There are two biases that I’ve seen over and over again in the Washington press, and neither is “conservative” or “liberal”. One is a bias towards making a big deal out of something that will ultimately have little electoral effect. The other is propping up the idea that Americans are […] Read more »
Despite dissatisfaction with Washington, don’t bet on a third party coming to the rescue
Given the public’s frustration with Washington, it’s not surprising that a third-party option has become increasingly popular with the American public. Indeed, the latest NBC News/Wall-Street Journal poll shows that 30 percent of voters would pick an independent or third-party candidate in a three-way field also featuring a Democrat and […] Read more »
Science Says NBC’s Hope for the ‘American Center’ Is Wrong
In the darkness of shutdown, brinksmanship, and default, NBC News and Esquire think they’ve found the last great hope for American politics—The Center. Everything we know about politics is wrong and America isn’t hopelessly divided is the gushingly optimistic conclusion of their widely publicized (and criticized) poll released Tuesday. “Emanating […] Read more »
Perceived Need for Third Party Reaches New High
Amid the government shutdown, 60% of Americans say the Democratic and Republicans parties do such a poor job of representing the American people that a third major party is needed. That is the highest Gallup has measured in the 10-year history of this question. A new low of 26% believe […] Read more »
Republicans may have an edge with independent voters. Can they use it?
Understanding the independent voter is the white whale of politics. Strategists in both parties spend inordinate amounts of time trying to grasp why these fence-sitters feel the way they feel — and what message makes them vote Democratic or Republican on Election Day. How can independent voters who supported Democratic […] Read more »
What’s up with Independents?
Election Day 2014 is about a year away, so naturally political junkies across the political spectrum want to know … what’s up with Independents? First, a brief recap of the “Independent vote” over the last decade. In the last five Congressional elections, according to national exit polls, majorities of Independents […] Read more »