Jackie Salit
Jackie Salit is the President of IndependentVoting.org, a national association of independent voters.
Articles by this Author
And now, a word from the independents: What the Republicans and Democrats should know
- By Jackie Salit
- Published 02/8/2010
- Political
- Unrated
The Republican and Democratic Parties have finally found something to agree on. Americans are angry. The Republicans say they know the answer. Just put them in power. The Democrats say they know the answer. Just keep them in power. Isn’t it partisan vanity that made Americans so angry in the first place?
It’s dangerous, psychologically speaking, to be angry but have no productive way to express it. That is the psychological and political bind that most Americans find themselves in. And, it is also the catalyst for so many millions of Americans – 40% in some polls – becoming political independents.
This “breakout” phenomenon has been gathering steam for nearly 20 years. Movements come of age as leaders with diverse, sometimes divergent, visions challenge their movement to follow a particular path.
It’s dangerous, psychologically speaking, to be angry but have no productive way to express it. That is the psychological and political bind that most Americans find themselves in. And, it is also the catalyst for so many millions of Americans – 40% in some polls – becoming political independents.
This “breakout” phenomenon has been gathering steam for nearly 20 years. Movements come of age as leaders with diverse, sometimes divergent, visions challenge their movement to follow a particular path.