Prefacing with I used to be a young republican.

Focus on the *used*

I helped campaign for Don Nickles (OK Senator - minority whip under Clinton) and yes even Reagan.

However even since then (1980) I've noticed a more Us against Them mentality with the GOP. I remember Rush Limbaugh hoping that "Obama would fail". Why? Why not hope that America would succeed?

just my two pence worth.