Independent voters (those independent of political affiliation of the two major parties) have always been a part of our political landscape. Both political parties target the “independents” during election cycles as the only way to assure victory because neither one can seem to acquire the numbers they need on their own.
From all of the talk in Washington, you would think health care reform is all about Republicans or Democrats- it’s not. It’s what the independents want that will make the real difference. For the first time in a long time, independent voters outnumber those affiliated with either major political party.
The Pew Research Center provides an interesting visual of the history of individual affiliation with our political parties over the past 70 years. You can link to it by clicking here.
Starting back with Franklin Roosevelt in 1939, independent voters made up 18% of the electorate. At that time, Democrats made up 41% while Republicans were at 35%.
As we all know, party affiliations change with the times. Democratic affiliation peaked at 51% in 1964 after the Kennedy assassination and Republicans dropped pretty substantially to 25%. Independent voters increased to 23%.
Since that time, the affiliations of both major political parties have continued to erode. With the exception of a brief spurt during the Reagan years, the Republican Party has had a tough time solidifying a base. Democrats have not had much more success.
Beginning in 1991, under Bush I, the Republicans, Democrats, and independents have all been competing as equals in addressing the needs of the American people. And, in 2009, independent voters now make up 36% of the electorate, Democrats have 35%, and Republicans 23%.
From all of the talk in Washington, you would think health care reform is all about Republicans or Democrats- it’s not. It’s what the independents want that will make the real difference. For the first time in a long time, independent voters outnumber those affiliated with either major political party.
The Pew Research Center provides an interesting visual of the history of individual affiliation with our political parties over the past 70 years. You can link to it by clicking here.
Starting back with Franklin Roosevelt in 1939, independent voters made up 18% of the electorate. At that time, Democrats made up 41% while Republicans were at 35%.
As we all know, party affiliations change with the times. Democratic affiliation peaked at 51% in 1964 after the Kennedy assassination and Republicans dropped pretty substantially to 25%. Independent voters increased to 23%.
Since that time, the affiliations of both major political parties have continued to erode. With the exception of a brief spurt during the Reagan years, the Republican Party has had a tough time solidifying a base. Democrats have not had much more success.
Beginning in 1991, under Bush I, the Republicans, Democrats, and independents have all been competing as equals in addressing the needs of the American people. And, in 2009, independent voters now make up 36% of the electorate, Democrats have 35%, and Republicans 23%.
So as we continue on with all of the partisan politics that’s taking place in Washington regarding reforming our health care system, both parties better realize it’s not those that are affiliated with them that will be their staunchest advocates or most vocal critics. It will not be a Democratic or Republican agenda that will make a difference. It’s the independent voter that will have the biggest impact. Congress (both sides) had better listen.
And, from what we’re seeing, we can expect the independent ranks to grow even larger in the future. Because we don't think that they really are.
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