IMHO: The dems and gop parties are ignoring their independents: at their own peril

I sometimes watch Smerconish because I try to get outside the librul bubble and balance my information, if
for no other reason than to know how the messages are being catapulted. Smerconish is maybe the only thinking republican, more like the party was perhaps in the 60's and 70's: i.e.: more honest and responsible, and reality-based.

He's promoting an idea to start an independent party, recognizing that the dems have independents, too. Here's the link:

http://www.smerconish.com/
Comment to GOP Leadership: Don't quit, run as independents
GOP reps who have decided not to run for re-election because of Trump's effect on the party should instead consider running as independents. Source: CNN

Not saying I agree or not, but there is something happening here to both parties: They pay be part of their own problems.

I've read this here on du since the election: It goes with some of Bernie's ideas and those of his supporters.

The gop is starting to appear to be saving itself from the tea baggers. Now, they're called freedom blah blah blah. Whatever. They're the lunatic fringe: The racists/haters/resenters/deplorables/uninformed/extreemists/flat-earthers/birthers/wall supporters, etc.

But it makes me think: Is the dem party suffering from the same extreemism? I don't mean we should change policies on choice or civil liberties, guns, etc. But sometimes I wonder if there is a way to bring the independent vote into our bigger tent. His name was Barack Obama. But we need a new way.

Could there be a way to make our party more inclusive without sacrificing principles? Are these purity tests weakening both groups?