moderate vs independent: Is there really any differences between them

[neoteric lefty]

Many people love to use the term "independent" to describe themselves politically. It seems to be the sheik, trendy thing to be called. They don't want to be dragged down political stereotypes and party labels. But in general, are they truly independent? Are they the political freethinkers or are they just trying to hype themselves up?

I know there are some people here that feel "moderate" is just another term for just those who lack the decisiveness to be involved. Are these just two buzzwords that mean the same thing or do they truly involve two lines of political ideology (or lack thereof)?

[GAspnes]

1. yes, there is. (n/t)

[neoteric lefty]

2. ok, good concise answer (n/t)

[WMliberal]

3. yeah, independent just means no party affiliation

moderate means not leaning left or right. there are lots of moderates in most political parties. and some moderates belong to no party at all and are independent.

[mairceridwen]

5. no

http://www.usiap.org/index.htm


edited after some research

[mairceridwen]

6. then of course

there are parties that have the word "independent" in them, in different states, that do not have that crazy religious right angle

like Maine's Independent Green party (or something like that)

[mairceridwen]

4. um...

there is an independent party. if they are registered as such, then it's more than just a rhetorical label.

some people are moderate, truly middle of the road--for lots of reasons. And being moderate doesn't mean not involved. I have a friend who is canvassing the hell out of austin texas and she is a self-described moderate.

generally I think of people who are content with the status quo as moderate and they only get excited when it starts to fall too far to one side, in this case, the right

to generalize moderates in that way is ridiculous.

[damntexdem]

7. They refer to two different things, though some overlap.

A moderate is someone who thinks she's neither far to the left nor to the right. Of course, that is a matter of perception -- your milage may vary.

An independent does not adhere to a political party -- at least not to the two dominant parties.

Yes, many who call themselves moderate are independents. But many members of the two dominant parties consider themselves moderates. And many independents consider themselves far left or far right.

[proud patriot]

8. Yes IMO there is a difference

My husband is not a moderate but an independent
he's still registered green . :shrug: