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- #33 - A Defining Moment for Independent Americans
#33 - A Defining Moment for Independent Americans
We hear you. Now it's our job to make sure Washington, D.C. does too.
Holden Lipscomb
July 25, 2025
#33 - Independents Can’t Be Ignored Anymore
Make no mistake: independents are set to fundamentally alter American politics.
The Rundown
The Independent Center hosted a meeting in Washington, D.C. with thought leaders, press, and other key players to ensure independents have a seat at the table.
Our Movement is Reaching New Heights
Hi Friends,
We’re still feeling the energy from yesterday’s event in Washington, D.C.—and we wanted to give you a rundown on some of the conversations about how this movement is set to fundamentally alter American politics.
On July 23rd, the Independent Center hosted an event for the independent movement. For too long, we’ve have been treated as political outliers—an afterthought in the partisan tug-of-war. But that story is changing.
Remember: we now represent 43% of the electorate, and as our event made clear, they are the rising force in American politics. Through a series of candid, insightful, and provocative panels, we explored why independents are growing in number—and why they will be the defining story of the 2026 midterms and beyond.
Below is a brief rundown of the day’s conversations and key takeaways:
Overview – Opening Remarks from Independent Center Leadership
The two-party system is fundamentally broken.
Political discourse has been replaced by partisan entertainment. But independents—the fastest-growing political demographic in the country—are stepping up to demand better.
What Do Independents Want? Featuring Brett Loyd (Independent Center & Bullfinch Group), Lindsey Williams-Drath (Forward Party), Chuck Todd (NBC)
Independents want competition, clarity—and compromise.
Despite being labeled the “mushy middle,” we’re actually cohesive in our beliefs. We want viable alternatives to the two-party monopoly, and we aren’t afraid to say that compromise is not weakness—it’s essential.
What is Possible When We Put Country Before Party with Heather Manchin (Americans Together), Senator Joe Manchin
In a broken system, ask: who benefits?
The answer, they argued, is the parties. But there is a better way. By stepping outside partisan structures, leaders can finally operate with freedom—and put the Constitution and country above politics.
The Vanishing Agenda: What the GOP Left Behind with former Reps. Mark Sanford, Reid Ribble, Ken Buck
Today’s political incentives reward loyalty—not leadership.
Panelists offered an insider look at the decay of legislative priorities. They emphasized that solving big issues like the debt and deficit will require bipartisan courage and a realignment of incentives that favors problem-solving over party politics.
An Independent Overview with Paul Rieckhoff (Independent Veterans) and Independents Ethan Penner, Todd Achilles, Khalil Ekulona
To be independent is to be authentic, empathetic, and action-oriented.
We aren’t looking for culture war battles—we want solutions to real problems like healthcare, affordability, and trust in institutions. This panel emphasized that “win-win” thinking isn’t naïve—it’s essential to governing well.
Final Reflections from Independent Center Leadership
This isn’t a moment. It’s a movement.
The day closed with a strong message: whether the political establishment is ready or not, we’re set to reshape the next chapter of American politics.
It’s important to note, this event is just the beginning. There’s still tremendous work left to be done. But this event marks the start of organizing the necessary external pressure to hold elected officials accountable: independent swing voters.
Thank you for standing with us and your continued support. Together, we are shaping a movement that puts people over parties—and country before politics.
Lura
The Movement is Starting NOW!
‘You Take Five Seats, You Change Everything in This Town’
The piece highlights the broader political moment the Independent Center is trying to seize—where a handful of independent wins in Congress could shift the entire balance of power. Quoting adviser Adam Brandon: “You take five seats, you change everything in this town.” It also notes that this isn’t about forming a third party, but rather building a “Common-Sense Movement” rooted in voter frustration with partisan gridlock.
The Independent Center is the go-to organization for information, research, and engagement with independent voters, who now make up the plurality 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.