Yesterday Lou Dobbs said: There are now more

[kelligesq]

Independents registered than Democrats.

Anybody else hear that?

And what does it say about Americans satisfaction with
either Republicans or Democrats ?

[TwilightGardener]

1. I think with Chimpy's new approval rating of 24%, and Congress' approval rating

of 11%, there's a whole lot of unhappy people out there from both parties. I can only hope this translates into a Dem win somehow.

[gateley]

4. It's just my sense that many Independents would vote Democrat rather than

Republican. We're more apt to be independent thinkers and not fall in lock-step and turn a blind eye to realities as are the R's.

I've seen on DU where someone cited how the voting of I's usually turns out -- hope someone will come along with that information again.

[gateley]

2. I know that a while back, when Dobbs published his book, he encouraged

EVERYONE to change their party affiliation to Independent so neither party felt they had it 'sewn up'. I don't know how influential he was in getting people to do that, but your question about "what does it say about Americans satisfaction..." is exactly the message he hoped to get across to the movers and shakers.

I'm registered as an independent (will change before Primary). It wasn't my intent to send this message (I just didn't like aligning with a particular party, but I've since changed my mind), but I do kind of like not giving anyone the impression they've 'got me'.

[alstephenson]

19. I'm registered as an Independent, too.

And for the same reasons. I was also going to change my affiliation before the Primary, but Arizona has opened up the Primary to Independents (you only get ONE ballot, Democratic or Republican). They have NOT publicized this fact, which is a recent change - I found out when I went to the state website to research changing my party affiliation.

[fedupinBushcountry]

3. How does he know?

In my state we do not register by our party affiliation, so Dobbs can go take a hike. I'm tired of pundits misleading crap.

[goclark]

5. Right and Dobbs makes me sick with his pompous self nt

[gateley]

6. How do you register? I never knew there was any other option. Thanks. nt

[vireo]

8. Just with name and address

In Wisconsin the primary ballot has all parties listed but you can only vote in one.

[fedupinBushcountry]

9. Just register

but there is no little box for party affiliation. I don't think Virginia is the only state that does it that way.

[Clark2008]

11. Tennessee does it that way, too.

So does Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia.

I think most all of the Southern states allows you to register to vote without declaring a party.

[gateley]

14. fedupinBushcountry said there's no place to put a party affiliation - no little box.

Is it the same in Tennessee, or can you align if you want to?

I think this is fascinating.

I moved to NC 5 years ago and don't recall if there was a "none of the above" option - just the Dem, Rep, Ind.....

[gateley]

12. That makes so much sense! I wonder when/why they began doing it by

party. Thanks!

[woodsprite]

7. They ran an article in our paper that said for every 1100+

dems registered, only 50+ repubs registered. Probably can't find the article now, but it should be someplace on www.delawareonline.com. ACK!!! I found it, but you have to buy it if you want the whole article. Here's the teaser with the headline they ran...

Democrats crush GOP in registration
November 7, 2007 •• 1046 words •• ID: wil18437871
By BETH MILLER The News Journal
New voter registration numbers show Delaware's Democratic blue has deepened a bit in the past two months. Of the 1,200 voters who registered between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, more than 1,000 signed up as Democrats, while the Republicans added only 57 voters, according to the most recent numbers from the state Department of Elections. Political observers say the shift probably indicates dissatisfaction with the Bush administration more than ...

[gateley]

15. Wow - that's interesting. Thanks!

[ellacott]

10. His new book is entitled Independents Day

So I guess he's going to try push that.

He might be using polling data.

[gateley]

16. This sounds as though it's the next step for him -- His most recent book (the

one I was referring to) was called War on the Middle Class.

He actually has some VERY valid observations and concerns and I think highly of his views on this subject.

His anti-immigration rants lately have been alarming, though.

[mtnsnake]

13. If there's anyone in the media more repugnant than Lou Dobbs, please let me know

I swear he must have gotten the face of a pig transplanted onto him.

[gateley]

17. You may be right but in the past he has made some valid points regarding the

War on the Middle Class - strongly in support of the people.

I just don't listen to his anti-immigration stuff - he's lost objectivity on that topic.

[kelligesq]

20. Lou Dobbs is bringing the news that the other MSM except K.O. wont although

after his recent illness he did get more than a bit
rambunctious on illegal immigration, which I chalked up to his being ill and on meds after surgery.

Nevertheless, I agree with him 100% on illegal immigration and the outsourcing of jobs. He has just taken on Bill Gates for demanding insourcing of people to fill IT jobs when there are many qualified Americans.

Good on you. Mr. Dobbs

Ever hear of the movie with Jimmy Stewart, Mr.Dobbs goes to Washington?

[gateley]

24. You know, I need to see that movie again - it's been years! nt

[gateley]

25. PS -- Your post made me realize I haven't even LISTENED to what he has to

say about immigration. I've adopted the greater DU viewpoint as my own without making up my own mind. Shame on me. I'm going to rectify that. Thanks!

[polichick]

18. In light of the way the Democratic Party takes its base for granted...

It's a great idea for people to register as Indies ~ let them earn our support.

(There must be a place to research registration numbers for Dems, Reps and Indies.)

[kelligesq]

21. Reporter on Dobbs tonite just stated that there are now more registered

Independents than Republicans or Democrats.

Now this is interesting.

But it wont work unless good candidates appear on the Independent ticket to challenge seats like Hoyer and Pelosi as well as the ones who are stepford republicans.

Awhile back Move-on sent out a questionairre asking should they support other candidates than those put
up by the Dems ? but never gave an answer as to what their 3 million members decided. Would like to know that answer.

[polichick]

22. I remember Move-on asking that question...

And don't recall hearing about the answer either ~ would be interesting to know. I would rather support Independents who are actually progressives than Democrats who are actually Republican enablers.

[kelligesq]

23. no K & R's ?

doesnt this news deserve it ?

[Blue_In_AK]

26. I don't know about nationwide

but that's definitely true in Alaska.

Latest statistics:

Democratic 67,975
Republican 117,686
Undeclared & nonpartisan 259,086
All others 32,293