Big Picture

Is Partisan Politics Ruining The Super Bowl?

As the Seahawks and Patriots prepare to face off this Sunday, The Seattle Times explores whether the Super Bowl can still serve as a rare moment of national unity. In an era where "politics are everywhere," this piece dives into the tension between the game as a "secular holiday" and the inescapable cultural and political divides of 2026.

Whether it’s security debates or athletes using their global platforms, find out if the Big Game can still bring a divided country together.

In this week’s newsletter… The traditional pillars of political influence are being challenged by an electorate weary of the status quo. We examine Bill Maher’s critique of the fading power of celebrity endorsements, polling that shows President Trump’s support among Independents hitting new lows, and Mayor Matt Mahan’s potential to disrupt the California governor's race. The cultural arena is also feeling the heat, from Bad Bunny’s refusal to politicize the Super Bowl stage and Green Day’s anticipated musical defiance to Royce White’s blunt assessment of the "war on truth" in sports. Finally, we look at the global stage as mounting pressure builds for FIFA to reconsider the U.S. as a World Cup host amidst our national fractures.

NUMBER TO KNOW

82%

82% of respondents said we can do better when asked how elected officials were doing at addressing the issues that concern them the most.

This Week’s Independent Ideas

Do Celebrities Even Matter Anymore When It Comes To Politics?

Following the 2024 election, Bill Maher is weighing in on why a star-studded roster of endorsements didn’t move the needle for the Democrats. In a recent segment, the Real Time host argues that the "celebrity industrial complex" may actually be backfiring, suggesting that voters are increasingly weary of being lectured by the Hollywood elite. It’s a provocative look at whether A-list support is now a political liability rather than an asset.

Independents Are Out On Trump…For Now.

A new Economist/YouGov poll reveals a shift in the political landscape as President Trump’s support among Independent voters reaches its lowest point since he returned to office. The data suggests that while his base remains firm, the "middle" is increasingly wary of the administration's early second-term trajectory. This breakdown offers a look at the growing approval gap that could define the upcoming midterms.

Is California About To Get A Jolt of Common-Sense?

With the 2026 filing deadline approaching, rumors are swirling that San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan may enter the California gubernatorial race. Independent Voter News explores how Mahan’s pragmatic, "solutions-over-ideology" approach could disrupt a currently crowded but stagnant field of candidates. In a state grappling with high costs of living and political fatigue, Mahan might represent the "wild card" capable of appealing to California’s massive bloc of undecided and independent voters.

The Culture War Frontlines: Will We Be Able to Watch The Big Game Without Partisanship?

The intersection of sports and politics is reaching a fever pitch ahead of Super Bowl LX. Following reports that the Trump administration reached out to Bad Bunny’s team regarding his halftime performance, the global superstar has made his stance clear: the stage is for the fans, not for politics. This Associated Press report examines the tension surrounding the performance and how the Super Bowl has become a central flashpoint in the nation's ongoing cultural debates.

Bringing The Edge: Will Green Day’s Opening Super Bowl Act Take Any Political Swings?

Punk legends Green Day are set to open the festivities at Levi's Stadium, and all eyes are on lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. Known for swapping lyrics to criticize the "MAGA agenda" and his vocal opposition to current immigration policies, Armstrong’s upcoming performance has already drawn a preemptive snub from the White House. Mashable looks at the band’s long history of political defiance and whether they’ll use their biggest stage yet to send a message to the administration.

The World Is Watching: Contentious Politics Is Leading To Calls For FIFA To Move The World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup just months away, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter is calling for a boycott, citing recent civil unrest and federal immigration enforcement actions in the United States. Fair Observer dives into the mounting dilemma facing FIFA: can the organization maintain its commitment to "political neutrality" and "unity" while hosting its flagship event in a deeply fractured nation? From potential protests to the logistics of relocation, this piece examines whether the "Big Game" can stay above the fray of American politics.

Partner Spotlight

Builders Movement

Our friends at Builders Movement’s mission is to overcome “us vs. them” thinking and solve problems together. They equip people to uncover hidden common ground and build on it – with lasting solutions that reflect the will of the people.

Braver Angels

As political tension continues to rise, our partners at Braver Angels are focusing on a different approach: listening. In this thoughtful piece from the Laker Pioneer, the organization explores how "affective polarization"—the literal loathing of those across the aisle—has become a greater threat than any single policy disagreement. Discover how Braver Angels is using the principles of family therapy to help citizens navigate difficult conversations, move past contempt, and rediscover the "mystic chords of affection" that hold our communities together.

Fresh from the IC

Breaking the Mold: Why Independents Are Winning Hearts (If Not Yet Seats)

The two-party system is feeling the squeeze as a massive "favorability gap" emerges between major parties and the voters they represent. According to new polling from the Independent Center Voice, a staggering 76% of voters say they would likely support a well-funded independent candidate who prioritizes "People over Party." This deep dive examines the growing demand for authentic, non-scripted problem solvers and why the American electorate is increasingly ready to escape the "lesser of two evils" trap.

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.