I understand, I just think that part of the reason you see so many people who call themselves “independents”, but always basically vote for one party is that they feel like well I have to vote for one of these two or Im not even invited to the table to talk about whats bothering them in the political landscape. Now there are certainly people who are reps or dems that just like the term independent.
Even if the two parties were the only method by which we ever get a president, having instant run-off available for congressional elections would allow for much better representation. As it stands, members of the two parties are so beholden to them that we can instantly know exactly how each house will vote on any issue, because the party leaders dictate positions to their members. EVERYONE knew precisely how the impeachment process would play out before it began, simply because we knew what each party wanted. If third party votes weren't considered "wasted", then those candidates would actually stand a chance, at least on the smaller, local scales. And an increase of minor-party legislators would increase variability in legislative results, which would be a good thing.
Personally, I think many Independents think their independent status will someday become truly relevant...whatever that means. I mean, categorically, what are Independents' bottom-line values?
I don't see that as being core-values. What are you saying, Independents might effectively pick and choose values from each party as to construct their own set?
Among actual independents, each one is different. That's a big reason why a third party can't consolidate all the people who don't love either major party--they don't all share the same values or political beliefs. They just have a slate of beliefs that don't align well enough with either the Democrats or Republicans--but they aren't the same slate of beliefs that another independent has.
Let's face it, it's not as if the Democrats are all the same, or even the Republicans (if only because Mitt Romney still exists).
So, what's the point of even being called an Independent? In the final analysis, kind of seems senseless to me.
It doesn't mean anything, in terms of beliefs. It's just what people call voters who aren't already decided on a party.
