Cigarettes and beer portray an image. Advertisers tinker with our hearts. They appeal to lust and the lower nature. They foster discontent. Politics takes a similar stance no matter the party.
Image replaces issues.
Spin replaces truth. Truth is relative. What candidates say is the truth simply because they say it. Pulling at the heart, fostering discontent, and offering hope are real tactics. Discontent in the heart erupts in actions not sought by advertisers or politicians.