A new Pew Center for the People and the Press study examines in detail the growing Independent demographic that goes beyond traditional classification, demonstrating an array of complexities that is sure to challenge 2012 candidates.

Democrats have a lot to crow about this week.  Their president has overseen the demise of Osama Bin Laden while the opposition party seems focused on tearing itself limb from limb over matters such as birther conspiracy theories and the role of "enhanced interrogation techniques" in uncovering the whereabouts of the head of Al Qaeda.

Last week at the California State PTA convention, Governor Jerry Brown promised to protect public education even as he works to close a daunting $15 billion budget deficit and negotiate with Republican legislators opposed to any form of tax increases to help close the gap.