First off, let me say I never considered myself a Republican nor a Democrat. I first voted back in 1968 when you had to be 21. I’m perfectly happy not having a political home if that means I’d have to be a Republican or a democrat. I’ve supported and voted for each depending on who the candidates were, at times I also voted against both major party candidates by voting third party when I think both suck. I support the Republicans on some things and oppose them on others, same with the Democrats, I’ll support them sometimes, oppose them other times. I like being a free thinker not letting the rhetorical propaganda from both major parties influence me. I’m not alone. According to Gallup, as of 23 Feb 2023, 27% of the electorate say their Republicans, 28% say they’re democrats with a huge 44% stating they’re independents. But it isn’t that simple as we have independents who lean Republican and independents who lean democratic. Pure or true independents with no leans probably make up somewhere between 10-15% of the electorate at any given time. This latter group is where I fall. I’m very happy with that. I like making up my own mind without being dictated to by party leaders as to what to think, how to vote, what to support, what to oppose like some mindless robot. Both major parties expect their member to march lockstep, no deviation is allowed, they all must pass their litmus tests or the two major parties will try to expel them. I like being able to make up my mind, so not having a political home, at least not belonging or affiliating , identifying with either major party or having litmus tests to pass or being dictated to or believing in all their false propaganda is best for me.