Obama 49.4% - Others 1.7% - Romney 48.8%
 

The "others" made Obama president again.

You're making the mistake of thinking "others" would have voted for Obama. At least a few dozen I know voted for Johnson because they couldn't stomach voting for Mitt.

Popular vote doesnt count in american presidential politics.

You'd have to demonstrate that the independents in the critical electoral states made the difference to prove your point.

There tend to be more independent votes in non-swing states.