Amy Walter

So I guess I have some power, but like to do what?

Yeah.

You can create all the reforms you want, but if people feel like the system is broken, they're not going to participate.

I know.

Well, one thing would be like government actually working.

And so that is, but here's where the problem comes.

The incentive structure has to change.

Right now, if you are a member of Congress who actually just like keeps your head down and gets stuff done and you're not in the spotlight negatively, you're not going to get rewarded for that.

You won't be there long.

Instead, you do a good job.

Like in your real job, like in real jobs.

People who do a good job, who show up, who put in the effort, like, oh, you can get a raise or you're getting a promotion.

In Washington, that is getting you zero.

And so as long as the incentive structure is,

benefits those who make the most noise, do the most damage, refuse to do any sort of compromising, well, there's not much that any sort of reform is going to be able to change.

And the people that change the incentive structure

Or, well, they're us.

And this is the circular conversation, right?

If you don't like those people, then stop voting for them.

But it gets harder and harder to have that conversation.