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The 2024 election has come and gone, but it left behind a big lesson: voters in the middle—moderates and independents—made their voices heard. These aren’t the loud partisans who dominate the headlines. They’re the millions of people who don’t fit neatly into the “blue” or “red” box, and they’re tired of being ignored.
On November 4th, these voters played a major role in shaping the election, stepping up because they’re frustrated. They feel like neither of the two big political parties fully understands their needs. And honestly, who can blame them?
The Economy: Why It Matters
What do voters care about most? Their wallets. Rising grocery prices, expensive rent, and wages that don’t keep up are everyday struggles for many people in Cleveland and across the country. Politicians talk about economic “success stories,” but let’s be real—if you’re struggling to pay rent, does that really mean much?
Housing costs and mortgage rates have skyrocketed since 2020, with the Federal Reserve reporting that housing affordability has fallen to record lows (Federal Reserve Economic Data). Polls show that over 60% of Americans think the economy is heading in the wrong direction (Gallup).
Many families are barely making it, and it’s no wonder voters feel let down. They don’t want empty promises or political slogans like “Bidenomics.” They want solutions that actually help—better job opportunities, affordable housing, and fair healthcare costs.
The Culture Wars:
People Want Peace
The economy isn’t the only thing bothering moderates and independents. The nonstop fighting over culture—race, gender, and what’s “politically correct”—is exhausting.
Social media makes it worse by amplifying the loudest and most extreme voices, leaving everyday people feeling left out of the conversation.
Data from Pew Research highlights the growing divide on cultural issues like race, immigration, and gender roles (Pew Research Center).
Most voters, especially here in Cleveland, just want politicians to focus on real issues that make their lives better: safer neighborhoods, better schools, and fixing roads. They don’t want endless debates about who’s “right” or “wrong” in culture wars that don’t pay the bills or solve local problems.
The Two-Party System: A Dead End?
Moderates and independents also face another frustration: the two-party system. Right now, you’re either a Democrat or a Republican. But what if you’re neither? A lot of people hoped this election would be a chance for third-party candidates to shine.
Unfortunately, candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West couldn’t gain much traction. Why? The system isn’t set up for outsiders to succeed. Issues like ballot access restrictions and lack of funding made it nearly impossible for them to compete (NY Magazine). On top of that, many voters feared “wasting” their vote on a third-party candidate, pushing them back to the two major parties.
What Moderates and Independents Want
It’s not complicated. Moderates and independents want politicians to do their jobs—solve problems, stop fighting, and listen to real people. They’re tired of gridlock, where nothing gets done because of constant partisan battles.
A recent Brookings Institution study shows that Congress has passed fewer bipartisan bills over the last decade, leading to increased frustration among voters (Brookings). People want leaders who will work together to fix issues that matter: better schools, safer streets, and good-paying jobs. They want a government that focuses on results, not just soundbites.
Why This Matters to Cleveland
Here in Cleveland, we know what it’s like to feel overlooked. Our communities are resilient, but we’ve faced our share of struggles. The voices of moderates and independents reflect the needs of people in cities like ours.
If politicians keep ignoring these voters, it will be at their own risk. The message of the 2024 election is clear: the middle matters. It’s time for leaders to step up and deliver on the promises that can truly make a difference.
Ron Calhoun is the publisher for the Cleveland Observer. This article reflects the views of the editorial board.
