Scott Keeter, Survey Research Director for the Pew Research Center, highlights the Center’s polling data on Independent voters and discusses their role in the 2008 presidential election.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the Pew Research Center define an “Independent”? In which elections have Independents served as a key voting block?
2. According to the Center’s polling, what percentage of the American public considers themselves Independent? What does Mr. Keeter believe accounts for the recent increase in Independents?
3. Which states does Mr. Keeter identify as “strategic places” for Independents? Why?
4. Summarize the Center’s demographic data on Independents. Why does Mr. Keeter predict the 2008 presidential election “is going to be about the Independents”?
5. Click here to learn more information about the Pew Research Center.