There is an old explanation of American opinion that states: All issues are divided into 3 parts, 1. those for something, 2. those oposed to something, 3. those that wait to see or hear what is getting the most attention. They want to be with the majority. They wet their finger and hold it up to test the "wind". These are the so-called "independents". Don't knock them, they may be voting for Bush.
I don't believe they are authetic. RAT operatives are masquerading as independents to move public opinion and seize a disproportionate platform. Cripes, watch ten minutes of "Washington Journal" on C-SPAN.