... wants to see the minimum wage raised, the military cut, Social Security strenghtened and Medicare for All. In fact, she's quite liberal on any and every policy position we've discussed.

So why is she a Republican? Her social life revolves around Republican people and events.

I long ago quit trying to convert her to a Democrat and am instead trying to get her to move her party to the left.

By the way, she voted for Obama in 2008 for one reason: Sarah Palin. She voted Romney in 2012.

We like to put people into pigeon holes. White males, women, African Americans, immigrants.
People are a lot more complicated then that. Most people don't vote. So the women who vote repub or Dem are really a subset of women IMHO.

information comes from those they associate with, and if republican, their views are probably shaped by their peers. Also, if hubby is a Fox News fan, that's probably all they see/hear at home.

Also, we like, IMO, to think everyone is free-spirited and independent in their thinking ... to me, many people are just focused on trying to survive each day, and politics is low on the totem pole. Also, some find politics boring and frustrating, so they tune it all out.

And, then another set thinks everything will just continue along, seemingly not recognizing how horrible some societies can become. Well, and others are just meek, born to be followers and just do what they are told.

I meet a lot of women down here in Texas, of course, and many are conservative. It seems to be mostly a lifestyle thing - family-orientated, church-going, country music etc. Interestingly many are pro-choice and not incredibly high income - so they are voting against their own interest in different ways. Culture is strong ...

once "abortion isn't the only issue."

Several of them have told me that it comes down to working hard and wanting others to do the same. I think they really buy into the "racist welfare mom" meme that Reagan created out of thin air. The wealthy in this country have been very successful at using social issues to divert and divide people.

The GOP pre-requisite is to NOT think. Just shut up and vote.

She has at least one professional degree and used to be a big-time oil executive in the 80s. Back in her working days, she was making crap loads of money. She came from a working class family and totally made 100% of her wealth on her own hard work (and luck).

The funny thing to me that she says is "I never believed in any of that feminist bull-crap. I did it all on my own hard work!"

Maybe it's just me, but isn't that much of the feminist movement - that women should be able to have the same opportunities for success as men in any field?

Needless to say, she always has and always will vote republican. I think the financial and religious facets of the party are her draw.

feminism. I remember in the sixties I felt feminists were women who wanted to determine their own life's course. I may have been right or not. My wife is very much into determining her life's course. She is very independent. I am glad she wants me in her life. She was born in 1963 but doesn't call herself a feminist yet to me she could very well be.

The part I mentioned is, I'm sure, only one facet of it.

For what it is worth, my wife studied feminism in college and has done a lot to bring a lot of it to my attention. Also, as a father of two young girls (aged 3 and 5), I'm doing my best to empower my daughters and to make sure that they full ability to determine their own course in life. As a parent, I don't see why anyone wouldn't want their daughters to have the same opportunities in life as their sons.

Although I'm not a woman, I would call myself a friend and ally to the feminist movement. It sounds like you are right there with me too.

she would never have been able to get the professional degree and be a big-time executive. I'm betting she was the only woman in the executive suite of her company. Not because she was the only woman qualified, but because once they had their token women they could fill all other places with penises.

Acquaintances and relatives, many are religious and very anti-abortion, they'll tell you straight up, with 100% sincerity on their part, they believe it's murder. That's one thing that draws many to the GOP.

That's why I put it in quotes, that's how they identify with the issue.

I live in Texas and the woman I know who vote R are either rich or off-the-charts religious.