Independent voters are spoiling a broken political process. We should own this title.
In today’s polarized political landscape, independent voters are often labeled as “spoilers.” But what if that’s exactly what America needs? At the Independent Center, we believe independent voters are not just disrupting the status quo—they’re reviving and modernizing the American Dream.
The American Dream: A Legacy of Disruption
The American Dream has always been about breaking molds rooted in the belief that every citizen should have an equal opportunity to succeed through grit, initiative, and determination.
From George Washington to Oprah Winfrey, the Dream has been shaped by individuals who refused to follow the expected path. These were the original spoilers—people who challenged norms and redefined success.
Independent Voters: The New Architects of Optimism
Today, independent voters are carrying that legacy forward. They’re not beholden to party lines or outdated ideologies. Instead, they’re asking bold questions:
- What does success look like in a post-pandemic economy?
- How can we build a future that values entrepreneurship, flexibility, and personal agency?
Our research at the Independent Center shows that younger generations—many of whom identify as independents—are redefining the American Dream. They believe in side hustles, diversified income, and the power of digital tools to create opportunity. They’re optimistic, even in the face of economic uncertainty.
Young people still believe in the importance of the American Dream and they see it as more accessible through entrepreneurial spirit than ever before.
Spoilers With Purpose
Being a spoiler isn’t about chaos—it’s about challenging complacency. Independent voters are proud to disrupt systems that no longer serve the people. They’re pushing for a Dream that’s inclusive, flexible, and forward-looking.
Historian James Truslow Adams described the Dream as “a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone… regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” That vision is alive today in the hearts of independent voters who refuse to settle for less.
The Modernized American Dream Is Independent
The traditional image of the Dream—a suburban home, a steady job, and a nuclear family—is being replaced by something more dynamic. Independent voters are leading this shift, embracing mobility, innovation, and self-determination.
They’re not just voting differently—they’re living differently. And in doing so, they’re proving that the American Dream isn’t dead. It’s evolving. And it’s independent.
