[still_learning]

The problems started with the Great Society programs that changed the very nature of the Federal Government. It put the Democrats too far out of line with regular Americans and this became evident as these programs all proved to be counter productive.

Then came Ronald Wilson Reagan who gave Democrats a real reason (actually many reasons) to move to the Republican Party. Most Reagan Democrats probably became independents, but many (like myself) made the move. For myself it took nearly a decade.

[expatpat]

Yes, I was even mad at Ford for pardoning Nixon. Then I saw Jimmy Peanuts' incompetence and pessimism, compared it with Ronnie's optimism and love of America -- and became a conservative.