Can somebody explain to me what are moderates and independents? [View all]

[CheapShotArtist]

You know how in every election, both parties fight hard for independents and moderates, right? It seems to me that so many folks take pride in either being seen as a "moderate" or an independent voter nowadays, and I don't know why. For instance, I constantly hear things from pundits about how there are an increasing number of independents, and how moderates are becoming extinct in both parties. They make it out like both sides are equally evil, and that the middle is always the best path to take, but what do they really mean by the middle? Like what would be a "moderate" position when it comes to gay rights? The Left favors it, while the Right is totally opposed. And what would be a moderate position when it comes to voter ID?