The corruption of our election system was apparent when the Democratic National Committee (DNC) advanced Hillary Clinton as their candidate in the 2016 presidential election. They organized super-delegates to support her candidacy before the first primary. Thus, she began her campaign with a delegate lead that dissuaded any other potential candidates. There were to be no competitors, only wealthy supporters. The wealth and influence entrenched behind the scenes in the Democratic Party enable manipulation of the election process and fosters government of, by, and for the wealthy. When Bernie Sanders tried to compete, he was chastised by both the DNC and the media.
The Republican Party indulged a parade of candidates in a campaign that included Donald Trump, anticipating that Republican rank and file would not support him. Candidates from both parties represented the wealthy and were supported by wealthy benefactors. The Supreme Court was complicit in allowing the process to become a farce by way of its decision in Citizens United. Voters had no good choices, and in the presidential election, many simply did not vote. Neither candidate addressed the issues that concerned the working people. The media, fearing Trump, promoted Clinton.
Donald Trump may be clever, devious, or a buffoon, but he represents himself. His popularity was driven by playing on the fears of a disenfranchised segment of the population, whose concerns are neither recognized nor addressed by the government. People relate more to his rantings than to the polished statements of typical politicians. For them he is refreshing change! Given his campaign approach, it was possible to assume Trump was not serious about his candidacy, and only entered the race for the publicity, never expecting to become the nominee. When he found himself President he continued to operate with no interest in details. His objective was simply to eliminate regulations that might limit profits.
Subsequently, Howard Dean proposed changing the election process to a ranking system and eliminating political donations, which would allow candidates of all parties to be on equal footing. The election would be funded by the government. Debates would allow voters to evaluate the candidates, and the primaries would allow them to rank their preferences. A run-off election would follow and the two candidates that ranked the highest, irrespective of party affiliation, would compete. This would allow true representative democracy and address the concerns that a revolution is needed to restore a democracy.
However, this proposal was rejected immediately, confirming that the election process was controlled by the elite. There is no democracy in the electoral system. It is government of by and for the wealthy. Working people have no choice but to support the demands of the wealthy. Government ignores the corruption, and the present system offers no hope of a true democracy.