They are a creation of the media....even Presidential candidates!
Its hype..sorta like canned applause...or laughter...or, ever been to a TV set stage, and some guy tells a shitty joke..and the 'applause signs' start blinking?...Hype!..Same way the 'corporate news media' covers politics. You can readily see the effects it has...even on here!
They give us a choice of people NOBODY likes, then blow them and the 'issues' up, like they are the ONLY game in town! They are doing it for this election, big time....like trying to give the impression that the next 'American(News)Idol', will be the next President....but in reality..nothing is different...You'll even notice that the 'talking points' switch from one party to the other..and back again!~
Shit!..how do you think Obama got 'elected'?

Hope that answers your question...or at least set you on a path for your quest to find the 'mystical answer'!!

GfS