Exactly. Until 1868 not every state's electoral vote was influenced by popular vote (South Carolina being the last IIRC). By looking at the way voting was intended for all levels, it was clear the Framers knew the general public would not have either the intelligence or the knowledge to properly vote for higher offices. Hence the Senate, etc.
If you need any evidence of that look at perhaps the last 5 presidential voting cycles. Tweedledee and Tweedledumber (take your pick on which is which) along with their 'faithful' cheering every step of the way for 'their' guy...
The Bushes certainly have had their flaws but it's not accurate to lump them in the same category with The Great Stainmaker.