Swing Voter

Are you a voter that focuses on the issues, not on the individual candidates? If you have no particular political affiliation, but you happen to enjoy discussing politics regardless of party lines you may be considered an individual voter. Unfortunately, in many states individual voters (although they may be registered) are not allowed to cast a ballot during the primaries. More and more Americans are becoming individual voters simply because they do not enjoy the stigma associated with claiming to be a “Republican,” or “Democrat.”

Many of these independent voters will, in fact, pledge allegiance to one party or another simply to be allowed the opportunity to vote. An increasing number of Americans are beginning to switch from one particular political party to the status of an independent voter, simply because they feel that all of their views are not represented in one party or another. How many Republicans or Democrats can say that their party represents all of their views to the fullest extent? There is always one issue or another that may not reflect a voter’s entire thoughts or opinions, so these voters opt to vote independently – for the issue, not the party.

This is the stance behind the “Decline to State Voter” organization, and the talk show “Swing Voter” in general. This talk show will discuss the issues, not the parties, so you won’t hear any Republican or Democratic speak on this show – unless the debate is centered around whether or not the parties should exist at all. Issues such at ethics, animal rights, immigration, taxes, and education will be discussed, with the underlying theme of the independent voter behind it all. The aim of this show is to explain to all American voters that they have a choice, that they do not have to swallow a particular party’s abortion stance if they feel it is incorrect. Listeners often call in with numerous comments and arguments, so get ready for a heated debate.

Heading Left

"Heading Left" is the radio show for Progressives and Democrats, creating a haven where today's best thinkers, writers, and pundits from the progressive community can share ideas and comment on the current political landscape. The hour-long show is hosted by James Boyce and Nathan Wilcox, two men with a passion for the progressive movement online.

James is a blogger, TV analyst, and radio host who has appeared regularly on MSNBC and FOX NEWS as a Democratic Strategist and online communication expert. With an extensive background in advertising and marketing, James served as a Senior Advisor to John Kerry's 2004 Presidential Campaign and has been a contributor to the Huffington Post since 2005.

Wilcox, an award-winning political and public affairs consultant, was most recently the Online Communications Director for Governor Mark Warner's Forward Together PAC, bringing an innovative approach to online communications. He also ran Richard Morrison's campaign against then-Majority Leader Tom DeLay in Texas, eroding much of DeLay's support and laying the groundwork for his eventual defeat.

Recent "Heading Left" guests have included New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential Candidate Bill Richardson; Cliff Shechter, veteran campaign strategist and the author of "The Real McCain;" Ned Lamont, former Connecticut Democratic Senate candidate and a current Fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics; Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America; and Celinda Lake, prominent pollster and Democratic strategist. The show also did a series of broadcasts from "Take Back America," a Washington D.C. conference featuring the country's most influential Progressives.

For all the latest in the progressive online community, head left to "Heading Left."