Over the last several weeks I have listened to an inordinate amount of Talk Radio (kitchen remodeling) and one theme kept jumping out at me. Practically no one is calling themselves a Republican. In fact, they’re going out of their way to make sure they’re not associated with the word, and it’s interesting how they employ the denial of that label as instant credibility.
Here’s how the callers do it. They usually begin their comment with a version of the following disclaimer: You should know that I’m an Independent. Of course, the talking points following this statement would make Michael Steele proud and Rush Limbaugh tear up.
Apparently, Republicans have become Independents in name only. Ouch, talk about the death of a brand.
But what interests me most about my shamelessly unscientific observation is its impact on polls. Since a significant number of new Independents are really Republicans in the witness protection program, who shun the label while voting R, will the question of how Independents split their vote be skewed? Maybe I’ll email Nate for his opinion. Seriously, for many years elections have come down to Independents, but with this latest phenomenon can they be afforded the same weight as before?
One more question… how does the GOP restore a brand that obviously embarrasses people to be associated with? And, let’s face it, that’s really the reason for this sudden switch to the Independent moniker – shame.