Moderate vs. Independent: 7 Key Differences

In today's complex political landscape, the terms "moderate" and "independent" are often used interchangeably. However, the voters who fall under these categories represent distinct political identities. Understanding the differences between moderates and those who identify as independents is crucial if you want to grasp the nuances of voter behavior, party dynamics, and electoral outcomes. 

Join us as we wade into the independent vs. moderate debate by highlighting key distinctions between these two groups. We’ll also shed light on their political views, relationships with the establishment parties, and voting behavior.

#1: Differences in Political Views

The most significant distinction between moderates and independents is the divergence in moderate and independent political views. These differences shape how they engage with political issues, candidates, and the overall political system.

Independent Political Views:

Independents are not bound by the traditional party lines, making their political views diverse and difficult to categorize. Unlike moderates, who generally gravitate toward the center of the political spectrum, independents can hold views that span the entire spectrum, from far-left to centrist to far-right. 

This flexibility allows independents to prioritize specific issues over party loyalty, often leading them to support candidates or policies from both major parties or even third parties. For instance, an independent voter might support conservative fiscal policies while advocating for progressive social issues, reflecting a blend of beliefs that doesn't fit neatly within a single-party framework.

Here are a few examples of independent candidates who are currently running for office and whose political ideologies span the political spectrum:

• West Seegmiller is an independent candidate for city council in West Hollywood, California who identifies as more progressive.

• James Bledsoe, an independent candidate for city council in Raleigh, North Carolina, describes himself as a “Constitutional centrist.”

• Alex Rodriguez is a non-partisan candidate for city council in Melrose, Massachusetts who identifies as more conservative.

Moderate Political Views:

Moderates, on the other hand, tend to hold centrist positions, advocating for a balance between progressive and conservative policies. They often seek compromise and incremental change, aiming to find common ground between the polarized extremes of the political spectrum. Moderates are more likely to support policies that are pragmatic and widely acceptable, rather than ideologically driven. 

For example, a moderate might support healthcare reform that expands access but avoids a full government takeover, or they might advocate for immigration policies that enhance border security while providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

#2: Relationship with Political Parties

Another key difference between moderates and independents is their relationship with political parties. This relationship influences how they participate in the political process and how they are perceived by others.

Independents and Political Parties:

By definition, being unaffiliated with any political party is at the heart of independent political meaning. Independents may reject party labels altogether, instead focusing on specific issues or candidates that align with their personal beliefs. This independence can lead to a more fluid political identity, where allegiances shift from election to election. 

While some independents may lean consistently toward one party, they remain unaffiliated. This gives them the freedom to vote for candidates across party lines or support third-party candidates.

Moderates and Political Parties:

Moderates typically align with one of the major political parties — Democratic or Republican — though they may not always agree with every aspect of the party's platform. They often serve as a stabilizing force within their chosen party, advocating for policies that appeal to a broad range of voters. Moderates within a party can help bridge the gap between the more extreme wings, fostering unity and cooperation. 

For example, moderate Democrats may push for policies that attract independent or even moderate Republican voters, while moderate Republicans might advocate for socially liberal policies that appeal to a broader electorate.

#3: Differences in Voting Behavior

Voting behavior is another area where moderates and independents diverge. Understanding these differences is crucial for predicting election outcomes and crafting effective campaign strategies.

Independents’ Voting Behavior:

Independent voters are often less predictable in their voting behavior, making them a key swing demographic in elections. They are more likely to evaluate candidates on an individual basis rather than voting along party lines. 

As one independent candidate and voter, Lyn Leddy, put it, “I've always been an independent and voted not by party but by who I thought can do the best job.”

This can make independents harder to target in campaigns, as their preferences may vary widely depending on the specific issues and candidates in a given election. Independents may also be more open to voting for third-party candidates, particularly if they feel that the major-party candidates do not adequately represent their views.

Moderates’ Voting Behavior:

Some moderates vote consistently for one of the major parties, although they may occasionally cross party lines if a candidate from the opposite party aligns more closely with their views. These moderates’ voting patterns are often predictable, with a strong focus on electability and pragmatism. Moderates are more likely to support candidates who they believe can work across the aisle and implement practical solutions, rather than those who are ideologically extreme.

Meanwhile, voters who identify as both moderate and independent might favor independent and third-party candidates.

#4: Perceived Role in Elections

The role that moderates and independents play in elections is another critical distinction. Both groups are seen as essential to winning elections, but their perceived roles differ significantly.

Independents’ Role in Elections:

Independents are sometimes viewed as spoilers in elections, particularly when they support third-party candidates who might have little chance of winning. This perception arises from the belief that independents can split the vote, drawing support away from the major-party candidate who is closest to their views and potentially handing the election to the opposing party. Electoral reforms like ranked choice voting can help to prevent this concern.

At the federal level, independents can also play a decisive role in general elections, particularly in swing states or districts where their votes can tip the balance in favor of one of the major-party candidates.

Moderates’ Role in Elections:

Moderates are often seen as essential swing voters, particularly in closely contested elections. Their centrist views make them a crucial target for candidates who need to appeal to a broad electorate. In primary elections, moderates within a party can determine whether a more centrist or more extreme candidate wins the nomination. In general elections, their support can be the deciding factor in battleground states or districts.

#5: Main Goals of Independents and Moderates

The goals of moderates and independents also differ. This influences how they engage with the political process and what they hope to achieve.

Independents’ Main Goals:

Independents may have more varied — and occasionally more radical — goals. Because they’re not tied to a specific political party, independents may be more willing to support candidates or policies that challenge the status quo or push for significant change. Some independents want to disrupt the two-party system altogether, advocating for electoral reforms such as ranked choice voting or open primaries that would give independent and third-party candidates a better chance of winning elections.

Moderates’ Main Goals:

Moderates typically aim to promote stability and incremental change within the existing political framework. Their goal is often to find broadly acceptable solutions that can garner bipartisan support. Moderates may prioritize policies that maintain the status quo or introduce gradual reforms, rather than pursuing radical change. They are often motivated by a desire to avoid the extremes of either major political party and to keep the country on a steady, centrist course.

#6: Flexibility in Policy Positions

Their degree of flexibility in policy positions is another key difference between moderates and independents. This flexibility influences how they approach political issues and engage with candidates.

Independents’ Level of Flexibility:

Independents tend to exhibit a higher degree of flexibility in their policy positions. Because they’re not bound by party loyalty, independents can adopt a mix of policies from across the political spectrum, sometimes holding seemingly contradictory views. 

This flexibility allows independents to prioritize specific issues without feeling constrained by a broader party platform. For example, an independent voter might support both universal healthcare and lower taxes, even though these positions could be seen as contradictory by members of the Democratic and Republican parties.

Moderates’ Level of Flexibility:

Moderates tend to be flexible within a certain range, often seeking compromise between opposing views. However, their flexibility is usually constrained by a commitment to centrist principles and a desire to avoid extremes. Moderates may be willing to negotiate and adjust their positions, but they generally do so within the framework of established party lines. For example, a moderate might support tax cuts, but only if they are paired with measures to protect social safety nets.

#7: Influence on Political Discourse

The influence that moderates and independents have on political discourse also differs, shaping the national conversation in unique ways.

The Influence of Independents:

Independents often influence political discourse by challenging the dominance of the two-party system and introducing new ideas or perspectives. Because they’re not constrained by party loyalty, independents can raise issues that have been ignored by the major parties and push for reforms that address systemic problems in the political process. Independents can also serve as a check on the power of the major parties, holding them accountable when they fail to represent the interests of the broader electorate.

The Influence of Moderates:

Moderates often play a role in tempering political discourse, advocating for civility, compromise, and bipartisanship. Their influence is particularly strong in situations where extreme partisanship threatens to derail legislative progress. Moderates may be the ones to broker deals, find common ground, and push for policies that can win broad support. Their emphasis on pragmatism and incremental change can help prevent political gridlock and ensure that the government continues to function effectively.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Understanding the differences between moderates and independents is crucial for anyone interested in American politics. While moderates and independents may sometimes overlap in their views or voting behavior, they represent distinct political identities with unique goals, relationships with the major political parties, and roles in the electoral process. 

By recognizing these differences, candidates, campaigners, and voters alike can better navigate the complex landscape of modern American politics. 

Whether you're a candidate seeking to appeal to these crucial voter blocs or a voter trying to understand your own political identity, the team at GoodParty.org has got you covered.