New York Times columnist Timothy Egan writes for Independence Day that the most despised Congress ever will be returned to office next year in largely its current form, event though independents are the biggest voter bloc in America, with Democrats next and Republicans trailing.

Advertisement

But what is an independent?

When you examine the beliefs of independents, particularly among millennials, they lean Democratic. That is, most policy issues pushed by the Democrats get majority support from the nonpartisans. Combining all the categories, Pew put the pro-Democratic cohort at 55 percent, the pro-Republican at 36 percent. But the two party brands are so soiled now by the current do-nothing Congress and their screaming advocates that voters prefer not to have anything to do with either of them.

The indies still vote. They went for Barack Obama, twice, but hate partisanship. They’ve soured on Obama for not fulfilling his great promise of forging a coalition that is neither red nor blue.

This calculus doesn’t work in Arkansas, where polling shows that the independent bloc leans strongly conservative, bad news for Democratic candidates for statewide office.

Advertisement

Egan’s ideas:

1) Recognize a problem in the plurality being left out of power. 2) Crowdsource money for slates of no-party candidates. 3) Stay involved.

Advertisement

The emerging majority is the most racially diverse, politically open-minded, social-media-engaged generation in history. They’re repulsed by the partisan hacks, and the lobbyist-industrial complex that controls them. You see their influence in everything but the governing institutions in Washington. It’s about time that voice is heard.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Missing evidence in police brutality case costs Pope County $4,500 Next article Food Feedback Friday: Fabulous Fourth Edition