53%

Politics is about shaping perception.  The media likes to have a hand in shaping how voters view the presidential election.  But the evidence is mounting that voters are intent on thinking independently and rejecting their narrative.

So Romney's "47%" comments have been characterized as game-changing (to use an overused political phrase).  Do you know a more significant number than 47%?

53%.

53% of independent voters tell Gallup that his comments will make no difference in how they vote this fall.

The largest group of voters who say they are less likely to vote Romney due to the comments?  Democrats...who were not likely to vote for Mitt in the first place.

It's a dead heat race and supporters of both candidates are tense.  Both sides want the moment to arrive when a "knock-out" blow is delivered.   That's especially true when a candidate makes a comment that offends the worldview of the opposition.  

But it hasn't happened yet.