The democrats versus the republicans fight is a loud one, filled with anger, frustration, and some of the worst polarization to date. In our two party system, we see the Democrats and Republicans battle it out in debates, on TV and with ads. As blatantly obvious as the fight between these two parties is, this country is seeing a growing middle ground that is rarely heard from or represented.
The fabled independent seems to be as rare as bipartisanship in politics. Nowhere do we here of the Independent candidate. The last true independent candidate for president was, according to Biography.com, Ross Perot who ran as an independent in 1992. Yet, unbeknownst to most Americans, a new political power is rising, and they are the independents in America.
Contrary to belief, the two main parties are actually smaller than people think. Gallup polls reports that only 26% of Americans are registered Republicsns. This number has slowly come down over the years. Party loyalty, especially among the Republicans is becoming a problem for the party.
The Democratic party is also suffering losses in party membership. Gallup Polls reports that the Democratic party has only a 30% membership. These numbers are extremely surprising given that our country is split on any given issue two ways. That leaves the question of what this is the purpose and importance of this growing middle ground.
The independents make up approximately 43% of all voters in the United States according to Gallup Polls. Much of the reason for the "decline in identification with both parties in recent years comes as dissatisfaction with government has emerged as one of the most important problems facing the country". Unfortunately, the satisfaction with government performance is at an all time low. In a different Gallup Poll, 65% of all Americans are unsatisfied with the United States government and it's action. This explains the recent trend of party dissatisfaction.
However with the with the downfall of huge party alliances, we are seeing a growing importance of the independent voters in elections across the country. The simple reason is that they are numerically superior. Candidates cannot win elections without catering to this fast growing group. This holds significant promise for the future of our country. Previously the candidates simply catered to the left or the right as most of their potential voting base identified with either of the ideologies.
Neither side can win an election purely by appealing to their own party. For candidates this means that they must tap the diverse group of independent that do not toe the party line. Therefore, they are forced to better represent voters and have a more moderate tone. In elections such as the current presidential election this presents immense challenges for candidates. During the primaries candidates are need to appeal to their party hard liners. This involves them show casing their either liberal or conservative side. Once nonminated, however, they must rebrand themselves as the more moderate option as they are now trying to win over the independent vote that decides the election.
We do not often see or hear the independent voice. We only see the polarization between the left and right that seems to dominate the media and many other faucets of our lives. Yet the growing independents are highlighting the middle ground and discontent in this country with the current state of political affairs. Their voice that combines the political thoughts of the left and right are an important step in breaking free from the ideological deadlock and bringing forth a new era of productivity and political satisfaction.
Contrary to belief, the two main parties are actually smaller than people think. Gallup polls reports that only 26% of Americans are registered Republicsns. This number has slowly come down over the years. Party loyalty, especially among the Republicans is becoming a problem for the party.
The Democratic party is also suffering losses in party membership. Gallup Polls reports that the Democratic party has only a 30% membership. These numbers are extremely surprising given that our country is split on any given issue two ways. That leaves the question of what this is the purpose and importance of this growing middle ground.
The independents make up approximately 43% of all voters in the United States according to Gallup Polls. Much of the reason for the "decline in identification with both parties in recent years comes as dissatisfaction with government has emerged as one of the most important problems facing the country". Unfortunately, the satisfaction with government performance is at an all time low. In a different Gallup Poll, 65% of all Americans are unsatisfied with the United States government and it's action. This explains the recent trend of party dissatisfaction.
However with the with the downfall of huge party alliances, we are seeing a growing importance of the independent voters in elections across the country. The simple reason is that they are numerically superior. Candidates cannot win elections without catering to this fast growing group. This holds significant promise for the future of our country. Previously the candidates simply catered to the left or the right as most of their potential voting base identified with either of the ideologies.
Neither side can win an election purely by appealing to their own party. For candidates this means that they must tap the diverse group of independent that do not toe the party line. Therefore, they are forced to better represent voters and have a more moderate tone. In elections such as the current presidential election this presents immense challenges for candidates. During the primaries candidates are need to appeal to their party hard liners. This involves them show casing their either liberal or conservative side. Once nonminated, however, they must rebrand themselves as the more moderate option as they are now trying to win over the independent vote that decides the election.
We do not often see or hear the independent voice. We only see the polarization between the left and right that seems to dominate the media and many other faucets of our lives. Yet the growing independents are highlighting the middle ground and discontent in this country with the current state of political affairs. Their voice that combines the political thoughts of the left and right are an important step in breaking free from the ideological deadlock and bringing forth a new era of productivity and political satisfaction.
