All the things that turn most folks off to politics (being more involved that is) encapsulated on the NY Daily News website’s front page:

Obama ate a dog, Romney strapped one to the roof: 2012 race sinks to new lows - Right hits back at gripes Mitt Romney strapped dog to car’s roof: Obama ate dog meat as a child!

‘I’m a black Jew at a Nazi-Klan rally’: Right-wing rocker feels persecuted for his Obama slams - 2nd Amendment enthusiast Ted Nugent is defending calling Obama ‘evil’ and ‘America-hating.’

Note we’re not talking substantive policy - but how dog whistles (literally and figuratively, particularly with item 1) are in full effect.

Anyone want to hazard a guess whether this will have the effect of depressing turnout (though most voters will probably be depressed about their choices regardless?)?