It's a mistake to assume independents are "between" the two parties

[Recursion]

They aren't. We don't appeal to them by becoming more like Republicans, and Republicans don't appeal to them by becoming more like us. Voters like results, even results they don't like. People supported W even when they didn't agree with his policies because he got stuff done.

I'm not saying we need to be more liberal or more conservative, because independents don't care about that. They care about politicians not being spineless and corrupt.

IMO a huge mass of angry people will continue to unseat incumbents until they find politicians who will:

1. Stop throwing money at and taking money from corporations
2. More or less balance the budget
3. Make their time in Washington be more about results than process

They don't have a doctrinal investment in how these things are done. Want to cut services? If you do it, they'll support it. Want to tax the rich? If you do it, they'll support it. Want to lower the rich's taxes? If you do it, they'll support it.

These aren't a vast sea of people who are between our party and theirs on some imaginary spectrum, they're a vast sea of people who want shit to get done.

[Ninga]

1. We are a two party system. Until that changes, I say find the one that fits with your value

system and work as hard as you can within that system.

I am a proud Democrat. I will not shift with the eroding sand of time and jump ship. Independents have a bloated self-importance of what they think they know, and how their vote will fix it.

It is much harder to make a choice and stick with it, working with in the system to affect change.

[Recursion]

2. Or they're just going for the best deal they can get

Independents have a bloated self-importance of what they think they know, and how their vote will fix it.

I agree for the most part. Others are just completely cynical about the political process, and damned if even the Democrats we elect don't give them reason to be. And some are kind of whoring out their votes to whomever can give them the most shiny stuff.

[FarCenter]

5. The orthodox positions of both parties are pretty awful

[RaleighNCDUer]

8. Please, define the 'orthodox' position of the Democratic party -

and explain what is awful about it.

[Deep13]

3. Right. Conservative Democrats or fascist Republicans.

Can't say I find either one appealing.

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. Independents are those who curse Wal-Mart for destroying

their downtown, while shopping at Wal-Mart.

[TxRider]

6. Independents want jobs and a balanced budget

And we are moving further away from both at record paces, while all they hear about for a year is HCR debate when most are insured and happy with it.

Pile a little anger at Wall street walking away from the crisis with a smile after tax payer bailouts using their tax dollars on the top and you have the makings of a very bad 2010 election.

[Toasterlad]

7. Exactly. I Am a Registered Independent, And I'm Far Left of the Democratic Party on Social Issues

and more moderate on fiscal issues.