General Discussion

I was an independent - meaning I wasn't enrolled in any party - for over 35 years. Always I voted for Democratic candidates, but I only participated in general elections.

By 2008 I finally came to the realization that skipping the primaries wasn't helpful. I really wanted to vote for Hillary Clinton for President, but it seemed that Obama would probably beat her in the primary and he'd become the Democratic nominee. So in the Spring of 2008 I bit the bullet and enrolled in the Democratic Party. I was able to vote for Hillary in the primary, and for Obama in the general election.

I believe a lot of baby-boomers remained independent, and we all have our oddball reasons. However I have known more liberal-leaning and D-voting independents than anything else. Maybe it's because of where I've lived: in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

I respect your reasons for not wanting to use the Amazon gift card, but it's unfortunate that you had to lose a friend over it.