When they listen, they are only listening for certain catch phrases they wish to hear.
Details are ignored. The concept of voting for a President who would:
Ensure the safety of the country
Explore and rout out corruption in gov't
Continue the war on organized crime (terrorists) to break them and minimalize their abilities
Support bills good for the people and economy
Have good moral character
Stick to promises
IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON'T CARE A WHIT ABOUT.
You must be talking about "that" 52% of the population.
Susan B. Anthony,
Reaching for sanctity,
Pleaded for women to
Be more than cooks.
Anthropomorphically
Half the electorate
Votes for a candidate
By how he looks.
-- from http://freedomkeys.com/yuks.htm
I have read of a king without clothes, but this is the first time half of the population is rooting for an empty suit. And this is in times of mortal danger. We are toast.