The Wall Street Journal / By ALLYSIA FINLEY

A string of new polls upholds the political theory that races tighten once parties settle on their nominees. However, the polls also turn the media narrative that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has a problem with independents on its head. In fact, it looks like President Obama is the one struggling with unaffiliated voters.

Reuters/Ipsos has Mr. Obama leading Mr. Romney by four, whereas a month ago he was up by 11. What's more, the president's approval rating among independents dropped to 37% from 42% in March. In Gallup's daily tracker, Mr. Romney edges out the president by two points and by six among independents. Two weeks ago, the president held a four-point lead overall and an eight-point lead among independents.

Likewise, FOX News has Mr. Romney leading the president by two; last month he trailed by four. Critical to Mr. Romney's lead is his six-point advantage among independents. And unaffiliated voters are more likely to say the president's policies have hurt the economy than have helped it by a 12-point margin.

Regardless of whether independents like Barack Obama, they aren't yet sold on President Obama. That should provide some solace to Mr. Romney, whose unfavorables remain high.

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