Politics Has Become Hostile to Normal People.
Today, 43% of Americans identify as independent voters—unaffiliated with either major party. That’s nearly half the country stepping away from partisan politics. Why? Because the system feels broken, and the American Dream is getting lost in the noise.
Independent voters are tired of the extremes. They want solutions, not endless outrage. They want leaders who respect personal choice, value decency, and focus on real problems—not partisan purity tests. Unfortunately, both parties have made compromise a dirty word. Division has become the goal, not progress.
Why Independent Politics Matters
When independent voters disengage, the consequences are serious:
- Primaries become dominated by the most polarized voters.
- Candidates grow more extreme.
- Institutions lose neutrality.
- Political discourse turns toxic, weakening the social fabric of our country.
This isn’t just about politics—it’s about the future of the American Dream. If unaffiliated voters stay silent, partisan extremes will keep shaping policies that ignore common sense and shared values.
What We’ve Learned at the Independent Center
Over the past year, we’ve seen firsthand how hard it is to make politics normal again. Here are three roadblocks that reveal just how broken the system is:
1. Candidates Who Avoid Fair Debate
When we hosted a candidate forum, only the independent politician showed up. The major-party candidates refused to share a stage. Why? Because they fear competition and prefer controlled environments where outrage wins over persuasion.
2. Funders Who Fear True Independence
Many donors claim to be nonpartisan—but hesitate to support movements that empower voters over parties. Influence often matters more than integrity.
3. Media That Can’t See Beyond Party Labels
Nonpartisan ideas often get ignored because journalists don’t know how to frame them without a partisan tag. If it doesn’t fit the usual script, it doesn’t get covered.
The Psychology Behind Polarization
This isn’t surprising. Humans evolved to defend in-groups—the circles that grant access to resources and status. In Washington, those resources are power and money. Partisans fight for control, not morality. And while they divide the pie, everyday Americans pay the price.
We Need Independent Voters Back in the Game
The Independent Center is building a home for the politically homeless—people who solve problems in their families, communities, and workplaces. These are normal Americans who believe in cooperation, not conflict.
We can make the 2026 and 2028 elections look different. But it starts now—with independent voters, unaffiliated voters, and independent politicians leading the way.
How You Can Help Make Politics Normal Again
- Run for office if you can—or support candidates who put voters first.
- Vote for shared values, even when policy alignment isn’t perfect.
- Reward cooperation, not conflict.
- Support leaders who treat opponents as fellow citizens, not enemies.
Together, we can restore sanity to Washington and revive the American Dream.
