One reason is that the Great Recession, which flatlined the lives and aspirations of so many Americans, barely registered on the lifestyle Richter scale of media and political elites.
The economist says that those looking for specific examples to prove that politicians take money for votes are missing the real way that money and influence works in politics.
It's been 15 years since Barbara Ehrenreich published her seminal book about what it's like to work for the minimum wage in America. Unfortunately, not much has changed.
It's important to not lose sight of the fact that behind the political establishment there is the money establishment -- and they are playing the long game.