Percentage of self-identified independents inches up in 2017

[DonViejo]

BY BRETT SAMUELS - 01/08/18 10:00 AM EST

The number of Americans who identify as political independents increased slightly in 2017, nearly matching the highest level to date, according to a new poll.

A Gallup Poll released Monday shows 42 percent of Americans, on average, identified as independents in 2017, up from 39 percent in 2016. The highest number for Americans identifying as independent came in 2014, when 43 percent said they did not identify with a party.

In 2017, 29 percent of Americans said they identified as Democrats, while an average of 27 percent said they identify as Republicans, according to the poll. Another 18 percent who identify as independent said they lean toward the Democratic Party, while 15 percent of independents said they are Republican-leaning.

Gallup noted that it’s typical in presidential election years for more Americans to identify with a particular party, and for independent identification to rise in the year following a presidential race.

more
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/367889-percentage-of-self-identified-independents-inches-up-in-2017

[shanny]

1. So despite Trump's despicable behavior and depredations,

people are still not flocking to the Democratic Party. That's not good news.

[tonyt53]

3. No it is not. We can those those same people for electing trump too.

We can probably thank them in advance for keeping both the US House and Senate with a majority with the GOP. They are also the same people that will complain the most when that happens and for also saying that both the major parties are alike.

[PoliticAverse]

2. Graph showing trends...

[Corgigal]

4. Takes a lot of effort

and reading on all sides to be a true independent.

Most are bullshitters and just want to be courted and be the center of attention. If they don't know the political lines by now, they are fools.