Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the chaos in American party politics, highlighting how wealthy individuals influence political processes through substantial donations, undermining grassroots connections with voters [1] Group 1: Influence of Wealth in Politics - Wealthy individuals, as major donors, significantly impact the electoral operations of American political parties, often overshadowing the minimal contributions from grassroots voters [1] - Billionaires can donate hundreds of millions, creating a disparity in political influence compared to ordinary voters [1] Group 2: Voter Disconnection - The weak grassroots organization of political parties leads to a historical low in voter identification with parties, with 43% of Americans identifying as independents, while only 27% identify with either the Republican or Democratic parties [1] - The lack of organic connection between parties and voters contributes to growing voter dissatisfaction and alienation [1] Group 3: Need for Reform - There is a call for political reform to rebuild connections between parties and voters at the state and local levels, which both major parties have not prioritized [1] - Without effective constraints on the corrosive influence of money in politics, the current situation is likely to persist, exacerbating voter discontent [1]