Answer:
Option (2).
Explanation:
Number of Democrats in a political discussion = 8
Number of Republicans = 3
Number of independents = 7
Total members in the discussion = (8 + 3 + 7)
= 18
Probability of selecting an independent =

Remaining members after selecting one independent = 17
Probability of selecting a Democrat =

Probability of selecting a Republican then a Democrat =

=

Therefore, Option (2) will be the answer.