The problem is that the people who can make the changes necessary to fix the system, are the same ones who will be vulnerable/lose power if said changes are enacted. Public financing of campaigns (everyone who qualifies gets the same amount of $$ and no more) would level the playing field and introduce a variety of candidates to the process. Additionally, this would give rise to many political parties and affiliations, so a “serious candidate” would no longer have to conform to one of two ideologies to have a real shot. No Washington jerk one will ever write, submit, or vote for legislation that would make it harder to keep their power. Competition is great, until you’re the incumbent. Notice how the idea of term limits never goes very far for legislators but is totally acceptable for the executive. It’s a small wonder that there are few new ideas or approaches from people who’ve been in the senate/house for 40+ years consolidating their power and wealth. We are rife with politicians and woefully short on statesmen.