It goes with the fact that 40% of the electorate are neither Democrat or Republican with many of the voters, in their minds, are voting between the lesser of two evils. That' why we are trading elections with the Republicans.

Most vote the same party regardless of party registration.

It's a small number that goes back and forth or doesn't vote. But with elections being as close as they are these small movements can make a difference in who wins.

Overall in 2021, an average of 29% of Americans identified as Democrats, 27% as Republicans and 42% as independents. Roughly equal proportions of independents leaned to the Democratic Party (17%) and to the Republican Party (16%).

Polls show that many voters are disillusioned with both of the major parties. If that wasn't the case, then why are we trading elections with the Republicans.

doesn't matter if they want to pretend they are above it all because they register as independent.

According to a recent Yougov poll:
approval of Democrats in Congress 33% with independents 21%
approval of Republicans in Congress 36% with independents 23%

Elections have been close and that's why the party has changed each election in recent years.

Elections are coming down to a few states.

It will be tougher to win against someone that won like Reagan did in a landslide than someone that won in a close election.

If we don't accomplish that, we are going to continue to trade elections with the Republicans and fail to accomplish goals such as reversing income inequality and expanding affordable health care.

and crime.

1880: Garfield/Arthur - r
1884: Cleveland - d
1888: Harrison - r
1892: Cleveland - d
1896: McKinley - r