In defense of the Washington "swamp"

Trump and others like him say this process is corrupted. Everyone in the swamp is bought off by special interests. But this is not exactly right. Lobbyists certainly get access to decision-makers because of campaign contributions and personal connections. But their influence most of the time relies on a mastery of policy details, not a simple transaction of pay-for-play. Often it is the lobbyist and not the bureaucrat or staffer who knows the full history of the mundane issues under consideration by a White House. After all, chances are the lobbyist used to be a staffer, bureaucrat or member of Congress. It is this revolving door that has kept the permanent government in business for more than a century…

But before writing off the swamp entirely, it’s worth thinking for a minute about the man we just elected president. While many Americans are no doubt elated, Trump campaigned at times like an authoritarian. He threatened his accusers with lawsuits. He banned members of the press from his events. He promised to jail his opponent, Hillary Clinton. He encouraged, at times, his audience to rough up protesters.

It may be that all of this banana republic bravado was for show. But if this is truly who Trump is, the country will need the permanent political and governing class to stop him. The leaks, slow-rolling and backstabbing that in normal times infuriate those who try to reform Washington will be the first line of defense. I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that. But if I’m wrong, you need me in that swamp.