One California family splits on the Obama-McCain race, and lets the world know

California's Orange County may not be quite the Republican bastion it once was, but the part of it where Nancy Wagner lives sure is.

She knows. Wagner, 57, is a registered Democrat and a solid supporter of Barack Obama. As best she can tell, that pretty much makes her the exception in her Yorba Linda neighborhood.

Indeed, even Wagner's household is divided on the subject. Her husband, Jon Wagner, 59, is a registered Republican and a John McCain backer. (The secret to the success of their 33-year marriage? "We respect our differences," Nancy says.)

Not so long ago, when Nancy decided she wanted to express her political preference through a yard sign, she knew she couldn't misrepresent to the public her husband's view. But she also realized she had a hole card to play.

She tells The Ticket: "My proudest achievement as a mother is that I've raised three Democratic daughters."

She's joking. Her proudest achievement, she quickly adds, is that the three -- ages 30, 28 and 22 -- are accomplished young women.

But the fact remains -- each plans to join her in voting for Obama (two now live in San Diego, the other in New York).

So while making sure her husband got to express himself through a sign, Nancy came up with a novel way (see above) to make clear that at least within the Wagner family, there's a clear winner in the presidential race.

The reaction of her neighbors? "They appreciate that I just didn't put out an Obama sign," she said.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: Ashley Wagner

Comments

[COL. A.M.Khajawall [Ret]]

Dear undecided Voter,

Please vote.

In the final analysis this election has been fought on following emotional presumptions by the both campaigns.

1. Presidential Temperament.

2. Sound presidential Judgment.
3. Meaningful plans, policies, and positions'

4. Understanding and knowledge of workings in & around Washington.
5. Vigor, wisdom and vision" for the future of our beloved Great-grand Nation.
6. American Values, Virtues, Vastness, and Strong soul.
7. Fear & hope & future & past.

9. Culture unite and Culture Divide.
10.Tactics of tearing people down & showing past scars and Inspiring people up and fearing people away.
11. Restoring Global standing and threatening global dominance.

12. Building nation up all around and Scaring people away from the tickets.

As a Independent registered voter I have decided to vote for the Obama-Biden ticket. I am sure they will protect our national security, strengths, stamina and soul as well as rebuild our nation from the bottom up in all areas of need. The OBAMA-BIDEN ticket will restore our global standing with the use of maximum, firm international diplomacy and minimal force if and when necessary.

Yours sincerely,

COL. A.M. Khajawall [Ret] MD., Forensic psychiatrist, Colonel, US-AR
/ MC Combat Stress Control[Ret], Disabled American Veteran and Iraq
Freedom team.

[John E McCue]

It still amazes me that bright people will stay with the Republican Party afer the corrpution in the party began with Nixon. Not that the Democrats are all that innocent, but, the thrill of being a Republican for me was that integrity was the prime principal.
I puzzel over what could cause people to hang in there. Is it the intenegece level; are they corrput themself;
The most honest conservatives seem to be the Libertarians.

[Don Coyne]

A nice example of how we can all get along despite split viewpoints. Another area where split viewpoints are evident are in songs inspired by this election. Based on what is seen on YouTube, it would seem that Obama has an advantage in the sheer number of music videos posted.

Here's one example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQMbCo2bwWQ

So signs on the lawn are one way to get your message out to the world, and songs on the internet are another.

[Jan Hoyt]

Check out TeamSarah.Org if you're interested in some good information about the candidates.
Thank you.

[Ann]

Love the photo. Notice how it's always the women with the brains?

Oops, didn't mean that. Caribou Barbie is a woman.