Status Quo

Why would an independent vote for Ron Paul or Michelle Bachman over Obama but choose Obama over Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich? Many independents are not ideologues. They pledge no allegiance to either liberty or progressiveness. They would like to see dramatic change and are skeptical of politicians in general.

Possibly they are drawn to candidates that represent a stark contrast from the status quo.
Michelle Bachman, Herman Cain and Ron Paul are perceived as outsiders who might turn the whole corrupt system on its ear.

Romney and Gingrich resemble politics as usual; only slightly less horrible than the Democrats. Even though independents recognize that Big O is in over his head, they like him. He’s the kind of guy they would hang out with if only they were billionaires.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/03/herman-cain-politico-lawsuit_n_1075169.html

“I wonder why Cain's accusers won't come out of the shadows. Perhaps they are eager to steer clear of any investigation into their character. I'm curious to know what relationships

­ the accusers have with each other if any.

Also I would be interested in knowing how many settlement­s they've received over the span of their careers and whether they would prove credible under scrutiny.

If the anonymous accusers are concerned about what may come to light I don't blame them for great reluctance­.”