The mind numbing comes from the fervent hope of easy victory through star power, alone. That way, one doesn't even have to contribute, or walk precincts, or put up campaign signs or other political grunt work. One can just be an observing, and commenting cheerleader and not even work up a sweat.
Maybe star power helps. It usually does.
But I saw pix of Arnold at the surfer beaches campaigning. That's a whole new voter base. I'd call it grunt work.
And I saw McClintock in the debates. Ain't no "star power" there. The only less charismatic person on the planet is Grey Davis.
Arnold can walk precincts and do grunt work. McC can't get a "charisma" injection.