MY VOTE. MY REGRET.

I voted for Barack Obama in 2008—and I regret that vote.

This isn’t an argument that everyone who voted for him was wrong. It’s an honest examination of why I made my decision, what changed afterward, and how I learned to put policy before personality.

In this episode, I trace my political evolution from a conservative upbringing to identifying as a libertarian. I discuss how September 11 shaped my views on national security; why healthcare, taxation, personal liberty, faith, marijuana policy, and limited government changed how I evaluate candidates; and what I would tell my 18-year-old self today.

Most importantly, this episode asks what responsible voting actually requires. Before casting a ballot, can you explain what the candidate proposed, what evidence you verified, which values guided you, what trade-offs you accepted, who will experience the consequences, and what evidence could change your mind?

Voting is a right and a privilege—but it is also a responsibility. This is my vote, my regret, and the lesson it taught me.

This episode contains strong language and personal political opinions.