One thing this election will do: Grow more Independents.

[NRaleighLiberal]

27. This is not a black and white, simple situation - independent can be used such different ways

I don't like the term independent used as someone's political "affiliation" because from what I've seen, independent means either intellectually lazy (can't be bothered to seek out the difference in principles and behaviors of the two parties), intellectually dishonest (independent standing for someone quite or leaning right wing but can't bring themselves to call themselves republicans) - or as looking for something different than what we have.

In my case, I am a strong Democrat in terms of the platform and principles (read "ideals&quot of the party - yet for a long time, don't feel as if the D label reflects my interests or beliefs - due to the influx of money, the lure of greed and power.

So I would never call myself an independent - I have strong beliefs, and they lie strongly to the left.

I think I am more a disenfranchised, cast away Democrat - Bernie Sanders principles reflect very well where I am. Hillary Clinton's principles reflect much that is wrong with current Democrats as a label.