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I don't think it is safe to say that more independents means less partisanship. If people are going independent because they see themselves as somewhere between

I don't think it is safe to say that more independents means less partisanship. If people are going independent because they see themselves as somewhere between Rs and Ds, then sure. But if they go independent because they think the Rs are not right enough, or the Ds are not left enough, then that is only an example of magnifying partisanship.

IIAOPSW 5y ago
I view the "independent" label to actually just mean "my party isn't part of my identity." Most "independents" consistently vote for one party, they just aren't married to it in principle.
- egberts1 5y ago
  Or them non-partisans merely vote for what they like.
- giantg2 5y ago
  I agree. In many places you have to pick a party to be able to participate in their primary. So officially you might be listed as a certain party, but still be "independent" as you describe.
egberts1 5y ago
or it could be that political parties needs to reform themselves to accommodate the general public (and not the paying corporate bigwigs?)