Vanity post: What is an "Independent" in US political terminology?

vanity | 4 October 2005 | NZerFromHK

[NZerFromHK]

Does anyone have a precise and correct definition of what an "Independent" means?

For instance, suppose I don't belong to any political party, but I always vote the GOP in elections. (This is what I do here in New Zealand: I don't officially join any party, but I'm a centre-right/conservative voter and I always vote the conservative parties in election.) In theory I should be counted as an "Independent" but it seems in much of the American MSMs/"punditries" the terms "Independents" don't apply if you lean on the GOP side.

Thanks in advance.

[quantim]

A person WITHOUT convictions.

[Americanwolf]

I resent that... i have convictions and am and independent. I just choose not to subscribe to the party line... for any party...

Just because someone does not tow each and every bit of the GOP line does not mean they are with out convictions... you may want to rethink your comment.

[Americanwolf]

You would be considered an independent here... the media like to claim independents as children of the left.. .and some poster here believe that too, but essentially an independent is someone who is not registered to either party.

[lawnguy]

Most of the people I know who call themselves independents tend to be fiscally conservative, but don't want to be lumped into the "far right wing" category, on the social issues.

In my experience, the abortion issue is the big one.

Of course, there are many "moderates" who use that label as a way of avoiding any tough decisions,and they are a generally spineless bunch, who do lack convictions.

[Americanwolf]

if they did a poll of the US military you would find that most are registered independent... Soldiers tend to not like to be pined to one party or the other.

[DouglasKC]

Does anyone have a precise and correct definition of what an "Independent" means?

Independent: Someone who has been brainwashed by the leftist media but doesn't realize it.

[Americanwolf]

why does an independent have to be a leftist? I really don't understand where you all get off saying that...

just because I don't register republican and am independent does not make me a leftist or democrat or even a subscriber to leftist ideals...

you make a very generalized argument for the statement. using a typical left tactic, rhetoric... I am amazed that there is that much of a glib response here.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

At the most basic of levels it means someone who has not declared for any party.

In Congress it means someone who is not a member of either of the two main parties.

[Americanwolf]

thank you HTB For espousing at least some sense here.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

You're welcome.

I don't wear labels well, they tend to chaff ;-)

[Americanwolf]

LOL :)

[Americanwolf]

with the opinions of independents by some of the posters that posted here I would really hate to see what they think of my brother who is a libertarian in Republicans clothing..and I would not want to start a argument over labeling with him... he uses facts!!!!.... :)

[NZerFromHK]

Thanks, that's the definition of "Independents" that I can support. There is no way that all Independents are Democrats but in name.

[Americanwolfsbrother]

You bet I'm Libertarian - We are the original Conservatives!

[cripplecreek]

Ive thought of myself as a libertarian conservative but I think a better definition would be independent conservative.

[Americanwolf]

amen brother!

[quantim]

I resent that...you may want to rethink your comment.

Sorry that you're mush in the middle. 

But since have you don't have an overall general sense of convictions (there is wiggle room on single issues) your vote is cancelled out by other mushies.

[Phsstpok]

Does anyone have a precise and correct definition of what an "Independent" means?

Might it be "roadkill?"

Seriously, in some states you are required to indicate political affiliation on voter registration cards. In most of those states that I've seen they provide a check box for "independent," as in "not Republican or Democrat" or any of the other listed choices.

As nuts as it seems, in NY there is an Independent Party.

That's like being a little bit pregnant, or mostly dead.

[Americanwolf]

how can you say I don't have an overall sense of convictions... you do not know me from adam... so you have no right to judge me in that manner. The fact that you choose to sit here and use rhetoric means that you can no see any strain of conservatism other then your own.

You comments show arrogance and closed mindedness...

There are those out in the real world that are conservatives but do not choose to sip the kool-aid... perhaps you should cut back.