It’s no exaggeration to state that political division remains very deep-seated in the United States. Many people, to this day, believe that folks who don’t agree with them on each and every issue are the enemy.
Meanwhile, some political analysts have warned about the danger of deep-seated division in the country. Many fear that it could lead to rises in violence if the temperature isn’t cooled down.
When Joe Biden got into office early last year, he talked about turning down the temperature of political animosity. Yet, in the same breath, he’s gone after his political opponents, calling them segregationists and proponents of prejudice.
Now, a new poll shows that more Americans in the millennial and Gen Z categories are Independents, rather than Republicans or Democrats, per Washington Examiner.
A New Era in Politics?
According to a Gallup poll released earlier this week, 52% of millennials and Gen Zers are Independents. On the millennial side, this marks a 5% uptick from the number of Independents documented over the past 20 years.
Older generations before millennials have declined in identifying as Independents, by contrast.
This data, for all intents and purposes, would appear to infer that younger people are more likely not to strongly identify with either major political party than their older counterparts.
Gallup: Younger Americans more likely to identify as independentshttps://t.co/UMFYeTFlKE pic.twitter.com/EqDiLBqlEO
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) August 19, 2022
Some Americans have even claimed that Republicans and Democrats have more in common with one another than they realize. This has been said even in spite of Republicans and Democrats holding very different views on certain social and political issues.
However, if the trend documented in this week’s Gallup poll continues, this means Independents will have an increasingly greater role in controlling elections than either Republicans or Democrats.
An End to Political Division?
While some Independents do have Republican or Democratic leanings, many don’t necessarily always vote in lockstep with one party over the other.
As time passes, this could lead to less tribalism in politics, with both parties having to make certain adjustments if they want to get votes.
With enough Independents in America, there could also be a greater push to have other political parties represented on par to the extent of Republicans and Democrats.
YouGov poll: Do you think that this $369 billion climate and energy bill will increase or decrease inflation?
Increase 42%
Decrease 13%Increase/Decrease by Party:
Democrats: 14/25
Republicans: 72/2
Independents: 41/7August 7-9 / 1,500 Adults https://t.co/k4Hr0A0Cmk pic.twitter.com/eucRKorsXs
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) August 10, 2022
At this point, it remains to be seen what the future of Independents looks like in the United States. However, this is bound to be an issue that political strategists on both sides will need to keep their eyes on.
In the meantime, Americans will simply have to wait and see how growing amounts of younger Independents impacts the nation’s current political landscape.
Are you surprised to see more younger Americans becoming Independents rather than Republicans or Democrats? In the comments area below, you’re more than welcome to share your thoughts about this new turn.
