OPINION: Behold the increasing power of the politically independent

For those who don't feel as if either major party represents their worldview, it's easy to feel demoralized in our hyperpartisan era. Truth be told, however, the politically homeless among us likely wield the most power when it comes time to cast ballots. And this year's political whiplash as Democratic victories kick Republicans to the curb is a perfect illustration of such power. Republicans are, of course, already pointing fingers at one another looking for convenient excuses to explain away their historic losses. And to be sure, a great many of the proposed scapegoats are at least partially correct: Poor-quality candidates, persistent inflation, high gas prices and a general fatigue among voters for the MAGA brand of Republican politics were, undoubtedly, some of the top contributing factors.

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