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 Why do people self-identify as independent voters when they aren't?Posted by ClientNumber9 Case in point: I have a close friend that adamantly swears he is "independent" and takes umbrage when called liberal or Democrat. Yet, he holds virtually every hard Left position and admitted to me recently that he has never pulled a lever for a Republican. He's a mouthpiece for Nancy Pelosi.  on 5/14 at 9:14 pmMeanwhile, I have two other friends at work that are to the right of Mussolini but self-identify as independents as well. They abhor every Democrat and vote the straight Republican ticket in every election from President down to County Commissioner. All of my "independent" friends wear this label proudly and make it clear to everyone that they back no party. I would argue that these so-called "independents" vote party line one way or the other at least 80% of the time, so why all the posturing? So why do people pretend like they are open-minded and truly independent (and thus theoretically just as likely to vote for Obama as they are Romney)? Do they think it makes them sound complex and mature to pretend they are unbiased and will vote for the candidate that makes the best impression? I would argue that if you're truly on the fence come election time and aren't sure one way or the other, then you either: don't care about politics or you're too stupid to comprehend the issues. What say you? This post was edited on 5/14 at 9:18 pm Reply • Back to Top |
| case and point: constant cough thinks he is an independent. same can be said for "moderates". according to the left, elena kagan is a "moderate" justice and everyone to the right of her is a tea party loon Reply • Back to Top |
| I'm registered independent and have always voted GOP for POTUS, Senate and the House. However, at he local and state lever I have voted Democrat and Libertarian a few times. Reply • Back to Top |
They want it to look like they think when they really don't.  Reply • Back to Top |
quote: I think the real question though, is do you identify yourself as an independent when it comes up in a conversation? Reply • Back to Top |
quote: I think that's the OP's point. Reply • Back to Top |
quote: I always respond, I'm registered independent but I'm a conservative with libertarian leanings. Then we'll delve into specific issues. Reply • Back to Top |
Posted by Kickadawgitfeelsgood on 5/14 at 9:54 pm to ClientNumber9 You never own your vote is why.Reply • Back to Top |
quote: I don't think independent necessarily means that you are open minded. I think it really means that you share part(s) of both (or all) parties' views and you'll vote for the candidate that is closest to your view. This is as opposed to members of the GOP and Democratic parties who will vote down the party line every time regardless of the party's candidates positions. Reply • Back to Top |
quote: It might be, that they don't want people to label them and predetermine what they think/feel/believe with regard to political issues. When you take on a label, you take on all the baggage and history and prejudice associated with that label. Just a guess. Reply • Back to Top |
| Independent doesn't necessarily mean middle of the road, it just means you don't belong to a party. So technically, they're correct in calling themselves independent. Reply • Back to Top |
Posted by baybeefeetz on 5/14 at 11:13 pm to ClientNumber9 T's because the national parties are embarrassing. Nobody will cop to being alignedReply • Back to Top |
| ColoradoBengal with the correct answer. Reply • Back to Top |
| If everyone registered as an independent...how would they draw districts? Reply • Back to Top |
| Because while they do not align completely with the Republican or Demacrat party, then tend to lean one way, but don't think that party deserves their full support. I am independent, and tend to vote whichever way i feel serves the country best. (usually the candidate i think can cross the isle the best) Reply • Back to Top |
| It makes them feel like they're above it all and "enlightened". For the most part, they are far-left whacko nutjobs. But, they convince themselves that they are "independent minded" and are therefore enlightened. Case in point - VOR. Reply • Back to Top |
| they lie to themselves Reply • Back to Top |
quote: People too often confuse/conflate the terms "independent" and "moderate". This post was edited on 5/15 at 9:23 am Reply • Back to Top |
Posted by hawkster on 5/15 at 9:29 am to ClientNumber9 Some people are suspicious of the privacy of polling information and they also provide the most neutral answers they can to loaded bull shite poll questions. Reply • Back to Top |
| Yeah...I have a friend - my best friend - who constantly says that he's an independent, that he's a moderate, but always agrees with me when we talk about politics. I'm a conservative with numerous libertarian beliefs so if he is constantly agreeing with me there is no way that he is a moderate. I think a lot of people claim to be independent or moderate to try to appear impartial. This post was edited on 5/15 at 9:33 am Reply • Back to Top • Refresh |
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