Gallup's new poll on whether or not the public supports Eric Holder's decision to investigate Bush era interrogations once again demonstrates the power now held by self-declared independents.

Democrats and Republicans were identically split along partisan lines: 73% of Democrats in favor of the investigation, 75% of Republicans against; 23% percent of Democrats against, 22% of Republicans in favor. But a majority of Independents (55%) opposed the investigation, compared to only 40% who favored it.

Though the overall number worked out to be a near even split (47% in favor, 49% oppose) because of weighting to party ID, the views of Independents should hold a disproportionate amount of influence with this White House.

Independents are the ones currently moving away from the President causing the swift erosion in his job approval rating. To restore his standing in the polls he must win them back, and that's unlikely to happen if he (and his administration) keep pursuing policies that majorities of Independents don't support.