@pluralistic it doesn't help that the US electoral system institutionally favors grifters, rentiers, and the idle rich. If you have to work for a living, it's not possible to take on a months-long unpaid additional full time job to win a contested election. The Dems try very hard to maintain the vibe of respecting the rule of law. The GOP dgaf and will happily line up no show gigs, back channel funding, kickbacks, and shady accountants for their candidates.
pluralistic