On May 21, the Pew Research Center released this public opinion poll on political values. It is an extensive survey, in twelve sections, and used a sample of 3,013 respondents. Among many other findings, the poll shows that 39% of U.S. residents identify themselves as independents, 33% as Democrats, 22% as Republicans, and 6% no opinion or “other”.
Men are more likely to describe themselves as independents than women are. Men self-identify at 42% independent, 28% Democratic, 24% Republican. Women self-identify as 41% Democratic, 31% independent, 22% Republican.
When the self-described independents are asked if they lean toward either of the major parties, and the leaners are then grouped with a major party, the results are: Democrats 50%, Republicans 34%, independent independents 16%. Thanks to PoliticalWire for the link.
Is there any info on the 6 percent others, like what parties they belong to?
This poll could very well be the handwriting on the wall for political parties as we know them. This could lead to a demand for “nonpartisan” types of elections from Court House to the White House, or it may represent the foundation of a new political affiliation – not necessarily called a party – but a movement with the name or label “independent” incorporated some where. Only time will tell.
As I have been saying and writing for many years now, I believe that the Republican Party will be a minor-sized party by 2012. That will create a very large opening for lots of changes, when that happens (and I’m pretty sure that it will).
The GOP, with few exceptions, seems hide bound for self destruction. Even a continuing Obama [my Yokohama Momma] disappointment, ‘Change we are still looking for’ will not rebound to a GOP come back…..
——— Donald Raymond Lake
President Barack Obama is the best president that our country has ever had.
I believe we are heading for what will be a nominally two-party system, but functionally a single-party government for a VERY long time… the (Socialists) Democrats being that one major party.
The GOP will effectively become a third party and a regional party, a sort of a “first among equals” with the deluge of minor parties that never amount to anything on the national level.