The Ignorance of Surety and Striving for the Mediocre

I have become convinced, particularly in the context of the on going election, that surety is often a function of ignorance. It seems that it is only the educated that are aware of the breadth of knowledge and experience that they do not themselves possess. I hear people making claims that they have convinced themselves of without full knowledge and then cling to them even in the face of contradicting evidence. While more knowledge will often refine your view on something, it is equally likely to expose you to possibilities you yourself had not foreseen.
Realizing that there is no easy or well defined solution to most of life's problems is in my mind the first step towards solving those problems. Such an approach seems impossible for our leaders to take however. They are required to pick viewpoints and stick to them their entire career. Eloquence and thoughtful discourse are distrusted, and being well educated denounced. Our leaders are required to pander to the mediocre to obtain what should be the most exclusive job in the nation.
I realize that there is much more then this going on, not all of it easily observable. To say otherwise would contradict myself. However, I feel that it is evident that this is a trend that has been present throughout the history of our nation. If we ever truly want to achieve our potential such disdain for the educated must come to an end.