Well, which of the two are they "ignoring"? After all, Libertarians are, well, libertarian, while Reagan Democrats generally tend to be socially conservative and supportive of traditional moral values. These two groups are definitely NOT contiguous.
But these Libertarians, independents, and folks who don't normally participate in politics? They're the folks who decide elections, effing GOP idiots.
Actually, they're not. There is a huge urban legend in American politics that there is just this massive, untapped group of independents and moderates out there - the so-called "middle of the bell curve" - who determine national elections. Like most urban legends, it's not actually true. Most independents and moderates tend to maintain a voting trend with a particular party, even if they don't register as a member of said party, and may not be as idological as core party members. This only fails to hold true in the big realigning elections, such as we saw in 1980 and 1994.
I think true “Independent” voters are simply people who couldn’t take the time to research the issues and make up their mind. They watch ABC Evening News, and take their cues from the media. To be honest, I have lost all respect for true “Independent” voters that are actually considered to be up for grabs by the political parties. I disagree vehemently with some of the actions of the President and his party, but if you look at the actions of the Democrats and those of the Republicans and fail to discern a difference, you have all the analytical powers of an elderly hamster on valium. I think people who say the two parties are exactly the same should be removed from the voting rolls.
While the members of each party often share some of the same human failings of avarice, corruption, vice and stupidity there is ample difference for even the dimmest bulbs to see (except in the case of many RINOs...then they ARE nearly indistinguishable from Democrats)
Sad thing is, these “Independents” are the 15 or 20% that all the candidates will pander to.
This indictment does not include people who have gone their own way and are supporting a third party candidate, no matter the party. They may be supporting a loon like Ralph Nader or whatever, but at least they have made a decision.
It doesn’t include people like me (naturally) who must register as an independent in order to be allowed to vote in primaries appropriately. In Massachusetts, If you are an independent, you can declare party affiliation upon entering the polls so you can actually vote in a side that makes a difference to you without having the shame and disgrace of carrying around a “D” after your name all the time. Then you just change back to “Independent” when you leave.
This works for me in Massachusetts since there is almost NEVER more than one Republican candidate in any race that matters to me, if there is even anyone running.
Most libs in this state either run against other libs or run unopposed.
I often utilize my vote to vote AGAINST candidates I really dislike. And there are plenty. This is not a great situation, but I cannot bring myself to register as a Republican in order to vote for the four candidates state-wide who are running unopposed in the primary.
Ron Paul is involved with the Liberty Caucus and inevitably the “Israel” question comes up.
Indeed they are. I'm from a family old Democrats. My parents are still registered Democrat because...well you don't register Republican for love or money. I learned that from my grandfather, and he learned it from his. One of the first in my family to register Republican, I realize the mistake I made and have since changed my affiliation to Independent many years ago. The honest libertarian belief is to return to a Constitutional government, one that can and has limitations on morality at the state level. This is not so different from 'Reagan Democrats' that I know. People are too tied up in their respective parties. When I do bother to vote, it is for a candidate that I know will represent my views at the national level. Not the 'party' view, but my views. Democrats don't do that and, since the good Senator Helms, Republicans rarely do.
So I find myself many times voting for the independent candidate or if no one represents my views closely enough not at all.