Alas, politics itself has more and more become a discrete business. Its appeal is B-to-B-business-to-business. The real swamp is the swamp of insular, inbred, incestuous interests. This isn't corruption so much as overspecialization. It's a wonk's life. Politics has gone one way, the culture another. The left-right junkies might pretend otherwise, but the great middle doesn't put political concerns at the top of their minds.
In Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," he highlights the transformation of politics into a business-driven enterprise, primarily catering to specialized interests rather than the general populace. He suggests that the political landscape has become increasingly insular, dominated by a small circle of experts who are disconnected from the daily concerns of everyday citizens. This shift has fostered an environment where politics is less about serving the public and more about catering to niche interests, leading to a form of overspecialization.
Wolff notes that while partisan enthusiasts may believe in the divisive nature of current politics, the average person's priorities often lie outside of this polarized framework. The stark division between political life and cultural concerns creates a disconnect, as many individuals do not prioritize political issues in their lives. Thus, the appeal of politics as a pursuit has diminished for the broader population, emphasizing a growing divide and the need for a more inclusive approach to address the concerns of the wider community.
