Independents

Obama's marks for his handling of Libya come despite criticism from the left, right and abroad that he waited too long to act against the Gadhafi regime, and that once he did, the mission was not as defined as he promised it would be.

Democrats, Republicans, Independents Differ on Issues That Worry Them Most

Republicans say federal spending is their top worry; Democrats name health care; and independents say the overall economy is their top concern.

Poll Shows Faith in Government Plummets; Warning Signs for Republicans Emerge

In a new Washington Post/ABC News poll, only 26 percent of Americans say they’re optimistic about 'our system of government and how well it works.'

Sarah Palin: Could She Run as an Independent or Third Party Candidate?

-Suzi Parker

The field of conservative 2012 presidential hopefuls is crowded. To stay in the game, Palin may have to split from the GOP and go rogue. It wouldn't be the first time.

Poll: Republican Push for Deep Budget Cuts Could Alienate Independents, Swing Voters

Pushed by tea party movement adherents and conservatives to make deep budget cuts, Republicans may find themselves paying a political price because independents and swing voters care more about job creation and economic growth.

Americans Less Angry at Washington Now Than During 2010 Campaign, Poll Says

Although trust in government remains low, Americans seem to have cooled off since last year's political campaigns, with significantly fewer of them saying they are "angry" at government.

Most Americans Are Moderates -- and Thus Invisible

-Mary C. Curtis

Polls show Americans favor compromise on issues ranging from federal spending to gay marriage. But as the 2012 election heats up, expect hard-line partisans to drown out the voices of their more reasonable neighbors.

Moderates Are Not Independents, and Other Clues to Moves by Obama, GOP

-Jill Lawrence

There's a reason Obama signed tax cuts and proposed a spending freeze, and GOP leaders want to defund Planned Parenthood. The numbers behind the moves.

Most Americans Want a Budget Compromise, but Favor GOP on Deeper Cuts

Sixty percent of Americans want both parties to compromise on the budget in order to avoid a shutdown of the federal government.

Obama Poll Ratings Show Some Gains in Key States, but He's Not Out of the Woods

Polls in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida last year contained warning signs for President Obama's 2012 chances. Some of those numbers have improved, but the gains have been modest.

Poll Shows Big Partisan Divides on Obama's Handling of Key Issues

Health care, the economy and foreign affairs were the issues where Democrats and Republicans had the biggest partisan divides when it came to how they saw President Obama's performance. A concern for Obama is that independents leaned towards the GOP view.

Colorado GOP Chairman Dick Wadhams, 'Tired of the Nuts,' Steps Down

-Sandra Fish

Wadhams was criticized in November after Democrats won two key victories -- a Senate seat and the Denver mayor's office -- in what was otherwise a banner election for the Republicans nationwide.