Correct. Much of modern society is the way it is because it was deliberately manufactured to be that way, from throwaway consumerism to sound bite politics.
I have a tough time believing that people were sitting with rapt attention for the full duration of two 3 hour stump speeches.
I think over time public speakers have seen a benefit in reducing ideas to memorable slogans. This way their words are understandable to everyone and not just those who can understand the complexity of the issue. Whether this is good or bad for society is certainly up for debate.