I think a lot of people are just oblivious, and that popular culture defines the world for many. Our popular culture emphasizes instant gratification, and being defined by one’s appetites and biology rather than deeper thought and spirituality. Desperate Housewives, The Housewives of New Jersey, Sex in the City, the onslaught of ‘reality shows’, trash on MTV, etc., etc.
I don't have TV at home and don't see it much, but when I do I am struck by how much sexual innuendo, and outright sex there is on TV, and not in the context of healthy relationships, but as just another ‘appetite’ that it's OK to let define you. But casual sex is just one aspect of a much broader message that is portrayed, the message that life is about having a good time rather than being about working hard to make a contribution and progress as a person throughout life.
Making it worse at this particular point in our history is that we have a President who is perpetuating the idea that those who have delayed gratification in life, worked hard, and became successful are the villains who have been getting more than their fair share.
So, I think you are right on both counts. Many people don't understand, and many don't care, and to a large extent those are personal choices. It requires effort to think through what is happening in the world, and it can make you very uncomfortable. That's just not fun, and we live in a society in which feeling good, not denying yourself, and having fun are what its all about.
People are also bound by their old habits. They will elect the same twits every time simply because they know them, not the challengers. Never mind that the challengers might do a lot better. People just don’t trust them. Also, in some parts of this country, the unions greatly influence how people vote.
And then, there are the lofty expectations. Some candidate proises the moon, and these voters are too stupid or too lazy to dig deeper. My favorite was an interview with one woman during the Presidential campaign who was going to vote for Obama because he was going to pay off her mortgage and her car. Sadly, even though her expectations are not coming to fruition, she may still support Obama anyway. She’s a true believer, and nothing is going to change her mind.