INTEREST IN POLITICs in the United States has slumped. NSIDER Not only students but also attentive and educated citi out zens have turned away from politics. People are more likely to talk about sports and the stock market than politics. The mass media find the strongest viewer and reader interest in health and business news, lifestyles and famous personalities. Except when jolted by ter- rorism, political news is less interesting; many ignore it. Thic it celf chould be maior tonig of