According to Gallup, in June 2024 fifty one percent of adults identified themselves as Independents, which is more than both political parties combined.
Who are independents? This is purely anecdotal, but in the past, many independents have told me that they’re independent because they think for themselves. I certainly think it’s laudable to think for oneself…as long as you’re thinking.
So what were Independents thinking when 46% voted for Trump in 2024? And what would they say about that vote when, according to AP NORC, only 14% of Independents currently trust Trump to make the right decisions about military force outside the US? (AP NORC Feb 19-23, 2026).
46 percent voted for him, and sixteen months later 14% don’t trust him as their Commander In Chief? I'm glad they came around, but they helped put him there!
I understand that republicans and democrats employ pollsters to help them gauge public sentiment on issues, but it seems like some/many of these pollsters are advocates who then take the data and twist it into a message that they either send themselves or give to their candidates to project. I understand that’s just part of politics, but I think these same people use the term pollster to convey the idea that they’re objective/just reporting on American opinion, when they are not. Do you think there’s a truth to what I’m saying? And if so, how do we distinguish between a pollster who provides data to a party vs an advocate who distorts data? Or perhaps I just sound naive?
The 'Billion Dollar A Day' war is tailor made for Democratic ads heading into the mid-terms. As in: "The Tump administration says we can't afford healthcare for YOU, but we can spend a billion dollars a day on a war of choice in Iran. Trump is costing you money!"
Separate Against War from against man for who he is over all. Were he honest, not self aggrandizing, not overtly financially corrupt, and had done military time; then what about attack on Iran? Still compounded with Israel in region.
In a recent post you said strikes against Iran in summer was 16% (I think). Why higher now? I would think there's less of a reason to strike now if June was as successful as Trump claimed.
Are Independents Thinking For Themselves?
According to Gallup, in June 2024 fifty one percent of adults identified themselves as Independents, which is more than both political parties combined.
Who are independents? This is purely anecdotal, but in the past, many independents have told me that they’re independent because they think for themselves. I certainly think it’s laudable to think for oneself…as long as you’re thinking.
So what were Independents thinking when 46% voted for Trump in 2024? And what would they say about that vote when, according to AP NORC, only 14% of Independents currently trust Trump to make the right decisions about military force outside the US? (AP NORC Feb 19-23, 2026).
46 percent voted for him, and sixteen months later 14% don’t trust him as their Commander In Chief? I'm glad they came around, but they helped put him there!
Joseph in Fairport, NY
I understand that republicans and democrats employ pollsters to help them gauge public sentiment on issues, but it seems like some/many of these pollsters are advocates who then take the data and twist it into a message that they either send themselves or give to their candidates to project. I understand that’s just part of politics, but I think these same people use the term pollster to convey the idea that they’re objective/just reporting on American opinion, when they are not. Do you think there’s a truth to what I’m saying? And if so, how do we distinguish between a pollster who provides data to a party vs an advocate who distorts data? Or perhaps I just sound naive?
The 'Billion Dollar A Day' war is tailor made for Democratic ads heading into the mid-terms. As in: "The Tump administration says we can't afford healthcare for YOU, but we can spend a billion dollars a day on a war of choice in Iran. Trump is costing you money!"
Elizabeth Warren has already been pushing this message.
I'm not at all surprised by that. She's been a member of the Democratic Fight Club for years. Bravo, Sen. Warren!
Separate Against War from against man for who he is over all. Were he honest, not self aggrandizing, not overtly financially corrupt, and had done military time; then what about attack on Iran? Still compounded with Israel in region.
This one says "no transcript" when I try to read online.
Try again. I clicked on 'transcript' and it's there.
In a recent post you said strikes against Iran in summer was 16% (I think). Why higher now? I would think there's less of a reason to strike now if June was as successful as Trump claimed.