What do independent voters really think? My special guest today is Lura Forcum, president of the Independent Center, and she gives her insights into this question from research she's done and discussions she's had with other independents. Lura gives her take on what are common traits of independents, how cohesive a group they are, how they can address the polarization gap in America, and more. Big thanks to Lura for coming on the show!

Today's random question of the day: Would you rather be able to play every musical instrument or speak every language?

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(0:00) Introduction of Today's Guest: Lura Forcum

(1:38) Why Lead the Independent Center?

(4:23) What Makes an Independent? And Split-Ticket Voting

(8:14) Common Traits of Independents, and Nuances/Tradeoffs in Policy

(14:35) The Fluency Effect

(15:51) Is Our Conception of the Partisan Spectrum Flawed?

(18:50) How Cohesive are Independents?

(30:05) Major Misconceptions About Independent Voters

(34:02) How Many True Independents Are There?

(37:13) Is Polarization as Pervasive as We Might Think?

(43:48) How Independents Can Help Close the Polarization Gap

(49:50) Breaking the In-Group/Out-Group Dynamic

(58:02) Final Thoughts About Independents

(59:27) Random Question of the Day: Play Every Instrument or Speak Every Language?