weird aspects of campaigns and debates

When Grassley ran for the IA senate the first time (against John Culver), I heard 2 things that I think may have contributed to a Grassley win.

--During the campaign I overheard some older and some retired farmers talking at a coffee shop. They all agreed with the one man who said 'Did you see his (Culver's) hairdo? Anyone who spends that much time on his hair doesn't have time to do a decent job.'

--After the TV debate between the 2 was over, my husband (who had been working in a different room but had heard parts of the debate) said 'You know Grassley's going to win, don't you?' When I asked him why he thought this (grief--he hadn't watched the debate, he didn't pay much attention to politics, etc, etc), he said 'Grassley sounds like Will Rogers.'

Grassley won.

It's like they're designed to make you much more confused about the candidates than ever.