The problem is this: The average american does not have the ability to truly understand the intricacies of economics and politics. That is why there are experts in the field who get PhDs and study this stuff like crazy. Most people, dems or republicans, just repeat what Romney or Obama are saying. They truly do not grasp the complexity of such systems. This is why most politicians appeal to voters emotions, because most people are not really going to understand politics. However, voters can understand issues that are deeply entrenched in emotion (gay marriage, pro life or pro choice).
Kind of makes you scared to think how many uninformed people do vote. Which is why I dont vote.