Scottish Independence - did you change your mind over the campaign?

[JeMeSouviens]

Thought it might be interesting to see if the campaign made any odds.

[Phil D. Rolls]

Two years ago, I was No. I finally decided on Yes four weeks ago, after a long period of being undecided.

Big factors over the piece were being told we aren't genetically programmed to look after our own affairs, and the reckless attitude about what would happen post settlement. This brought it home to me that this referendum had been a distraction for parties who do not fight for Scotland.

The whole nonsense about currency could have been dealt with early on, by a shared consensus. That would have given No much more credibility when attacking the detail of the separatists plans.

The fact that they kept banging on about the pound suggested to me that it was the only ammunition they had. It also showed a contempt for the people when it became clear that a compromise, could be reached, as it is in everyone's interests.

Too much suggesting that we are too wee, and too stupid, to run our own affairs.

[Moulin Yarns]

I was undecided, until I read Blossom, saw what was possible and started on a journey to YES. That isn't an option on the poll, but I wanted to relate. :greengrin

[lord bunberry]

Two years ago, I was No. I finally decided on Yes four weeks ago, after a long period of being undecided.

Big factors over the piece were being told we aren't genetically programmed to look after our own affairs, and the reckless attitude about what would happen post settlement. This brought it home to me that this referendum had been a distraction for parties who do not fight for Scotland.

The whole nonsense about currency could have been dealt with early on, by a shared consensus. That would have given No much more credibility when attacking the detail of the separatists plans.

The fact that they kept banging on about the pound suggested to me that it was the only ammunition they had. It also showed a contempt for the people when it became clear that a compromise, could be reached, as it is in everyone's interests.

Too much suggesting that we are too wee, and too stupid, to run our own affairs.

Totally agree, listening to David Cameron tell everyone that if we vote for independence then we can't change our minds in a couple of months was the final straw for me. Being spoken to like were idiots, from people who could give a **** about this country has gone on for too long.

[JeMeSouviens]

I was undecided, until I read Blossom, saw what was possible and started on a journey to YES. That isn't an option on the poll, but I wanted to relate. :greengrin

Yeah, I thought about adding to and from DK but decided it would add too many options. Did you genuinely not have even a leaning?

[The Harp Awakes]

I mentioned on the other thread that unofficial stats in my area as of last weekend had a ratio of 7:1 undecided voters going to yes.

The poll so far on this thread although obviously just for fun, adds some credence to those figures. If a 7:1 ratio of undecideds to Yes was replicated Scotland wide, Yes would have a clear win in the referendum based on any of the recent opinion polls. In fact a ratio as little as of ~2:1 undecided to Yes would provide a Yes win, again based on recent opinion polls.

[hibsbollah]

I went from fairly committed No at the start of the campaign, through to undecided and only became decided on Yes a few days ago. Its been the most politically engaged ive been in an election since 97 and ive found it genuinely fascinating. However, I'm still fairly sure that No will prevail, probably by slightly more than the polls are saying. I have a feeling most of the 'undecideds' will be closer to No than to Yes, and fear of the unknown will decide it for them, probably when they're standing with the pencil in their hand.

[JimBHibees]

I mentioned on the other thread that unofficial stats in my area as of last weekend had a ratio of 7:1 undecided voters going to yes.

The poll so far on this thread although obviously just for fun, adds some credence to those figures. If a 7:1 ratio of undecideds to Yes was replicated Scotland wide, Yes would have a clear win in the referendum based on any of the recent opinion polls. In fact a ratio as little as of ~2:1 undecided to Yes would provide a Yes win, again based on recent opinion polls.

Fair enough that is probably assuming they are all going to vote which I dont think will happen.
I think No will take it possibly by about 5%. The level of ignorance and fear will in many cases lead to a No status quo vote for alot IMO..

[Hibby Bairn]

As you can tell from my username I tend to have right leaning tendencies :)

4 out of 5 family members are elegible to vote in the ref including 2 teenagers. 4 weeks ago we had 2 nos and 2 undecided. Today all 4 voted Yes. 'Kids' totally engaged and although I remain Tory-esque I believe that Scotland can and will make better decisions about our country and our people than anyone else

Actually feeling pretty emotional about the whole thing today.

[JeMeSouviens]

As you can tell from my username I tend to have right leaning tendencies :)

4 out of 5 family members are elegible to vote in the ref including 2 teenagers. 4 weeks ago we had 2 nos and 2 undecided. Today all 4 voted Yes. 'Kids' totally engaged and although I remain Tory-esque I believe that Scotland can and will make better decisions about our country and our people than anyone else

Actually feeling pretty emotional about the whole thing today.

Wow! Welcome aboard. :wink:

[Judas Iscariot]

As you can tell from my username I tend to have right leaning tendencies :)

4 out of 5 family members are elegible to vote in the ref including 2 teenagers. 4 weeks ago we had 2 nos and 2 undecided. Today all 4 voted Yes. 'Kids' totally engaged and although I remain Tory-esque I believe that Scotland can and will make better decisions about our country and our people than anyone else

Actually feeling pretty emotional about the whole thing today.

Well done mate, you knew it made sense all along :aok:

[NAE NOOKIE]

Yes ..... I started off thinking that the vast majority of the press in this country is heavily influenced in its editorial policy by right wing tax exiles who will do anything to protect the status quo and their own self interest.

I ended up changing my mind to being positive that is the case :cb

[Pretty Boy]

I wasn't just a No, I was an uber No.

However the Better Together campaign made the same mistake Labour, and others, have made in the last couple of Scottish elections. They campaignef negatively, not just negatively but they took negativity and scare stories to new heights and it was downright embarassing. Some of the claims were so easy to disprove and affect almost no other nation in the developed world that I really had to start questioning the truth behind it. I understand running a campaigm to say no to something can't be easy but when what seems like your whole campaign is based on negativity and scaremongering it turns voters off.

The Yes campaign on the other hand ran a campaign that gave a sense of hope. They made promises they have to prove they can keep but they made them from the start. They promised a better, more egalitarian future with a chance to start again and forge our own path.

I'm not a nationalist, I'm not an SNP voter and I certainly am no fan of Alex Salmond but Yes have run the campiagn that deserves to win and that campaign is what changed my mind.

[Sylar]

No > No vote > definite no! > undecided > softening towards a Yes > today...:greengrin

I reckon, had I been living in Scotland with the knowledge that I was getting a vote, I would have gone from 'No' to 'Yes' but my depth of research into the matter slacked off when I knew I wouldn't be getting a say - as I've increasingly looked into things lately, as the coverage and intensity ramped up, I've softened towards a Yes.

The No campaign have been their own worst enemy IMO and I dare say a lot of people will vote Yes as a result of that!

[HibeeEmma]

Totally agree, listening to David Cameron tell everyone that if we vote for independence then we can't change our minds in a couple of months was the final straw for me. Being spoken to like were idiots, from people who could give a **** about this country has gone on for too long.

I agree his presence did the NO campaign harm. However if he shows up people complain, if he doesn't people complain.

The way I see it is that Scotland are going to be given more devolved power but that we benefit from remaining a part of the economy which is a really stable economy. I also liked Ian Duncan Smith's speech regarding unemployment rates of Scotland versus Ireland.

[ACLeith]

I also liked Ian Duncan Smith's speech regarding unemployment rates of Scotland versus Ireland.

WOW! I know this is all about opinions but I truly never thought I would see anyone praising that piece of human excrement.

[ACLeith]

I changed from undecided to YES about 12 months ago long before things really started to hot up, as I began to really think of the issues, given that my preferred choice was not on the ballot paper. I was open to persuasion to change, but I saw nothing on the BT side that made me contemplate that. Outwith their leadership I have been impressed by some in their campaign and hope they can be brought onto the team to start negotiations with Westminster if things go the way I hope it does today.

Today is Referendum Day, tomorrow is Reconciliation Day.

[Hibbyradge]

I was no, changed to Oh YES!

[BroxburnHibee]

My wife was undecided but voted yes at the last minute.

[I'm_cabbaged]

My wife was undecided but voted yes at the last minute.

Mine did exactly the same as we walked into polling station.

[marinello59]

My wife was undecided but voted yes at the last minute.

Snap.

[hibbyfrankie]

I am in the armed forces and thought i was a No for a bit because i risk losing my job. But when i really thought about it i just knew i couldn't tick a box that ensures the uk majority of english voters decides what happens in scotland.

[Sir David Gray]

I've not really changed my mind.

I'm not completely against the idea of independence but at no point since the referendum was announced have I seriously considered voting in favour of it at this stage.

I've not been convinced by the arguments put forward by the "Yes" campaign that Scotland would be able to prosper in the immediate aftermath of independence.

I've no doubt that we would manage eventually but I don't think enough thought has been put into how we would handle independence in the first few years.

[Pretty Boy]

Of the people I have spoken to or been in contact with today.

Facebook has been about 90% yes, mainly people between 21 and 35.

My work has been pretty much all no with myself and one other being the exception. That's 12 No to 2 Yes.

My Grandparents were both No. My Dad was a No (mainly because of the scaremongering he's been hearing daily from his employers) but my Mum and Sister were late recruits to the Yes cause. My girlfriend was wavering late on but, despite ny protestations, stuck with No.

[Pete]

Undecided, leaning towards no to YES over time. I also know of several people who have done exactly the same.

I genuinely think the scare stories and negativity from BT will backfire. Taking us for mugs could be their undoing and as a nation we will stand up for ourselves.

[johnbc70]

I've not really changed my mind.

I'm not completely against the idea of independence but at no point since the referendum was announced have I seriously considered voting in favour of it at this stage.

I've not been convinced by the arguments put forward by the "Yes" campaign that Scotland would be able to prosper in the immediate aftermath of independence.

I've no doubt that we would manage eventually but I don't think enough thought has been put into how we would handle independence in the first few years.

Despite a wobble a few weeks ago I feel similar to you. The Yes campaign never did enough to convince me and they seemed to be promising everything to everyman and that comes at a cost. I also had concerns about how much to the left the country would move in an iScotland. If its a Yes though then it has my full support.

[snooky]

WOW! I know this is all about opinions but I truly never thought I would see anyone praising that piece of human excrement.

Unfair to the excrement. Shame on you.

[Sir David Gray]

Despite a wobble a few weeks ago I feel similar to you. The Yes campaign never did enough to convince me and they seemed to be promising everything to everyman and that comes at a cost. I also had concerns about how much to the left the country would move in an iScotland. If its a Yes though then it has my full support.

Almost exactly my feelings on the matter.

As someone who is on the right of the political spectrum, I am also very concerned about the political direction that an independent Scotland would be taken, particularly under SNP leadership, and I wouldn't trust Alex Salmond as far as I could throw him. His promises mean very little to me. I have absolutely no idea how he intends to pay for all the "free" things he is promising if we become independent either.

Obviously if the vote goes in favour of independence tonight then we have to respect the will of the Scottish people and go with that. That's what democracy is all about after all.

Although I think the first 5-10 years (at least) would be very difficult, I have no doubt that we would sort ourselves out and the political parties within Scotland would align themselves accordingly.

[hibbybob]

I've been YES from true start but my other half finally fell off the fence this morning and landed on the right side!

I so hope this thread is indicative of the Scottish voters but i suspect not.

[ACLeith]

Unfair to the excrement. Shame on you.
It's a fair cop, guilty as charged m'lud

[CropleyWasGod]

Almost exactly my feelings on the matter.

As someone who is on the right of the political spectrum, I am also very concerned about the political direction that an independent Scotland would be taken, particularly under SNP leadership, and I wouldn't trust Alex Salmond as far as I could throw him. His promises mean very little to me. I have absolutely no idea how he intends to pay for all the "free" things he is promising if we become independent either.

Obviously if the vote goes in favour of independence tonight then we have to respect the will of the Scottish people and go with that. That's what democracy is all about after all.

Although I think the first 5-10 years (at least) would be very difficult, I have no doubt that we would sort ourselves out and the political parties within Scotland would align themselves accordingly.

The SNP won't be around in their current form for long in an iS.

There's room in Scotland for a party on the right, and with the splintering of the SNP (with the right-wingers that they have), one could find a resurgence of Scottish Conservatism. With PR, that gives a voice for people on the right.

[snooky]

The SNP won't be around in their current form for long in an iS.

There's room in Scotland for a party on the right, and with the splintering of the SNP (with the right-wingers that they have), one could find a resurgence of Scottish Conservatism. With PR, that gives a voice for people on the right.

:agree: Exactly how I think the political scene in a 'free' Scotland would pan out, CWG
It would be very healthy to see a strong Scottish Conservative Party vie in our elections.
I'm sure they would be/are inherently and 'genetically programmed' to basic Scottish values, unlike the anglo version.

[danhibees1875]

I was yes from the off. Wavered for about a week and then went yes in the end.

Went postal vote so have had a few days to reflect on my decision. I must say I have some regrets. I regret ever wavering from yes and not being more outspoken - I took a very passive roll during the whole thing. I have the upmost respect for those who have worked tirelessly to inform others and campaign for what they believe in. :top marks

Now that the polls have shut, I must admit I've only ever felt this way before a cup final. I'm nervous, excited and unable to focus on anything else. I NEVER thought anything political would capture me like this. I hope I'm not the only one and I hope the feeling stays. Yes or No we'll be in a better place if that is the case. :aok: