Traditional thinking on public opinion holds that about what percent of the public are pivotal to shifting momentum but not fanatical?

• A. 5
• B. 10
• C. 15
• D. 20

Answer: (B)

Public opinion is thought to hinge on a small, persuadable segment that can shift momentum without being fanatical. This group is open to influence and not deeply committed to a fixed stance, so changes in messaging, events, or candidates can move their views and tip the direction of a debate or election. They’re large enough to matter but not so large that they include those who are already firmly decided or extreme, which is why about 10 percent of the population is considered the pivotal size. If the share were much smaller, shifts would be harder to generate; if it were much larger, it would blur the distinction between the persuadable and the already settled voters, altering the standard model of a sharp momentum pivot.