Values

Moderate Values - and the Independent Overlap

The Moderate / Independent Overlap

I am both a political moderate and registered independent, but they are not the same thing. I explore this distinction in my video here, but in short: “Moderate” refers to an ideological position (like centrist, or middle-of-the-road), while “Independent” refers to a lack of party affiliation. (1) And while moderates generally gravitate toward the center of the political spectrum, independents can hold views that run the gamut from far-left to far-right.

But here’s the interesting point: studies consistently show that many if not most independents are also moderate. And that’s important politically if this group wants to become a third force in American politics. A recent Gallup poll found that a record-high 45% of Americans now identify as political independents, and almost half of these independents — 47% — identify as moderates. (2) And other studies find an even higher percentage. The Independent Center found that 53% of independents identify as moderate centrist; (3) Unite America found that 60% of independents were “moderate;” (4) and another recent study concluded that independents are “overwhelmingly” moderate. (5)

Now of course, not ALL independents are moderate. Some independents are progressive. Some are libertarian. And others simply dislike political parties altogether! But it does show that many independents share some broader moderate tendencies.

Political Moderate Defined

But what does it mean to be a “political moderate”? I explore this question in my video here, but in short: although people often say that political moderates are wishy-washy or don’t really believe anything, in fact millions of Americans who identify as moderate hold a clear set of values — even if those values don’t necessarily fit into a red or blue ideological box.

A recent Gallup poll found that 34% of Americans identify as political moderates (6), and other research found that MOST Americans are ideologically moderate. (7)

And to find out what these moderate voters believe, I reviewed the value statements of a variety of moderate political organizations (8), and what I found was surprisingly consistent.

Values

Political moderates:

• reject extremism and hold centrist positions, advocating for a balance between progressive and conservative policies;

• are willing to compromise to find common ground between the polarized extremes of the political spectrum, and don’t see compromise as a weakness, but instead as a necessity in a diverse democratic society;

• believe in democracy, the constitution and the rule of law, which matters more than loyalty to any political party or leader;

• want to work together respectfully with people of different viewpoints to reach sensible, pragmatic solutions to problems;

• want to base decisions on proven facts and science and not on political rhetoric and conspiracy theories;

• reject corruption and self-dealing and want political leaders to act ethically and with integrity at all times; and

• abhor political violence and violent rhetoric.

Specific issues

And contrary to stereotypes, moderates care deeply about major issues, including:

• the economy, where they focus on affordability, fighting inflation and creating job opportunities;

• the broken political system, where they support proportional representation, open primaries and ranked choice voting, and oppose gerrymandering and government shutdowns;

• the financial reckoning for social security, where moderates want a bipartisan solution to prevent insolvency;

• and the national debt crisis, where moderates not only want to address the problem but also believe that it’s immoral to pile so much debt on the next generation. (9)

So no — moderates do not believe “nothing.” In fact, if anything, it takes courage to be moderate. In a polarized environment, holding the middle ground and being willing to compromise requires intellectual humility, independence, and the stamina to withstand pressure from the extreme sides. (10)

Because in the end, democracy only works if people are willing to build bridges rather than burn them down.

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Sources:

(1) Laurette LaLiberte, “Moderate vs. Independent: 7 key differences,” Good Party, September 20, 2024. https://goodparty.org/blog/article/moderate-vs-independent-7-key-differences

(2) Jeffrey Jones, “New high of 45% in U.S. identify as political independents,” GALLUP, January 12, 2026. New High of 45% in U.S. Identify as Political Independents

(3) Ethan Nelson, “Democrat and independents find common ground in 2025,” Independent Center, Updated March 19, 2025. https://www.independentcenter.org/articles/democrats-and-independents-find-common-ground-in-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com

(4) Joseph Cerrone, “Research brief: Growing cohort of independent voters becomes critical segment of electorate,” Unite America, November 15, 2024. Research Brief: Growing Cohort of Independent Voters Becomes Critical Segment of Electorate | Unite America

(5) Eveline Dowling, Nathan Micatka, Caroline Tolbert, “Who are independents? Are they moderate in political ideology?”, Sage Journals, May 20, 2026. Who Are Independents? Are They Moderate in Political Ideology? - Eveline Dowling, Nathan K. Micatka, Caroline Tolbert, 2026

(6) Megan Brenan, “U.S. Political Parties Historically Polarized Ideologically,” GALLUP®, January 16, 2025. U.S. Political Parties Historically Polarized Ideologically

(7) Anthony Fowler, “Most Americans are ideologically moderate,” London School of Economics (LSE), October 19, 2022. Most Americans are ideologically moderate | USAPP

(8) Moderate Democrats: https://www.moderatedemocrats.org/

Moderate Republicans: https://www.moderaterepublican.org/principles

Forward Party: https://www.ForwardParty.com/#values

New Jersey Moderate Party: https://njmoderateparty.org/

United Kansas: https://www.unitedkansas.com/principles

No Labels: https://nolabels.org/what-no-labels-believes/

Third Way: https://ThirdWay.org

(9) Jim Kessler, Gabe Horwitz, “What do moderates want on economic issues? Growth.”, Third Way, June 17, 2014. What Do Moderates Want on Economic Issues? Growth. | Third Way

(10) Anthony Robinson, “On the contrary - it takes courage to be a moderate,” Post Alley – Seattle, November 9, 2025. On the Contrary — It takes Courage to be a Moderate | Post Alley

A balance scale with Democratic donkey and Republican elephant figurines.

Make Moderates Matter

Empowering moderate and independent voters.

Moderate Values - and the Independent Overlap

Make Moderates Matter

Empowering moderate and independent voters.

Moderate Values - and the Independent Overlap

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