[Achilles]

Coverage of American politics is dominated by the tabloid media. The vast majority of people who vote buy into tabloid journalism. Why then would you expect any candidate to do anything other than pander to this? I've seen highly articulate speeches given by the likes of Obama, Clinton, McCain et al. in Washington but I wouldn't expect them while they are on the campaign trail. The Presidential race is a popularity contest and the way to win (ie. reach the most people) is with tabloid rhetoric and populist platitudes. Or do you think there is a candidate running a more highbow campaign? If so, who?

It's not all that different on this side of the pond to be honest and it's getting worse.