A little of both perhaps -- Americans like the simplicity their overlords provide. Except for some of the wackos at the fringes, it's all really political thea

A little of both perhaps -- Americans like the simplicity their overlords provide. Except for some of the wackos at the fringes, it's all really political theater. Candidates say what they have to say to appeal to their "base" while they go about the business of making the lives of their own special interests easier. The honest/sincere ones just get beaten into submission. I remember a story about how Ted Kennedy basically went ballistic over some issue in a committee meeting, but when he was finished, and the attention diverted, he gave a sly wink to his Republican counterpart.