Independents and Moderates?

Question

It seems today there are many more polarizing views out there. At the same time we have many folks who have chosen the label Moderate or Independent.
Are these folks who are truly open minded or is this simply a safe place where one can waffle on issues from time to time?

Answer 1

There is a dearth of good independent candidates in NJ, so I have to choose between the lesser of two evils.

The Democrats and Republicans have stopped representing the people and only represent the the special interests and corporations that donate to the national political parties' treasuries. The people we send to represent us are told how to vote even if it is detrimental to their constituents.

So while some may use the independent or moderate labels to be able to waffle and flip-flop with impunity, there are many others who are stuck voting for a party instead of a representative.

Answer 2

I find three categories of people wandering about in "Moderate" territory.

1) Average everyday people. They voted for George because he seemed to be a more down-to-earth, everyday guy than either Kerry or Gore, who both were presented as super-intelligent-rich-people, who don't know what's "really" going on.

2) The lunatic fringe. I am a moderate Libertarian, and I find that many (perhaps most!) of that party is so far away from both Democrats and Republicans that they call themselves moderate. Lemme tell ya, people who don't believe that the government should have its own military, or believe that the income tax is unconsitutional? Not moderate.

3) Moderates. I would like to think I'm here. I believe that the most important role of the Federal Government is military defense. Liberal Democrats and Republicans seemed to want to jockey for power, and neglect the fact that people who fit terrorist profiles are getting on airplanes while security is searching the 85 year old's walker for plastic explosives. I am pro-choice, don't understand why gay people can't marry, pro-legalization of drugs, but anti-welfare, anti-immigration (until taxpayers no longer pay for hospitals and schools!), and anti-pork barrel.

I think there are a bunch of people in group #1, and a barely significant population in #2. I think there are a sizable portion in #3, which I find funny, because many vote strictly one-side Republican or Democrat, neither of which suit their viewpoint very well.

Answer 3

I'm voting Independent ONLY because the Republican party isn't conservative enough for me. Republicans seem to be swaying more to the left these days. I would say the TWO parties waffle on issues more than the voters do.

Answer 4

Political stances:
Handling Iraq situation
Extreme left wing-get the hell out now.
Left wing-get out on a time table
Moderate-Stay until Iraqi government is able to stand on it's own.
Right wing-Stay until hell freezes over.
Extreme right wing-Bomb 'em off the map.

I think that if you apply the above stances to any other national policy, the stances will not fall in line according to the political beliefs of that person in question. These politicians want to be re-elected and they care not so much for the well being of their country as they want re-elected. TALK ABOUT THE NEED FOR TERM LIMITATIONS FOR OUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

I'm a Libertarian. I have a lot of friends leaning that way as well. Libertarians may as well be Independents, considering what little support we get at election time. C'mon join the joyride!

Answer 6

both.

both sides have gone so far in their inability to waver on ANY of their platform policies that absolutely NO compromise can be made. No party will EVER have 100% of its policies come to fruition because there has to be give and take.

Answer 7

Since is obvious that no one can be 100% right all the time, call it what you want but is the closest you can get to be right all the time.

Unless you have a direct phone with God like Bush has, right?