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Why Everyone Is Rushing to Label Themselves an 'Independent'

A CNN-commissioned survey finds 44% of Americans call themselves independents while 28% and 27% identify as Republicans and Democrats, respectively, with some rejecting labels but voting like partisans.
The parties' convergence stems from institutional isomorphism as Republican Party and Democratic Party candidates conform to primary system pressures from party donors and primary voters.
Right-Wing media and allied groups aligned behind President Trump, while GOP primaries enforce a pro-Trump litmus test demanding narrow conformity.
As a result, general-election voters often choose the least objectionable nominee because the nomination process discourages intraparty deviation, while many independents vote like partisans including `The Checked Out` .
The author expects the dynamic to continue soon, as ideological, financial and cultural pressures sustain the independent label across American demographics and ideological groups.

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Montana Standard

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Center

Why everyone is rushing to label themselves an 'independent'

Independents are so hot right now -- and will be for the foreseeable future.

2 days ago

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Daily Freeman

Center

Jonah Goldberg: ‘Independent’ label in vogue

Independents are so hot right now — and will be for the foreseeable future. According to a major survey commissioned by CNN, nearly half of all Americans — 44% — call themselves independents while only 28% and 27%, respectively, identify as Republicans or Democrats. I have a theory as to why. But I have to throw some fancy terms to explain it. “Independent” is what students of semiotics call an “empty signifier,” a term that has very little, if …

2 days ago·Kingston, United States

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