Gallup: Record number of Americans declare independence from political parties

Despite the bickering in Washington and insistence from cable media that the United States leans left or right, it turns out a majority of Americans are claiming their independence all over again.

The Kansas City Star reports a recent Gallup poll based on more than 18,000 interviews conducted throughout last year, found 42 percent identified as independents, the highest percentage since such surveys began 25 years ago.

Identification with the Republican party fell to 24 percent, down 10 percent from a 2004 peak of 34 percent. Democrats faired slightly better, sliding to 31 percent, down 5 percent from a 2008 peak of 36 percent.

Read more from the Kansas City Star.