View this email in your browser

An Optimistic Outlook for 2025

4 things that make me optimistic for our country this year

Lura Forcum, January 9.

I love how January feels like a clean slate. It’s a fresh new calendar. The days are starting to get longer. People are envisioning a version of themselves that drinks less, goes to the gym more, and yells at their kids less (or maybe that’s just me).  

I know that most of it won’t stick, but that’s ok. I like January’s optimism.  I’m also looking at how I can make a positive difference to our nation and hope you will join me on this mission too! 

So, in the spirit of optimism, I wanted to tell you about four things that make me optimistic for our country in 2025.  

1 - Independents believe politicians can and should be public servants to the nation rather than mere advocates of their own private interests.   

As the country prepares for Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, I appreciate the focus on a leader who is nearly his exact opposite in every regard: former President Jimmy Carter. After his death on December 29 at age 100, President Carter’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of service, humility, and long-term versus short-term policy focus. His family and colleagues have honored him for his humility, faith, and tenacity. Whether or not you agree with his policies, it’s hard to deny that he was, first and foremost, a public servant. As independents, we want to find and support more politicians devoted to the common good rather than their own interests.  

2 - Despite concerns, our institutions held and we are grateful for a peaceful transition.  

While there was no shortage of dire scenarios regarding what could happen in a contested election or an election with an unclear outcome, it was gratifying to see that America’s democratic institutions held strong and that predictions of election-day violence or civic unrest did not materialize. Independents want to see the government functioning effectively, and Democrats have adhered to normal post-election practices, including a peaceful transition process, and have avoided claims of election tampering or interference. Democrats have set an example of accepting political defeat with dignity and unity.

3 - More people are sharing the concerns of independents regarding government effectiveness. 

Love him or hate him, Elon Musk has inspired many who normally don’t pay attention to politics, especially younger voters. I’m pleased that by involving Musk in efforts to reduce costs in the federal budget as part of the DOGE Commission, President-Elect Donald Trump has helped to focus a fresh set of eyes on the issue of our staggering national deficit. Given Independents’ expectation of fiscal responsibility from government, it’s encouraging to see more people interested in the deficit, since heightened attention creates more pressure on elected officials to stop kicking the can down the road on the national debt and address the issue.

4 - Connect, listen, and learn—so many people are doing positive work to make our country better! 

In the course of my work at the Independent Center, I meet so many people who have a passion for making the world a better place. Seth Kaplan is a scholar of strong communities who works both domestically and internationally to strengthen fragile neighborhoods and fragile societies. Romina Boccia is a federal deficit expert who tells it like it is through congressional testimony, blogging, and campus talks. Lauren McCann connects businesses with people who have barriers to work for corporate gift-giving with real impact. It’s so exciting and energizing to talk to people like these and I’m looking forward to bringing them to our Independent Center audience in the coming year so you can learn more about their vision for changing the world.  

2024 was an incredible first year for the Independent Center. And we’re gearing up for a big 2025. We depend on you to help us grow our movement and make an impact on your behalf.  

Now I am asking you to help us. Please take a second to answer a single question on how you’d like to help.

How Can You Help?

I hope you all had a joyful holiday season and are embracing 2025 with hope and vision.  

Warmly,  

Lura  

The Independent Center is the go-to organization for information, research, and engagement with independent voters, who now make up the majority of the electorate.

We represent those who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. We believe the future is not red or blue; it’s fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and free to choose the best options for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Copyright (C) Want to change how you receive these emails?

You can unsubscribe