So now there’s a Republicans for Obama movement.  It’s headed by three individuals I respect greatly:  former Rep. Jim Leach (IA), former Sen. Lincoln Chafee, and philanthropist and intelligence expert Rita Hauser.  I imagine Susan Eisenhower is involved as well, although she was not identified in the news reports I saw.

I was disappointed that Chuck Hagel, despite Steve Clemons’ prediction, is not in the group.  And I would love to see a few other folks — Colin Powell and Bret Scowcroft come to mind, as does Tom Kean — join them.  But it’s a good start.

An anecdote:  I happen to know a gentleman in his 80s who is from one of the oldest Republican families in the nation.  Some of his ancestors served in very high positions in government, and some of his current relatives have served there as well.  He and his wife now support Obama — and not merely financially, but also by getting involved in grassroots campaigning.  He said to me that he cannot in good conscience support the Republicans any longer.  He’s not alone — I have dozens of former Republican friends who now consider themselves not just Obama supporters, but Democrats.

That is George Bush’s true legacy.  Congrats, Dubya.  You’ve done a heckuva job.

Related posts

• Thought of the Day
• The Transition
• The Manchurian President
• State Department Watch: Fed up with Bush?
• Remembering Gerald Ford. Maybe Not So Much.