Voters are rejecting partisan extremes and demanding real solutions.
The Big Picture
These days, political developments are moving at the speed of light. President Joe Biden stumbling in the first presidential debate was almost immediately followed by an attempted assassination on Donald Trump’s life.
Fast forward two weeks, and Biden withdrew from the race, leaving Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket.
Unless you are a partisan die-hard, you are likely frustrated with the lack of choices and the dramatic partisan rhetoric drowning out real policy conversations. A recent Independent Center study found that 83% of Americans believe that "we can do better."
Zooming In
Discontent with Political Leadership
Voters overwhelmingly express dissatisfaction with the state of American leadership:
- 82% say elected officials are not doing their jobs effectively.
- 67% say we can do better in our choices for president.
- 86% say America as a whole can do better.
The Generational Shift in the Electorate
Millennials (ages 28-43) and Gen Z (ages 12-27) are poised to be the majority of the electorate in 2024. These voters are far more likely to identify as independent than older generations, rejecting rigid party affiliations. Pew Research shows how these younger voters are shaping the electorate.
America’s Changing Social Consensus
Despite partisan fear-mongering, Americans agree on many major social issues:
- A vast majority of Americans consider gay marriage a settled issue.
- 85% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in some capacity.
- Nearly 90% support marijuana legalization in some form.
- Gallup reports that the U.S. has become more socially liberal over time.
The Demand for New Political Options
While Americans lean more socially liberal, they remain moderate to conservative on economic issues. Yet, the two-party system does not reflect this balance. Instead, the major parties continue pushing ideological extremes.
In the same poll, 56% of respondents said the current two-party system is not working and that more options are needed.
The Optimism of Independent Voters
Despite political frustrations, Americans remain hopeful about their personal lives. A Bullfinch Group poll in 2022 found that 77% of Millennials believed they would be better off in a year.
These young voters are forming households, advancing in careers, and striving toward financial independence. They are actively building their version of the American Dream, even as they reject partisan dysfunction.
Independent Lens
America, we can do better. This isn’t a cry of despair—it’s a challenge to be embraced.
Millennials and Gen Z are ready to tackle the nation’s biggest challenges, from fixing the immigration system to reforming entitlement programs. They are seeking leaders who will offer real solutions instead of partisan theatrics.
Polling shows that most Americans have more in common than the two-party system suggests. Recognizing this reality is the first step toward building a government that truly represents the will of the people.
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