Action over Labels

A new nationwide poll from the Independent Center Voice reveals a fascinating divide in American politics. While the terms "bipartisan," "independent," and "non-partisan" are often used interchangeably by pundits, voters clearly distinguish between them.

The most striking finding is that 63% of Americans view a politician "willing to work with both sides" favorably - nearly double the favorability of a "bipartisan candidate" (29%).

Action Over Labels: Why Voters Want "Problem Solvers" Over "Partisans"

In the landscape of modern American politics, we are often told the country is hopelessly divided. We hear that the "middle" is disappearing and that voters are retreating into their respective corners. However, our new nationwide polling from the Independent Center Voice suggests that the desire for cooperation hasn’t vanished—it has simply changed its language.

The data reveals a massive "favorability gap." While only 29% of respondents have a favorable view of a "bipartisan candidate," a staggering 63% favor a politician "willing to work with both sides of the aisle."

Why does a simple change in wording create such a dramatic shift in public perception? The answer lies in the difference between a political identity and a functional behavior.

1. The Death of the "Bipartisan" Brand

For many voters, the word "bipartisan" has become a "Beltway" term—a buzzword used by pundits and career politicians to describe backroom deals or compromise for the sake of optics.

In the poll, 51% of respondents felt "neutral or unsure" about a bipartisan candidate. This suggests that the term no longer carries a clear, positive meaning. To a modern voter, "bipartisanship" often feels like a watered-down version of two ideologies, rather than a solution to a problem.

2. The Appeal of Willingness and Work

In contrast, "willing to work with both sides" describes an action. It moves the focus away from the candidate's party and toward their work ethic and pragmatism.

• It implies agency: A politician who is "willing to work" sounds like someone who is taking the initiative to get things done.
• It preserves identity: Voters don’t necessarily want a candidate who abandons their own values; they want a candidate whose values include the maturity to negotiate.
• It captures the "True Independent" vote: Even among those who already self-identify as Independents, this phrasing is the clear winner. The data shows that for the 67% of the electorate who identify as Independent, a "politician willing to work with both sides" remains the most favorable entity tested—beating out even the "Independent" and "Non-partisan" labels. This suggests that for Independents, the goal isn't just to find someone without a party; it's to find someone who can effectively navigate the parties that exist.

While "Independent" (37% favorability) and "Non-partisan" (26%) candidates offer an alternative to the two-party system, they can also feel like unknowns. A politician "willing to work with both sides" offers the best of both worlds: the stability of a known platform combined with the flexibility to break through gridlock.

The Bottom Line

The Independent Center Voice data is a wake-up call for anyone running for office. If you call yourself "bipartisan," half the room will shrug. If you call yourself "independent," you might be seen as an outsider without a path to victory.

But if you frame yourself as a leader willing to work with both sides, you aren't just a candidate; you're a bridge. In an era of record-high polarization, that is exactly what 63% of the country is waiting for.