There are a lot of registered "Independents" in this country...

[kentuck]

And "Independents" are not slavishly devoted to the Republican Party. If I were a betting man, and I am, I would bet that the Independent vote will be the big surprise in the upcoming elections. It will not split between the two major Parties as it tends to do most of the time. I predict that it will go 80% towards the Democratic Party. Why?

Because there is nothing for them to vote for in the Republican Party anymore. They are not weighted down by Party "loyalty". They can vote however they wish. And they will. The "Independents" will be the secret weapon in November. I predict.

[w8liftinglady]

1. i've talked to a lot of "republicans"

and I think you are right on the money.My dad,ex-military,conservative,and his drinking buddies(ditto)...will NOT vote for these chickenhawk pussies(their words).

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. In some states, there are nothing BUT independents

Washington, among a few others, does not register votes by party. Were are all by definition independent.

[stopbush]

3. Independents are pussies.

Sorry, but as a one-time independent, they're pussies. Pick a side and shit or get off the pot. There are enough differences between
the two parties to go with one or the other, even if you feel it's the lesser of two evils.

Independents are lukewarm, middle-of-the-road non-commitent have-their-cakes. They don't have the guts to put their stand where it might make
a difference while at the same time expecting both of the parties (who that they can't stand, BTW) to pander to their inability or unwillingness to
put their money where it counts.

Can anyone tell me what an independent stands for? What a weasley position.

To be honest, I have more respect for Rs who take a wrongheaded stand than I do for no-stand-at-all independents.

[kentuck]

4. But you'll take their vote...?

Won't you? :)

[stopbush]

6. Just like I'll take a Republican's vote. :)

[Book Lover]

7. Well, you can go to hell, too

From my point of view, it is childish and naive to assume that a mere two parties can represent the entire spectrum of political views and beliefs.

[stopbush]

8. Note to Book Lover: You are posting on DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND.

BTW - is there an Independent Underground blog?

[Book Lover]

9. Your patronizing reply does not address my point at all

Care to do so?

[stopbush]

11. Nope. You lost me at "you can go to hell."

[spoony]

12. A little late to demand civility after tossing the p-bomb around

[Oeditpus Rex]

13. From 'The Rules'

2. Who We Are: Democratic Underground is an online community for Democrats and other progressives. Members are expected to be generally supportive of progressive ideals, and to support Democratic candidates for political office. Democratic Underground is not affiliated with the Democratic Party, and comments posted here are not representative of the Democratic Party or its candidates.

(Emphasis added.)

I'm an independent, and I resent what you said. You are, of course, wrong.

[spoony]

10. What they stand for?

Perhaps they hold some positions of one party and one of the other. Or maybe they don't like organized political parties the way some people don't like organized religion. There's a lot of that, I know many who fall into that category.

And, by and by, "pussies" isn't really a good word for a progressive board. It's sexist.

[AspenRose]

14. Black voters are increasingly registering as independents

...referring to those who can't stand republicans, but don't feel like the democratic party is taking their issues seriously or feels like their vote is taken for granted by the democrats.

I wouldn't call that 'being a pussy.'

I'd wager that they'd probably still vote democratic, given the choice, despite their frustration with the party, because it's the lesser of two evils to them.

[bliss_eternal]

15. LOL!

I like what you said, pick a side and shit or get off the pot. :spray::rofl:

Aren't independents libertarians? Or are these two different things?

I like what I've seen DU'ers say about libertarians--republicans that like to smoke pot. ;)

[magellan]

16. Excuse me?

Insult me, make erroneous and offensive assumptions about me, but you'll accept my vote? How generous of you. Maybe you should stop to consider that not all independents are the "lukewarm middle-of-the-road non-commitent have-their-cakes" you once were before you go running your mouth.

And yes, stopbush, I know where I am, and I'm not going to leave just because some sanctimonious happy-to-be-taken-for-granted doesn't approve of me because I'm an independent.

[Toots]

17. One Party right or WRONG..... What an idiot...

:shrug:

[Blue_In_AK]

5. The majority of Alaskans identify themselves as Independent

34% Republican, 20 percent Democratic, and 38 percent Independent. The rest are Libertarians, Greens and Alaska Independence Party.