The recent poll from the Independent Center reveals independents overwhelmingly favor collaboration in governance
The big picture
A recent Independent Center survey reveals that independent voters overwhelmingly prefer bipartisan cooperation over partisan policy victories. The survey results highlight a growing disconnect between what independent voters desire and how Washington operates.
Zooming in
Independents’ views on Trump’s approach
When asked about their hopes for the new Trump administration, 64% of independents stated that they want Trump to work across the aisle and pass bipartisan measures. Only:
- 14% supported the idea that Trump and Republicans should enact their policies without compromise ("MAGA all the way!").
- 23% said they oppose Trump outright, regardless of what it means for the country.
Among Republican-leaning independents, these views remained nearly identical:
- 63% favored bipartisanship.
- 14% backed MAGA policies.
- 23% opposed Trump entirely.
Partisan vs. bipartisan success
When asked whether they want Trump to succeed in enacting MAGA policies:
- 37% of independents supported Trump’s partisan success.
- 27% wanted him to fail.
- 36% were unsure.
However, when asked whether they wanted Trump to succeed at enacting bipartisan policies, the numbers shifted dramatically:
- 58% of independents supported bipartisan cooperation.
- Only 12% wanted it to fail.
- 30% remained undecided.
The pattern held true among Republican-leaning independents as well:
- 62% wanted Trump to succeed at bipartisanship.
- 13% opposed bipartisan cooperation.
- 25% were undecided.
Voter dissatisfaction with political representation
Independents were also asked, “Do you believe that your voice and opinions are being heard in Washington, D.C.?”
- Only 12% of independents felt that they were heard.
- 48% said they were not being heard.
- 41% were unsure.
Among Republican-leaning independents, responses were nearly identical:
- 13% felt heard.
- 50% said their voices were ignored.
- 37% were unsure.
This widespread disconnection between independents and elected officials explains their strong preference for bipartisan solutions over partisan victories.
Data snapshot
- 64% of independents prefer bipartisan governance, compared to just 14% who want a MAGA-driven approach.
- 58% want Trump to succeed at bipartisan cooperation, while only 12% prefer that he fail.
- 48% of independents feel their voices are not being heard in Washington, compared to just 12% who feel represented.
Independent lens
The 46-point margin favoring bipartisan success (58% vs. 12%) compared to the 10-point margin for partisan success (37% vs. 27%) highlights a fundamental misalignment between how politics operates and what independents actually want.
While partisans focus on energizing their base, independents overwhelmingly want cooperation. Leaders who prioritize bipartisanship over ideological purity are far more aligned with the largest voting bloc in America.
As independent voters grow more frustrated with both parties, the demand for an alternative political approach is increasing.
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