An increasing number of Americans don't closely identify themselves with any political party. Bernie Sanders is the longest serving Independent congressman in the history of America. When he speaks of being free from corporate interests, he has been able to say this for so long, in great part, by also staying free from the burdensome restraints of the Democratic party. This is what gave him the freedom to vote against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is what gave him the freedom to vote against the draconian welfare bill famously touted by Bill Clinton. This is how he has been able to continue to say he's against the death penalty. Bernie Sanders has been independent his entire political career and has received virtually zero support from the party elites this primary season.