I considered myself a conservative Republican for years, both socially and fiscally. I find this year's batch to be insincere in their social values, pandering to get the Christian Fundamentalist vote, but nowhere close to walking the walk themselves. Fiscally, the GOP abandoned fiscal conservatism with unfunded wars under W, and have never returned.
I voted for my first Dem President (Obama) after McCain nominated Palin as running mate. I saw his choice as a serious error in judgement of the sort unsuited for anyone seeking the presidency. Of course, I ended up regretting my choice, though not that we really had another to make.
If the election were held today, I'd vote for Sanders. I disagree with him on many social issues that I consider important. However, I have experienced the greed of corporate execs first hand, and conclude that trickle down economics only works if those above us are generous and benevolent. In general, they are not. I heartily agree with Sanders on getting the big money out of our elections. They should not be bought. I am impressed with his many, small amount contributors vs. those politicians owned by Wall Street and PACs. Sanders supports saving SS by scrapping the cap, which I supported before his candidacy. It is the only solution that would resolve the perceived shortfall without cutting benefits of the most vulnerable. The GOP only wants to reduce these earned benefits through increased full retirement age, reduced COLAs, and means testing.
Healthcare is a big deal, if you haven't noticed with Obamacare. It did nothing to reduce the costs, but added many unisured to the rolls, and required our participation. Now we have high premiums, and other than preventive care, we pay most expenses out of pocket up to some high annual maximum. It can be unaffordable even to those insured. Say what you like or not about single payer, but it would cut the insurance bureaucracy out of the equation. What Bernie claims will happen with health care costs may be true, but none of the others have offered a viable alternative. Just see if a President Sanders would convince a GOP Congress to repeal Obamacare in favor of single payer. Both win, and just maybe we would also.