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Forum Post: Why Many Americans Are Registering As Independents, Instead of GOP or Democrat

Posted 11 years ago on July 19, 2012, 10:36 a.m. EST by JadedCitizen (4277)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

By the end of 2011, 40% of Americans identified as Independent voters, up 2% from 2010, and 5% in 2008. And rightly so. The president should be elected based on merit, not simply because he is a member of the most popular political party, or because his opponent was not. The increase in Independent voters demonstrates that a polarized two-party system no longer represents the majority of Americans, who are demanding an alternative to a system with such extreme divisions.

According to the most recent political poll from Gallup, frustration with the severe partisan nature of politics, and identification as an Independent, has reached a 60-year high. Support for the Democratic and Republican Party however, is at a 22-year low, with Democrats at 31%, and Republicans with only 27%. The same Gallup poll showed that by September 2011, 81% of Americans were unhappy with the way the country was being run, and “record levels of distrust in government and unfavorable views of both parties helped to create an environment that fostered political independence.”

Linda Killian of Politics Daily writes, “Many [independent voters] say they have been driven from the Republican and Democratic parties by…extremism and a failure to focus on the issues they consider most important… and are tired of partisan wrangling, which all too often results in either gridlock and a lack of action on the most important issues the nation faces.” The many shameless disagreements within the government this past year, are perfect examples of how representatives have become more interested in defeating each other, rather than working together for the good of the American people.

In the same interview with Linda Killian, one Independent voter said, "I'm just so turned off by everyone hurling insults at each other… instead of telling me what their position is ... all they want to do is tell me what their opponent is going to do wrong. I'm getting so sick of it." This sentiment is felt many who identify as Independent, and is a key motivation to remaining non-partisan when choosing the right candidate.

While an Independent voter may still have to choose between a Democrat and Republican in the end, the rise in independent voters signals a much-needed change in our traditional two-party system. Future candidates will need to expand their political views, and drop the exhausted party line, if they want to attract the support of the Independent voter.

http://www.policymic.com/articles/3301/why-many-americans-are-registering-as-independents-instead-of-gop-or-democrat

Can we drop the other guy is worse routine (which puts off the majority of Americans)? and talk about the issues please.

30 Comments

30 Comments


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[-] 3 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 11 years ago

Xlnt post. In total Independent agreement since 1974. Don't think third party, think no party. We have the power. Do you have the courage? Vote for a person instead.

Both parties uses identical logic. If you vote outside of the party terrible, things will happen. The truth is, terrible things are happening now because you took that advice before. Break out of the party mind control. Look at the blind obedience of the other side. You are just as blind.

[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

Well put JR. This article gives me a lot of hope that more people are figuring out the truth about the two-party monopoly.

[-] 2 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 11 years ago

Hey, good use of statistics. The real weakness of the two political parties is not apparent to many. Hopefully that will embolden their courage to finally break away and act like human beings instead of politically programmed robots. I swear, if they didn't have an R or a D in front of their names, the voters wouldn't have a clue who to vote for.

[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

Speaking of the politically programmed robots that roam this forum....the phrase, "out of touch with the American people" comes to mind

[-] 0 points by hchc (3297) from Tampa, FL 11 years ago

Parties lead to peer pressure which leads to people comprimising their values.

NPA

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[-] 0 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

A broader look is required to see the bigger picture. You cannot see the game while standing on the game board. But dogs are loyal to a fault, so I cannot say I am surprised at your response.

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[-] 0 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

Your reasoning is sound, if you don't consider that people are sick and tired of being told how bad the other guy is. Meanwhile, the partisan blame game becomes a convenient excuse for nothing at all getting done in this country - I mean, heck, how can you hold the democrats accountable if you can always conveniently blame the other guy.

But, I encourage you to keep it up, you are actually helping to drive more people away from the parties with the other guy sucks more routine....so keep it up by all means.

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[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

Lies and corruption are every day matters in both parties. Again, you do not hold the democrats accountable for anything and only present the other guy is worse routine.....drive them away zendog...LOL.

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[-] 0 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

POTUS called for an end to partisanship. I have never heard a politician say that before. LOL. I've heard Boehner say the same thing dozens of time.....wake up, sleepy.

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[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

Does it only matter what the republicans are up to? What are the democrats up to these days?

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[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

I specifically asked what the democrats are up to these days, not what they will be up to in the future. Future promises are easily broken, so we judge people on past and present performance, and hold them accountable to earlier promises.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Remove subsidies from fossil fuel. Another effort ongoing in the capital.

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[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

Senator Patrick Leahy accepts large campaign finances from Hollywood and originated SOPA act.

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[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

http://occupywallst.org/forum/one-subject-at-a-time-act-making-progress-in-both-/

Also ; Move to Amend the campaign to end corpoRAT personhood.

[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

Thank you. Skimmed through it - OSTA looks like an excellent reform idea. Oh, I saw Ron Paul endorsed it -- wait, I can't help republicans...just kidding. Will bookmark and go through it later.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

No problem. I support issues or oppose issues. I will also oppose idiots like mittens and RP.

[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

I can support or oppose issues regardless of who introduced them. Idiots....well, I have plenty of opposition to spread around to idiocy - why be selective.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Not trying to be selective those two just kinda stand out - there is also Boner, CANTor, Bitch McConnel....It just seems some advertise their need to go so effectively... great PR ?

[-] 1 points by hchc (3297) from Tampa, FL 11 years ago

Its a wave of people finally waking up, which is what OWS was all about.

Fuck these two parties, and fuck anyone who backs them. This isnt about 100 yr old parties, its about us the people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

Let it all out dude ! I think they heard you all the way over in Washington.

[-] 1 points by Nevada1 (5843) 11 years ago

Thank you Jaded, for this post. Agree.

[-] 1 points by JadedCitizen (4277) 11 years ago

NonPartisanCitizen? How does it sound? Nah, think I'll keep Jaded.

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