A large proportion of Americans are smart enough to figure out the truth. The truth behind the stupid lies like Al Gore saying he invented the internet, like Kerry's lack of honor, like Obama being a Muslim. They are smart enough to figure it out but they still vote Republican.
Let us take it one step further, let's say these folks are smart enough to figure out the truth behind the large lies. Bush's ridiculous budget math, going to war to find weapons of mass destruction, McCain's 'maverickness'.
Maybe these folks are smart enough to figure out the truth but these lies provide just enough cover for them to vote Republican for other reasons.
For most of these people the motivation is pretty clear, they believe that abortion is murder. If you believe that there need be no other reason. But the lies provide a narrative that makes the decision a little easier to make when the guys you are voting for are such fuck-ups.
For other voters there are other reasons to pretend to believe the lies. Greed for tax cuts, racism and intolerance, even an insane desire for the Federal government to fail so that they can try out their survivalist skills in a post-apocalyptic America (you know the type).
I accept that there are a lot of people out there who are uninformed and believe the crap fed them by the media, their church, or their more devious friends. I think that these people are a small minority.
It is easier for us to pretend that the media and the Republican spin machine is to blame for the tightness of the race. Easier than actually facing the fact that even if these voters knew the truth of our case they would still vote Republican.
I feel relatively certain that Obama will win in November. I think there are enough Americans out there that want to have a future that does not involve the collapse of the government, the drowning of the coastlines, the extinction of the Polar bear. Remember that Bush lost to Gore, with Kerry it was 50/50. Obama is a much better candidate and McCain is no George Bush (take that how you will).
It is just depressing that it is so close.