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Independent Politics

By now, we're on the same page that Mitt Romney's pick of Paul Ryan as his running mate contradicts a golden oldie of presidential election strategy -- run to the conservative (or liberal) base to win the nomination and then reposition toward the center to lure the more moderate independent swing voters who are necessary to win the general election.

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Matalin: New Obama movie will backfireupdated: Fri Mar 09 2012 11:20:00

CNN contributor Mary Matalin says an upcoming Hollywood-style Obama campaign film will turn off Independent voters.

Poll: Men, evangelicals boost Santorum updated: Wed Feb 22 2012 06:05:00

A poll released Wednesday showed Rick Santorum maintaining his lead nationwide among likely Republican voters, topping his closest rival Mitt Romney by a margin of nine percentage points.

Independent voters are rejecting Romneyupdated: Wed Feb 15 2012 09:59:00

Mitt Romney is learning that there are costs to an ugly, extended primary fight marked by a rush to the far right. Independent voters get alienated by the extremism.

Romney, Santorum set sights on Michiganupdated: Wed Feb 15 2012 09:59:00

Polls show GOP front-runners Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in a virtual tie before Michigan primary. Joe Johns reports.

Santorum's not in Iowa anymoreupdated: Thu Jan 19 2012 08:07:00

CNN's Jim Acosta takes a look at the challenges facing GOP candidate Rick Santorum after he lands in New Hampshire.

Five things to watch in New Hampshireupdated: Thu Jan 19 2012 08:07:00

Game day is here -- the New Hampshire primary is under way.

Tracking the New Hampshire ballotsupdated: Wed Jan 11 2012 07:10:00

CNN's Shannon Travis follows the New Hampshire ballots as they go from the voting booth to a city hall vault.

Huntsman: We'll exceed expectationsupdated: Tue Jan 10 2012 17:31:00

CNN's John King talks to Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman about the New Hampshire primary.

New Hampshire -- all about the independentsupdated: Tue Jan 10 2012 17:31:00

New Hampshire is all about the independents. And that's why it's the best test of general election electability.

2012 New Hampshire primary beer pollupdated: Tue Jan 10 2012 12:05:00

CNN speaks to voters at 20 Manchester, New Hampshire, bars to "scientifically" determine Tuesday's big winner.

N.H. voters say most campaign mass marketing ineffectiveupdated: Tue Jan 10 2012 12:05:00

As people head to the polls in New Hampshire, the campaigns will learn whether all the funds used for direct marketing to voters was money well-spent.

The value of N.H. independent votersupdated: Mon Jan 09 2012 12:06:00

CNN's Dan Lothian reports on the independent voters in New Hampshire who could hold the key to victory in the primary.

Why Trump can't run as an independentupdated: Thu Dec 29 2011 18:21:00

Among the political threats wielded by Donald Trump in his carnival barker quest for the presidency is that if denied the Republican nomination, he would run as an independent.

Trump: Iraq war 'tragic waste' of moneyupdated: Thu Dec 29 2011 18:21:00

In an interview with Wolf Blitzer, Donald Trump says that the U.S. war in Iraq was a waste of money and American lives.

Islamists fare well in first round of Egypt's electionsupdated: Sat Dec 03 2011 12:21:00

Islamist parties made dramatic advances in Egypt's parliamentary elections during the first round of voting for lawmakers this week, a result reflecting a growing embrace of religious-oriented sentiment across turbulent North Africa.

Most Egyptians voted this weekupdated: Sat Dec 03 2011 12:21:00

Jim Clancy reports from Egypt on historic elections that saw a 62% turnout and Muslim Brotherhood winning most votes.

Independent candidates test China's election experimentupdated: Fri Sep 23 2011 02:53:00

Elections are underway in China. Not for the country's presidency but for "Renmin Daibiao," or the National People's Representatives Congress.

Huntsman: Why I'm better than Romneyupdated: Tue Aug 30 2011 11:00:00

GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman explains why he is better suited for the presidency than Mitt Romney.

Huntsman, best candidate for a third partyupdated: Tue Aug 30 2011 11:00:00

As a voter, aren't you tired of feeling as if you don't really have a choice?

Early presidential polls no indication of eventual outcomeupdated: Fri Aug 26 2011 14:05:00

If polls were right early in the 2008 primaries, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani would have sailed on to become the Republican nominee for president.

Huntsman woos New Hampshire moderatesupdated: Fri Aug 05 2011 15:00:00

On a breezy evening in August, Jon Huntsman walked into a house party filled with undecided New Hampshire voters and started shaking hands.

Huntsman: "I am pro-life"updated: Fri Aug 05 2011 15:00:00

GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman discusses his stance on abortion, same-sex marriage, and immigration.

Election bid a tough ask for China's independent candidatesupdated: Mon Jul 25 2011 23:28:00

Kezai started receiving professional tennis coaching at the age of eight. Since then his father has worked hard to cover his training costs.

CNN Poll: Perry near the top in GOP nomination raceupdated: Fri Jul 22 2011 05:36:00

As Texas Gov. Rick Perry comes closer to jumping into the race for the White House, he's also close to the top of a new national survey in the battle for the GOP presidential nomination.

In 2011, it's truly independents dayupdated: Mon Jul 04 2011 12:05:00

As we celebrate Independence Day at the start of a long hot campaign season, it is worth remembering that patriotism is not the same thing as partisanship.

What's behind the Sarah Palin rebranding tourupdated: Wed Jun 01 2011 09:20:00

So Sarah Palin walks into a Pennsylvania coffee shop, virtually unannounced. She sits down with a bunch of guys, gets her picture taken and is asked whether she would declare her candidacy right there.

Is Donald Trump bankrupting the GOP?updated: Fri Apr 22 2011 06:02:00

At this stage in a presidential campaign, there's always someone -- and sometimes it's more than one -- who flirts with running and thinks a few things, as in: Why not me? (I'm smarter than the rest of those clowns!) What's the worst that could happen? (I'll be in demand on the lecture circuit!)

Trump: It's not a publicity stuntupdated: Fri Apr 22 2011 06:02:00

HLN's Joy Behar talks with Melania Trump about her husband Donald Trump's possible presidential run.

Trump looking into Obama's birthplaceupdated: Fri Apr 22 2011 06:01:00

Trump says he is strongly looking into where President Obama was born.

Trump bid a political freak show?updated: Wed Apr 13 2011 12:30:00

In every election cycle, someone arrives to provide a political freak show, but even by those standards, the fascination of some Republicans for Donald Trump defies easy explanation.

Beware politics' evil twinsupdated: Fri Mar 04 2011 09:25:00

Overreach and backlash: They are the prime drivers of politics in our time, pushing the pendulum swing back and forth between the parties faster and faster.

How the budget affects youupdated: Thu Feb 17 2011 06:10:00

President Obama is being criticized for what he did not include in the 2012 budget. CNN's Samantha Hayes explains.

Obama's budget appeals to independentsupdated: Thu Feb 17 2011 06:10:00

Criticism of President Obama's $3.7 trillion 2012 budget from both the left and right is a sign that it will probably find favor with independents, an expert on the influential voting bloc said.

Left, right must end gun rhetoricupdated: Fri Jan 14 2011 10:57:00

In the wake of the Tucson tragedy, even calls for civility are being politicized.

Campaigner in Egyptian electionsupdated: Sun Nov 28 2010 17:03:00

CNN's Ben Wedeman reports on the Muslim Brotherhood candidate's struggle in the Egypt election campaign.

Egyptians vote in parliamentary elections amid fraud accusationsupdated: Sun Nov 28 2010 17:03:00

Egyptian voters headed to the polls Sunday in parliamentary elections that critics have said could be tainted by fraud and intimidation.

What does 2010 say about 2012?updated: Thu Nov 04 2010 13:55:00

CNN's John King explains what the results of the 2010 midterm elections might say about the 2012 presidential race.

Poll: GOP candidates top Obama in hypothetical 2012 raceupdated: Thu Nov 04 2010 13:55:00

His party got its clock cleaned in Tuesday's midterm elections, but President Barack Obama still remains competitive in some hypothetical 2012 presidential election matchups, especially against Sarah Palin, a new poll shows.

Quick shots: Get ready for a GOP waveupdated: Thu Oct 28 2010 10:09:00

Editor's note: There are five days to go before voters cast ballots in the hotly contested midterm elections. In this special feature, CNN's political contributors share their quick thoughts on what's making news.

Sick of Dems, GOP? There's hopeupdated: Tue Oct 26 2010 12:36:00

With the election just days away, most Americans disapprove of both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, while 58 percent of our fellow citizens say it's time for a third party.

Democrat goes off on Obamaupdated: Tue Oct 26 2010 12:36:00

Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio says President Obama can "shove it" for not endorsing him.

Quick shots: Don't demonize GOP womenupdated: Wed Oct 06 2010 10:19:00

Editor's note: There are 27 days to go before voters cast ballots in the hotly contested midterm elections. In this special feature, CNN's political contributors share their quick thoughts on what's making news.

GOP created its own foe in Tea Partyupdated: Fri Sep 17 2010 09:48:00

Once upon a time, back after Barack Obama's impressive 2008 presidential win, defeated and depressed Republicans had to do something to prove they still had a pulse. So leaders went out of their way -- and it wasn't easy -- to recruit stellar, well-known, GOP candidates for Senate: a governor in Charlie Crist of Florida, a secretary of state in Trey Grayson of Kentucky, a seasoned and popular congressman in Mike Castle of Delaware.

Self-avowed madam who claims Spitzer ties is running for NY governorupdated: Mon Aug 23 2010 22:23:00

A former madam who claims to have provided prostitutes to former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer says she is running as an independent candidate for governor.

Wedge issues divide politicians from independentsupdated: Fri Aug 20 2010 12:32:00

The current ruckus over building an Islamic center and mosque near ground zero, calls to change the 14th Amendment and other so-called "wedge" issues are roiling up each party's base, but they're turning off independents, analysts say.

Battle for the houseupdated: Thu Jul 15 2010 13:24:00

House Democrats face tough times in Maryland as Republicans try and regain majority. CNN's Brianna Keilar reports.

Analysts: Bill Clinton can help Democrats, but how much?updated: Thu Jul 15 2010 13:24:00

Former President Bill Clinton, the man once described as the "comeback kid" during his 1992 presidential bid, has now become something of a go-to guy for Democratic candidates facing a tough election battle.

Democrats, prepare for independents' dayupdated: Wed Jul 07 2010 09:54:00

After an Independence Day holiday weekend, it's time to focus on another declaration of independence that is gaining converts across the country. Independent voters are the largest and fastest-growing segment of the electorate.

GOP nominee downplays third-party threat in Iowaupdated: Sat Jun 26 2010 20:51:00

Iowa Republican gubernatorial nominee Terry Branstad looks east when asked if he is concerned about a possible third-party candidacy by rival Bob Vander Plaats.

British elections: Why U.S. should careupdated: Thu Jun 24 2010 17:12:00

The monthlong sprint that is the British elections ended Thursday night with a hung parliament, meaning plenty of wrangling is still to be done before we know who will be the next prime minister.

Utah court says e-signatures acceptable for ballot petitionsupdated: Tue Jun 22 2010 17:08:00

Voters in Utah can now go online and sign a petition to qualify candidates for public office, the state's highest court ruled Tuesday.

Gov. Crist goes Independentupdated: Wed May 05 2010 12:07:00

Florida Governor Charlie Crist has announced that he will run as an Independent in his bid for the U.S. Senate.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist goes it aloneupdated: Wed May 05 2010 12:06:00

Freddy Balsera, CNN's Candy Crowley and Erick Erickson talk about the evolving Florida Senate Race with CNN's John King.

Crist's party switch a 'Hail Mary' pass?updated: Wed May 05 2010 12:06:00

Florida Republican Gov. Charlie Crist wants independents to back his bid to become Florida's next senator. But he might not be exactly what they are looking for.

Crist to run as an Independentupdated: Wed Apr 28 2010 16:13:00

A GOP fund-raiser says Florida Governor Charlie Crist will run for Senate as an Independent instead of a Republican.

Crist to run for Senate as nonaligned candidate, source saysupdated: Wed Apr 28 2010 16:13:00

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has decided to run as a nonaligned candidate rather than compete for the Republican Party nomination in his bid for the Senate, a GOP fundraiser tells CNN.

Can independents seize the day?updated: Wed Apr 07 2010 09:14:00

Three credible independent candidates are running for governor this year in three New England states where registered independents outnumber Democrats and Republicans.

Egyptian publisher of reform book arrestedupdated: Mon Apr 05 2010 00:15:00

An Egyptian publisher who recently released a book calling for political change was arrested at his Cairo home during the weekend, and copies of the book, his computer and manuscripts were confiscated, friends and family said.

Will health care fight sway independent vote?updated: Thu Mar 25 2010 12:25:00

Going into the midterm elections, Democrats argue that their health care reform bill will insure millions more Americans, help small businesses and reduce the deficit. Republicans argue the opposite: It will kill jobs, choke the economy and lead to a government takeover of health care.

How will vote shape politics?updated: Thu Mar 25 2010 12:25:00

CNN's John King talks with bloggers and an independent activist about the landmark health care vote's effect.

How to break the Gridlockupdated: Fri Feb 26 2010 19:20:00

CNN's Jessica Yellin explores some ideas citizens are suggesting to help Washington break the partisan gridlock.

Why centrist voters are fed upupdated: Fri Feb 26 2010 19:20:00

Today's bipartisan health care meeting is being called a summit, a term that brings to mind diplomatic missions during wartime. That's a fitting description for the atmosphere in Washington. Political opponents are considered enemies.

Who are the Tea Party activists?updated: Thu Feb 18 2010 11:09:00

Activists in the Tea Party movement tend to be male, rural, upscale, and overwhelmingly conservative, according to a new national poll.

Obama makes his caseupdated: Thu Jan 28 2010 15:27:00

The President's address focused on jobs and the pain of a down economy. CNN's Ed Henry reports.

After pleading his case, where does Obama go now?updated: Thu Jan 28 2010 15:27:00

President Obama acknowledged Wednesday night that he's faced political setbacks during his first year in office.

Middle class voters on Obamaupdated: Thu Jan 28 2010 15:13:00

CNN's Carol Costello talks with middle class voters about the State of the Union address.

Obama's speech met with hope and skepticismupdated: Thu Jan 28 2010 15:13:00

President Obama returned to many of the themes from his campaign during his State of the Union address, calling for change and condemning partisanship in Washington, while maintaining an unflappable confidence that America's best is yet to come.

Where have Dems gone wrong?updated: Tue Jan 26 2010 11:16:00

A panel traces the missteps of the Democrats in the months leading up to last night's upset loss of a Senate seat.

Angry voters could affect both partiesupdated: Tue Jan 26 2010 11:16:00

Democrats and Republicans woke up this week with a fresh perspective on the midterm elections.

How did Brown win?updated: Mon Jan 25 2010 13:27:00

John King and his "magic wall" explain which Bay Staters voted for Scott Brown and why.

Independents' anger in Massachusetts a sign of things to come?updated: Mon Jan 25 2010 13:27:00

Political analysts say that emotions played as big a role as issues in Republican Scott Brown's earthshaking win this week in traditionally Democratic Massachusetts.

Scott Brown: From pinup to pickup-driving populistupdated: Wed Jan 20 2010 17:38:00

The morning after winning the Massachusetts Senate special election on Tuesday, Scott Brown was still trying to take it all in.

Swing voters will decide Kennedy seatupdated: Mon Jan 18 2010 07:39:00

On Tuesday, the eyes of the political world will be turned to Massachusetts where an unexpectedly close special election is being held to determine who will succeed Ted Kennedy in the Senate.

Which party can lead?updated: Wed Dec 23 2009 21:39:00

CNN's Paul Steinhauser and Keating Holland discuss which party will best lead the country in the right direction.

Poll: More Americans prefer Democratic policiesupdated: Wed Dec 23 2009 21:39:00

Despite the bruising battle over their proposals to overhaul health care, congressional Democrats have maintained an advantage over their Republican counterparts on one key measure, according to a new national poll.

Pelosi plays whack-a-mole on health careupdated: Wed Nov 11 2009 07:04:00

The story so far: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi does everything in her power to get health care reform passed by keeping her Democratic caucus together.

McDonnell wins Virginiaupdated: Wed Nov 04 2009 14:18:00

Republican Bob McDonnell wins the race for governor in Virginia, reversing a trend of the state electing Democrats.

GOP wins key governor races but loses N.Y. congressional seatupdated: Wed Nov 04 2009 13:05:00

A Republican Party left for dead by many in the wake of recent Democratic landslides sprang back to life with wins in hotly contested races for governor in Virginia and New Jersey.

CNN projects Republicans win governor races in Virginia, New Jerseyupdated: Wed Nov 04 2009 01:17:00

A Republican Party that struggled in the wake of recent Democratic landslides sprang back to life Tuesday with wins in hotly contested races for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, according to CNN projections.

Obama voters can't carry Virginiaupdated: Wed Nov 04 2009 01:17:00

CNN's John King explains that many Virginia voters who elected President Obama did not vote for Democrat Creigh Deeds.

Get ready for McCain vs. Palinupdated: Tue Nov 03 2009 13:37:00

Right now, the political intelligentsia is consumed with the outcome of a congressional district in upstate New York.

For GOP, a little victory could hurt bigupdated: Tue Nov 03 2009 13:28:00

Right now, the political intelligentsia is consumed with the outcome of a congressional district in upstate New York.

King: Independent candidate hopes New Jersey votes with its heartupdated: Fri Oct 30 2009 10:57:00

Chris Daggett is a political novice yet has the routine down pat: Approach a morning commuter, extend his hand and a good-morning greeting, and pick a question from his repertoire:

Analysis: Palin's high-risk, high-reward strategyupdated: Thu Oct 29 2009 09:08:00

When Sarah Palin weighed in last week on the contentious special congressional election in New York, she did so in her trademark way: unconventionally.

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