Political Extremes · User Archive
The Rise of the Independent Voter
A 2011 Reason piece by Nick Gillespie, drawn from the book he wrote with Matt Welch, arguing that the fastest-growing bloc in American politics is people who decline to identify with either major party, and that this independence is better explained by consumer expectations of choice and customisation than by centrism. Catalogued as a reader-submitted example of libertarian political journalism on partisan realignment.
- Period
- Contemporary
- Region
- United States
- Language
- English
- Rights
- In copyright — held under an archival exception. Published by Reason (Reason Foundation, 2011); the publisher and authors hold the rights. The archive holds this text as a deliberate exception to its own rule against storing copyrighted work, recorded as an exception rather than hidden. A rightsholder who wants it removed should write to freeknowledgelibrary@proton.me and it will be taken down.
- Source
- https://reason.com/2011/06/18/matt-welch-nick-gillespie-in-t/
Full text
The Wall Street Journal interviewed Reason's Nick Gillespie about the rise of independent voters and the implications for Election 2012. Drawing from the book, coauthored with Matt Welch, The Declaration of Independents, Gillespie argues that brand loyalty to Democrats and Republicans is just as dead as brand loyalty among car buyers. And explains why that's a good thing. The Journal also excerpts Welch and Gillespie's book today. Here's a taste: Netscape or Internet Explorer, Crest or Colgate, stuffing or potatoes: When given real choice, especially the choice to go elsewhere, consumers will drop even the most beloved of brands for options that enhance their experience and increase their autonomy. We have all witnessed and participated in this revolutionary transfer of loyalty away from those who tell us what we should buy or think and toward those who give us tools to think and act for ourselves. No corner of the economy, of cultural life, or even of our personal lives hasn't felt the gale-force winds of this change. Except government. Read the whole thing here (no subscription required). The Declaration of Independents: How Libertarian Politics Can Fix What's Wrong with America has an official release date of June 28, but is available from online sellers and select bookstores now. To order a copy (including Kindle format), see reviews, check event dates, and more, go to Declaration2011.com .
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