"You are not the average American voter, Ron. Neither is Amos. You guys are intellectuals. You love focusing on the finer points of "the issues"....but you're in a distinct minority in that respect. The general American public doesn't like intellectuals or relate to them. They distrust intellectuals and suspect that they are not patriots."

I think the American public does not like intellectuals that talk down to them. If the "intellectual" cannot relate, then of course the feeling is mutual. Bill Clinton may have the highest IQ of all the presidents, but he WAS trusted by the American public - regardless of what happened with Monica.

Sure, voters love the juicy stories that are the fodder of tabloids. I think "intellectuals" are just as guilty - look at the thread here on Mudcat concerning book buring and Palin. It was not a moral outrage as much as it was a good opportunity to watch mud sling.

From your posts, I realize that you have a low opinion of the American public, and I am sure the media has a lot to do with creating those perceptions. Yet when it comes time to vote, Americans DO think about their own values. The economy tends to determine the way the votes will go.   Palin is a media darling right now - for good and bad - and I predict that the attention will soon fade.

Not to sound sexist, because what I am about to say could go for any gender.   When you start a new relationship, you tend to overlook the flaws and focus on the freshness of the relationship. The phermones are at work, the senses hightened, and you enjoy "something new" and "different". After a few weeks (or less), the newness fades and you are left with reality. If it is meant to be, the appeal will be found in a match that can work on other levels.   Palin was a virtual unknown, as was Obama at one point, and Americans were reacting on passion.    Trust me, the glow will change and we will see who America has a relationship with.