#35 - Back to School Political Basics.

Breaking it down for our elected officials.

Author

Holden Lipscomb
August 21, 2025

Independent Center Newsletter logo

#35 - Back to School Political Basics.

Things to keep in mind as we head into the fall.

The Rundown

  • Reach out to [email protected] to share your story or why you’re independent

  • If you’d like to participate in a focus group, reach out to us and we’ll be in touch

  • Our swag shop is now live! Get all of your IC merch here

  • Preorder Senator Joe Manchin’s latest book Dead Center by clicking the link here

Back to School Political Basics

It’s late August, and whether you have school-aged kids or not, there’s something about this season that feels like a fresh start. The notebooks are crisp, the backpacks are packed, and the air is full of possibility.

As we reviewed everything we wanted to share with you this week, we noticed a theme: many of the ideas we’re exploring feel like lessons we learned back in school. So, in the spirit of the season, here’s a little refresher from the Independent Center’s “Civic Classroom.”We Need Your Support to Make a Difference in Washington!

Lesson 1: Use Your Common Sense

Featured Resource: Dead Center by Senator Joe Manchin

Sometimes the simplest advice is the most powerful. Senator Joe Manchin’s recent book reminds us that common sense still matters in politics—and that practical solutions often come from listening, not shouting.Together we can demand a focus on the issues we all care about, not the party games.

Lesson 2: Don’t Cheat

Just like copying someone’s homework, manipulating district lines to win elections isn’t fair. Gerrymandering undermines trust in our system. We’re working to shine a light on this issue and promote reforms that support fair representation.

Lesson 3: Be Creative

Featured Podcast: The Political Orphanage

Our country is facing tough challenges that require creative solutions. On this episode, talks about how the IC is bringing new thinking to solving our political challenges. Give it a listen when you have a chance.

Lesson 4: Work Together

Event: Dignity Index Leadership Summit October 2025

Remember group projects? They were frustrating at times—but they taught us how to collaborate. The Dignity Index is helping communities do just that: come together across differences to build understanding and respect.

What Did We Miss?

Happy back-to-school season from all of us at the Independent Center! If there’s a civic lesson you think we should add to the list, drop us a line at [email protected].

We’d love to hear from you!

Lura

Together we can demand a focus on the issues we all care about, not the party games.

Video Feature: Politicians Should Fear Independents

What measures should we take to prevent gerrymandering in future elections?

To prevent gerrymandering, Congress should pass a clear, standalone law requiring states to use independent redistricting commissions—nonpartisan groups that draw fair voting maps. Right now, most House seats are already locked in for one party before any votes are cast, leaving only a small number of competitive races to decide control of Congress. Both parties have taken advantage of this system, but voters—not politicians—should choose their representatives. While past efforts to ban gerrymandering failed due to being bundled with other controversial measures, a focused, bipartisan approach could finally fix this broken process.

How do you view the role of tariffs in the U.S. tax system—particularly their impact on low and middle-income consumers?

Tariffs play a small role in the U.S. tax system, generating far less revenue than income or payroll taxes. While recent tariffs have brought in more than expected, they still make up only a tiny share of federal income. However, their impact on consumers—especially low- and middle-income families—is significant. Tariffs act like a hidden tax, raising prices on everyday goods such as clothing and food. Experts estimate that consumers end up paying about two-thirds of the cost of tariffs, with businesses absorbing the rest. As a result, prices are already rising and are expected to continue climbing, making tariffs a regressive policy that disproportionately affects those least able to afford it.

Political Discussions Trending on Reddit This Week

Redistricting Tensions - The political maneuvering related to redistricting, particularly in California, raises concerns about the partisan nature of the Supreme Court and the implications for electoral fairness.

Gerrymandering and Election Integrity - The discourse reflects significant concerns about the fairness of electoral processes and the potential for partisan manipulation in redistricting efforts.

Org Spotlight: The Dignity Index

The Dignity Index is hosting a Leadership Summit October 19-20, 2025. The summit is a unique opportunity to connect as a community and accelerate the work of honoring each other’s dignity, easing divisions, preventing violence, and solving problems.

Visit their website here to learn more about the event.

Podcast Appearances

Adam Brandon on The Political Orphanage talking about how young voters (under fifty) are openly hostile to political parties and are most likely to flip from election to election. This means the game is about to change as Millennials displace Baby Boomers as the largest voting bloc. So what happens?

This episode of The Political Orphanage discusses how an electoral surgical strike of a few House seats could introduce seismic waves to American politics.

Dead Center is Senator Joe Manchin’s memoir and political philosophy, rooted in his belief that real solutions come from the political middle—not the extremes. Drawing on over four decades in public service, Senator Manchin emphasizes values like respect, fiscal responsibility, and putting country over party. The book blends personal stories from his time in the Senate and White House with a call for a return to common-sense governance. More than just a reflection on his career, Dead Center offers a roadmap for overcoming political division through moderation, pragmatism, and principle-driven leadership.

Join the Independent Minds Book Club!

Next up: The Soul of America by Jon Meacham.

Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jon Meacham helps us understand the present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in our history when hope overcame division and fear.

Email us at [email protected] if you’d like to join!

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.