What do I mean by "independent"?

I sometimes come across references to independents that treat them as though they're merely centrists:


I think a more accurate view is of them as outside the typical way the debate is framed, either because they believe there are major issues neither party is addressing or think the system itself is flawed. I count myself among this sort.

This second view is much more flexible because the degree to which you are outside the mainstream view can vary.