> Do you really think so? How many voters in this country, leftist or
> otherwise, are ideologically wedded to either of the two parties?
> That's a serious question, by the way, if anyone has the answer.
I found one set of answers, at least. See page 13:
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/0607-wsj-nbc-polldoc_6pm.rtf.pdf
More voters identify themselves as "strict independents" than "strong Republicans," but more still are "strong Democrats." All independents, including those leaning towards one party, outweigh the supporters of either single party, both "strong" and "not very strong."