie Nixon Eisenhower, daughter of former President Richard Nixon, granddaughter-in law of Dwight D. Eisenhower
• Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower and president of the Eisenhower Institute.

{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/01/AR2008020102621.html|title=Susan Eisenhower - Why I'm Backing Obama|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=February 2, 2008|access-date=2017-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916131819/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/01/AR2008020102621.html|archive-date=2017-09-16|url-status=live}}

[http://washingtonindependent.com/view/eisenhowers Ike's Granddaughter Calls Obama 'Future of America'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080811165929/http://www.washingtonindependent.com/view/eisenhowers |date=2008-08-11 }} The Washington Independent

After endorsing Obama, Eisenhower announced on August 21, 2008, that she was leaving the Republican Party.

{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalinterest.org/Article.aspx?id=19618|title=The National Interest|access-date=2010-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925063143/http://www.nationalinterest.org/Article.aspx?id=19618|archive-date=2009-09-25|url-status=live}}

• Susan Ford, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford
• C.C. Goldwater, granddaughter of former Arizona Senator and Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater (endorsing Barack Obama on behalf of herself, her sibling, and some of her cousins){{cite web|url=http://blogs.reuters.com/trail08/2008/10/23/more-gop-defections/ |title=Analysis & Opinion |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025194937/http://blogs.reuters.com/trail08/2008/10/23/more-gop-defections/ |archive-date=October 25, 2008 }}
• Lilibet Hagel, wife of Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE)

{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/07/mrs_hagel_to_endorse_obama.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Mrs. Hagel to Endorse Obama|author=Murray, Shailagh|date=October 7, 2008|access-date=2008-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323153038/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/07/mrs_hagel_to_endorse_obama.html|archive-date=2012-03-23|url-status=dead}}

• Dennis Hopper, actor who cited his admiration of Obama and dislike of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}}
• Larry Hunter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Policy Innovation and Chief Economist for the Free Enterprise Fund, former Reagan policy advisor

{{cite news

|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/07/16/2008-07-16_im_a_lifelong_conservative_activist_and_.html

|title=I'm a lifelong conservative activist and I'm backing Barack Obama

|publisher=New York Daily News

|work=Race for the White House 2008

|date=2008-07-16

|access-date=2009-12-11

|last=Hunter

|first=Larry

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226223409/http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/07/16/2008-07-16_im_a_lifelong_conservative_activist_and_.html

|archive-date=2009-02-26

|url-status=live

}}

• Rear Admiral John Hutson, USN (ret.), former Judge Advocate General of the Navy and the current dean and president of Franklin Pierce Law Center.

{{cite web|url=http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=John+DiStaso's+Granite+Status%3A+Who's+more+muddy%3F&articleId=5aa673a0-021f-486e-9810-5dde35b6faae|title=Sanders keeps focus on economic inequality in Portsmouth speech 12|access-date=2008-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123044535/http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=John+DiStaso's+Granite+Status%3A+Who's+more+muddy%3F&articleId=5aa673a0-021f-486e-9810-5dde35b6faae|archive-date=2016-01-23|url-status=live}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.barackobama.com/2007/10/30/dean_john_hutson_endorses_obam.php/|title=Organizing for Action|access-date=2016-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228091712/http://www.barackobama.com/2007/10/30/dean_john_hutson_endorses_obam.php|archive-date=2010-12-28|url-status=live}}

• Tricia Mosley, former staffer to Senator Strom Thurmond

[http://www.newsweek.com/id/107476 When Republicans Endorse Obama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220145516/http://www.newsweek.com/id/107476 |date=2008-02-20 }} Newsweek "They include lifelong Republican Tricia Moseley, a former staffer for the late Sen. Strom Thurmond, the one-time segregationist from South Carolina. Now a high-school teacher, Moseley says she was attracted to Obama's positions on education and the economy."

• Dan M. Rooney, executive and Pittsburgh Steelers president/owner{{cite web |last1=Schwab |first1=Frank |title=How lifelong Republican Dan Rooney became one of Obama's biggest supporters, and his U.S. ambassador to Ireland |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lifelong-republican-dan-rooney-became-one-obamas-biggest-supporters-u-s-ambassador-ireland-222127070.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAerO7Jnmrs0gLSrc2WL49KFqefAxLdgImsWwSzA98rX5BF0T1rVmUSYWxDtLL41FRJQ4h3TivCDpWZxVsk3o3cAvXPL_sz9euVwCyuZvCAfzUR5I-7etadXSEnpOnhyEPTP3kmdt2BOg0ntQSEdD2ZD7bQ_hAo6iuTYiM683YOx |website=Yahoo Sports |access-date=13 January 2025 |date=13 April 2017}}
• Radio host Michael Smerconish,{{cite news |first=Jake |last=Tapper |author-link=Jake Tapper |title=In Philly, Conservative Radio Host Backs Obama |url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/in-philly-conse.html |work=Political Punch |publisher=ABC News |date=October 17, 2008 |access-date=October 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081018130313/http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/in-philly-conse.html |archive-date=October 18, 2008 }} later switched to Independent.
• Tag Tognalli, former Reagan White House Staff, 1981–1989 and Connecticut McCain Delegate to 2000 Republican National Convention.

{{cite web|url=http://www.republicansforobama.org/?q=node/4390|title=From Reagan to Obama|access-date=2019-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825113211/http://www.republicansforobama.org/?q=node%2F4390|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}}

• Andrew Bacevich, Professor of International Relations at Boston University.

{{cite web|url=http://www.amconmag.com/2008/2008_03_24/article.html|title=The American Conservative|access-date=2008-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612235904/http://www.amconmag.com/2008/2008_03_24/article.html|archive-date=2008-06-12|url-status=live}}

• Christopher Buckley, author, son of conservative figure William F. Buckley Jr.

{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-10-10/the-conservative-case-for-obama|title=Sorry, Dad, I'm Voting for Obama|work=The Daily Beast|access-date=2008-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011135552/http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-10-10/the-conservative-case-for-obama|archive-date=2008-10-11|url-status=live}}

• Francis Fukuyama, author, key figure in the rise of neoconservatism and loosely affiliated with conservatism.

{{Cite web |url=http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/05/27/fukuyama/index.html?source=rss |title=Former neocon supports Obama |date=May 27, 2008 |access-date=2008-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114084649/http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/05/27/fukuyama/index.html?source=rss |archive-date=2009-01-14 |url-status=live }}

Fukuyama left the neoconservative movement following the Iraq War and supported John Kerry in the 2004 election.

{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/article456505.ece|author=Andrew Billen|date=2004-07-14|access-date=2007-05-13|title=Why I won't vote for George Bush|work=The Times|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629135210/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/article456505.ece|archive-date=2011-06-29|url-status=dead}}

• Jeffrey Hart, senior editor of National Review magazine.{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0605.heilbrunn.html|title="The Great Conservative Crackup" by Jacob Heilbrunn|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513121956/http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0605.heilbrunn.html|archive-date=2016-05-13}}
• Dorothy King, archeologist, author, and conservative blogger.

{{cite web|url=http://phdiva.blogspot.com/2008/05/on-being-obamacon.html|title=Dorothy King's PhDiva|access-date=2008-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614022343/http://phdiva.blogspot.com/2008/05/on-being-obamacon.html|archive-date=2008-06-14|url-status=live}}

• Scott McConnell, editor of the American Conservative,

{{cite web|url=http://www.amconmag.com/article/2008/nov/03/00011/|title=The Right Choice?|work=The American Conservative|access-date=2008-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030023203/http://www.amconmag.com/article/2008/nov/03/00011/|archive-date=2008-10-30|url-status=live}}

a magazine associated with Patrick Buchanan. (McConnell had also endorsed John Kerry in 2004.)

• John Patrick Diggins, distinguished professor of history at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Writing in the American Conservative, Diggins wrote "I prefer the professor to the warrior."
• Andrew Sullivan, commentator and author of The Conservative Soul, who had also endorsed John Kerry in 2004.

{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama|title=Goodbye to All That: Why Obama Matters|author=Andrew Sullivan|date=1 December 2007|work=The Atlantic|access-date=2017-03-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103235533/http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama|archive-date=2010-01-03|url-status=live}}

{{cite news

| title = Who's Getting Your Vote?

| publisher = Reason

| date = November 2004

| url = http://www.reason.com/news/show/29304.html

| access-date = 2008-10-27

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081029233711/http://www.reason.com/news/show/29304.html

| archive-date = 2008-10-29

| url-status = live

}}

• Obama-Trump voters
• Party switching
• The Lincoln Project
• Reagan Democrat
• Democratic and liberal support for John McCain in 2008

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91480956 Obamacons: Conservatives that support Obama] National Public Radio June 13, 2008.
• [http://www.republicansforobama.org/ Republicans for Obama]

{{Barack Obama}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Republican And Conservative Support For Barack Obama In 2008}}

Category:Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign

Category:Centrism in the United States

Category:Factions in the Republican Party (United States)

Category:Crossover voting

Category:History of the Republican Party (United States)

Category:History of the Democratic Party (United States)