It's both frustrating and interesting to watch what happens in American politics, and especially the relationship with the press. This election I have become increasingly aware of the absolute power of messaging (applies to business, also). To say I have not noticed it before is an attestation to the accuracy of your assertion that most people aren't paying attention at all to government. Even less are involved and that in itself is both sad and strange. In my foreign travels, I've found that (especially) Europeans know more about our government and political processes than we do. But back to messaging--I think the current president once stated that he could fire-off a gun in a crowded place and no one would care. It seems he is right. Sigh.