Is America's Political System too Corrupt = Focused on Funds?

Absolutely!

We have lost our way as a Nation.

The closest to the correct answer is "Yes, only people who can raise millions can run or win." and it isn't actually a correct answer to the question.

"The system" is not "corrupt", however only people who can raise millions can run or win.

[NOTE - Just because "the system" is not "corrupt" does not mean that "the system" works the way that you think it is supposed to work.]

Is America's political system too corrupt? The answer will vary according to whose ox is being gored.

If we feel it is too corrupt, it's our own damned fault. None of us has to sell our vote. I haven't. Mine isn't for sale...

Call me a dreamer or, an incurable optimist. I've seen it happen here in Kentucky in District #4 (2) years ago when a young man ran on his passion, his commitment to change processes in D.C that do nothing for us, The People, and his tireless efforts in campaigning. Not a rich man but well read, well educated and extremely well spoken. He would "stump" anywhere. Local Volunteer Fire Department meetings, PTA meetings, County Fairs, Lions Club meetings and Fairs, just anywhere there 10 or more people he would make an appointment and show up. And believe me, it was a breath of fresh air. I vote in every election and I sure voted when he ran against a field of 3 others if you include the incumbent. He won by a fair margin and for the first year he was fairly quiet in D.C. just listening and observing. He knew who the "power players" were and he knew who was bought and paid for. As a sophomore representative he introduced significant legislation for teachers pay, budgets for new library books for all libraries in the several county district and several other bills that benefited the down trodden. All subtle but, I think a harbinger of greater things to come.

Running for office should be a selfless act, much like our volunteer military.

No question. The elections are money driven as are the results expected from the donors. It appears most politicians follow their ego and the money with little regard for doing the right thing. Where did all the statesmen/women go?

I don't believe "corrupt" is necessarily the corrupt word.

I believe that it may have hit a point where it has scaled too large past its original design parameters, and because of that we are seeing breakdowns in the system.

We have a population in excess of 320,000,000. We have 550~ Federal elected representatives. There is no reasonable way for that few to represent that many, no matter how you cut the pie.

When you add in geographic lines, telecommunications, money, and the self selection process for those who want to be elected, of course the system will end up looking "corrupt."

The real problem is that a representative doesn't actually "know" his constituency. Nor is he directly accountable to it. Gone are the days when the Mayor, or the Local Judge had to deal with the Baker, or the Farmer, or the Barber when they made decisions. They are completely separated from those issues, because they will never personally know anyone inside their "region."

Definitely agree. For example, Bernie Sanders prides himself on campaign finance reform, but a simple Google search reveals that some of his campaign funds have come from PACs.

Why is this article so long when the end game is 'public financing' = incumbent has more power.

No public financing! It is not in the Constitution and public money means public corruption.