plunkey, i think you're good at being disingenuous at times, like this.
it's true that much of what we "know"...we don't really know. it's been taught to us, or we've read it. it's a good point, in general, and one that i've thought of often. i don't really know that e=mc^2, or that the earth is round, or that we've been to the moon. i do accept them as true in most contexts without thinking much on their validity, simply for practical reasons. if i questioned all of that shit that i supposedly know...forget about it.
however, i don't think that applies here. people don't merely vote on issues, but also their perception of a candidate's personality and character. although two politicians may speak along party lines, saying the same old things...if one of them is so poor at it that he seems like a vacuous puppet, it becomes very difficult to maintain confidence in a person.
naturally, this may not matter to you, if you agree with that puppet's stance and leave it at that. on the other hand, if you care about what kind of person you're voting for...it becomes an issue.
there's a difference between not understanding the basis for general relativity, versus not being able to explain yourself effectively and articulately on human issues.
lastly, palin's not just a media whore...she was recently on the ticket as VP, and may one day run for the top spot. there are certainly people who would like to see her there, as one of the "stars" of the republican party. in that respect, it is valid to compare her to the sitting president, or any other person that aspires to office.