A common trope among independent-minded voters is that our political discussions revolve around a Democratic or Republican frame of reference that goes un questioned. As a consequence, our political discourse reduces the complex issues we face into two-sided partisan talking points.

This week on IVN, we will pay special attention to the alternative voices that challenge conventional dialogue and assumptions.

A common trope among independent-minded voters is that our political discussions revolve around a Democratic or Republican frame of reference that goes un questioned. As a consequence, our political discourse reduces the complex issues we face into two-sided partisan talking points.

This week on IVN, we will pay special attention to the alternative voices that challenge conventional dialogue and assumptions.

I’m usually very choosy about my information sources, but a walk through an airport yesterday assaulted me with headlines on newsstands and monitors. One caption stopped me in my tracks : "Can government create jobs?"

In early September, Governor Romney explained his current views about climate change in comments to scientific groups. He does believe in the reality of climate change.

Republican Representative Joe Walsh and Democratic nominee Tammy Duckworth are currently locked in a contentious battle for the House of Representatives. Walsh will be trying to retain his seat in Illinois' 8th congressional district-- a seat he won by the narrowest of margins in 2010. As it was two years ago, the independent vote is critical for Joe Walsh in Illinois.