OBAMARAMA

A new ABC/Washington Post poll out reveals an easily overlooked but very significant statistic among voters who identify as “independent” politically. Previously stalwart supporters of Sen. John McCain, their affiliations are beginning to shift.

As reported by Hotline On Call:

The poll finds that the percentage of those surveyed who would definitely not support Sen. John McCain has nearly doubled and is nearly a majority — 47%. He’s become as polarizing as Hillary Clinton, at least to partisans. But only 41% of independents say they would definitely not support him.

Among independents — Definitely would NOT support
Romney: 53%
Clinton: 51
McCain: 41
Edwards: 39
Giuliani: 35
Obama: 29

Though it receives little attention, this is one list where it pays to come in last. Remember all the fawning media attention over “swing voters” in 2004? Remember John Kerry’s hunting trip? There’s a reason for all that hubbub, and here it is in four words: Independent voters decide elections.

It’s why everyone feels the need to suck up to them in the run-up to Election Day, often with unfortunate, if entertaining, results. At this point, having permanently alienated the fewest of them is a little-appreciated (but tremendously important) asset.