Would you be open for an independent president who is a centrist?

[courts]

maybe. depends on their policies and the rest of the field

[courts]

Yes, definitely. I think an independent centrist is most likely going to appoint the right kind of people to the Supreme Court. I hope they don't appoint "moderates" to the Court; I want them to appoint only the most highly objective interpreters of law. Being "moderate" does not equate to being objective. They may vote similarly on the bench, but they do not vote for the conclusions that they do for the same reason. A "moderate" merely comes to conservative conclusions sometimes and liberal conclusions other times. But their interpretation of the Constitution could still potentially be based on their own values. An objective interpreter of the Constitution sets aside their own values when they decide how to interpret and apply.

Example of such a judge?

Maybe John Paul Stevens?

Ok but he's a liberal.  A believer in a "living Constitution" which basically means "The meaning of the Constitution changes even if the words don't" AKA ruling based on personal opinion.  The only consistent standard is originalism/strict constructionalism.  With anything else, the judge rules on their opinion.  The founding fathers created a mechanism for when society's values change, the amendment process.  I'll give sn example: if society comes to accept gay marriage, that doesn't mean there is magically a right to same sex marriage in the Constitution that never existed before.  Instead, legalize it legislatively, or if it's REALLY high priority, make an amendment to legalize.  But if judges can magically change the meaning of anything in the Constitution at will, it defeats the purpose of even having one.

yeah to be honest i was a little uncomfortable with how that played out. even if i obviously don't have a problem with the outcome