I generally agree yes. I would go so far as to say that most people in politics be them conservative like or democrat like are in politics for the seat. Sure their perspective may vaguely align with their party but most will jump ships without reservations if their seat is in jeopardy. The very few who are in really to defend their ideals or democracy, it is harder for them to go far if their ideals don’t align well with power and deception both of which are currently entrenched in politics in many countries like Russia, Turkey, USA etc etc. And you said yourself actors with money also interject into this to make the relation between money/power and politics are self feeding cycle so that those without are forced to remain outside mostly.