Couldn't agree more. Advertising business models are all well and good, but somewhere along the line someone has to be selling a product or service.
In theory, people only advertise because they can make that money back and then some by selling something else. So if there's more money to be made selling things, there's no reason why that aspect shouldn't be integrated into social networking sites.
I would suggest that educating and swaying votes are probably one and the same. Apathy aside, people generally vote for candidates who share similar values and ideals. If I don't have access to someone's platform, there isn't a chance for me to agree or disagree with it.
So your best chance to make me identify with your platform is to bring your message to me in the places I frequent (YouTube, Facebook, Blogs, etc.) I think you sway my vote by educating me.
Sadly, I think the average voter is much more superficial than basing their vote on where the candidates stand on the issues.
Great post, I really enjoyed it. Very thought provoking.