Less than 25% of voters call themselves Republicans
According to a recent Pew Research poll, just 23% of voters identify themselves as Republicans. That’s down from 30% in 2004. Meanwhile, 35% of voters identify themselves as Democrats, registering only a 2% jump since 2004. Apparently, the Republican exodus is leading to more and more self-proclaimed Independents. In the last four months alone, those who identify themselves as Independents have grown to 39%.
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Many “pundits” believe the Republican Party is facing an identity crisis. They believe the party is splintered into three, large groups: Libertarian Republicans, Socially Conservative Republicans, and Moderate Republicans. When it comes to Libertarian Republicans, some Republicans like their strict, fiscal conservatism and dedication to limited government, but other Republicans feel they are too rigid with their constitutional ideology and too weak on national security. When it comes to Socially Conservative Republicans, some Republicans like their social conservatism and hawkish views on national security, but other Republicans feel they spend too much money, are too socially conservative, and do too much to expand the size of government. When it comes to Moderate Republicans, some Republicans like their flexible social stances, pragmatic approach to politics, and hawkish views on national security, but other Republicans feel they compromise their conservative principles, are too socially liberal, advocate too big of government, and spend too much money.
Are Republicans on their way out? Will the party splinter into two or more distinct parties? Is an Independent Party in the offing, despite the electoral hurdles and media bias against 3rd parties? Or, will the Republican Party find a way to unite based on a set of common principles? If so, which principles, since the different factions seem to be at odds with one another?
Let’s hear your thoughts.
Read the article here.
Rafi said:
An “Independent Party” is too vague and amorphous. As a libertarian I would hope that the dissolution of the Republican Party would overall strengthen political discourse in the USA. Ron Paul generated a lot of momentum in a relatively short time, and the existence of the tea party movement shows how Americans on both sides of the political spectrum are feeling disenfranchised. Why should Americans only have two choices in their leadership? If there was a recognized third party it would splinter the media into more pieces and ordinary people would get a better picture of reality, instead of the endless mud-slinging we see between Democratic and Republican pundits.
I honestly don’t know why we don’t massively diminish the power of the Federal government IN FAVOR of bolstering the power of States and local government. It affords more options of lifestyle and community and *freedom* for everybody. And isn’t that one of the purposes of the States in the first place?
April 29th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Rafi said:
Oh and one more thing, if the real majority is independents with 39% then creating a third party would have quite the impact on the world, wouldn’t it?
April 29th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Tara Gorman said:
I think we should do away with all parties. I want the candidates to stand up and say “I believe in this, this and this. If you agree, vote for me. If you agree with the other candidates, vote for them.” Isn’t that what democracy is all about? There are too many people like me who don’t fit any category. I don’t want politicians to try to change my opinion on a subject, I want to vote for the candidate who agrees with me. Simple. No debates, saves time and money, and removes “political analysts” from the “news”. Let’s face it, all politicians and political parties are just wrong. They point out that their side can do something wrong because the other side did something else wrong. It just makes no sense.
April 29th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Laura L said:
I can identify with concerns of all three Republican splinter groups mentioned above, but none of those issues are what drove me away from the R party. Lying, stinking, corrupt politicians drove me away. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. I am FED UP with lies and double-speak. I am disgusted enough to cry watching politicians destroy American’s economic future for thier temporary personal benefit.
And I DO NOT NEED one more overspending deceitful “Elitist Republican” nodding sagely as they say Republicans are in trouble because they are not “moderate” enough.
STOP THE MADNESS.
When I heard Obama signed a bill with 800 earmarks in it I threw something at my TV and shouted “Of COURSE he did!” When I learned that 40% of those earmarks were from Republicans I just slumped down in my chair and mumbled “of course…”
Republican Politicians were America’s best hope, IMO, but Republican voters in general just won’t put up with this. What frustrates me is that the Democrat Politicians are even MORE deceitful, but Democrat voters not only don’t care — they don’t even seem aware of what their politicans are dong.
I am ready for a third party with integrity and I will overlook little issue differences to have leaders who believe in the greatness of America and who will fight to restore our liberty and sanity in spending. I do feel WAY outnumbered by oblivious masses now though. I hope they can wake up before too much damage is done.
April 29th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Coalition of NH Taxpayers said:
So how do you like the alternative? There has never been an administration as corrupt as this one, never! Further, they are same lobbyists, terrorists, and hacks from a previous corrupted administration.
Most people who voted for this puppet clown had no idea what party controlled congress, who the VP candidate was, or whether this guy had any qualifications to be Marxist in chief or who is controlling him.
The other night he could not even congatulate Specter or comfort the people about the flu without his teleprompter with his handlers words on it! He’s a total inexperienced embarrassment to this country.
April 29th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Jim Fraser said:
A third party will pretty much hand the 2012 elections to Obama on a silver platter. Al Franken won this way. Bill Clinton won this way although Clinton was palatable.
I personally plan on switching from Independent to Republican so I can vote in the primaries here in Florida. Like it or not I believe the Republicans are our best hope right now.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:57 am