Why are so many voters ignoring the issues during the election and focus on propaganda and gossip?

During the US election I am finding that the average citizen is focussing extensively on issues that are not important or blantantly untrue (e.g. Obama is a muslim, McCain is not a war hero). It is scary to think that we are about to elect arguably the most powerful person in the world and voters focus on stupid arguments that have no signficance on their ability to lead. It is frustrating to watch the ignorance that is portrayed on forums and blogs.

Public Comments

1. Because most voters are complete MORONS that would rather be spoon-fed their opinions than have to actually think and learn something.
2. It is frightening isn't it!
3. Probably, because that is what the media focuses on. So many people only believe what they see on news propaganda shows, they do not take time to do their own research.
4. You're absolutely right, we should focus on those who promise to remove all troops within a exact time frame, then decide to 'stay the course'!!! Say no to O-Same-o!!!
5. You should not use Y/A as your medium to determine what voters are or are not thinking. This forum is not typical of the average citizen.
6. yes it is, and way to many of the young voters are being swayed by one Mr.Obama,, read S2433 if your eighteen and he is elected you will pay for this bill for thirteen yrs
7. You must be new to the process! This has been going on since Washington was President!Why only "White" Presidents! Obama 2008! Ebony & Ivory President!
8. more than 1 third of voters are...excuse me.....retarded. they dont care about the issues they care about gossip and bullshit. and for them ignorance is truely bliss.
9. I agree. I have often said that we are "Enquirering" or "tabloid TV"-ing this election. The default winner is going to be who has the least tabloid hanging on him by the end of the run. And that may be bad for America.
10. Because character is the #1 issue for a President. Obama has the worst character issues of any candidate in history. Congress makes the laws, you elect them on the issues more.
11. The problem is because of this.... cnncnbccbsfoxabcnbc!
12. well i can agree with you on Obama not being a Muslim but McCain isn't this war hero that the Media make him out to be McCain was just a baby killer and a failure in the navy who manage to get his incompetent butt shot down
13. the family decides they need a new car. because they are responsible, mr. and mrs family get all the consumer reports on all the new models. they check on the internet for information, they study, they crunch numbers, they analyze, after all, this is a big decision. they find the ideal vehicle with the proper amount of space, the idea gas milage, the best safety features, best headrooom, best color, best resale value, everything is a click, this is the vehicle . they come up with a chyrsler minivan for $12,000 for them and their 4 children. they go to the dealer after months of planning, and as they're about to sign the papers, they see an old used corvette. totally unusable for their purpose, twice the price, totally out of their budget, 2 seater, no room for the kids, bad gas milage, no headroom for 6'7" mr. family, the unbelievable wrong choice in every single detail. mr. and mrs. family put down the pen, look at each other and smile and in a minutes notice throw all that research and common sense away and buy the vette. that's how obama has got where he is.
14. The American Citizens have the right to know ALL About a Politician who may be their Next President. That includes, but is not limited to: Person History - Personal Associations - Special Allegiances that might not be Acceptable to Legal American Citizens - Personal Beliefs and Ideas - Being truthful in stating Positions on Topics that are important to American LEGAL VOTERS!
15. Maybe because NOBODY is addressing the issues. including the candidates. because I have heard not solutions since Tancredo and hunter left the race
16. Some old politics. Obama is no different then all the rest wake up and realize he only hopes for change, he will do nothing for you. McCain has issues also and not pushing for debates with the coward obama is the main one.
17. This happens in every election. Most people pay little attention to the gossip and will watch the final debates between McCain and Obama and decide at that time. A lot could happen that will change the focus of the voters in this country in the next four months.
18. Aren't 30-second sound bites wonderful?
19. Because the Republican Party is involved and this is typical campaigning by the republicans in EVERY campaign for the last 20 years.. They never discuss issues, only accuse the others of of not addressing the issues.. They fabricate statements then say it wasn't them. Twist statements into a completely different meaning then was intended, use personal attacks, attack the family, attack associates, and basically run a Sleazy Campaign while accusing the other party of doing the same. It's kind of funny how the kids on here think this is a campaign directed at Obama when regardless of who has run against the Republicans in every campaign this exact same thing happens.. The other candidate is not a Patriot, they are inexperienced, they are an extreme Liberal, a threat to security, have shady associates, will raise taxes, will leave our military weak etc etc.... Same ole Same ole, but the kids fall for this because there is hate involved and it's fun to hate even if they don't have the facts.
20. Who believes the the media? The media is just like any other business in America. They do what it takes to make the most money, regardless of who or what it damages.
21. ----))))))))) the war of ideas again,.eh,.,eh,..,eh,.
22. It should always be about the issues. Sadly people will always want and need to gossip. It's just human nature.