'Hillary was right': Lifelong GOP voter on why he is leaving the party

Texas Trey, a lifelong Republican voter, speaks with CNN's Laura Coates about why he plans to leave the party before the 2024 election. #cnn #news

[@lewisduffy675]

It takes a real man to admit he was wrong on national television. Cheers to you from Canada sir!

[@charlesciminera5881]

He seems pretty lucid for someone from Texas

[@djthereplay]

What happened was that there was a time when The Donald had power over people and the focus was making a martyr out of Hillary Clinton's Private Email Server and unfortunately it took the COVID Plague and that insurrection and for Liberals to stop letting the GOP runaway with and win on messaging, much less trying to change the messaging and start fighting back and calling out the GOP on their scapegoats for The Donald to start losing His Power over people and for the GOP to lose their ability to close everyone's ears and eyes to what is really going on. Now they are losing their grip on people and people like him are starting to see some light.

[@alexv1190]

​@@charlesciminera5881Texas would be blue without the gerrymandering

[@meniacalone2551]

@@alexv1190 hahahahahha

[@user-sk6mq5ng9i]

@@meniacalone2551they’re CORRECT.

[@judd442009]

"Texas Trey" may represent more Americans than MAGA realizes.

[@littlejerryseinfeld4168]

then even everyone else (or liberals as maga calls them) realizes. There's no way that this many people in this hyperindividualistic country are in what can only be described as the biggest political cult in the modern era. I've known this all along, but the constant deluge of news can really be an emotional rollercoaster. Alot of my pontifications in 2020 when i literally knew almost nothing about politics except what the last 6 months of observing 2020 and reflecting back on how we got to the point where I felt I needed to start participating, have come to light. I wote a report on disinformation in 2020 between the election and the attack , i said new york was gonna be the first to get trump (i didnt think itd take this long but i was right about that too and I didnt claim to be at the time) , i said that theres a real chancw that America in 2025 could be unrecognizable (could be being the operative term) my point is that the data and also the trends in general, are on the side of rationality. We just have to endure all the bullshit baked around it until its finally over and even then it wont be over, since i think it will take another 5 years to depogram some of these people. But the data has always been in our favor, people are psychically scarred from 2016 though and are afraid to take anything for granted. Which is fine, we need to be.

[@sergdamian1324]

He represents traitors like you.

[@Mububban23]

The red hats will just dismiss him as a RINO rather than admit any problems or that anyone could possibly change their mind

[@philomath67]

Keep believing that if it makes you feel better.

[@glw5166]

Hope so.

[@kevinrush4411]

I used to be a staunch Independent. I would say I was fiscally conservative, socially liberal. I believe in protecting individual rights, the environment, social justice, and workers rights. Since Trump, I am now registered Democrat. We need to vote in numbers too big to question so we save our democracy.

[@jeannetteneal3268]

Absolutely, before we do not recognize America. Thank you.

[@joannefitzpatrick992]

I consider myself a conservative, and Democrats are much more conservative now than the Republicans, when it comes to fiscal responsibility or maintaining 50 year old precedence in the courts

[@rachelk4805]

I also decided to just register Democrat after Trump. It never seemed to matter before, I just picked the candidate I liked from any party, but now I definitely want to draw that line in the sand, I am on the opposite side of him and everything he represents.

[@frodotheewok]

It’s fascism or democracy - the founding fathers never imagined a political party leader would be anti-democracy

[@lineakristensen1821]

​@@Bahhh28good bot then

[@thorntonwilliams3851]

Founding fathers were anti democracy. Slaves and women couldn't vote. Maybe, natives were, too, unable to vote.

[@frodotheewok]

@@Bahhh28 are you a bot? I’m as heck not one.

[@bonniewiggins1168]

Vote blue!

[@jarrodgoforth1257]

Always

[@JG-fx8jm]

I'm a proud neverTrump republican. Military veteran with principles. There are far more of us than people know.

[@donothingMTIAMG]

With a CHINA ip. 🤣👍

[@andreroberts6795]

I can't tell. Whenever I run into Republicans traveling across the country as soon as you start talking to them, it devolves into conspiracies and Qanon nonsense. Not about policy, economics or anything like that. Wacko stories about Dems and secret societies and foolishness.

[@user-sy9ks9jr2l]

I don’t have a China IP, proud American Republican and will not support trump or half of the idiots in the party

[@bugsfudd8295]

Thank you for your service! We need to do more for our veterans

[@donothingMTIAMG]

@@bugsfudd8295 CHINA SOCIALIST REVOLUTION 🙋

[@danausmus9807]

Great job, brother. We all have " I saw the light moments" in our life". When I saw Trump mock someone with a physical disorder, I realized how flawed Trump was. Unfit for office.

[@realtorgirl1621]

When Trump had mocked a physically impaired person, also cutting down and belittling other people while he is doing speeches Nationwide shows how uncouth of a degenerate he is! And to say that Americans want to vote for this lunatic and our Millennials are seeing this and agreeing with it???? And parents are teaching their kids that this is okay? Not only is Trump screwed up but the Americans that are agreeing with this or just as screwed up as him. This is not the way that people are supposed to behave this is not what our parents and grandparents and forefathers taught us to do growing up people!!!!! This is absolutely insane and I agree that people need to rethink what they are doing and remember God is looking down on each and every one of us to always do the right and honorable thing to each other and to be kind to each other no matter what. Those who do not will pay for it in the end.

[@DeLappDawg]

Because he's not nice? Have you heard Biden talk about the employees of a 7-11?

[@realtorgirl1621]

Then let's get everyone out of there including Biden and Trump clean house and start all over again

[@realtorgirl1621]

@@DeLappDawg maybe your parents told you it was okay to agree with people who are not nice to others. But when Trump mocks a physically disabled person that means he's doing it to the entire country, and that makes him not worthy of being the president. When Biden is not talking nicely about the 7-11 employees, then he needs to go too neither one of them are examples of being good and worthy presidents and should get out and that's why I said we need to clean house and start over

[@realtorgirl1621]

@@DeLappDawg just because one person does one thing doesn't mean everybody has to do it

[@Jezebels_Dad]

Its always nice to hear from a sane man.

[@charlesstevensEnki]

It's refreshing.

[@sa4769]

Welcome back my friend. My father finally woke up as well about 6 months ago

[@TheCrabbyCrafterlol]

OHHHHHHH how I wish those I know and LOVE would wake tf up too. Amazing thing the brainwashing. Absolutely staggering.

[@mac0219]

Lucky …. My entire family is still lost

[@user-zc4el9ux3x]

I used to be a registered Republican. I am an independent now. I identify very much with what this man says. There are things that are much more important than policy - values, dignity, honor, leadership, defending US democracy. I am disgusted by Trump and what he stands for and by all the Republican politicians who have enabled him. I am not sure I will ever identify with the Republican Party again, and definitely not until Trump and his MAGA cronies are totally purged.

[@richardstephens9647]

Right there with you. I do not say this lightly. I was a lifelong Republican. Was...Our democracy must come first and foremost. Trump and the current GOP are a threat to Life Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness to every American. I will proudly cast my vote for Joe Biden and every Dem there is until the MAGAs recede back into the ooze they slithered out of. I don't think I have ever been so disgusted in my life that the party of small govt wants to invade everyone's privacy, tell what to read, who to love, who to feed, who can have a good education and has embraced fascism. The GOP is not what is once was. Patriotic. Anyone that wants to subvert and rewrite our US Constitution, scoff at our laws and the ideal of Liberty for all is acting UnAmerican. I think they know it too. Being willing to throw the nation into the whirlwind for the pursuit of power and wealth has become the hallmark of the Republican Party. The threats of violence to get their way is unAmerican. Obstructing aid to students, Ukraine, ect ect ect ect is tiresome and only shows me that the Republican Party is a threat to our freedom and national security here at home and abroad. They must be defeated. #VoteBlue

[@adelaferreira4575]

Amen to that !

[@ballinhunter12]

Yep, same here as well. Still registered as a Republican but only because I haven’t gotten around to changing my status to Independent. Gonna be hard for me to ever vote Republican again after they all bowed before their orange god/idol without much hesitation. Maybe the Romneys and Liz Cheneys and Kinzingers of the world will pick up the pieces of the GOP left behind by MAGA traitors and I can be proud to vote for a Republican again.

[@MagicHeide]

Me too

[@RealConstructor]

I’m a European, so I don’t know why you have to be registered as a Democrat, Republican or Independent. What is the reason behind registering and why does the government have to know what your political believes are? And are there more choices than these three? Because if not, what when you are a socialist or fascist, does this mean you will be registered as an Independent? Do they also register race and religion? I find it all very strange. Don’t Americans find this very strange? In my country we have mandatory registration, but the municipality only register name, address, place and date of birth and your citizen service number. That’s all they have to know.

[@kellysanchez1000]

You can reject Hilary and her political views 100% - but you cannot deny, she exactly right about what we would get and DID get with trump.

[@therealheisenberg6182]

Most of the elected Republicans at the time knew it too and still fell in line. Lindsey Graham is still licking tRump's boots (and other things) to this very day but the MAGATs still hate him.😂😂😂

[@Golf05]

I think of the number of women that castigated Michelle Obama for criticizing their voting for Trump only to see Roe vs Wade go up in flames. I'm sure many are singing a different tune now.

[@seuconrado3365]

She was the right person for the job! When is it ever acceptable to pick the candidate with 0 experience vs the one with 40 plus years? It was disgraceful and America GOT WORSE!

[@Golf05]

@@brailrice That made zero sense but you knew that.

[@Golf05]

@@wearabo Kind of an egocentric take, isn't it? You think that many people were listening to you?

[@TorgerVedeler]

This seems like a guy I could break bread with, even when I disagree with him. You know, an American.

[@annalieff-saxby568]

Input from the UK. I'm a Labour Party activist and, whilst poll-watching, I meet many Conservative activists. A good 90% of them are sensible, interesting people, with whom one can have a decent discussion and "agree to disagree". The remaining 10% are *monsters.* For some reason, the "monster ratio" seems much higher in the States. It's good to hear from people like Trey, though.

[@dlariby]

I'm glad to hear you disagree with him at least.

[@fantasymeditationandsleeps5341]

Yeah, we used to be like that, brothers and sisters able to agree and disagree... wonder what happened to that country?

[@raymondkymsuttle]

I will never understand how anyone thought the man who’s cheated on three wives was going to be a good honest president.

[@zoeyrochellezhombie829]

When the voters are cheaters THEMSELVES, makes PERFECT sense.

[@tonyroam1471]

Hilary called it out the gate .. deplorable 🤨

[@jerryjerry7561]

i called trump a liar back in '84. being the king of worst case scenario, i called him a traitor in'16. al anybody had to do was a google search. just dont get it.

[@sergdamian1324]

Killary. for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”

[@Nite2012Mare]

​@@sergdamian1324dementia don?

[@whatever3749]

We love being called deplorables! Do like being called Woketards?

[@ricknelms]

it is written you're clueless@@sergdamian1324

[@jamesmartin9401]

I kind of wish people understood that all Hillary said was what anyone PAYING ATTENTION knew at least eight years earlier.

[@dontfallvictim]

Hillary didn't even "know" Bill was having sex in the White House! How would she know anything?

[@hks2377]

To be fair, she was an influential New Yorker. As such, she was exposed to news of his & his businesses sleaze & brushes with the law, AND she knew him as part of the “swamp” he was happy to donate to. She & Bill were even invited to his 3rd wedding.

[@rell127]

​@@hks2377she's not from New York

[@monmixer]

@@rell127 No she was not. She is from Illinois and then she went to Arkansas but if you can remember and if not research the Clintons bought A home over 20 years in Harlem where he moved his personal offices and they lived there.., They also own a mansion in NY. They were and still are NY elitists. How can can say no to that I don't understand, They were and still are very influential in New York City and state.

[@notachannel7495]

@@rell127 Yes, but she was the first female senator for New York. The Clinton Foundation has had offices in Harlem for more than 20 years. I'm guessing they have been included in circles which have shunned Trump since he first started trying to be one of the 'elite' in decades ago.

[@mrbogardmusic]

Here's your friendly reminder Texas Trey, a 3rd party vote is a vote for Trump, a vote for Trump is a vote for Putin.

[@gurusmurf5921]

The only thing that is a vote for Trump is a vote for Trump.

[@derrynelson4637]

Well a Vote For Trump is Just A Vote For Trump not Wanting to Be President But to own and Control the United States for Himself and Nobody else.

[@TheCrabbyCrafterlol]

@@gurusmurf5921 Sadly that's not how it works. 3rd party vote is almost a mute vote, a wasted vote it won't count FOR anything.

[@ejnichols05]

I just love how all of a sudden Putin is considered a "good guy" bc Trump says he is, but less than 10 years ago, they were trying to stone Obama for meeting with Putin. The HYPOCRISY is astounding!!! 😂😂😂

[@JChaos1120]

Please stop telling people that. One, we need more political parties. Two, No one should vote for someone they don't like because of peer pressure. The electoral college is the problem. Change that. Telling people who to vote for just makes them not vote, and that's a bigger problem than third party voting. Dems need to earn it and they haven't.

[@JohnAnderson-xl7qo]

I love what your guest had to say Laura…I hope a lot more people wake up like Trey did

[@markmierzejewski9534]

Get rid of Putin and Trump and half the worlds problems go away with them.

[@MistyMountainVideo]

And fat boy Un and Xi Jinping and there goes the other half.

[@anthonyclark1248]

What problems would go away? You'll still be stupid and the world problems will remain the same .

[@gettingannoyedquick]

​@@Dustin277We have 3 lawyers of his admitting in court to subverting the elec tion for him.

[@stray_d_wolf599]

People who offered nothing to our country always has something to say

[@markmierzejewski9534]

@@stray_d_wolf599 They currently are in prison for Jan 6th. Singing to the poorly educated about their poor life choices.

[@MrArtist7777]

As a moderate registered Independent myself, I see no choice but Pres. Biden to continue leading the U.S. and passing legislation that helps the average American.

[@macmcleod1188]

So we need to give him control of the house and senate at the same time.

[@jasonhughes1463]

@@macmcleod1188 yes!! Agreed!! Question is: can we Americans actually do that for him so he can do those things for us?

[@dayceem]

Candid, well-spoken, grounded - why can't a guy like this run for office?

[@emilerose1424]

The fact that someone is "well-spoken" doesn't mean they should run for office. People should run for office ONLY if they are of a mindset to put other's real needs ahead of their own desire for power. Dude said he thought voting Republican was a his patriotic duty. What? Principles over party! The only principles I've seen with the GOP recently is mean-spiritedness.

[@kristismart4065]

Because he doesnt have enough sense to listen to women. We have enough men in politics who do that already.

[@geogias]

In politics, people don't like truthfull leaders, and insteD goes for propagandists who say things they want to hear and notvwhat they don't want to hear.

[@magicbrownie1357]

The problem is BIG MONEY. Without it, you can't get elected, take it and they own you for life. The RICH and CORPORATIONS run this country, not politicians, and certainly not voters.

[@Ann-dc5it]

Thank you Texas Trey - talk to your friends in Texas & help them wake up

[@dwaynejones1555]

If we had Hillary, we wouldn’t have had a January 6. Hindsight is 20/20.

[@TraceyJean]

We also would not have had as much as a million dead from COVID-19. We certainly would not have had a president who would suggest that we drink bleach or shine a light up our a*ses to get better.

[@Hgood1]

You, as in the royal you, did not need hindsight to see what Trump would do as a president.

[@ecurewitz]

Covid never would have happened because she wouldn’t have gutted the safeguards against a pandemic

[@ecurewitz]

@@Hgood1it was obvious he would be a mess

[@nonewherelistens1906]

And most importantly, we would have had a much more rational Supreme Court.

[@alleyes9243]

I am independent but at this time blue is the right thing to do.

[@jasonmilton]

I was so stupid to Vote for Trump in 2020.. I finally realized that this guy is a Con Man and MAGA is a Cult.. I am a former conservative that will be Voting Blue on the entire ballot. Conservatives for Biden!!

[@timknepper1041]

Never trust a Democrat or a independent, independents are nothing but a fence straddler, easily swaddled, weak minded folks.

[@trinathompson8587]

I'm also an Independent, and I'm with you! I'm voting blue across the board!

[@ingridlahaye8107]

@@trinathompson8587 music to my ears..

[@iowatiger07]

Same here

[@trishakoury-stoops2372]

Of course she was right! Deplorables x a billion

[@normabrien8331]

People have to choose between democracy or fascism.

[@ejkk9513]

All of her comments about MAGA have aged incredibly well!

[@naithngr81-jh2bb]

basket of gullibles

[@DustyNickelz]

She was right about Chicago Super predators.

[@naithngr81-jh2bb]

@@DustyNickelz being less of a problem than the MAGA maniacs. That's why your sisters and mother are their cheerleaders.

[@chillwill5080]

Everything Trump told us would happen has, except far worse.

[@antonego9581]

she was basically right about everything lol. Oh well

[@GeneLLynch]

I left the party in 2017 officially but was heading for the door in 2015. I knew the Party was heading in the wrong direction but I had no idea it would become the Cult it is today.

[@WabiSabiLady]

Thank you!! How can anyone continue to enable 45 by not speaking out against his anti government stances is mind-blowing!!

[@blazeroranger]

I just left the democrat party recently. Will never vote for democrats anymore

[@pietrojenkins6901]

To be more precise, it was the party that veered off and left you. You've been straight all along.

[@kellyshomemadekitchen]

Yes, it’s truly unbelievable how trump has turned the republican party into a cult. My own mother was always a conservative but since trump and Q anon have brainwashed her, she’s totally unrecognizable 😓

[@seuconrado3365]

You don't get a hand clap. You put a GAMESHOW HOST in the oval office.

[@Soapandwater6]

I like this guy! It takes intelligence to see your errors and honesty and courage to admit your mistakes. Thank you for speaking out, Texas Trey! Glad you have seen the light!

[@sophieb8666]

Wow! 2 great people in a conversation! So happy to hear these views

[@Kem-gu6or]

Why not vote for President Biden....his record is robust....what didn't Biden do for you Trey? A no vote for Trump isn't enough.,..you have to VOTE for Joe!!!!

[@user-rv4pc5lp5x]

Surely no one is that stupid.

[@ItsDeffoChris]

If I was American I wouldn't vote for Biden as it stands, just as I'm not voting for the major "left" party in the UK due to its leader. Both have been very vocally supportive of a regime which day by day looks to be getting closer to a ruling of genocide against them. Biden is in fact more responsible though as he forced through funding for said regime. No amount of food drop stunts will make up for that.

[@Slo-ryde]

He might not vote for JB, but he sure as hell won’t be voting for Trump!

[@MBlanchette01]

Why are you pushing your political agenda onto Trey? That’s very Republican of you. He can vote for whomever he wants.

[@sandpiperr]

@@Slo-ryde Be real, that's a de facto vote for Trump. I don't like Biden much either, but if you aren't voting for someone who actually has a chance of winning against Trump (and the only person who does is the Democrat in the race), you're by default voting for Trump.

[@PontiacLS]

That's a real man that can admit that he's was wrong. good job

[@nakedreef]

Ikr???? I *LOVE* to see it!! There are just TOO many *masquerading* as *real* men.

[@arfurdaley4813]

I would be ashamed to be a Trumpet!

[@catherineturley]

As a life long democrat, i could be swayed to vote republican by the right candidate. But the party is so far from what it used to be or could be, i doubt i will ever cross that line.

[@JayFreeburn]

Not for a long while anyway.

[@garrywright1801]

It's good to see someone from Texas who has common sense.

[@chel5105]

Not many . . . The same creeps in state gov, have been for 27 yrs . . .

[@wordforger]

There's many of us. Unfortunately we're outmatched by the dumbasses.

[@kristismart4065]

Too bad he got common sense after the damage was done. Its his daughters rights that have been taken away. Not his.

[@dumpd6227]

Should be on a T shirt “ Hillary was right “.

[@blackmoon1603]

Should say Hillary is a liar after she made up the lie of Trump/Russia

[@mooseheadjack1]

@@blackmoon1603 you mean the lie that was proven true by Mueller?

[@vanadyan1674]

I can only imagine how many right wing snowflakes you would trigger with that.

[@imrael496]

Hillary is the mother of the Russian Collusion Hoax.

[@petemitchell6449]

LMAO

[@jeschinstad]

The first time an American told me that it's a republic, not a democracy, I thought they were joking.

[@dianejenkins6159]

This man did see the light! Like many others.

[@caroleboots7591]

Texas Trey is putting country first

[@PastThePoint]

It's nice to see it is still possible. 💯

[@augl.7602]

They took away his Bud Light, and now he's pissed! Actually, this guy just seems too smart to be a magat, and I hate to break it to him, but a lot of his ideals he proclaimed are very much in line with the Democrat party.

[@primalspirit1]

@@augl.7602 Why do think y'all have to be the exact same person?

[@augl.7602]

@@primalspirit1 we should vote against our common goals just to be different? A lot of us aren't that insecure. Meanwhile, trumpies are all of the same kind as well, his way or no way.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

Every conservative person who doesn't support Trump has to be a RINO, that's how the cult works.

[@user-ef7wn4mw3p]

Proof that there are Republican's capable of free thought and not intimidated enough to refuse to use it. A sign of hope.

[@la7dfa]

The shocking thing is that they are totally silenced in all the right wing media. It is just the same you see in Russia with Pravda and all the state media. You only get ONE truth, and it is the lie.

[@easter_sunday]

I don’t support turning America into a third world country. If you’re voting for Biden, you do.

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

Amen

[@IMGreg..]

They're slow to catch on but welcome aboard the democracy train. I'm not loyal to any party, I'm loyal to democracy, humane welfare, the planet health a fare tax system, equal rights and justice for all.

[@seanconcannon7922]

Listening to the guy tells me he is a Democrat...but he just doesn't know it yet ......all of the issues he mentions are closely aligned to the Democrat Party.

[@janetblack905]

Wow! A reasonable voter. Good for him thinking it all through.

[@lennyvalentin6485]

If this guy "plans" to leave the GQP, then freakin do it! Don't just say you will - actions speak way louder than words.

[@miket591]

The republican party is over. It needs to be folded, and conservatives need to start a new party.

[@masterchinese28]

Spot on. Being right-wing does not automatically mean being conservative. Those who want to throw away the Constitution and the rule of law are doing the exact opposite of conserving.

[@AT-nq6cu]

@@masterchinese28 Isn't that what Biden is doing, throwing away the constitution and the rule of law?

[@barrywassel3899]

Agreed - I'm liberally inclined, but we need, at a minimum, two good parties - there are enough good Reps out there (Cheney, Kinzinger, Conway, most of the people in the Lincoln Project) to start a new Con party, call it the GNP, but absolutely no brainless magats be allowed in.

[@AT-nq6cu]

@@barrywassel3899 You have no idea what you're talking about. What did they do to be brainless?

[@user-os1kc8hf8r]

Republican Party now is a shit show.

[@samz9330]

I agree with everything this guy said. He is a life long republican and I am a Democrat. Why have we not been able to get things done? Please good people of America do not vote for Trump, he cannot help us get to a better place. With Biden we get to work things out between us.

[@ianollmann9393]

The magic words that you never hear but should are "Good Government". Good government is when we agree to put down ideology and use the scientific method to figure out what works and what does not. Then we can move forward. As long as it is a battle of ideologies, we will make no more progress than a battle of theologies. We will argue endlessly over culture wars and how many angels can fit on the head of a pin, and never even attempt figure out tough problems like making the lives of ordinary Americans better. It suits the fortunes of established politicos too much to argue over intractable problems and do nothing than to reach consensus and achieve something. The polity has switched, now. It is no longer liberal vs. conservative but rather college educated vs. working class. Some people like Texas Trae are figuring that out, though perhaps not in so many words, and deciding they just don't identify with or even understand with what MAGA is selling. Nonetheless, we should sympathize with the MAGA working class. They are angry and justifiably so. They are in a lot of pain. Our problem is that it is inchoate anger and tough to parse, and therefore tough to do anything about. "Burn it all down!" doesn't integrate well with the rule of law. Authoritarians step in to seize power in the chaos. They are in it for themselves, not interested in solving the problem. The other problem is that the center of the rot (for MAGAs problems, at least) is in board rooms, not government -- though government certainly has plenty wrong with it -- and so without some intrusive changes, it seems unlikely that politics is going fix any of it. Basically, shareholder primacy needs to end for the working man to see a reversal of fortunes. Management has too much power and when they put their thumb on the scales, it moves. The advent of shareholder primacy in boardrooms marks the point in time when working class wages started stagnating while the fortunes of the wealthy rose at remarkable rates. How do you legislate an end to shareholder primacy? I have no idea. It's born in contract law, but now deeply embedded in the tax code. I can tell you from my own experience that trying to start a family business for the benefit of the employees is about as foreign to the tax code as men from Mars. The exploitation is baked in everywhere you look and if you don't propagate it, you risk losing your deductions. For the moment, Woody Allen captures the state of things: “Mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.” Same as it always was, I suppose.

[@Dimi374]

My faith in America is slowly being restored. Texas Trey!!❤👍🏽

[@shawnthegreat4281]

I was an independent most of my life until 2020 now I am a Democrat what I learned afterward is just because you are a Democrat doesn't mean you fit perfectly in a democratic “box” I have a conservative ideology about a lot of issues however I want my government to work and serve the people like it was designed to do and not be destroyed from within my conmen and grifters just in government to make money and be famous on right-wing media and social media. The two parties ARE NOT EQUALLY BAD OR THE SAME. We need to stop saying this because it's not true anymore. The MAGA party clearly wants to destroy EVERYTHING not Trump.

[@relaxgood5214]

He is correct that this election is about freedom and democracy. Vote Blue 💙.

[@MrWhymetoo]

are you really that dumb

[@Krispy1011]

yeah - lets all vote Fentanyl Blue

[@relaxgood5214]

@@Krispy1011 Yes and it will be easier since your hero’s blocked the border bill.

[@robertramirez733]

@@Krispy1011 Better than Russian Red Traitor.

[@Krispy1011]

Biden opened up the US borders with his Presidential Pen as he reversed all of Trumps border policies that were working - all mush for brains Biden has to do is use his Presidential Pen again and undo what he did to open then US borders! go ahead and say this is not true!@@relaxgood5214

[@dallaslouie]

Thank you, Texas Trey good job brother.

[@philphil4042]

Never trust an independent

[@chardomania]

NEVER reward a Republican with your vote.

[@dontfallvictim]

Luckily for Joe, the CIA doesn't get rid of people like they use to anyone!

[@ecurewitz]

Always good advice

[@dontfallvictim]

Luckily for Biden, the CIA doesn't get rid of people the way they use to!

[@Slo-ryde]

Well said

[@PraveenSriram]

Agreed 👍🏿

[@krimmer66]

OMG so refreshing hearing an actual republican(non maga) speak, cheers Texas Trey, thank you for speaking out!

[@vickieflowers-williams9691]

🌏🇺🇸☕️🦾↕️🔄↕️🦾2024 thank you for speaking out let’s make this make some sense.

[@lizalongeretta8522]

wow, Texas Trey I salute you for standing up for what you believe. I wish there are more who were on the same boat like you before and be man enough to realize and be ready to admit their mistake . Man enough to go for a better America without Trump in the picture.

[@RayBrewster_123]

​@@vickieflowers-williams9691Hello can we chat and learn about ourselves hope you don't mind dear. If I may ask where are you from beautiful goddess of light and good smiles...? Such an epitome of beautiful 😘

[@georgiegoff5955]

As a Texan who lives part-time in North Carolina for college, I often feel that there is no hope for my state. I hope this trend towards recognizing the danger that the far right presents now and well into the future continues. We are already coming up with our game plan to return to Texas for early voting in October!

[@ianollmann9393]

When I lived in Texas, it was somewhat Democrat leaning. It is the home of LBJ and Barbara Jordan, some of the greatest legislators in our history. It's possible. Texas has just forgotten itself.

[@Snafuski]

This is what the news media should be doing much more often, talking to regular people, and reduce all those panels of the same old pundits who repeat the same old stuff over and over again

[@thesaw9988]

Wait. You aren't living in free and democratic European country like I do? Media sux, Mainstream or online. too Do you really think any american would get smarter by not watching Fox News?

[@donnajackson3500]

So true it is sickening

[@nakedreef]

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!

[@carolmay7]

amen.

[@Snafuski]

@@thesaw9988 I live in a free European country. In fact, one with the best democracy... direct democracy. It's rare... And a very educated electorate.

[@ScottHafferkamp]

The fact that the monstrosity of “Citizens United” isn’t being discussed as a universal disaster and a big part of why we are here is a major failure of journalism currently.

[@JJLom777]

You are SO right.

[@unsocialone]

Don't forget that the very corporations that benefit from that ruling own corporate media! There are very few reporters willing to bite the hand that feeds them!

[@ashtonstout7375]

Thank you, Tray. I respect your decision to put our country before your former lifelong party. 🇺🇸

[@dietrichrache1975]

This is an intelligent man. If only more Republicans could wake up like this, or go public if they already have.

[@sandij2721]

Absolutely. That's why many of my Republican friends are leaving the Republican Party. That's why I left the Republican Party a long time ago it was because I seen which way it was going and because of the lies that were told back in the Bush years. I became an independent. I don't care how old Biden gets I will vote for Biden. I will not ever vote for Trump and I will not vote for anyone in this Republican Party I may not ever vote for Republican again.

[@WabiSabiLady]

Thank you!! I think 45 has zero chance of winning with the anti 45 movement growing. But hearing stories like yours gives me hope more will realize they're in a cult.

[@Left_hand_clapping]

Thank you for posting. I left the GOP when Trump ran in 2016 because of his unhinged demagogue ranting and his lack of economic acumen. When he stood on stage in Helsinki with Putin I knew I made the right decision.

[@larryc1616]

Yup, I left in 2010 with the rise of the Qtard birthers and the teabagger party of hate. I knew it would only get worse but Trump poured gasoline on the fire. GOP is forever lost in our lifetime

[@ktmac7610]

I also switched from Republican to independent. I had been fed up with them but knew they would give me a chance to send a message. That was when all the republicans tucked their tails between their legs and didn’t vote to impeach him after Jan 6th. As soon as it was announced I went to my voter ID and switched it. Later I googled how many ppl had left the party and there were thousands. I don’t think they got the message. Can’t wait till November!

[@natsterjam]

@@Soylentgreen1966 Ah yes, because of a car choice, makes someone a liar!!! Tell us all smart one, how do you tell when someone is telling the truth? The type of socks they wear? Or perhaps the brand of tyre they have fitted to their car? 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂

[@donfleeger2292]

Wow, a well spoken and thoughtful Texan!!!

[@harryjove6725]

Dementia Quid Pro Joe (P)resident of a nursing home in the White House supporter

[@kathleencochrane9698]

Love Texas Trey! Such common sense, critical thinking and compassion. I hope we see more of him.

[@lori8884]

I left the party when he first ran for office knowing it was going to be a horrible crapped out mess. My mistake was voting Independent as many did because of not being fond of Hillary. Vote Blue

[@skineyemin4276]

The "Deplorables" are have been revealing themselves since 2016.

[@tomricketts7821]

No since the birther movement

[@jasonmilton]

I was so stupid to Vote for Trump in 2020.. I finally realized that this guy is a Con Man and MAGA is a Cult.. I am a former conservative that will be Voting Blue on the entire ballot. Conservatives for Biden!!

[@lberghaus]

I was a independent for 16 years and then became a Democrat to fight Trump.

[@woadkoos1603]

I’m also a lifelong Republican, however, I am also switching sides because I cannot stand to let our democracy go down like this!

[@spurslmaoooo7918]

As if America is a democracy lmao

[@rajnepali1660]

He is actually right, many people are in the middle. No-one seems to address that.

[@jah2601]

We need more people like this on both sides!

[@joshlindig5853]

One good thing that Trump did and I’m embarrassed by this but he convinced me to get registered devoting again strictly to vote against him like I said I’m embarrassed I haven’t voted for a long time but after 2020 I was like yeah I’m getting registered and I’m going to vote in my local And federal elections because Trump and people like him cannot be allowed to run our country into the ground

[@steveo1754]

@joshlindig5853 politicians like Biden have been running us into the ground and taking money from foreign countries like China for 50 years.

[@kookootrix1978]

Better late than never! That's great that you registered! Vote early or by mail in if you can! 🌊💙🌊💙🌊🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽

[@PastThePoint]

Then it is a fact, at the VERY least, he got people pissed off enough to show up and vote. So I guess he did SOMETHING good after all. 🤣This November is going to be VERY bad for the party of MAGA, and it NEEDS to be. Nothing else will shake them from this nightmare we are in thanks to MAGA.

[@bugsfudd8295]

Yep and he motivated young people

[@jasonhughes1463]

And to be a frickin dictator!!!!

[@Kimm.J]

Vote for Reason 🔵💙 Not for Treason ❌ Biden 🇺🇸

[@easter_sunday]

The only person with receipts for bribery from other countries is Joe Biden. Why do you think he allowed a Chinese spy balloon to collect intel on US military bases and infrastructure? Come on, man

[@easter_sunday]

@@Yelin7 no one is being forced to vote.

[@leonardbresland4288]

America expects every voter to do their duty to protect democracy by voting for the Democratic Party in the coming election.

[@Yelin7]

​@easter_sunday of course not. And nobody is being forced to vote for either of the two demented assholes at the top of the ticket.

[@22EmeraldSon22]

@@Yelin7 I'm voting Biden.

[@jwilkins29111]

Well he's not a sheep. That's for sure! He follows no one blindly. Good for him.

[@Tallwater67]

Wow a sane rational thoughtful republican gives me hope

[@nickie829]

The US needs more like Texas Trey - seems like a really nice man.

[@davidpence9001]

What a different, better country we would live in if more people were like Texas Trey. He's clearly seeing what is going on.

[@bonniehall578]

Problem with Texas Trey is he is a little.lste waking up. Don't praise the dummy for finally opening his eyes. He admitted he didn't even give Hillary consideration. People with just an average brain weighs both sides before making a decision..What Trey admitted is he had his head in the sand.

[@user-rk2ln9eb6q]

I can believe he lives in texas!

[@clarabartha1737]

Finally, somebody with integrity.

[@AlphaDynamics22]

Dude spends his whole life as right-winger, realizes he's been duped, and now he's "sick of both parties". Real enlightened centrist you got there.

[@robertwest7197]

Wow, I almost passed on watching this, I’m glad I didn’t. I like what this man said. I hope to see more of him.

[@zachriley7132]

He has a utube channel, The Texas Trey.

[@Evad-xp7xz]

It shouldn’t take Hilary to tell you what you should know by opening your eyes and listening to trump voters talk and act.

[@omegamale5392]

That's what I keep telling people. Of course she was right, but she was only saying what we all thought was common sense. We really weren't prepared for the lack of intelligence this country actually has but at least we know now. How sad 😢

[@Evad-xp7xz]

@@omegamale5392 unfortunately you’re right, we had no idea how ignorant and antiAmerican the MAGAts are. No idea at all.

[@t-talk-time3582]

Totally! It’s taken republican voters like him to process the blatant corruption and dictatorship agenda of trump now?? He’s not even psychologically aware of his own mechanics that his republican conservatism has instilled deep seated misogyny/double standard towards authoritative, more accomplished woman. Hillary personifies how successful, women leaders constantly trigger misogynists and alpha males. Because if most of them were honest, they are not stupidly feel emasculated by women bosses and feminists. If that weren’t true, then we wouldn’t also have racism. But we are a nation built on institutionalized racism and burdened to work around that thorn because racists Americans most (conservative republicans) do not want equality for all…

[@willman9567]

Trump Supporters didn't destroy our downtown in 2020. Democrats did. I live in the progressive side of town and that was the first time I was ever afraid of my neighbors. I will not take a chance of putting up an American flag right now. People caught up in mass hysteria are terrifying.

[@MrEricmopar]

Yeah, It's time for parents to start teaching their kids again, a saying our parents taught us "Your actions speak louder than your words" Trumps actions yell over his words.

[@normabrien8331]

Trey has to remember that a border bill was offered and his party said no.

[@CGoins-ce4um]

Well spoken, sir. Does my heart good.

[@roberthughes5511]

This man knows what he is talking about. I agree 100%

[@user-rk2ln9eb6q]

me too!

[@enriqueiii9209]

Agree, He saw what is right from wrong.

[@bigtee4690]

I must still be asleep because that was almost to much common sense for me to handle this morning before taking a shower and enjoying a cop of coffee ☕. 🙂🙃😉

[@airmix08]

Same! I had to do a head shake to make sure I was hearing him correctly! These are the people that need more attention but yet the media keep going to these damn Trump rallies, but I assume that’s because they want to continue to warn America of these crazy ass MAGAts still around acting a fool for Trump.

[@SIERRATREES]

me too - it was an existential experience...

[@thesaw9988]

I live in Europe so I don't give a fuck about your stupid domestic politics. You guys dont't know shit about democracy. You don't kow shit about capitalism I took a mock of coffee to wake up and realised" Jeez. We really fucked up making the US and China leaders ot the world.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

All the reasons he gave for identifying as an Independent are the exact reasons I identify as a Democrat.

[@srhatfield]

As a former Republican (until 2000), I agree 100% with this man. Neither party has me 100%, but the Republican party has moved so far to the right that I cannot support them, and their lack of policies and lack of substance. The assault on our Democracy and freedoms is extremely apparent, and when someone tells you who they are, listen.

[@kellysanchez1000]

People explain away trumps comment about being a dictator on day one "well thats just how he talks". Even suggesting being a dictator for a second is antithetical to everything we believe in constitution.

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

If a Democrat said this they would be out to destroy him or her and they all know it. I don't think Donald Trump is fit to make decisions for himself. I don't understand why anyone would want that clowns word to be " law". Then again I actually have a brain 🧠 and trust in my own ability to reason.

[@t-talk-time3582]

And in this in this “revelation” he still is play that both sides are corrupt BS while white washing the republican extremists and chaos. He can’t even come clean that they didn’t listen and even more hated Hillary because she dare challenge them to consider a woman as president. He’s a lifelong Republican and obviously still anti-liberal/Democrat. He spoke about Hillary was right all along like so many husbands that have a life/hate when they realize their wives knew better than them all along…Double Standard101

[@richardlangcay9903]

Once in power, a dictator will never give it up even for a second....power corrupt, and absolute power ,corrupt absolutely!!

[@Rob-ht1mu]

I respect him for his honesty, but I am so sick of these republicans saying that they are sick of trump and the GOP and turn independent or not vote at all. If you truly are against them…vote against them. This man literally said he voted against Clinton, but he won’t do it this time around. No vote is a vote for trump.

[@midlife_minimalist]

He didn’t say he wasn’t going to vote. What I heard was he would vote for Biden to preserve democracy.

[@intothemystic3374]

You must have stopped video too soon. That's not how he ended it.

[@frankfurther3828]

Each day thousands of re-Patriots wake from the trance and leave the RINO Maga swamp.

[@juliehaslam9619]

How refreshing! Thank you.

[@mikedelay8373]

Nice to see an interview with a guy who has common sense.

[@TheCrabbyCrafterlol]

Such a RARE thing these days.

[@tbprofile1295]

When he describes what he believes in, he lists Democrat policies and platform.

[@GeechieDan-uu9wm]

That’s because the Republicans don’t have a platform. Republicans believe in what Trump tells them to believe in- or else.

[@mikemiles3077]

Baby steps...

[@hectordrake2882]

That's because the Republican party shifted so far to the right.

[@user-sh1cq1gx8q]

They are worthwhile policies for Americans. *Democratic*

[@DannyEastVillage]

yeah I noticed that too: he didn't say one thing that aligned with republican talking points. I almost said "republican platform," only they don't have one: all they have is marching orders from an abusive, sociopathic narcissist. Not a great look.

[@gypsynomad2020]

My fiance had been a lifelong conservative voter so normally that meant voting Republican. During Trump's admin he left the party. I feel bad for those who had believed in the party for so long.

[@k3grappler]

Texas Trey has a lot of wisdom and common sense. Let's hope there are millions like him in this election.

[@Otherside2020]

It’s so heartbreaking and sad to see that it took someone nine years to figure out that Hillary was 100% right on so very many things. You can only imagine how those of us knew this nine years ago feel. What makes it harder is we can also imagine how wonderful the country would be like if she had won.

[@JasonHoffman-qc2qw]

Get real, Hillary is a grotesque human being, in every possible way, and has never been right about anything. I'm sure tou just like her for fighting against gay rights, and not supporting civil rights.

[@AmyRamsey-zm6te]

He realized it before the next election, I am his wife, he voted for biden in 2020 first time he voted for a dem. There are more people like Trey than people realize

[@user-mp3jy4qu9s]

I wish more constituents like this man would speak up

[@juleehamilton7233]

To use an old phrase… RIGHT On!!!

[@thegaragedancer]

I changed my status to Independent in Texas for the same reasons.

[@creepingupon40]

He's absolutely RIGHT! There are millions of us independents who believe immigration is a huge problem and that we should be able to have certain guns. BUT, we also believe in safe gun ownership, in gay rights and women's right to the health care they need. I bet there are 50 million of us out here. VOTE BLUE this year if you're a moderate who understands what our republic is about.

[@ghostviggen]

I’m gonna vote red but I identify as blue. Or was it the other way around…

[@creepingupon40]

@@ghostviggen yeah nice intolerance. You must be a super happy person or a miserable Trumper.

[@nakedreef]

@@creepingupon40 , it's just a Jerk.

[@ghostviggen]

@@creepingupon40 You really need to lighten up. This tribalism both sides is conducting isn’t healthy.

[@b3ardedragon921]

Vote independent.

[@keithbushey7002]

As a former Republican, I am SO pleased to hear this from a former Republican.

[@edmondhuot4626]

Interestingly, he hasn't admitted that the Dem party HAS been trying to legislate with an impressive track record on ACTUALLY passing bills. Its not 'both parties being a problem'...its the right that is the problem. VOTE Blue!

[@greggdreiling5563]

Exactly, Edmund - thank you! Trey doesn’t get a cookie. They cast a “thoughtless” and “irresponsible” vote - then after the damage is done begrudgingly admit error. Thanks, I guess?

[@fisdara]

I felt that too. He's still peddling the "both sides" bs and then saying he supports what the Dems stand for. I'm so tired if that talking point

[@unsocialone]

Yay! Somebody else noticed! 😂😂

[@ianollmann9393]

@@fisdara I was thinking "This man is a Democrat. He just doesn't know it, yet."

[@thebreakofdawnzinaz2898]

My husband was a Republican and he has changed to independent as well. He wants a normal Republican Party back.

[@robdavis4527]

Always like hearing what Texas Trey has to say

[@krisk6256]

Thanks for speaking out, Texas Trey

[@nathanhan2089]

This man is right on target....save our Democracy....vote blue up & down the ticket

[@Yelin7]

Voting for a corrupt Democratic party to stop a corrupt Republican one won't save democracy.

[@cindyt8278]

🤢🤮

[@CrownVK]

We need to get back to communicating with each other in this way - well done, Texas Trey

[@cloefauna]

Smart man! Nice to see Americans who are perceptive, and are evolving with character and principles intact ❤

[@user-vy2sh2qh9i]

This is a real man, with guts GOD BLESS YOU SIR