Blurring lines.

Am I Democrat or am I am independent? I have recently begun this thought process in my head. What I believe usually falls within the line of the Dem party but lately, maybe because of all of the negative campaigning, I have felt less like aligning myself with any one politician. The very word "politician" sounds somewhat dirty.
I have always felt, in many areas of my life, that it is not good to be a black and white thinker. Even when someone or something is causing me or someone I love stress or hardship I try and see things from their view. Right now, in this political theatre we call Democracy, I feel less knowledgeable about the issues, people and ideas behind my vote. That scares me. Gone the day of ignorance is bliss. I know this stuff. I know that even though I think I want to vote for someone that I don't really know them. I have not sat down and discussed anything with them. I try and be "up" on issues but aren't they just spun by the media? How do I know that the information I am basing my vote on is right? These are tough questions. I have needed time to stand back and look at these things. I am to much of a gray area person to say I am a Democrat, I know that I will vote for everyone of them on the ballot just so those rascally Conservatives don't get their way but doesn't that really take away my ability to choose? Do I really have a choice at all? Are two parties enough to hold all of the ideas, feelings, experiences of a nation? I think not.