Science

the notion that they needn't understand or needn't seek remedying lack of understanding, when in reality any person who would have an opinion on government spending for manned space exploration should understand the basics of this general topic before forming an opinion on that government spending (relevant concerns are broader than that, of course, I'm just limiting the scope of my point to the government/politics bailiwick of cable "news" channels).

The "ha ha I so stoopid" crap does the audience and the country a disservice. Anyone can understand the basics with minimal time/effort or ability, and should.