A politician has to spend almost ALL of his or her time raising money for campaigning. That truth has corrupted the entire process and prevents an honest discussion of solutions for America's problems.
The process is hopelessly corrupted and I don't see a way to prevent the collapse of our system because of it.
The country is in the hands of scoundrels and is financially insolvent. How do you fix that when anyone responsible cannot find the time to do anything but raise campaign money?
“In questions of power then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” - Thomas Jefferson
The Founders knew that the more government, the more corruption. Money seeks favor from the government. If the government has very limited powers, there is little reason to offer bribes to its administrators.
Admittedly, raising money is the politicians’ bane. However, there remain principled people running for office. You tell me that Pawlenty going into Iowa and telling the people he is going to deep six ethanol doesn’t take guts?