The Myth of the Independent Voter

The Myth of the Independent Voter

Author: Bruce E. Keith

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 1992-06-17

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 9780520912236

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Few events in American politics over the past two decades have generated more attention than the increasing number of voters calling themselves Independent. By the early 1970s Independents outnumbered Republicans, according to many eminent experts on voting behavior. Yet the authors of this incisive new commentary on American politics claim that most of this widespread speculation on declining party affiliation is simply wrong. They contend that most so-called Independents lean strongly toward one of the two parties and resemble—in all important respects—either Democrats or Republicans. Contrary to expert opinion, only a small segment of voters are truly "independent" of either major party. Based on the most up-to-date 1990 data, The Myth of the Independent Voter provides a roadmap of the political arena for the general reader and scholar alike. Debunking conventional wisdom about voting patterns and allaying recent concerns about electoral stability and possible third party movements, the authors uncover faulty polling practices that have resulted in a skewed sense of the American voting population. Demonstrating that most of what has been written about Independents for more than thirty years is myth, this challenging book offers a trenchant new understanding of the party system, voting behavior, and public opinion.


Book Synopsis The Myth of the Independent Voter by : Bruce E. Keith

Download or read book The Myth of the Independent Voter written by Bruce E. Keith and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 1992-06-17 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Few events in American politics over the past two decades have generated more attention than the increasing number of voters calling themselves Independent. By the early 1970s Independents outnumbered Republicans, according to many eminent experts on voting behavior. Yet the authors of this incisive new commentary on American politics claim that most of this widespread speculation on declining party affiliation is simply wrong. They contend that most so-called Independents lean strongly toward one of the two parties and resemble—in all important respects—either Democrats or Republicans. Contrary to expert opinion, only a small segment of voters are truly "independent" of either major party. Based on the most up-to-date 1990 data, The Myth of the Independent Voter provides a roadmap of the political arena for the general reader and scholar alike. Debunking conventional wisdom about voting patterns and allaying recent concerns about electoral stability and possible third party movements, the authors uncover faulty polling practices that have resulted in a skewed sense of the American voting population. Demonstrating that most of what has been written about Independents for more than thirty years is myth, this challenging book offers a trenchant new understanding of the party system, voting behavior, and public opinion.

Grand Illusion

Grand Illusion

Author: Theresa Amato

Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com

Published: 2010-08

Total Pages: 722

ISBN-13: 1459600010

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As the national campaign manager for Ralph Nader's historic runs for president in 2000 and 2004, Theresa Amato had a rare ringside role in two of the most hotly contested presidential elections this country has seen. In Grand Illusion, she gives u...


Book Synopsis Grand Illusion by : Theresa Amato

Download or read book Grand Illusion written by Theresa Amato and published by ReadHowYouWant.com. This book was released on 2010-08 with total page 722 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As the national campaign manager for Ralph Nader's historic runs for president in 2000 and 2004, Theresa Amato had a rare ringside role in two of the most hotly contested presidential elections this country has seen. In Grand Illusion, she gives u...

Independents Rising

Independents Rising

Author: Jacqueline S. Salit

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Published: 2012-08-07

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 1137072555

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A revealing look at how independent voters have been upending the political establishment for thirty years – and how they'll decide the future of American politics. In a political system where two parties reign supreme, 40% of Americans consider themselves neither Democrats nor Republicans, but independents. Independents elected President Barack Obama in 2008 and then, in a seeming reversal, gave control of Congress to the Republicans in 2010. But who are these independents? Angry moderates? Frustrated ideologues? The base for the third party? Reformers or revolutionaries? Jacqueline Salit has spent 30 years as an insider in this growing movement of outsiders. She recounts the little-known history of this volatile force as old political institutions and categories are becoming irrelevant – even repugnant – to many Americans. An architect of unorthodox left/right coalitions within the Perot movement and Reform Party, and manager of Michael Bloomberg's three New York mayoral campaigns on the Independence Party line, Salit explores how these unclaimed voters are not only deciding elections, but reshaping the political landscape. With a surprising cast of characters – from the famous to the unknown – Salit argues that the failure to heed this movement against partisanship (and even parties) puts political careers at risk and damages essential features of American democracy. She reveals how independents underestimate their own power and how they can make the most of their newfound moment in the sun.


Book Synopsis Independents Rising by : Jacqueline S. Salit

Download or read book Independents Rising written by Jacqueline S. Salit and published by St. Martin's Press. This book was released on 2012-08-07 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A revealing look at how independent voters have been upending the political establishment for thirty years – and how they'll decide the future of American politics. In a political system where two parties reign supreme, 40% of Americans consider themselves neither Democrats nor Republicans, but independents. Independents elected President Barack Obama in 2008 and then, in a seeming reversal, gave control of Congress to the Republicans in 2010. But who are these independents? Angry moderates? Frustrated ideologues? The base for the third party? Reformers or revolutionaries? Jacqueline Salit has spent 30 years as an insider in this growing movement of outsiders. She recounts the little-known history of this volatile force as old political institutions and categories are becoming irrelevant – even repugnant – to many Americans. An architect of unorthodox left/right coalitions within the Perot movement and Reform Party, and manager of Michael Bloomberg's three New York mayoral campaigns on the Independence Party line, Salit explores how these unclaimed voters are not only deciding elections, but reshaping the political landscape. With a surprising cast of characters – from the famous to the unknown – Salit argues that the failure to heed this movement against partisanship (and even parties) puts political careers at risk and damages essential features of American democracy. She reveals how independents underestimate their own power and how they can make the most of their newfound moment in the sun.

Independent Politics

Independent Politics

Author: Samara Klar

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016-01-19

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 1316539067

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The number of independent voters in America increases each year, yet they remain misunderstood by both media and academics. Media describe independents as pivotal for electoral outcomes. Political scientists conclude that independents are merely 'undercover partisans': people who secretly hold partisan beliefs and are thus politically inconsequential. Both the pundits and the political scientists are wrong, argue the authors. They show that many Americans are becoming embarrassed of their political party. They deny to pollsters, party activists, friends, and even themselves, their true partisanship, instead choosing to go 'undercover' as independents. Independent Politics demonstrates that people intentionally mask their partisan preferences in social situations. Most importantly, breaking with decades of previous research, it argues that independents are highly politically consequential. The same motivations that lead people to identify as independent also diminish their willingness to engage in the types of political action that sustain the grassroots movements of American politics.


Book Synopsis Independent Politics by : Samara Klar

Download or read book Independent Politics written by Samara Klar and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2016-01-19 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The number of independent voters in America increases each year, yet they remain misunderstood by both media and academics. Media describe independents as pivotal for electoral outcomes. Political scientists conclude that independents are merely 'undercover partisans': people who secretly hold partisan beliefs and are thus politically inconsequential. Both the pundits and the political scientists are wrong, argue the authors. They show that many Americans are becoming embarrassed of their political party. They deny to pollsters, party activists, friends, and even themselves, their true partisanship, instead choosing to go 'undercover' as independents. Independent Politics demonstrates that people intentionally mask their partisan preferences in social situations. Most importantly, breaking with decades of previous research, it argues that independents are highly politically consequential. The same motivations that lead people to identify as independent also diminish their willingness to engage in the types of political action that sustain the grassroots movements of American politics.

The Independent Voter

The Independent Voter

Author: Thom Reilly

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2022-09-30

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13: 100065544X

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Independent voters—the 40–50 percent of Americans who reject identification with either of the two major parties or with any party—are increasing in number and impact. Independents are determining the outcome of major elections, upending the long-held categories of political science. Drawing on historical and contemporary data (including survey data, participant observation, interviews, and current writings and scholarship) and providing timely new analysis, the authors argue that independents are an engine for a transformation of US democracy, perhaps even its saviors. Rather than “leaning” to a party or an ideology, independents vary on issues but share a deep distrust of the partisan system. What are the consequences of this distrust? What about shifting trends among Black, Latino, and Asian communities regarding party loyalty? What of young voters who eschew party identification wanting a different kind of political culture? For a wide variety of audiences, this book gives students, scholars, campaign professionals, activists, and media analysts an insight into current voting dynamics and future possibilities.


Book Synopsis The Independent Voter by : Thom Reilly

Download or read book The Independent Voter written by Thom Reilly and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2022-09-30 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Independent voters—the 40–50 percent of Americans who reject identification with either of the two major parties or with any party—are increasing in number and impact. Independents are determining the outcome of major elections, upending the long-held categories of political science. Drawing on historical and contemporary data (including survey data, participant observation, interviews, and current writings and scholarship) and providing timely new analysis, the authors argue that independents are an engine for a transformation of US democracy, perhaps even its saviors. Rather than “leaning” to a party or an ideology, independents vary on issues but share a deep distrust of the partisan system. What are the consequences of this distrust? What about shifting trends among Black, Latino, and Asian communities regarding party loyalty? What of young voters who eschew party identification wanting a different kind of political culture? For a wide variety of audiences, this book gives students, scholars, campaign professionals, activists, and media analysts an insight into current voting dynamics and future possibilities.

Conventional Wisdom and American Elections

Conventional Wisdom and American Elections

Author: Jody C. Baumgartner

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 9780742547377

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List of illustrations --Preface --pt. 1. Voters --1. Thebig year for the youth vote : myth and reality --2. The"America divided" myth : red states, blue states, and other gaps --3. Themyth of the vanishing voters and the rise of the independent voter --pt. 2. Following campaigns --4. Misconceptions about the e-campaign : what the Internet can and cannot do for political campaigns --5. Myth or reality? : presidential campaigns have become nastier --6. Science or voodoo? : misconceptions about national election polls --7."It's the ratings, stupid" : misconceptions about media bias --8. A"dime's worth of difference?" : political parties and the myth of Tweedledum and Tweedledee --pt. 3. Understanding election outcomes --9. Selling of the president : the "image is everything" myth --10. Themisconception of competitive congressional elections --11. Presidential campaigns and "kingmaker" states : the myth of a national contest --Notes --Index --About the authors.


Book Synopsis Conventional Wisdom and American Elections by : Jody C. Baumgartner

Download or read book Conventional Wisdom and American Elections written by Jody C. Baumgartner and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2008 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: List of illustrations --Preface --pt. 1. Voters --1. Thebig year for the youth vote : myth and reality --2. The"America divided" myth : red states, blue states, and other gaps --3. Themyth of the vanishing voters and the rise of the independent voter --pt. 2. Following campaigns --4. Misconceptions about the e-campaign : what the Internet can and cannot do for political campaigns --5. Myth or reality? : presidential campaigns have become nastier --6. Science or voodoo? : misconceptions about national election polls --7."It's the ratings, stupid" : misconceptions about media bias --8. A"dime's worth of difference?" : political parties and the myth of Tweedledum and Tweedledee --pt. 3. Understanding election outcomes --9. Selling of the president : the "image is everything" myth --10. Themisconception of competitive congressional elections --11. Presidential campaigns and "kingmaker" states : the myth of a national contest --Notes --Index --About the authors.

The Big Sort

The Big Sort

Author: Bill Bishop

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Published: 2009-05-11

Total Pages: 478

ISBN-13: 0547525192

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The award-winning journalist reveals the untold story of why America is so culturally and politically divided in this groundbreaking book. Armed with startling demographic data, Bill Bishop demonstrates how Americans have spent decades sorting themselves into alarmingly homogeneous communities—not by region or by state, but by city and neighborhood. With ever-increasing specificity, we choose the communities and media that are compatible with our lifestyles and beliefs. The result is a country that has become so ideologically inbred that people don't know and can't understand those who live just a few miles away. In The Big Sort, Bishop explores how this phenomenon came to be, and its dire implications for our country. He begins with stories about how we live today and then draws on history, economics, and our changing political landscape to create one of the most compelling big-picture accounts of America in recent memory.


Book Synopsis The Big Sort by : Bill Bishop

Download or read book The Big Sort written by Bill Bishop and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This book was released on 2009-05-11 with total page 478 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The award-winning journalist reveals the untold story of why America is so culturally and politically divided in this groundbreaking book. Armed with startling demographic data, Bill Bishop demonstrates how Americans have spent decades sorting themselves into alarmingly homogeneous communities—not by region or by state, but by city and neighborhood. With ever-increasing specificity, we choose the communities and media that are compatible with our lifestyles and beliefs. The result is a country that has become so ideologically inbred that people don't know and can't understand those who live just a few miles away. In The Big Sort, Bishop explores how this phenomenon came to be, and its dire implications for our country. He begins with stories about how we live today and then draws on history, economics, and our changing political landscape to create one of the most compelling big-picture accounts of America in recent memory.

Unconventional Wisdom

Unconventional Wisdom

Author: Karen M. Kaufmann

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2008-06-05

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0199887861

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Late deciders go for the challenger; turnout helps the Democrats; the gender gap results from a surge in Democratic preference among women--these and many other myths are standard fare among average citizens, political pundits, and even some academics. But are these conventional wisdoms--familiar to anyone who watches Sunday morning talk shows--really valid? Unconventional Wisdom offers a novel yet highly accessible synthesis of what we know about American voters and elections. It not only provides an integrated overview of the central themes in American politics--parties, polarization, turnout, partisan bias, campaign effects, swing voters, the gender gap, and the youth vote--it upends many of our fundamental preconceptions. Most importantly, it shows that the American electorate is much more stable than we have been led to believe, and that the voting patterns we see today have deep roots in our history. Throughout, the book provides comprehensive information on voting patterns; illuminates (and corrects) popular myths about voters and elections; and details the empirical foundations of conventional wisdoms that many understand poorly or not at all. Written by three experts on American politics, Unconventional Wisdom serves as both a standard reference and a concise overview of the subject. Both informative and witty, the book is likely to become a standard work in the field, essential reading for anyone interested in American politics.


Book Synopsis Unconventional Wisdom by : Karen M. Kaufmann

Download or read book Unconventional Wisdom written by Karen M. Kaufmann and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2008-06-05 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Late deciders go for the challenger; turnout helps the Democrats; the gender gap results from a surge in Democratic preference among women--these and many other myths are standard fare among average citizens, political pundits, and even some academics. But are these conventional wisdoms--familiar to anyone who watches Sunday morning talk shows--really valid? Unconventional Wisdom offers a novel yet highly accessible synthesis of what we know about American voters and elections. It not only provides an integrated overview of the central themes in American politics--parties, polarization, turnout, partisan bias, campaign effects, swing voters, the gender gap, and the youth vote--it upends many of our fundamental preconceptions. Most importantly, it shows that the American electorate is much more stable than we have been led to believe, and that the voting patterns we see today have deep roots in our history. Throughout, the book provides comprehensive information on voting patterns; illuminates (and corrects) popular myths about voters and elections; and details the empirical foundations of conventional wisdoms that many understand poorly or not at all. Written by three experts on American politics, Unconventional Wisdom serves as both a standard reference and a concise overview of the subject. Both informative and witty, the book is likely to become a standard work in the field, essential reading for anyone interested in American politics.

We the Purple

We the Purple

Author: Marcia Ford

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 1414317174

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Ford educates and motivates the reader to have their vote and political action informed by their faith rather than by one political party or another.


Book Synopsis We the Purple by : Marcia Ford

Download or read book We the Purple written by Marcia Ford and published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2008 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ford educates and motivates the reader to have their vote and political action informed by their faith rather than by one political party or another.

The Fight to Vote

The Fight to Vote

Author: Michael Waldman

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2022-01-18

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 1982198931

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On cover, the word "right" has an x drawn over the letter "r" with the letter "f" above it.


Book Synopsis The Fight to Vote by : Michael Waldman

Download or read book The Fight to Vote written by Michael Waldman and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2022-01-18 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On cover, the word "right" has an x drawn over the letter "r" with the letter "f" above it.