Are Most Independents Idiots?

[Arnold jr]

I don't care if someone doesn't have a party affiliation, I don't. I was a registered republican for awhile in yrs past but those yrs have passed...although I freely admit, there are republicans I can identify with more so than most democrats.

It seems to me though most who fall into the independent category truly have no clue as to what's truly right or wrong, they have no measuring compass that they truly judge things by and all-in-all inevitably end up making decisions purely on feelings. 

They will vote for someone who is as far-left as possible because "it just feels right" after that "feeling" becomes a burden, you know, once that "feeling" becomes a giant baseball bat upside the head, they'll vote for the guy on the opposite end of the spectrum because hey, it just feels right.

We all know it's independents who decide elections and because of the above, this is a scary thought. I simply wish these people would for themselves find a place to rest, not a party but rather a firm foundation of what they believe is right, instead of the lukewarm attitude so many seem to possess.

[Dos Equis]

I'm an independent and I don't really need a party affiliation.  I probably agree with conservatives more than liberals, but I'm not a Republican.  I could never be a Republican because I believe in loyalty, and I want to be free to vote for a Democrat or whatever if I believe he or she is the better candidate.  If you're a member of a party you should support your party through thick and thin. 

I evaluate each candidate on his or her own merit and if I think the candidate will do a good job, I vote for them, regardless of party.  There are other factors, like the balance of power and voting against another candidate (like I will likely do in 2012), but by and large I do an independent analysis of each one when it's time to vote. 

There are some issues that are deal breakers, like integrity (lack of), taxes, and support for the military, but I have few litmus tests.  I like my freedom.   

[Arnold jr]

I'm an independent and I don't really need a party affiliation.  I probably agree with conservatives more than liberals, but I'm not a Republican.  I could never be a Republican because I believe in loyalty, and I want to be free to vote for a Democrat or whatever if I believe he or she is the better candidate.  If you're a member of a party you should support your party through thick and thin. 

I evaluate each candidate on his or her own merit and if I think the candidate will do a good job, I vote for them, regardless of party.  There are other factors, like the balance of power and voting against another candidate (like I will likely do in 2012), but by and large I do an independent analysis of each one when it's time to vote. 

There are some issues that are deal breakers, like integrity (lack of), taxes, and support for the military, but I have few litmus tests.  I like my freedom.   

I agree with what you're saying and I don't believe all independents are idiots but there simply seems to be a large number of people who attach that term to their name because they have no clue or no ability to place themselves on firm ground. It's just something that gets on my nerves a little bit.

[Dos Equis]

I agree with what you're saying and I don't believe all independents are idiots but there simply seems to be a large number of people who attach that term to their name because they have no clue or no ability to place themselves on firm ground. It's just something that gets on my nerves a little bit.

I hear what you're saying.  Some people have no core values.  Some folks are moral skeptics.  I do think it's important to be grounded on a core set of beliefs.  I also think it's important to have an open mind.