Hi faul,
I understand what your saying but disagree in part because it depends on who wins.
Yes, big money controls, often it controls 'who' is in the race.
However, the candidate owes the money bags that backed them. And that's where the difference comes in.
Obama owes nothing to many of Romney's backers, Koch Bros. Sheldon Adelson, etc.
IMO, that IS the difference.
Those people represent people trying to suck us dry.
I've been wondering, did The Supreme's allow Citizens United, in hopes of helping republicans win?
In order to neutralize the impact of the millions of 'minority voters?'
Imagine their surprise with the results!
Obama wins, despite high unemployment, dem's add seats in senate & House.
This election was there for the taking, and even with ALL that money, they LOST!
I believe the attempts to suppress voting backfired, and fired up the base. Another wonderful surprise, apathy was replaced by action.
That gives me hope.

DO SOMETHING!