A Declaration of Independents: How We Can Break the Two-Party Stranglehold and Restore the American Dream

by Greg Orman

Challenge the two-party system and choose a better path: Independence.

In 2014, Greg Orman made headlines with his historic Independent run for the U.S. Senate in Kansas. Voters gravitated to Orman’s campaign in unprecedented numbers, challenging the entrenched dominance of the two major parties over American politics.

In A Declaration of Independents Orman describes how hyper-partisanship, division, and a win-at-all-costs environment in Washington have created a toxic culture of self-interest that has left average Americans behind. Orman makes a persuasive case that without fundamental change our standard of living, our status in the world, and the very existence of the middle class are at risk. His withering critique of our ruling partisan duopoly explains why voters are choosing unconventional candidates in increasing numbers— from his own 2014 Senate race to the nation’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Taking direct aim at the corrupt practices that keep the two parties in power despite historically low approval ratings, Orman argues convincingly that the system is rigged for the benefit of special interests who buy access to power. Drawing on his own journey to political independence, Orman lays out a plan for taking back our government by rejecting party politics and embracing a new Independent point of view.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History

336 pages, Hardcover

Published May 3, 2016

Reviews

[T.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, a few revelations

Thought this was an interesting read, especially a few years removed from the 2016 election cycle. Still holds true. Part biography, part warning of future (or present) events. Only pitfall with the book seemed to be in its conclusion that more independent candidates need to run and more independent voters need to choose them. Doesn't seem to give a good feel for how these candidates are supposed to make a go of it in the present political climate. Would love to see an additional part added to the book that gives additional color on Orman's attempt to become Governor of Kansas in 2018, and how that compared to the Senate run.

[Glen Stott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was pretty disappointed with this one. If you don’t believe our system is broken and corrupt, this is an excellent book to present that argument. However, I don’t think many non-believers will pick it up. It begins with the expected autobiography, which I found somewhat interesting. Much of the book revolves around Orman’s failed run for the US Senate in 2014, explaining how he nearly won and what caused his loss. Those two subjects could be edited down to an interesting article.

Orman gives many examples of all the ways the government is broken. He believes that 43% of the voters are tired of the two-party status quo. If a few independents were elected they could swing the majority vote in favor of their sensible policies because the republicans and democrats are so evenly matched. An independent, according to Orman, is a person who makes decisions that are not tied to republican or democratic dogma – someone who would challenge both parties. Per his definition, Donald Trump would be an independent, though he ran on the republican ticket. He is against both parties and the news media; the feelings against him are mutual. Trump carries a lot a baggage and he lacks the savvy to be a smart politician. We will see if he can push back at the establishment hard enough to accomplish anything important. And this is the problem; if a few independents get into office and try to initiate policies that will stop corruption, they will see bipartisan muscle against them. When it comes to threats against their money and power, incumbents are always family.

Orman gives many reasons for the persistence of corruption in our government. I will not take the space to enumerate them; they all boil down to the same source – power and money that comes from a political career. Orman does mention the drive to get reelected, but fails to stress its foundational importance to corruption.

Orman’s solutions are mostly about things to do to get enough independents into office to make a serious impact. Then he points out the many ways the system is rigged to keep incumbents reelected. All his solutions require actions by elected officials to curtail their power – I don’t see anything in this book that gives me hope it will ever happen.

Orman ignores the following: The root of the problem is politics as a career. The solution is term limits. Term limits could be set by congress, but that is a non-starter. The people of the country could set term limits through a Constitutional amendment process – you know – “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” I wish Orman had looked at this with more depth.

I don’t usually read authors with whom I agree – it’s sort of a waste of time, unless I feel they have a new or different perspective. I have been a republican, but I am no more. So, I was interested in what Orman might have to say about independents. I agree with most of what he said; it just wasn’t anything new. For me, this was a preach-to-the-choir book with no realistic solution to the problem. I give it a star for the “interesting article” it could have been.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read regarding the Centrist/Independent political movement. It's written by a guy who ran for the US Senate in Kansas as an independent in 2014. Greg Orman shares his views on that race and well beyond.

The Centrist Manifesto (my other read on this subject) was more focused on the issues that have become polarizing as well as how we might get the two major parties to begin to act in the best interest of the country. This book went beyond that to focus on the basic problems with the political duopoly and how both parties protect the two-party system. It also covers the well-publicized media divide and the role of special interests.

It ends with an appeal for us to begin to truly act as independents in the way we approach the political discourse, voting and political action. By the end of this book, I was compelled to begin the process in my personal life. I begin this today.

[Diamond Cowboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Excellent plot development and charictor development. I would recommend this book to all.

[Keith Lytton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pure political book...so sometimes makes me so mad...but not at the author...as a matter of face I want this man for president...

I have been an independent for most of my adult life...I did vote for the major parties...but haven't in a few decades...neither party represent me anymore...it makes me sad...as most of the people I know say they hate the choices they are given...but will REFUSE to do anything about it by voting third party...but this book is not just a praising of third party...or the people who are independent...

the book is purely a discussion of the issues that confront our country and states the reason that the author feels these will never be solved by the major two parties...and I agree ...totally...Greg Orman ...correctly ….points out that the two party system wont work because there is no compromise...there is no meeting of the minds...its us or them...and its why our country will always be divided...and it makes me sad....

makes me sad for my children...and my grandchildren...but I believe...our future is the children...people my age...older...younger...are sure that there is only one way..and that other votes are wasted...but in the future...this will change...the young will not be stuck in the past like our republicans and democrats are...they wont live in fear of the other party...because they will understand they can control it...by NOT voting that way...

Read the book...make some changes in your way of thinking...make our country truly great again...and not by fear or putting your trust in mouths that lie and minds that don't care...

A great book...and I will say...Greg Orman for President!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book perfectly describes the rise of the independent movement. It also explains why the movement is a necessary one if we want what is best for our country. This should be at the top of anyone's list who enjoys a well written, thought provoking guide to present day politics.

[David Gunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it 4 stars becuase the book is notedly one sided. A perspective from a canidate who lost a political race. Worth a read if wishing to gain some understanding in the workings of politics and the status quo.

[Keith Lytton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this man as president...in times like we are in ...we need someone to bring people together...he lays out in very good terms how we can save America but the two party system will always resist....the two party system needs to be eliminated...and this book should be our guide...thank you!

[Michael Zercher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things have only gotten worse in the ten years since this book was published, but much of the political dysfunction that the author describes seems to remain the same today. This makes it a good primer for anyone who wants to better understand what’s wrong with our politics.

[Brendan Hogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked his ideas. We need more independents in gov’t, but the book got very repetitive.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading and learning about Greg's history.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Ethan Logeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was much more inspiring 5-6 years ago, but the current political landscape has proven more resilient than the hopeful ideals in this book.

[Robert Koslowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donald Trump must have read A Declaration of Independents.

Why do I say that?

Just see page 3 of Greg Orman’s plea: “According to data compiled by Emory University political scientist Alan Abramowitz, a stunning number of Americans now think our politics is rigged. In 1964, the percentage of U.S. voters who agreed with the statement that ‘government is run by a few big interests looking out for themselves’ was 29 percent. In 2012, it was 79 percent.”

Maybe The Wall Street Journal’s Washington bureau chief Gerald F. Seib got it right when he was quoted in Ormon’s book about the state of American politics:
“The country is narrowly divided between Democrats and Republicans . . . Rapid technological change is sowing economic unease. A wave of immigration adds to the unsettled feeling. Anger rises over income inequality . . . Put it all together and the result is a rising tide of populist sentiment.”

And Donald Trump tapped into this populism to win the Republican nomination for president and then soundly defeat a stunned Democrat challenger, Hillary Clinton. Trump argued that our two political parties have, as Orman writes, “a collective chokehold on the electorate’s collective imagination [and that] the larger problem is that the binary nature of our politics ignores the expressed aspirations of at least 43 percent of the American people.”

Trump leveraged the high mistrust of government officials and turned that frustration into a movement to make America great again. He eclipsed the already frustrated independent voters who feel that they “deserve a definition as distinct as that of the two prevailing parties.”

Many Americans are fed up with the current state of affairs where, “It’s harder than ever for the average American to get ahead, but paradoxically, it’s easier to do nothing with your life.”

Our elected leaders have allowed this state of affairs to fester after the Reagan years. The American public believes, to a large degree, that our politicians have been “thoroughly co-opted” by the trappings of power, they “behave as if they’re allergic to courage and devoid of free thought.”

Orman argues that the election of Independent politicians to the House and Senate would help drive Congress to find solutions for the Amercian people instead of engaging in partisan pandering. Today, most of our politicians “have lost the moral authority to ask citizens for their service and sacrifice and merely ask them for their price.” Perennial fund-raising for re-election does not lend itself to politicians serving the people. Instead, partisan politicians “simply hide behind their party label” and don’t solve problems. Maybe that’s why “our entitlement-driven budget deficit continues to careen out of control.”

It’s time to take back control of our government and vote for an Independent candidate near you. To see how, I encourage you to read Orman’s book.

[Russell Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good, but not great book. As a memoir of Orman's campaign against incumbent Pat Roberts for a U.S. Senate seat in Kansas in 2014, it's entertaining; and as a story of his own life and the evolution of his own perspective on matters of politics, it's often kind of fascinating. And Orman certainly hasn't skimped on the research; his explanations of exactly how the American political system, on the national level, has become so polarized and so entrenched in that polarization are mostly accurate and succinctly expressed. But overall, Orman's response to all of the above, and the lessons he thinks his own experience in the political arena have to teach, are lacking. He doesn't recognize how much the causes he identifies have roots in our constitutional structure, in our political culture, and in our socio-economic and technological moment. "Breaking the Two-Party Stranglehold" is going to require more than a "declaration" of independent thinking; it's going to require very significant, structure change in our whole system. (Read more of my thoughts here.)

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through Goodreads' First Reads program. This is a book that I would like to make mandatory reading for all adults of voting age in the United States. Wishful thinking, but I truly feel the issues discussed here are that important. The general consensus in the country, for quite some time, has been that the two party system monopolizing the government is broken. This becomes painfully obvious to most of the electorate when the government shuts down because the politicians cannot work together, or during big election years as partisanship causes the candidates to sink to new lows in behavior. The author does a great job of analyzing how the U.S. got into the current, dysfunctional situation. It certainly didn't happen overnight, and there are many different factors at play. There are some excellent excerpts from and references to other books (my to-read list has grown yet again), and many interesting anecdotes from the author's own campaign experience running for office as an independent, outside of the two parties. Regardless of personal political leanings, I think most readers will find themselves nodding along in agreement with many of the points discussed here. Despite how dire the situation can seem (especially in a presidential election year) the author's tone remains hopeful. He truly believes that the majority of voting Americans are more alike and more reasonable than partisan rhetoric would have you believe. The book closes by presenting some workable solutions for defusing the current standoff situation. Excellent read for political insiders or outsiders, and citizens who are dismayed and concerned by the current status quo in U.S. politics.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
It was an interesting book to read. While I agree with many of his points and I'm not a registered anything, there were some things I disagreed with. But that's what he talks about in his book is the ability that is sorely lacking in government today is hyper-partisanship an the inability to compromise. We need more viewpoints to actually address people's wants and needs which can't be addressed by two parties especially those that we have now.
However, much as that is a good concept and the background history of how we got to now is good, if you are actually much like him and read a variety of sources, much of what is included is not new or particularly enlightening. Except for the parts about his campaign and how generally horrible the two parties, the media, and others were to an Independent.
Additionally, unlike the book title where he talks about breaking the stranglehold, he doesn't really address actions going forward. Yes we need more Independents and we need compromise, which he continually addresses but one of the last sections were he is potentially going to give some advice is maybe 20 pages that don't really suggest much of anything. There is no solid plan to break free except to maybe become an Independent which isn't really helpful.
Moreover, there was a serious need of a better editor as there was often unnecessary repetition of people's descriptions or events. Also there were often odd transitions, including oddly picked history lessons or anecdotes which didn't lend themselves well to the context of the political situation. It may have had some bearing on what he was trying to say, it was just not well done.

[Binston Birchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through goodreads giveaways.

This is a book every voter should read before the coming elections (preferably before the primaries, but as of yet a time machine does not exist). I read this book at a time when, as a liberal, i've realized that I don't agree with their way of governance. Many of the things pointed out in this book are exactly what I have thought on my own. The need for independent thinking about issues, common sense approach to problem solving, and the willingness to negotiate deals that, while maybe not perfect, are better than what we currently have. I feel like this is the book that I have been putting together in my own mind, although done much better than I ever could have.

If only there was a printing press that would deliver this book to every American household, or read in its entirety over everyone's headphones or phone.

The biggest problem facing the realization of this books ideals is the current culture we live in. Everyone is obsessed with tweets and quips that provide no substance but support the status quo, and the do nothing governing that our leaders embody. An actual discussion of issues and problem solving take more time than your average millennial, or any average American for that matter, currently takes to think about politics.

The horror of a Trump presidency for democrats, and Clinton for republicans will make it difficult for those used to the party system to allow the other teams candidate to win. I myself find it very difficult to not cast a vote against Trump. Let us hope that it is not too late to change our politics for the better and get the government working for the people again.

[L. Bluvas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading “A Declaration of Independents”. It is a funny, engaging and relatable chronicle about the current political dysfunction in America and how we got here. Mr. Orman brilliantly blends history, current events and humorous anecdotes to educate the reader about the myriad of problems facing American politics today. In true investigative reporting style, he uncovers the issues behind gerrymandering and crony capitalism. He convincingly argues that the two political parties have succeeded in creating a “duopoly” which sends the worse of both parties to Washington as partisans care more about pleasing extremists than they do about addressing the real issues that plague our nation.

This is the perfect time for this book. We all recognize that this duopoly and the pandering to special interests that accompanies it, has resulted in our elected officials having almost no accountability to the electorate, and we’re frustrated and cynical. But, please don’t let your cynicism about politics dissuade you from reading this book. You will appreciate the insight and knowledge you’ll gain about our modern political process and maybe feel inspired to help change our course.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Orman's A Declaration of Independents was an informative and enjoyable read.

The two party strangle hold on the American political system has lead to extreme polarization. We no longer have partys with different points of views but with America's best interest at heart working for us. Instead we have self-catering childish behaving adults who are not doing their jobs and are quite frankly an embarrassment. We as Americans need to stop thinking of a third party vote as a throw away vote and use it as a voice of reason, a voice that says "enough is enough." We need to stop settling between the lesser of the two evils and vote in a third party option that's worthy of the office.

My husband and I, already political misfits, him being Libertarian and me not subscribing to any party through definitely left of center, have been saying much of what Mr. Orman's core points in this book are. There were plenty of times while I was reading when I had to pause to read out loud to my husband or to highlight a particular passage. I would (& have) recommend this book.

*I won this book via Goodreads Giveaway*

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from a goodreads giveaway. This is an excellent book for the many, many Americans who feel like they have no choice but to support the lesser of two evils this November. Greg Orman was close to being elected to the Senate as an independent candidate a few years ago. In this book he tells his own story of going up against the party machines and describes the problems of partisan politics and proposes solutions. I wasn't too interested in the story of his failed Senate bid, but enjoyed the analysis of the problem. Did you know that the Republican and Democratic lawmakers have made it so that it is illegal to give an independent candidate as much money as you can give to the big parties? I didn't. Aside from the gloom, there are proposals to help people vote their conscience and make the Fox News/MSNBC crowd share the power. Highly recommended for all partisans, but it may feel like old news for existing independents.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg does a great job explaining all the ways the two party system is corrupt and does not represent the average citizen.
Over the years I have often heard the term gerrymandering but never really completely understood it.
I thought the chapter pertaining to gerrymandering explained it well and it should really p.o. any one who reads it.
I thought some of the charts in the book were hard to read and should have been larger and bolder colors.
I have always been a independent and this primary election I had to register in the democratic party in order to vote in my state primary. Just one example of two party stranglehold.
Great book for understanding politics today
I won a copy of this book on goodreads

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Declaration of Independents: How We Can Break the Two-Party Stranglehold and Restore the American Dream by Greg Orman shows how the two party system has insulated itself from the average American. Those inside Washington,D. C, for the most part can not understand those outside. This is a timely book because this election cycle independents are having a impact . Compromising and listening are skills that are lacking and needed. Greg Orman uses his life and experiences to show how America can be fixed. the major thing is to focus on the country not what you can get out of it. It is a book that needs to be read by everyone whether they are republican, Democrat or an independent.

I received this book thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Goodreads win review. Greg Orman made headlines when he ran for the Senate in Kansas on the Independent ticket. What I liked about the book was even though he did not win he makes very good points in his book. I believe the whole political system we have now is bad and corrupt and the people who running things are doing a bad job and do what is best for them. Our country is going downhill every minute. Special interests run us, we have no say. Great book.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book MUST BE mandatory for anyone who calls themselves an American!! This well written book about restoring the ALL-AMERICAN dream! The author explains what is going on and definitely with today's politics. We are out of control and this book is exactly what our nation needs to help us grab control back, where it belongs...in our hands!!! Republican, Demo, or Ind...this book doesn't care! Every political affiliate needs to read this!!

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Declaration of Independents has caused me to think. I have researched some independent candidates and during my state and county election held this past week have even voted for an independent candidate. I still look wherever I can for information about the candidates, however am more open to candidates that are not Democrats or Republicans than I was before.

I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.

[giftedteacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes an excellent case for the two-party system being a large part of what is wrong with American politics!

I received a free electronic copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. Though I do not completely agree with all of his views, I developed a great deal of respect for Greg Orman through reading this book, and I think a lot of deeply partisan individuals in America would benefit from reading this book.

[Sheba Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Orman gives a different look at America especially to those whose eyes are blind to the pursuit of advancing our government. A great read for your library!

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but it dragged a bit

The author's passion and zeal for the subject was evident, but it caused him to be a bit redundant and restate points he clearly made in portions of the book which added some unnecessary bloat