In Praise of Purple Politics in a Sea of Red & Blue

In a nation of red and blue, I’m proudly purple.

In fact, I’m part of a political trend that’s taking hold across the United States. Independents now constitute the nation’s largest voting bloc, with an average of 43% of U.S. adults identifying this way in a 2023 Gallup poll, which tied the record high from 2014. Equal 27% shares of U.S. adults identified as Republicans and Democrats, with the latter marking a new low in Gallup’s research.

It’s not surprising considering that most people have mixed feelings about important issues, though many of them pledge allegiance to one of the two main political establishments and won’t cross party lines. We all have a little liberal and conservative in us. We just may not know without taking a thorough inventory of our views.

In my case, I’m concerned about preserving reproductive rights, protecting marginalized communities, criminal justice reform and the environment, but also supportive of fiscal and personal responsibility, scaled-down government, law and order. Some of my thinking is nuanced: I support people who identify as transsexual, for instance, and believe sexual preference is genetically determined. But I’m dead set against minors being given a blank check on transitioning and schools becoming involved in a matter that’s best left to private conversations in homes.

My views also have evolved on some issues. As a Jew who was raised by parents who identified as liberal Democrats during my formative years, I’m deeply concerned about the level of hostility or indifference that the progressive liberal wing of the Democratic party has shown toward people of my faith and Israel, a sovereign nation that has every right to defend itself.

Generally speaking, though, I think it’s safe to assume that many fellow Americans share my frustration with a two-party system whose politicians just as easily can be bought and sold on both sides of the political aisle. So-called K Street lobbyists don’t really care if you’re red or blue; as long as your money is green – and the checks clear. This is where the convergence of politics and business breed corruption.

Also, the federal budget deficit keeps mushrooming on the watch of both Republicans and Democrats, no matter who occupies the oval office or dominates the U.S. Congress. I can’t understand why both parties don’t prioritize deficit reduction, which has widespread bipartisan support as does repairing the nation’s corroding infrastructure.

Another concern is how both parties have splintered into factions that appear to be favoring the most radical wings in a never-ending power struggle for their respective souls and policy platforms. Progressives are gaining ground on moderates in battling for control of the Democratic vision, placing on the ballot the most liberal ticket since the country was founded – surely since 1972. Trumpers, meanwhile, have seized control on the other side and have demonized RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) – backing a candidate whose cult of personality is outsized enough to dwarf felony convictions.

Comedian George Carlin, one of the most outspoken independent thinkers of our time, was leery of indoctrination on both the left and right – concerned about elitist academics and religious zealots alike trying to control people’s behavior.

Independent voters who feel disenfranchised are tipping election outcomes, especially in battleground states. But the fact remains that it’s dispiriting to contemplate a vote for the lesser of two evils in lieu of passionately backing a candidate I can truly believe in without any reservations.

I felt this way in 2016, 2020 (though not as intensely) and again in 2024. I’ve grown tired of facing another existential crisis with an upcoming U.S. presidential election when friendships and family ties will again sour or break apart. The angst is too much to bear. So brace yourselves, Americans. We’re about to be divided yet again when we really need to unite. The trouble is both candidates are too polarizing for that to happen.

So in the end, I suppose, it comes down to casting a vote that is in lockstep with our general philosophy and vision for where we’d like to see the country over the next four years rather than a love letter to the candidate who will earn our vote. Franklin Graham, whose father was an iconic preacher, said as much recently, but it’s a sentiment that all Americans can – and will – take to heart on Election Day.

What needs to happen the day after votes are cast – and every day thereafter, for that matter – is that we somehow find a way to respect our differences, accept the outcome and come together. If we once again fail to do these things and lose our collective sense of humanity, then we’re doomed to repeat mistakes that will continue to drive a wedge between friends, family and neighbors.