The Washington Post published an article on Sunday asking readers to meet the “double haters” who could decide the presidential election. The writer pointed out that many voters express “resignation, dismay and anger” over being asked again to choose between Biden and Trump.

Clearly, haters exist in this world, and, clearly, many of them will be voting for Joe Biden or Donald Trump. To call those who don’t like these choices for president haters is extreme. They should be called what they are — independents. And, yes, independents will decide the election, much like they have done in most every U.S. presidential election for decades.

The Post story took a different approach, though. The article was part of a series examining the views of “Deciders” — people they deemed as “sporadic or uncommitted voters in key swing states who are likely to play a pivotal role in deciding the presidential contest.” The Washington Post and the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University surveyed 3,513 registered voters in what they determined as six key states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They stated, on average, the poll’s response rate was 9.5% among Republicans, 8.6% among Democrats and 7.7% among voters unaffiliated with a party. After the data collection was finished, the poll was “weighted” to accurately reflect the partisan makeup of each state. The question is, what’s the difference between being unaffiliated and being independent? For many Americans, it comes down to the wording of the question.

In January of this year, Forbes published an article with the headline: Voters Who Identify As Independents Skyrocket — As Democrats And Republicans Dwindle. A Gallup survey found that 43% of U.S. adults identify as political independents as they move away from the two major political parties.

So, if the independent voting bloc is so important to the results of a presidential election, why are they not catered to more on the campaign trail? Why, instead, are the extremists in each party the ones who seem to have their concerns addressed the most? Is it the squeaky wheel syndrome? The need to placate to the base to win the primaries? Or is there a greater underlying attempt to keep the independents in check? Logic says all three. (An important item to note: In The Washington Post survey, cash incentives were used to boost the response rate.)

On Nov. 5, none of the pre-election studies or polls will matter. Only the votes will. And, whether Republicans or Democrats want to admit it or not, independents will, once again, choose the next president of the United States of America.

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

SOUND CIRCUIT
80/35 Music Festival moves to Water Works Park

By Jackie Wilson

10 Watt Robot band members from left: Doug Hansen, Jeff Morgan, Lee Bissmeyer and Mike Sangster.

The 80/35 Music Festival returns for its 15th year, sponsored by the Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC). One significant change (besides offering new musicians) is the location. This year, the 80/35 event takes place July 12-13 at Water Works Park. Previously, it was held downtown Des Moines close to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Organizers say the old location had its limitations.

[...]

CITYVIEW's seasonal guide for activities and things to do in Central Iowa

EXPLORE: Beaches, Bays, Lakes and More

By Cyote Williams

There are a number of exciting and many underrated spots for water-centered fun for the whole family in the area, whether it be a relaxing day on the lake or bombing down a waterslide.

Lymans find a place to make connections
Neighborhood makes house feel like home.

By Lindsey Giardino

When Dennis Lyman and his wife, Stacey, were looking for a place to settle down and start a family, they were drawn to Bondurant because they saw the value in being in a community that felt connected.

Since moving to town in 2003, they’ve built plenty of those connections.

They currently live in a home just south of the high school and are close to trails, schools and parks. They have great neighbors, too.

[...]

These celebrities were born on this date: Benson Boone, Mckenna Grace, Kylie Cantrall, Madison Reyes, Fay Webster, Ricky Gervais, Linda Cardellini, Angela Kinsey, Carly Simon, Lilah Fitzgerald, Dell Curry, Sasha Shikolay, Busy Philipps

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

What do you call Father Christmas when he visits the beach? SANDY CLAUS! - Shane Goodman, Peri Van Tassel, Gail Tomlinson, William Snyder, Lori Bluml, Kris Hazelton, Carolyn Rogers

Today's riddle

Why did the worker get fired from the orange juice factory?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Waukee, Norwalk or West Des Moines/Jordan Creek Living magazines, contact:

Martha Munro
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 314
Mobile: 515-321-5246
martha@iowalivingmagazines.com

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