Well, I'd start with Elizabeth Warren, we both left about the same time. Most moving to me were very active Democratic campaign supporters I met in California as my wife and I did what we could in support of Bernie Sanders. Some had switched like we did to become Independents, while others went straight to the Democratic party (though most I met went to the more liberal side than what we called the "Corporate" Democrats). They had tried to run as Democrats but without much success so they seemed to keep a very low profile about their former Republican years, they only seemed to trust me to keep it secret because I was so open about how I thought the party had gone so far past any point of possible return.
I've most often thought we need a new Opposition Coalition like that of the 34th Congress when the Whigs were too compromised to continue as can be seen by how quickly they were no longer listed among the elected positions. Republicans were not identified as such in the House until late in the 34th Congress when one replaced a congressman that had died. Along that line, we had gotten 7 candidates to run as Bernie delegates in 2016, and many of the voters to change their party registration from Republican to Democratic for the election of the delegates and the Democratic Primary. Many weren't willing to register as Democrats but did switch to No Party Preference so they could vote in the Democratic party Primary (Republicans only allowed registered Republicans to vote in their Primary).
Besides getting a good number to switch, we also brought in a lot more new voters (including ones who had never registered despite having been qualified to vote for decades). When Hillary got the nomination, most I knew still went to vote for her and all the rest of the Democrats. I do think too many still voted against Trump but for down ballot Republicans (thinking they would be more sensible restraint on Clinton instead of still enabling the long term plans of those who took over the party).
Many became Independents. Since I moved to Maine, I've met more Independents who were Republicans (though you have to gain their trust before they will admit it).
P.S. I'm counting on a lot of those unaffiliated to at least vote against Trump, and a better percentage than in California to also vote against the Republican Down Ballot candidates
So, where are all the "ex" Republicans these days, and what is their actual influence?
Bowing down to crazy, except for George and a few others.
Well, I'd start with Elizabeth Warren, we both left about the same time. Most moving to me were very active Democratic campaign supporters I met in California as my wife and I did what we could in support of Bernie Sanders. Some had switched like we did to become Independents, while others went straight to the Democratic party (though most I met went to the more liberal side than what we called the "Corporate" Democrats). They had tried to run as Democrats but without much success so they seemed to keep a very low profile about their former Republican years, they only seemed to trust me to keep it secret because I was so open about how I thought the party had gone so far past any point of possible return.
I've most often thought we need a new Opposition Coalition like that of the 34th Congress when the Whigs were too compromised to continue as can be seen by how quickly they were no longer listed among the elected positions. Republicans were not identified as such in the House until late in the 34th Congress when one replaced a congressman that had died. Along that line, we had gotten 7 candidates to run as Bernie delegates in 2016, and many of the voters to change their party registration from Republican to Democratic for the election of the delegates and the Democratic Primary. Many weren't willing to register as Democrats but did switch to No Party Preference so they could vote in the Democratic party Primary (Republicans only allowed registered Republicans to vote in their Primary).
Besides getting a good number to switch, we also brought in a lot more new voters (including ones who had never registered despite having been qualified to vote for decades). When Hillary got the nomination, most I knew still went to vote for her and all the rest of the Democrats. I do think too many still voted against Trump but for down ballot Republicans (thinking they would be more sensible restraint on Clinton instead of still enabling the long term plans of those who took over the party).
Many became Independents. Since I moved to Maine, I've met more Independents who were Republicans (though you have to gain their trust before they will admit it).
Party registration statistics from Nov 20 2023:
Registered Voters - 1,039,517
Democratic Party - 294,501 (35.13%)
Unaffiliated - 335,449 (32.27%)
Republican Party -294,501 (28.33%)
3rd Party/Other - 44,430 (4.27%)
Most encouraging to me personally was to see one of the 3 founders of the Heritage Foundation leave the party after Jan 6: See https://www.businessinsider.com/mickey-edwards-leaving-republican-party-trump-conservative-movement-cult-2021-1
P.S. I'm counting on a lot of those unaffiliated to at least vote against Trump, and a better percentage than in California to also vote against the Republican Down Ballot candidates
I suggest the you encourage potential voters to take this quiz to help them refine their choices:
isidewith.com/elections/2024-presidential-quiz
It takes time to go through it, but shouldn't choosing someone for the most important job in the world take time?