The most popular political party isn't one - Declared Independents are at their highest level in about five years:
Bottom Line: As we enter a mid-term election cycle our political leanings are continue to remain pretty fluid. Without a doubt 2017 was rife with partisanship and a level of often nasty political discourse that transcended political circles and infiltrated many aspects of our everyday lives. From the workplace to entertainment it was unavoidable. Maybe that's why the most common political affiliation isn't one and we have the largest percentage of declared Independents that we've had in about five years.
Here's where we were on Election Day 2016:
· 36% Independents
· 31% Democrats
· 27% Republicans
· 6% third party
Last month:
· 42% Independents
· 30% Democrats
· 25% Republicans
· 3% third party
And today:
· 46% Independents (+4)
· 27% Democrats (-3)
· 25% Republicans (flat)
· 2% third party (-1)
While Democrats still lead Republicans in declared partisans, Democrats continued to hemorrhage declared supporters while Republicans remained stable. This has been something I've spoken to on occasion over the past year. Other than being anti-Trump, the resistance, Democrats haven't really taken a position on what they're for their vision for a better future. When times are bad that has the potential to resonate with those who're suffering. But here's the thing. Despite the best efforts to the contrary - President Trump and Congressional Republicans did manage to make meaningful reforms that have contributed to what's already the best economy in twelve years (not to mention record low minority unemployment rates and record retirement and investment account balances for the average adult and what'll average 7% more net take home pay today compared to a year ago). Because of the resistance, Democrats are literally positioned on the other side of all of that progress and it's been noticed. Despite Donald Trump's perceived lack of popularity, there are 4% fewer Democrats today than on the day he was elected. Clearly, the strategy to simply resist hasn't been effective from a partisan standpoint.
If I'm being optimistic, perhaps that's why we're hearing a level of cooperation suddenly. A bit of bipartisanship could be good for needed reforms like immigration, the country generally and it'd probably be better politics for Democrats as well.